The new year....we had two of them.

Here is Rachel and Mayah playing. Those two are such great friends. They rarely fight. It is sooooooo nice. I hope they continue to stay close. Now the boys and girls fight but these two girls love each other and take care of each other. I often find Mayah crawling into bed with Rachel if I leave her before she falls asleep. Playing games. We did a lot of game playing. Caleb, Zach and Sami.

Don is Simon for Simon says. They actually played that for quite awhile.

This is our first round of New Years. We made 9 pm. the first celebration for Rachel, Ethan and Mayah. They didn't know any better. I filled up our cups with pop and then we blew our noise makers. Then Don took them to bed. They had sooo much fun playing and eating treats.

More of us making noise and bringing in the EARLY new year.

Here is Don with Mayah and Rachel. They got out pretty early in the game.

On Christmas for the last two years I have done a Pillsbury Christmas tree. It has a cream cheese type spread served on crossoints and then topped with carrots, brocolli, green peppers (you can do red also) cucumbers. IT IS THE BEST. SO I decided to do this for the new year.





More Simon says.

More game playing. Looks like they are playing spoons. Nadia was such a good sport. She played a few games with the kids.

YUM so there is some of our food.....spinach dip with crackers....pizza.....veggie tray......pop.......deviled eggs.......meatballs.......little smokies.......chip......chips and salsa........and my veggie 2010 thing.








And then on to the 'light' food. We wanted to be careful with our diet. Popcorn wreath....pretzel rolo candies....7 layer magic bars......and white choc. chex mix.

We have a good time. We brought in the new year again with the older kids at midnight. I couldn't believe it when they wanted to stay up even later. Are they crazy? It was so nice to spend time with family. I am not so sure they would say the same about us. LOL. We are quite the noise makers and I have come to the conclusion that we just make them appreciate their quietness even more. So if anyone needs that reminder just give us a ring. We will be right over.

This new year has come upon me so quickly. I normally try to stay away from making too many resolutions. And I have read that it is much better to be specific if you do make them. I have a few in my head. I haven't written them down. If they are not written down they can't be broken right? But if I do accomplish them I will take the credit.

Hoping this year brings just as much fun and memories as last. And if there are a bunch of lessons to be learned I hope I can endure and learn something from them all while keeping a good attitude.