Our Final Farewells :-(

This morning, Chris and I took the kids to the airport for them to travel back to Tampa. It was a very busy week, not only with Christmas, but having two kids we normally don't have. We had a great time with Nicholas and Samantha, we only wish we could've kept them longer. We defiantly are already looking forward to the time we'll have them in the summer.

Game Nights!

Friday night, while still having the kids, we made it a pretty low key evening. With going back to work and trying to entertain two kids, we were pretty tired. Friday we decided to order pizza and play games. Samantha didn't really want to play any games so she opted to play with her new Dora Play-Doh set she got for Christmas.

Saturday we decided to take the kids to the movies, we went and saw Alvin and the Chipmunks(very cute and funny, I told Chris I wanted a chipmunk!). Now, neither one of us had been to a children's movie in some time and I was a little skeptical about all the kids. I'm not one to enjoy all the crying and talking in the theaters. To my surprise, it wasn't bad at all!
Later that evening we went over to my parents so they could say goodbye to the kids. We stayed for an easy dinner and another game night. It was a lot of fun!

Chris and Nick playing Uno

Me and Nick playing cards

Samantha playing with her Play-Doh

And then at mom and dad's....

Playing more Uno....

Saying Goodbye to Mr. Steve

And to Ms. Mary

Then Sunday, a trip to Jen and Kevin's was made to say more goodbyes......

Giving thier new buddy Kevin, a hug :-(
And don't forget Jen....

Everyone was sad to see them go, but very happy they finally got to meet them! Thank you to my wonderful family for EVERYTHING you all did! :-)

Chuck E Cheese

With still being off of work on Wednesday, Chris and I wanted to take the kids somewhere fun. What other place, then Chuck E Cheese. Jennifer, Kevin, and Isabella also joined in on the days fun. It was great to see the kids play and get excited! Not really being fans of their pizza we decided to go to Red Robin for dinner. Enjoying cheese sticks, chicken tenders, burgers and fries, what a great end to another fun filled day!

Sam & Chuck E

Nick & Chuck E

Chris and Nick playing air hockey

Isabella loves the slides

Even Kevin had fun!

Samantha checking out if she won!

"New" cousins!

Enjoying his Triumph!

Sam & Daddy

At dinner

A Family Christmas!

Here is a short video of our Christmas Day. It was pretty busy, especially with two very excited kids! This is my first video, hope it comes out okay and I hope you enjoy!

Make photo slide shows at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Christmas Eve!

Once back from the airport, we got the kids situated and we just relaxed and watched a couple of movies. Later, we all got ready for church and dinner. It was very nice to have my family finally meet Chris's two other kids. Needless to say, the kids had a very exciting and tiring first day in Ohio.

Samantha and Me

Nicholas, Zoe, Chris, and Samantha

Samantha and Nicholas playing with Zoe

Jennifer and Isabella at Church

Samantha at Church

Nicholas and Chris at Dinner
Dad and Nicholas

Jennifer and Julie

After Church and dinner, we came home and we all opened ONE gift.....

Nick and Sam opening their gift

Showing off thier new gifts!

Chris opening his gift

Me opening my new sweatshirt!

Even Zoe got to open her new treats!

All in all it was a great Christmas Eve, but VERY tiring!

Finally......Kids!

As you may have read in a previous post, the Maderas were going to have some excitement this week! Well, I know a lot of you have been asking and I won't keep you in suspense any longer. Chris and I got to have his two younger children for the holiday!!!! As some of you may know (and I won't go into detail), we've had a VERY rough time in the past to see these kids, but prayers, patience and being good people pay off! :-) We got to pick the kids up Christmas Eve morning at the airport and they will be staying with us till New Year's Eve morning!
The oldest is Nicholas and he is 10 and then there is Samantha who is 7. Chris and I are having a GREAT time with these two kids. Here are a few pictures from their arrival. We'll have a great week with them, make sure you check in on us.....

Samantha, Daddy, Nicholas

Daddy and Samantha

Nicholas

Nicholas, Julie, and Samantha

Merry Christmas!

Chris and I wish you all a very Merry Christmas!

Christmas with Great Friends!

This past Friday, Chris and I spent the evening with our greatest friends, Krissy and Blake. Krissy's dad and step-mom were so kind to have hosted a get together. It was great to see everyone again, especially around the holidays. Krissy, Blake, Chris and I exchanged gifts, we ate great food and enjoyed some drinks. It was a little sad to say good-bye this time knowing the next time we'll see them won't be till March! :-( I'm going to try and squeeeeeze a visit in there somewhere!
Here are some shots from our evening together....enjoy and Merry Christmas!

Me, Michele (Krissy's step-mom), and Krissy

Dave (Krissy's dad), Chris, Gale (Blake's dad), and Blake

Friends catching up......

The Greatest of Friends!

This is what happens after a night of eating and drinking..... :-)

Busy, Hectic, and Stressed......

I think my title pretty much sums up the last couple of weeks for me! I know I haven't posted in awhile, but with the holidays and other stressful things going on, I just haven't had the time.
I would like to add, I'm defiantly ready for the holiday. I'm done shopping and everything is wrapped!
I will be posting this weekend, Krissy and Blake are coming home this weekend and we'll be spending the evening with them and her family tomorrow evening! Also, not only is Christmas next week but the Madera household will have some excitment....stay tuned to find out what it may be!! :-)

Under Construction....

I know our Blog looks a little different and missing some things, please be patient while it's under construction. The posts should not be affected, so please continue to check on us! :-)

Our trip to NC!

This was a great weekend away from home. Not only did Chris and I get away from the snow and cold for a few days, we got to see our good friends Krissy and Blake down in North Carolina!
Chris and I both took Friday off of work and traveled Thursday night to go spend a long weekend with our friends. If you remember I published a post that Krissy and Blake moved down there in the middle of September.
We both had a great time. Friday we got to see a little bit of Charlotte and went to an amazing Outlet Mall. Everything you could imagine was in this place. Later that evening we went UPtown (yes, down there they don't call it downtown, it's uptown-I thought that was goofy) for dinner, dancing, and drinks. It was a great evening!
Saturday we did some more 'going around town' and then stopped for lunch. Later in the afternoon, Blake took me for a ride on their crotch rocket, that was a blast! :) I might add that it was 73 degrees outside!! :) We just hung out and played Wii (which is very fun for those of you that have never played)! In the evening Krissy and Blake made us a wonderful dinner and then we played rummy. Blake thought he was the 'grand master', but we all showed him up!!
It was a great weekend and hated to see it end. Krissy and Blake are GREAT host/hostess. They have a beautiful home and I can't wait to go back! Thanks for having us and for everything you did! We love you and will see you VERY soon!
P.S. Thanks mom and dad for dog sitting for us!

Hope you all enjoy the pictures......

Krissy Bowling with the Wii

Blake and Chris playing Baseball with the Wii

Chris and I boxing each other on the Wii (I won)!

Before heading Uptown!

At dinner

Blake and I getting ready....

See ya.... :)

Krissy and Blake making us dinner

MMMmmm...doesn't that look good?! :)

Thanks Krissy andBlake for everything! :)