Sightseeing in Michigan: Henry Ford Museum, Chrysler Museum, Christmas Lights

While in Michigan, we actually did some "touristy" things.  Normally we're so busy getting around to see everyone that we don't often get to see many sights.  This year was different.  Before Christmas, we went to the Chrysler Museum in Auburn Hills.  It was pretty cool!  They had some very cool concept cars, as well as many old models.  Grandpa Carey posed next to the display that mentioned the first car her drove, a 1949 Kaiser.  We also saw Tracy's friend Jackie's dad mentioned on the Chrysler board of executives display (Tom LaSorda). 

Andy and Kathy Flanigan were up from Nashville for Christmas.  We were able to get together with them once and go bowling with my Mom, Gayle, Mrs. Spangler, Molly, Katie and their families.  There were THREE babies in their car seats, snoozing in the back of the bowling alley (Nora, Evan and Truitt, who were all born within 3 months!).  After Christmas, we went to the Henry Ford Museum with them, Mrs. Spangler, Gayle, Katie's family and Mrs. Carey.  It was neat to see the evolution of the car and makers, especially after going to the Chrysler Museum a week earlier.  I'd say we're studied-up on our auto-makers now!

We also got to see Tim and Anne Nichols, who came over to the Careys' house for a visit one night.  Tim mentioned he had heard of a house that was about a mile away from the Careys' house, that was lit-up like Clark Griswold had decorated it, also set to Christmas music.  We drove up and parked at the end of the street, right in front of the house.  It was AMAZING!  The show is 38 minutes long, with the entire house lit-up and lights choreographed to Christmas music.  You tune into a channel on your radio, which broadcasts the Christmas music.  Unbelievable!  Clark would be proud.  :-)  We went back and watched it with Grandpa Dean and Grandma Dolly on the way back from dinner with Aunt Freda's family, too! 

Some quick facts about the show:

• Total number of lights: 16,240
• Total current required for all lights: 40.85 Amps
• Number of Songs: 14
• Length of show: 38 minutes
• Number of controllable channels: 112

http://t2lights.com/christmas/
Peace, love and supporting local tourism,
Shelly, Doug, Ava and Liam

Grandpa pointing to the Kaiser-Frazer part of the display.

Tom LaSorda, Jackie's Dad (Tracy's friend) is listed on the board.

Henry Ford Museum: They had entire cities built out of Legos.  Doug and Liam were both in heaven!

I thought this was a very cool train rocker in the museum.

Ava and Sophie having some fun coloring.

The Wiener-Mobile!

Henry Ford Museum's clock display.