Ringing in the New Year!!

New Year's Eve!  A holiday that I have spent doing so many things!  I can vividly recall the college years when ringing in the New Year was of utmost importance, then there was the very quiet and lonely night I spent babysitting my niece Ella as an almost 1 year old, then there were the many pregnant NY's I spent sleeping happily in my bed and now with 4 children, the way to celebrate is a bit more creative!  

We traveled a whopping 1.5 miles down the road to celebrate NYE!  What could be better than a Bailey Burns New Years Eve Extravaganza!  While we only traveled a short distance, you would never have none it from our massive mound of required necessities for the night! (And this didn't even include the food items we arrived with!) 

 

Within 30 seconds, the house was abustle with toddlers, kindergartners and riding cars through the kitchen!  Supper was served! Dress up parties were a must!  Coloring and play doh sessions were required.  A Baby Doll center was set up and a dance party to some old tunes was a for sure activity!!  

 

And finally, "New Year's" the edited version arrived at 8:30pm!!  

Decked in our most appropriate gear, this crowd of little loves was excited to celebrate! 

Thanks to the daddy's of the party, sparklers and a firework show were in the works!  

Now they were the free sparklers and I won't say they were the best but the crowd of little loves thought they were alright!  

We had front row seating for the Fireworks Spectacular!  

And Clappers for all the little loves to shake as they fireworks exploded into the air!  

Ooohhhhh!  

Ahhhhhhh!    (Red Fireworks!  Guess who loved those!) 

Only smart daddies try to light all the sparklers at one time!   We didn't end up with any sparklers to wave in the air but we sure did enjoy the smoke show we got!!   (Giggle Giggle) 

Finally, New Year's Eve had come to a close and it was time for bed!  (9:30 pm!!!)  While Jennifer and I were doubtful we were also optimistic!  5 kids in one room... we were up for the attempt!  

We did have to promise a prize box for the morning, and we did use the monitor to watch over the littlest one who seemed to be the most hesitant to go to bed, but finally... all 5 little loves were fast asleep!  

 

Adult New Year's was now fully underway!!  The clock was close so we gathered up the gear to prepare to look the part for this festive occasion!   

Took a few selfless while we waited! 

Kissed our handsome hubbies and even kissed the cheek of Michael for Beth while she was in Ethiopia! 

Got a little silly! 

And hugged dear friends we are extremely thankful for!!  

New Year's Eve was a success!  We celebrated with our little loves and still managed to have a good time as mommies and daddies!!  

Here's to a new year!   A year that I hope will be filled with lots of laughter,  millions of memories,  sweet moments with family and friends, and happiness overflowing!!  

Cheers to a Great 2013 and the future that lies ahead!!