New Year's Party

We decided to change things up a little this year and made some big party plans (as opposed to just having grandpa and grandma over like we normally do). We joined some of our preschool family friends at a hotel. The hotel was selected because it used to be a Holiday Inn and had the Holidome set up. I think, however, the front desk people might have forgotten to mention that they were planning a big dance party of their own that would take up all available space. And on top of that, they wouldn't allow anyone to have any food or beverage in the common area as they were afraid it would cut in on the services they had brought in for the party. Of course, they didn't mention that until we had dragged all the chairs and tables out of our rooms and made a nice little gathering place. So we transported it all back into one room and then spent our time wondering from room to room trying to visit. Once the music for the dance party started, the conversation was compromised too as it was next to impossible to hear anything over the thumping music. But, enough of the negative, we did have a very nice time - all things considered. The kids had a great time in the pool, although the water was a little chilly.

No matter how badly Abby's lips were chattering she refused to get out.

There were 4 families all together - each with two boys. And Abby. (I pointed out that 10 years from now she might think that was pretty cool. This year she was pretty unphased by her status.) After eating the kids attempted some games and crafts.

Here is Abby's hat.

Does the girl like stickers or does the girl like stickers? Those activities were quickly replaced by just running. Go figure. No surprise they enjoyed that immensely.

About 9:00 we had the kids' countdown and then they were put to bed.

Even with the crazy bass, our wee ones were pretty wiped out and were asleep within a half an hour. Once all the kiddos were tucked away, we grown-ups met back out for some games. (With no drinks or snacks, mind you...) We played some Apples to Apples and Cranium. Oh, how I wish we had more opportunity for grown-up games - I just think they are so fun. We joined the dance party for the big countdown and balloon drop, then we were back to finishing up our game. I think we made it to bed right about 2:00 - just in time for the music to end. The hotel was surprisingly quiet after that - or maybe it was just that we couldn't hear anymore. Bum-Bum got us up good and early so we were able to get in some more swimming before heading home. We also tried some ping-pong, badmitten, and air hockey but couldn't find enough working pieces of any of the games for more than one player so that didn't last long. Yesterday was spent resting and lounging. Unfortunately, this morning Noah was struck down with the stomach flu. We are hoping he didn't figure out he could do this to avoid going to school tomorrow... So, all in all, it was a fun party. We have agreed, though, that we need to use this next year to find a different location. If you have any suggestions, please let us know.