A Holiday that couldnt be beat!

I haven't had time to update lately so I am making myself sit here and do it now - better late than never!

A Holiday that couldn't be beat!
Christmas - in short, was simply wonderful this year!

It was spent at home and some of the family joined us later.
There was alot of fun that we had but really was just nice to be back to the basics and simple. We did not even " plan a dinner"! Everyone just brought something to share and it was wonderful!
Mike and I both had to work on Christmas Day so we celebrated on Christmas Eve.
Grandma, Grandpa, Mom, Ann, Kandis, Ryan and Selina came to celebrate with us after most of us met at church at noon for service. We exhanged gifts with the kiddo's and enjoyed each other's company until it was time for bed.
Madaya was beat since earlier in the day she had her time with mommy and daddy and our little christmas together, then church ( a birthday party for Jesus ) and then of course her cousins and play time when everyone joined us!


Christmas Day we woke up at 5:30 am and while Mommy and Daddy got ready for work we made our traditional Breakfast of pigs in a blanket. We watched as Daya "opened" her stocking then off to work we went, leaving Daya and Grammy to enjoy the day.
No complaints other than I wish all our family could be together, and seriously this was one of the most joy-ful of holidays we have all shared in a while!
As for gifts we did great! Mike and I stuck to our budget of 150.00 for Madaya's gifts and Stocking ( we dont do santa so she does know its us! ) Thanks to great shopping on black friday she got a Motorized scooter, Art easel, Cherry Blossom Market, Art things, chair, 3 puzzles, 4 games and 2 outfits from gymboree and her favorite... a piano " an-o ".
* She was spoiled by many others too and those are not listed above.
Mike and Daya got me a scrapbook tote on wheels, 3 outfits from aeropostle and a pair of boots. Daya and I got daddy an aircompressor, sweatshirt, MP3 player, candy, and a pull up bar.
Our church blessed us all with Clothing! ( Which was very much needed! ) and was such a help to all of us!

We have sure felt the love lately and are truely thankful for all we have come to learn, endure and share with others!
We are wishing all of you a very happy 2010 and pray that you each and all realize just how much you mean to us and the world!
Mike, April and Madaya

Here are some photos from our day. I have not posted the ones of everyone here yet.

Will do soon!

Daya and her stocking

The frontroom before everyone came

Daya's new ornament perfectly suited : A dancing giraffe.

Sing with me guys!

Daya wearing her baby in the sling momma made for her!

Markers make her happy!

For roo - With love, Daddy and Mommy!

Roo's new wheels!

See roo go?

Daya made plates and Mugs for everyone!

Disney On Ice : Worlds Of Fantasy

Mike and I got tickets to go to Disney on Ice : Worlds Of Fantasy with Madaya this year. We wanted to take her but thought tickets were a little pricey. Upon googling late at night one night however I found a great deal on seats 2 rows back from the ice! The next morning I called SIL and asked if she wanted to take Toria too - Of course who wouldn't right?!

We went tonight and it was fabulous. Madaya loved every minute of it and our seats were great. We really were able to see alot.
Madaya was much of a character as she started to get mad because Tinkerbell wasn't coming out when the other shows were. She did not want to wait to see her - but when she came it was well worth the wait ...

Here is the down fall. First of all I didn't bring my " baby" ( camera ) and only had my point and shoot ( they took it away last time I tried ) and selina armed with only her Iphone and PNS camera as well.... we werent able to get much as to pics, and BOTH OUR BATTERIES DIED and we couldn't get shots of the best at the end. Grrrr...

All in all though so worth it and so fun, and the look on the girl's face when the show was going alone is worth way more than we paid in time and dollars :)

( I will post pics when the battery is strong enough to load them! )

Who let the dorks loose?!

I don't know but I am glad they did!

Today Mike and I took Madaya to see Cloudy with a chance of meatballs - We didn't know what to expect or think really, but we were going to see it in 3D - None of us have ever seen anything in 3d before like this...

WOW is all I have to say. It was incredible! We can't wait to see A CHRISTMAS CAROL when it comes next month because its so life like.

EVERYONE SHOULD GO SEE A 3D movie right now! :).

Here's a glimps of the dork-o family having fun!

Getting ready...

Now thats style!

Vacation

Yes - this sums it up!

Mike and I think our footprints look like a heart!

Was she happy?! or what!

See it... ( I have a thing for hearts found in nature )

God shes cute!


Above you have seen some of my absolute favorite snap shots. As you can imagine I have millions ( ok only a few hundred ) of other photos, both snap shots and planned. I have yet to get through them all but you can bet I will share when I do.

We got home lastnight and boy I kind of think I need a vacation from the vacation.

First of all this is our first trip as a family to the ocean and our first long trip with Madaya really all together - wow is traveling with a toddler way different than as a couple.

However we had a blast. The Oregon coast is so magestic. I don't know why really but I am almost possitive its the combination of nice people, friendly shops, a beautiful coast line and oh yeah... NO TAXES!!

We had rented a condo on the beach on stiletz bay - in Linoln City, Oregon. The condo is definetely the way to go vs. hotel. We had our own room, bathroom and a great veiw. We even had a kitchen and that was a life savor to our life style! This afforded us the ability to eat as we do at home, and try to stay on a somewhat normal routine!

The days passed quickly as we filled them with playing in the sand, sight seeing, fishing, a trip to the aquarium, tide pools, whale watching and even a trip shopping.... the outlet malls are wonderful why dont we have a tanger center here?!

Mike did great on the charter - he caught 5 salmon but got to keep 1! And 10 sea bass. Curt did too! We all went whale watching. I loved it, Mike loved it Daya was ok with it and Bree... well lets say she doesnt have sea legs. She didnt puke though!! GOOD JOB BREE! and curt wad fine take it or leave it kinda trip I think for him!

I have a smile on my face just thinking about it all. I really enjoyed my time and my vacation -

Mike and I are still planning to make it to the carriebean and this so makes us want to do it more, and all inclusive!

Imagine! Dream.....

Back to unpacking ( and I'll even upload some photos if I can get a minute )