Trans-Siberian Orchestra: Saldana's New Christmas Tradition

I am still in awe about last night.  You don't have to be a musician to have enjoyed last night you simply just have to appreciate the talent that goes into putting such an AMAZING show together.  Sound, lights, pyrotechnics, costume and of course the musicians and dancers.  I posted some videos just to give you an idea of our experience but they don't do it justice.

You could tell who the loyal fans were because all the cheering was coming from the floor seating area.  I bet those tickets cost  AT LEAST 200 bucks a head but I tell you what, worth EVERY SINGLE PENNY.  If it means starting to save right now for 2012 go for it, nose bleed, where we were was great as well but didn't have to spend 200 bucks.  Oh yeah, the kid in the front row, center stage, got to keep one of the guitars used in the show.  This kid has no stinking idea what he has.

 Now this night couldn't have been as great as it was if it wasn't for three other people: Christine, Jenn and Colin.  You all truly added to the amazingness of the night.

Before I leave I liked to say this, duh that is why I'm writing it, as cool as rocking out is to your traditional Christmas Carol the Trans-Siberian Orchestra have their not rocking out parts as well which are again truly AMAZING.  So if my rant hasn't help to get the point across that this show was beyond words well than folks you need to buy tickets and experience it yourself.  For my CA family and friends they will be in L.A. in April 2012 tickets are on sale NOW.

Enjoy the videos and remember what this time is about, it is not about throwing away our diet or having time off from work or even parties.  It is about a Savior born to die.  The King of Kings, the Lord of Lords humbled himself to show us His love for us.  He died on the cross, He received our punishment that we rightfully deserve so that we may be saved from our sins.  Be safe, have a great time with family and friends and have yourself a VERY Merry Christmas!  We miss you all SO much!

It's Beginning to Look A Lot LIke Christmas...

So we are building up our Christmas decorations! We've really been able to make our apartment festive and I wanted to share that with our family and friends back home who can't be here to enjoy it with us...

We recently went and got our tree at a little lot near my work place...we wanted to support them because their sign said "Jesus Christ mas Trees". They were great people and gave us a great deal - and we learned there that the most popular tree here in FL is the Frasier Fir. We are used to Noble Firs but have come to love our Frasier! While beginning the tree decorating process we decided to start a new tradition - Robert and I place our 1st Christmas ornament on the tree together before any other ornaments go on the tree.

A work in progress, just before Robert added the topper, which is another tradition we decided on - he will be the official topper-putter-onner (if you can read that hahaha).

 

The finished product! Although we did add some "presents" underneath; they are really just random boxes wrapped with pretty bows, all for decoration! Our gift to each other was a couch, which we purchased a couple months ago. Also, the tree has settled a little more and looks even more full.

We made this wreath together! For us, this shows how we have learned to compromise and love each other through doing just that. When we started out we quickly realized we had different visions of what the final product should be but that was no surprise lol; we already knew we have different tastes in decor. So, we figured out how to mesh our ideas into one creative piece and this was the result! Special thanks to my mom for teaching me how to make bows =). 

 Our centerpieces (for the dining room and coffee tables)...

We love and miss everyone! Hope you enjoy this little peek into our attempt at being festive =).

Keep in mind that this all means nothing - the true meaning of Christmas is found in the reality of the story of a baby born 2000 years ago. Although very cliche, Jesus is the reason for the season; as we give gifts to loved ones, let each one serve as a reminder of the greatest gift given by our loving Father so long ago. Talk about a gift that keeps on giving! That gift is one that we can unwrap and enjoy year-round =).

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Blessings from the Saldana household

The Davises Take Bradenton

So the morning after Jonathan's wedding, we all hit the road in various fashions and directions. My Uncle Brian and cousin Emily headed out EARLY to drive back to Mississippi - their goal was to make it by evening, which I believe they did accomplish. My Aunt Gloria, along with my cousin Andrew and his girlfriend, took to the air to head back to Pennsylvania. The rest of us jumped in our cars and made the four hour trek back across the state from Miami to Bradenton.



I am so grateful that my mom, dad, and two brothers were willing to do so much extra driving to spend more time with Robert and I and see our new home. We made good time and got home around 1pm, hungry and tired! But I was prepared - Within a few minutes I had hotdogs ready to eat and we dug in! After hanging out for a bit, we decided to go out and do a little bonding at the shooting range. Boy was that fun! We've been wanting to do that for a long time and I find it ironic that my dad and brothers had to fly 2700 miles for it to happen hahaha. My mom opted to stay home and rest, which was just what she needed; after all, it is quite exhaustive emotionally to give away your first born!

watch for flying casings

muzzle flash!

 After an hour or so at the range, we headed back home with a quick stop at Bradenton Beach so my dad and brothers could catch the sunset. Sunsets over the Gulf are incredible and we didn't want them to miss it! The credit for these sunset shots goes to Geoffrey and picnik.com - he took them, picnik processed them!

We stopped by the apartment to pick up my mom and then trekked on up to Brandon to hit up Skipper's Smokehouse. It was worth the extra driving - about 1 1/2 hours each way! Skipper's offers some amazing eats, including gator and fish and the most amazing hush puppies...mmmmm!

Dad (Bruce) - gator ribs

Jordan - gator bites

Robert - Ahi burger

Geoffrey - blackened wahoo

Mom (Nancy) - crab cakes

Me - Skipper's platter (little of everything)

She tried gator!

My mom stayed with us that night while my dad and bros stayed next door at the Holiday Inn, joining us the next morning for breakfast. Of course I took advantage of having family in town to make some SCRAPPLE! Robert hasn't acquired the taste yet so I have to wait until there are others around who will eat it hahaha. We enjoyed a lovely breakfast then headed back to the beach for a bit before the fam had to head out, back to Miami for their flight. What a nice time being able to show off our local Bradenton Beach and enjoy shell hunting and picture taking together. After the beach it was back to the apartment for some quick PB&J sammiches before they got on the road. I won't go into it much because I will start to cry so let's just say it was a little teary at the parting. Anyway, they made it back to Miami safely and from there they got home in due time.

 

Preview

Thank you so much for spending that 24 hours with us! It meant the world!
<3
Christine and Bobert

P.S. Sorry for so many photos, perhaps I should have done separate blog posts lol