Happy New Year...welcoming 2011

We rang in the New Year with family this year. Earlier in the evening (before all the little ones fell asleep) we decided to light some fireworks that may or may not have been purchased in Wyoming during our drive out West this summer. Below, the kids have taken cover in the new amazing play ground Grandpa bought for Christmas (it should be noted that although the directions indicate it will only take 10 hours to build, this puppy took 5 men and 3 days of cold hard effort. The pieces were miss-labeled...some were missing altogether, and at one point they were assembling under a tarp with the BBQ running in an effort to heat the small space they were working in while hail and snow fell outside. They were dedicated individuals.)

Brian was the master of the flame tonight. He was temporarily blind after the flash from this photo. Sorry!
Our 3 little monkeys posing for a photo. It was freezing!
Cass waving around a 2 foot super sparkler....
Abby taking her turn while KK watched and waited....
What New Year's Eve party would be complete without balloons? And if they can be shaped into animals and swords, all the better. The hats came at the end of the festivities and were pretty basic creations.
Brogan really gets into the spirit of the festivities...
The kids had napped for 2 hours earlier in the evening and were all awake to watch the ball drop on TV. It was awesome to get hugs and kisses from each other for the FIRST TIME EVER as a family. Shortly following this shot KK was out! Cass followed and Brogan was the last man standing.
Our family tradition of "Father Time" presents continues even today. The kids set out a shoe and magically, that shoe is filled with presents (Usually only 1 or 2...3 tops and NONE of them too expensive or big). The kids know this is something the parents do for them, but they still call the gifts "Father Time" presents and pretend that Father Time himself delivers them. Cass is convinced that he is Santa's brother or some other relation.
All in all, it was a wonderfully fun night. As I journal this (because I made the mistake of drinking some Dr Pepper earlier tonight and the effects have yet to wear off...) my sweet little family is spread out all over the living room floor in front of a roaring fire and sleeping soundly. It is a perfect way to end 2010 and begin 2011. All together. All peaceful. And all very happy and blessed.