{"id":9161,"date":"2012-12-27T21:44:27","date_gmt":"2012-12-28T03:44:27","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/brubakers.us\/?p=9161"},"modified":"2012-12-28T00:04:10","modified_gmt":"2012-12-28T06:04:10","slug":"christmas-day-2012","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/brubakers.us\/?p=9161","title":{"rendered":"Christmas Day 2012"},"content":{"rendered":"

Just some highlights from Christmas Day\u2026<\/p>\n

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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.<\/p>\n

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Cousin Tracy and Jeff sent us a combination wine stopper\/pourer<\/a>\"\" and a wine decanter. Thank you so much for the thoughtful gift.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

We selected Les Mis\u00e9rables<\/a> 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 \u00c9ponine in the 10th Anniversary Concert<\/a> (The Dream Cast in concert at Royal Albert Hall) and Fantine in the 25th Anniversary Concert<\/a> (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<\/a> or the novel<\/a>, just follow the links for more information<\/a>. I also linked to the full concerts in YouTube above for your musical enjoyment.<\/p>\n

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<\/a> because I had seen her sing in Mama Mia!<\/a>\"\" I’m glad they kept Samantha Barks<\/a> as \u00c9ponine. She played \u00c9ponine in the 25th Anniversary Concert<\/a> and is amazing.<\/p>\n

The two songs that always get me are “I Dreamed a Dream” sung by Fantine and then “On My Own” by \u00c9ponine. 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<\/a> is a skilled actor who was quite convincing as Jean Valjean.<\/p>\n