Christmas Day 2012
Posted on December 27, 2012 by Ching under Family, Movies.
Just some highlights from Christmas Day…
We opened presents after breakfast. We had no idea that Aunt Sandy and Cousin Tracy had sent us gifts so that was a wonderful surprise. Aunt Sandy sent us a beautiful angel ornament that now adorns our tree.
Cousin Tracy and Jeff sent us a combination wine stopper/pourer
We got lots of goodies from Mom and Dad B that I can’t even name them all. Even though it was just us, it took hours to open presents. When we were finally done, it was time for lunch. Donna prepared a delicious feast. Brian and I ate so much that we didn’t have room for any food when we got to the movie theater.
We selected Les Misérables as our Christmas movie this year, which worked out great because it was what was showing in the balcony and I’m not sure that I could have convinced Brian to go otherwise. Brian despises waiting in line at the theater. Anyway, I absolutely adore the musical specially since Lea Salonga has been a part of it. She played Éponine in the 10th Anniversary Concert (The Dream Cast in concert at Royal Albert Hall) and Fantine in the 25th Anniversary Concert (at the O2). She isn’t in the movie, but she’s the main reason that I’m familiar with the musical. If you are not familiar with the musical or the novel, just follow the links for more information. I also linked to the full concerts in YouTube above for your musical enjoyment.
I thought the movie was pretty good. They told the story pretty well. I was really impressed with the big name actors in the movie. I had no idea they could all sing. Well, except for Amanda Seyfried because I had seen her sing in Mama Mia!
The two songs that always get me are “I Dreamed a Dream” sung by Fantine and then “On My Own” by Éponine. These solos never fail to make me cry. Of course, you guys know I’m a crier so there were several parts of the movie that moved me. Hugh Jackman is a skilled actor who was quite convincing as Jean Valjean.
Speaking of songs, “One Day More” is another really good one. I cued it to that part in the embedded video above. They did a good job of it in the movie, but it doesn’t compare to the rendition in either of the two live concerts I posted above. Be sure to check it out if you want to see some fantastic singing. These performers are truly talented. I get goose bumps listening to their beautiful voices.
I highly recommend catching Les Mis if you haven’t seen it yet. If you’re a fan of the musical, it may not live up to your expectations. I still found it enjoyable though. Plus, I’m glad they made a movie because it brings the musical to people who wouldn’t otherwise know about it.
Anyway, I was grateful that we caught a matinée because the theater was completely packed when we got out of the movie around 6 pm. It was complete and utter mayhem both inside the theater and outside in the parking lot. There were hardly any parking spots available. It wasn’t that bad when we got there in the afternoon. Brian and I actually got a good parking spot.
Thank you to Mom and Dad B for watching the movie with us and for a wonderful Christmas Day celebration from start to finish. I really hope we get to celebrate together again next year.
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Christmas Morning
Posted on December 27, 2012 by Ching under Life, Relationship, Wishlist.
In honor of our first Christmas at the new house, Brian and I decided to buy presents for each other that we can exchange on Christmas morning. We never buy presents for each other because we usually just get a joint gift to each other or get a couples massage or take a trip somewhere and call it our Christmas. This year we wanted to do something different.
I get a kick out of being different so I wrapped Brian’s present in a Noodles & Company takeout box.
Brian wanted a new wedding band because his wedding band has gotten too big for his fingers since he’s lost so much weight. He wanted a tungsten wedding band this time around instead of platinum.
Merry Christmas, baby! I love you!
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Christmas Eve – Part II
Posted on December 27, 2012 by Ching under Family, Food and Drink.
Brian and I had Noche Buena at mom and dad’s house in Derby on the evening of Christmas Eve. As always, mom got a little carried away on the cooking. She had more food than people. LOL.
This is mom’s version of embutido.
Mom’s humba.
I’m not sure why we had ham, but we did. LOL.
I’m not sure anyone had any of the chicken because mom put it in the oven to keep it warm and promptly forgot about it. LOL.
Mongo!
Dad was already playing with the JVC Adixxion
The mayhem that ensues when the Cannady kids arrive is always a highlight of Christmas Eve at the Alonso household.
Here’s a picture of the boys opening our gift for them.
Brian and I had a big box so we wrapped all three presents individually and then placed them all in the big box and then wrapped the big box also.
Brian and Logan and Jenni played with Brian’s iPad
Logan showing off his new calculator watch.
Logan playing with one of QQ’s Christmas presents.
I know I’m not supposed to play favorites, but Eli is the sweetest of the three boys.
Here he is playing with the new dry-erase/magnetic chalkboard that we got him for Christmas. I think he likes it.
QQ playing with his new RC car.
He actually ran the battery dead that very night.
Logan got a new RC plane so he can start flying with dad.
It’s mayhem alright.
Logan and his gift card, which I believe is going towards Borderlands 2
It was great to see the Cannadys on Christmas Eve. Mom sent a bunch of leftovers home with us along with our new stainless steel pots and pans which really made Brian’s day. Thanks for another wonderful Noche Buena. Until next year!
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Christmas Eve 2012 – Part I
Posted on December 27, 2012 by Ching under Family.
Brian and I had a busy holiday season. We spent the afternoon of Christmas Eve at his mom and dad’s house so we could see Kevin, Kasey, and their kids because they wouldn’t be able to make it the following day.
Andrea and Kyndra posed for the traditional photo.
Kasey’s friend Julie and her boyfriend JD joined us also.
Andrew opens his stocking stuffers.
Kevin got some anti-bacterial hand sanitizer in his stocking.
Kyndra opening one of her presents.
Julie and JD got David Star Trek PEZ dispensers
Kyndra and Andrew playing with their table-top air hockey game.
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Christmas Gift From My Boss
Posted on December 27, 2012 by Ching under Wishlist.
My boss is an awesome gifter! Check out what she got for me. I was so surprised when we saw the Cherry Moon Farms box on our front porch last week. Darcy said that Ginger got her the exact same thing.
Ginger knows that Darcy and I both really like pomegranate cocktails like the pomegranate martini at Bonefish Grill so this gift is absolutely perfect. Brian was even excited about it also.
Isaac said he got a nuts gift package from Cherry Moon Farms also. I told him she must have selected gifts based on personality. Isaac is pretty nutty. LOL.
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