Magical year for the Packers

GREEN BAY - The beginning of 2011 was the start of a magical run for the Packers.

After winning three games in the playoffs on the road, they were headed to Dallas and Super Bowl XLV.

The Packers arrived in Dallas and were greeted not only by rabid fans.

"Go Pack Go!"

But also by some decidedly Green Bay weather, as they went through the hoopla surrounding the big game.

In the big game, the Packers also came up big.

• Photos: Super Bowl XLV

The team won its fourth Super Bowl, and 13th championship, bringing the Lombardi Trophy back to Green Bay.

But after the joy of the Super Bowl, the NFL lockout shut the sport down into the summer, tempering the glow.

Finally, just before Packers games were canceled, a deal was reached, and the season was back on, just in time for Packers Family Night.

•   Photos: Packers Family Night 2011  

And the Packers got back to celebrating their win, which included a trip to the White House.

"This is a hard thing to do for a Bears fan,” said President Obama.

While the first fan was impressed, what has happened since has also been extraordinary.

• Photos: Green Bay Packers Visit the White House

After a win against the New Orleans Saints on opening day for the NFL, the Packers rolled through the schedule.

• Green Bay Packers 2011 Season in Review

They went back to Atlanta and once again beat the Falcons on their turf. On Thanksgiving, the green and gold showed a national audience their 2011 run could make 2012 just as magical as this year has been.