Minnesota! (Christmas, part 2)

After spending a nice few days in Michigan with Matt's immediate family, we all headed to Minnesota. Matt's cousin, Sandra, was marrying Lonny in St. Paul.

Chelsea and Jon were kind enough to rent a large mini van and travel with us all that long way. We spent time in the van sleeping, reading, talking, and even watching Toy Story on the built-in DVD player.

Here we are on one of our many stops at a gas station. Thanks for your patience with traveling with two small kids, Jon and Chelsea! You made even the long road trip fun! :)

We drove to Rochester, MN, the first night and were able to stay with Matt's sister, Beth, and her husband, Andy. Ian was THRILLED about all of the snow in Minnesota.

He cheerfully helped Daddy to shovel Beth & Andy's driveway.

Then, he made some snow angels.

Ryan wasn't exactly sure what to think of the snow. He had NO reaction, even when sticking his hand directly into the cold stuff. That's our mellow fellow.

After a long time playing, Uncle Andy made Ian some yummy hot chocolate to warm up. What great hosts Andy & Beth were!

The next morning, we went the remaining 1.5 hours to the Twin Cities. We were excited to have the chance to see some of Matt's extended family as soon as we got there!

Here's Great Aunt Mary Lou, a VERY experienced Grandma! Ryan enjoyed his time with her (and with Grandpa John, too).

One of the most special parts of being in St. Paul was introducing Ryan to one of his two great-grandmas. Great Grandma Schleicher is one of the classiest, most thoughtful women of faith there is. She still has a quick wit ...

... and a knack with kiddos!

Great Uncle Don helped Ian to be silly!

Ian wanted to show Aunt Chelsea how good he is at pillow fights.

Cousin Matt was VERY good at stacking the cups for Ryan! Ryan would watch and watch him ...

We had the chance to play in the pool at the hotel. Thanks, Daddy, and Uncle Jon for being such good playmates for Ian.

  
Uncle Doug and Aunt Mary were so kind to hold babies so that we parents could finish eating dinner before the rehearsal.

During the rehearsal, Ian was happy to help keep Cody and Jaden entertained.

 

Matt and his siblings all played important roles in the wedding on Saturday. Jonathan, Jason, and Matt were ushers. Beth was a soloist, even though she was losing her voice due to a cold. She did a remarkable job, as did the guys! :)

The wedding and reception were both absolutely beautiful! While at the reception, we took some more family pics. One more with Great Grandma Schleicher ...

one of Matt's dad with his siblings and mom (Aunt Mary Lou, Aunt Jane, Grandma, Aunt Carol, and Matt's dad John) Only Uncle Don couldn't come.

Here, the siblings' spouses are included (Uncle Doug, Uncle Don, Uncle Doug, and Matt's mom Carol) We were all thrilled to celebrate with beautiful bride, Sandra, and groom, Lonny.

We took one last pic of the immediate Schleicher family! What a fun time we all had together!

After going to church together in the morning at Redeemer in Rochester (where Matt's dad used to be pastor), we all headed our separate ways. We were thrilled to be able to head to Minneapolis to see our godchildren and dear friends from Michigan, Jessica and Todd. They were visiting Jess' parents in the Twin Cities.

Our godson Elijah (2.5 years old) had grown up SO much since we had seen him last.

Hannah (age 6) was also quite the little lady. Ian was so excited that they had a drill he could use in play dough! (Since then, he has had a great time using his toy power drill in play dough at our house!)

Ryan and Ian made fast friends with Elijah and Hannah.

Hannah even read the boys some bedtime stories. Thanks for spending time with us, Merz family! We loved seeing you!