Christmas in the Golden State!

We arrived back to California three days before Christmas, but all of our shopping was done so we had time to spend with the family and relax. On Christmas Eve, Ben, Madison, my mom, my sister Danielle and myself went to Christmas in the Park in DownTown San Jose. It was cold and Madison wasn't feeling to well so she slept for half of the time we were there, lol. But, we still took pictures for good memories.

Christmas was a blast! The day started off by going to my G-ma's casa in our pj's. I ended up helping my sister Dani make some sugar cookies and decorate them. Then we changed over and let the kids open the presents! Madison had so many, Ben decided to record it, so I don't have many pictures. We then ate Tamales.. yummo!! Mine will never be as tastey as my G-ma's! The only sad thing is we didn't gte a fmaily picture this year, I don't know what we were all thinking :(, and it was Madison's 1st Christmas, oh well there is always next year :)

Next, we headed to my Aunt's casa for Christmas with my Dad's side of the family. It was fun and again, we ate more!! Madison received many gifts form her G-pa and had a blast ripping them open. Fortunately, we did take quite a few of family pics of all the brothers and sisters and cousins and so forth.

The day after Christmas, we piled into three vehicles and drove up to the snow!! It was a blast! Madison even rode on the snow sled with me down a little hill :) She is such a brave little girl! It was one of the best times with my family I have had in a very long time!

US & Texas Bound

This was the first time since we have been stationed in Japan, Ben was able to come home with us. Everything seemed so much easier with his help with the baby. We also didn't take a stroller (the best traveling decision ever)! Madison did very well on the plane as usual, she slept the entire way, which allowed us to sleep. By the time we arrived in San Francisco, we were caught up on our sleep and ready to start our day! We rested up some and packed for our journey to Texas the next day.

We woke up at a decent hour and made last preparations for our three hour flight to DFW Airport. We flew out of San Jose, which is a plus, because it only takes about 10 minutes to get there. We went to Texas for seven days and enjoyed every second of it. Madison was able to meet her Grandpa, cousin's Yazmin and Destiny and her uncle Eric for the first time. We had a mini "early" Christmas there since we would be spending Christmas Day in California. Madison recieved many gifts and we were even able to decorate a huge stocking her Grandma bought for her. It was filled with goodies form her cousins and her grandma. Ben and I decided since we were in Texas, we needed to get her a stick horse even though she is far too young to ride it. So, we did and it's pink!! That also went in her huge stocking. I was so happy to find the pink rocking horse I wanted to get her! I swear it was no where to be found in California, but in Texas they had it and it was on sale! Here are some pics of the our time in Texas.

Before we left, Ben and I decided to go on a date to Midieval Times in Dallas. It was spectacular with an online upgrade we found and landed us smack down in the very first row! I love good deals :) I was also given two roses by our knight (blue) and crowned the Queen of Love and Beauty! I felt so special, especially after all of the drinks we had, lol. Here are some pictures from MT!

New Year in Japan

We finally made it back home to Japan. New Years bring new and wonderful things!! Two friends had babies very close to each other and the baby's names even rhyme :) Welcome to the world Saylor Grace and Noah Ace! Now, for my top 2010 New Year's resolution: get my weight back to 126, I know it possible by Madison's 1st birthday, so I am on a mission :) I have so many pictures to post from our visit to Texas and California, just in the procrastination mode right now. Also, Ben was promoted to Gunnery Sergeant on Friday! CONGRATS TO HIM! Oh, almost forgot: WE ARE MOVING BACK TO THE STATES VERY SOON, we just don't know where to yet. I will keep y'all posted. Posting pictures later today.