Silver Bells in the City '11...

After missing it for the past three years, I finally made it back to one of my favorite holiday traditions... Silver Bells in the City! :)

Every year on the Friday before Thanksgiving weekend, downtown Lansing kicks off the holiday season with an electric light parade, the lighting of the state Christmas tree, Christmas carolers, and a firework display...  It's always a fun way to start the holiday season! :)  

So, this past Friday, Brian and I hopped into the car, headed to Lansing, met up with some friends, and joined in all of the festivities...  It was actually Brian's first time at Silver Bells in the City, and he really enjoyed himself! :)  It was a great night filled with tons of Christmas cheer, great friends, lots of laughs, and so many memories of previous Silver Bells in the City festivities! :)  What a wonderful way to start the holiday season! :)  

Waiting for the tree to be lit...

Counting down to the tree lighting...
The capital before...

... and after! :)

So pretty! :)

After the ceremony, we headed to Kelly's for a bit of Christmas cheer... :)

Brian, Jessi, me, and Rachel having fun at Silver Bells! :) 

Renee and Kory were racing to the end of their water! :)

This is where the night took a random turn...
Suddenly, Rachel and my hats became the highlight of the evening! :)

Kory and I in front of the capital and the state Christmas tree... :)

Holiday greetings from Brian and I! :)