White Christmas Wonderful-ness

My parents graciously gave each of us kids (Aaron and Billie, Wade and me, Dani and Mark) tickets to see “White Christmas” at the Orpheum this year. To the Madsen fam, this is no ordinary concert, seeing as my parents raised us on musicals from the 40’s and 50’s. When we were kids, dad would rent not only a few movies, but the VCR too. Yep, I said rent a VCR. “Singing in the Rain”, “My Fair Lady”, “Oklahoma”, “Anne of Green Gables.” Okay, the last one isn’t a musical, and I believe it was filmed in the ‘80s but it still counts as an oldie but goodie. It was a great movie childhood- very full of music and culture.
Needless to say, when the number “Sisters” came on stage, Dani and I just couldn’t help ourselves, we had to look at each other and squeeze each other’s hand. We were often like fire and ice as kids, but this song always seemed to bring us together. As long as I got to be Judy. Hahahaha, Dani!!
It was great to share this experience with my family- and the new guy in Dani’s life, particularly because he actually loves oldies too- and has seen “White Christmas” numerous times. I think that sealed the deal. He is in.
Here are a few pics, and yes, I really am that tall. With the help of my fancy shmancy boots that is. You can’t keep this girl out of heels no matter how tall it makes her;)

Jesus' Birthday!

This year was a wonderful celebration of the birth of our Savior. We had a great time as a family, just hanging around, playing games, and chatting. We went to Papa and Grandma Peaches' house (G and G Madsen, for those of you wondering...) for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. We were blessed to have in our presence a wonderful young man that Dani brought with her ( I just sounded like an old lady, didn't I??) named Mark Castro. He has been a friend of Dani's for over a year, and now he is her very caring, generous boyfriend. She seems to be the happiest I have seen her in a long time! And not just because she has this guy in her life, but it just seems like she is reaching out more- to me (I loooooove that!) and everyone around her. She has a great relationship with her boss, her employees, her Lord, and her family. If she reads this, I know she will blush, but I am just so proud of her!!

Anyway, it was just a blast having the kids older to celebrate all the 'fun' that goes along with Christmas- the food, the presents, the laughter!! Ethan and Emri had a great time opening gifts and they played until they crashed. Little Crewbie was a great baby- soaking up all the attention. Here are a few photos from Papa and Peaches' house:

The Madsen family

Nothing will deter Emri from her food;)

Mark held Crew every chance he got!

Cute couple and Crew

Crewbie Santa

Adrian wishing you 'Peace'

Wonderful Auntie B

Fun with Papa!

Crazy E-man!

AAAhhhh. lovely fire and family!

We then spent a day at Grandpa Fish and Grandma Snuggles (aka G and G Werder!) with Kyle and Erica, Syd and Isaac. The kids play so well together- they are so blessed to have cousins close to their ages. Here are pics from that celebration:

Grandma Snuggles true to her name, kiddos loving the presents.



Beautiful Sydney

Emmers loves the horsey!

So many fun things!

Grandma soaking it all in. Blessed family.