If Frankenmuth, Michigan didn't exist, I'm not sure anyone (except maybe Walt Disney) would think to invent it.
Just south of Sagniaw, Frankenmuth is a slice of Bavaria in the heart of the industrial midwest. According to the travel posters, the village was founded a few years after Michigan gained statehood by a group of Lutheran missionaries who came to minister to the local Indian tribes. To me, Frankenmuth has always existed on billboards across the country, urging travelers to stop by for a chicken dinner and some year-round Christmas cheer.
We went in expecting a slightly shabby tourist trap and were pleasantly surprised to find a sparkling clean, well-maintained, beautiful (if slightly out-of-context) village. The two long blocks of Main Street are lined with half-timbered Alpine buildings, including the storied Bavarian Inn.
We couldn't resist eating at Zehnder's, though we didn't have the "famous" all-you-can-eat chicken dinner. I'm not sure how they expect anyone to eat everything -- from the chicken liver pate and cheese spread to the cabbage salad and cottage cheese, buttered noodles, sour pickles, rye bread, and vegetable medley -- that accompanied our overloaded dinner plates (Shawn had German sausages, I opted for broiled whitefish). Needless to say, neither of us went home hungry....
I'm not sure I'd make a special trip, but Frankenmuth was definitely worth getting off the highway for!
Dianne
I was walking back through the Senate park this afternoon on my way back to the office from Capitol Hill when I noticed something white in one of the azalea bushes that line the path. At first I thought it was a napkin, blown there from a nearby trashcan. I was surprised to find a single blossom, months after the rest of the flowers on those bushes had faded.
We stopped by a sports bar in Annapolis to watch the Bristol night race. Shawn was a little disappointed that his favorite driver, Dale Earnhardt, Jr., seems to be more concerned about his point standing than he is with winning right now. 
Shawn and I sat front and (almost) center tonight at Lyle Lovett's concert at Wolf Trap. What an amazing show! Accompanied by the Large Band, he played a full set that ranged from toe-tapping country to soul-moving gospel. He even threw in a couple bluegrass numbers for good measure! Judging from the number of songs I'd never heard before, it sounds like he's been writing. If the tunes he previewed are any indication, I can't wait for a new album!
With Tara, Tiffany & Ella
Cory, Jacob, Michael & Leah (she's just one of the guys!)
The happy couple listen to people say nice things about them.
Mountain Soul reunion.
Cory channels his inner Kenny Chesney.
Amanda catches the bouquet....
While Brendan senses a setup!
Jacob plays it cool.
DJ & Sarah Morrison
With Shawn.
If Frankenmuth, Michigan didn't exist, I'm not sure anyone (except maybe Walt Disney) would think to invent it. 
Shawn helps hoist the mainsail.
Shawn watches Bill take a turn at the helm.
Dianne balances on the bow.
Shawn's not quite as tall as the mast.
