New Year's Eve 2011

This New Year's Eve was a little different for a couple different reasons...

1) our friends, who normally host our friend get-together, were not able to this year - so we ended up hosting
2) my parents, who normally watch our kids every year, were both sick - thankfully Mike's parents were able to help out

Even though it went against all tradition, the night was fun!  Definitely, VERY mellow!!

The kids hung out at grandma and grandpa's house and had a great time.  I sent some noise makers and hats along with them... along with a couple champagne glasses, which they thought was fun.  Word is they stayed up until 10:30pm.  They were very excited to stay up until midnight, but neither one made it.  That was great by me... meant they were not as tired the next day! : )  Thank you so much Steve and Mary for taking them for us - it was much appreciated!!  [Mom and Dad - very sad you guys weren't able to spend New Year's Eve with the grandkids which has become a fun tradition and hope you guys feel better soon.]

We got together with eight of our friends and it was very nice.  We also had two little babies join us, baby Nolan Rundle and baby Evelyn Hoffman.  So happy they were able to join us.  So, for one reason or another (pregnant, nursing, medication...) none of the girls were able to really drink.  Kind of funny.  Actually glad there wasn't one girl who was ready to have a great time... she might have been bored with us.  Worked out well that we were all in the same situation.  We talked a lot and got to catch up.  Was nice.  The guys were also very mellow.  Was a nice, low-key, New Year's Eve... which I'm totally fine with. : )

Here are some pictures I took.

[the kids "helping" - they thought it was fun to eat puppy chow out of a champagne glass]

[the watermelon jello-shots i made - which not many people could enjoy]

[the champagne jello-shots i also made that not many people could enjoy]

[Nolan with his daddy]

[action shot...]

[Evelyn with mommy]

[so precious]

[the Teska's stopped over on New Year's so I could see Jayden.  So happy they stopped - Jayden is just so cute!!  He had fun running around and also looking at Maggie outside. : )]

[the kids looking at something on my phone together.]

[Eli helped Maggie get all cozy...]

Happy New Year to all... wishing everyone much health, peace, love and many reasons to smile in 2012!