Christmas, 2011

Wow. That just about sums it up. We had a fun-filled holiday...we took Maddie and Rylan to see the Nutcracker, and then Maddie to see A Christmas Carol at a dinner theatre, off to visit with Mr. Clause, a belt test of Tae Kwon Do, TKD Christmas party, family Christmas and off to CA for a nice visit with George's sister Sue. It was good to get back to California - saw some wine country, went to a casino. visited George's old haunts, passed my hometown of Pasadena in the process of getting ready for the Rose Bowl and off to Solvang. I also had a GREAT Christmas party through my work - now this group knows how to celebrate the holidays. It was in a home overlooking Phoenix with some beautiful views, casino games, great catered food and adult beverages of all natures and such a terrific group of people. Wonderful way to end 2011.

#6 At Chuck E Cheese (aka Lord Help Me)

Maddie had a fun birthday. I'm finding it a bit challenging celebrating between Thanksgiving and Christmas. We had fun at Chucky Cheese - a place she's wanted to go all year for her 6th birthday. She chose a Kung Fu Panda cake this year. Every passing year I love her more...don't know how that's possible. She as such a good heart and nature. I couldn't ask for a better daughter.

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Thanksgiving Play @ Terramar 2011

Maddie was chosen to be the minister - the loudest one of all with "Praise the Lord" echoing through the library. So little for such a great set of pipes!

Sweet Face

Halloween 2011

We had so much fun this year. Of course costumes at work. For the evening we had a blast with Maddie's Tae Kwon Do group. The "Asian Tribe" descended and scored a lot of "oh how cute" and candy.

Maddie's 1st TKD Demonstration

Demonstation Team

Deep in Important Conversation

Pep Talk with Masters Brett and Nicki

Post-McDonalds Sillies

Master Frank's son Paul - Maddie's usual sparring partner and a real cutie. He falls asleep at the drop of a hat - during testing, board breaking, sparring - cracks me up!

Madison continues to love Tae Kwon Do. She has been asked to join the demonstration team - we're proud of her memory, the way she practices and wants to do well. This was the first demonstration of a new team. They have been practicing for the last few weeks M-F for 2 hours a night and Saturdays for 2 hours - such dedication. What helps is they all REALLY like each other. Maddie has a bunch of big brothers and sister. They are all so very nice - it's such a terrific group for George and me too. Master Frank and Master Lee are wonderful with the kids...and are well-respected and liked...and have done much to create a tightly knit group. She has a few more weeks and will be testing for her green/black belt. Pretty cool if I do say.

Spirit Week @ Terramar

Maddie really gets into the spirit of fun. If there is something going on at school - she remembers and wants to participate to the hilt. So - Spirit Week at school included Crazy Hair Day and PJ Day. She such a sweetheart...continues to wake up, get herself dressed, water her dogs, now is doing a pretty great job with her hair...Ms. Independent. How we love her.

Look at me, I'm Sandra Dee

Maddie has had such a fun 50 first days in school - and to celebrate the school invited the kids to dress up a la "The Roarin'50's" - poodle skirt and saddle shoes galore. She just makes us smile.