Happy New Year!

Long gone are the stereotypical New Year's Eves that we used to know, those that included overpriced provisions, lame music, and crowded dance floors as well as those that were nonexistent the first few years after we became parents. We decided to find some middle ground this time now that Collin and Olivia are little people who enjoy a good, wholesome party.

Yes, we stayed home, but we tried our best to make it a fun night to remember for all (and it was!). This being the first New Year's Eve without the beloved Dick Clark, it was a little strange to watch New Year's Rockin' Eve with Ryan Seacrest without the famous icon by his side. Jenny McCarthy is annoying, and, well, no Dick Clark.

The kids played campout in their new tent while we prepared their favorite dinner - grilled salmon, steamed string beans, and mashed potatoes. 

Over dinner we made our resolutions: Mike will be in bed by 10:30 every night, including weekends (reading is acceptable but must be done in bed), I will keep in touch with old friends via phone at least every other month, and Collin will "help people who are sad or need something. And I'm going to help [you and Daddy] go outside and play sports." Olivia, being only two, didn't really get the whole resolution thing. Go figure.

Everyone cleaned their plates in eager anticipation of our next activity, which was making 2013 sugar cookies, and boy did they turn out sugary! The kids made sure to dump as many sprinkles on those babies as possible. Since it was only 9:15 after making and scarfing cookies, we played Father and Mother Time by bringing up last year's countdown and ball drop via YouTube on our living room TV (gotta love the new devices that allow for internet access on your big screen).

 Cue up the sparkly cider and noisemakers! You could feel the energy radiating from those little bodies as they got into the single digits. I was then attacked by blowouts as well all traded hugs, kisses, and good wishes to each other.

 High on the bubbly (juice), the kids wanted to play music, sing, and dance...in their favorite costumes. Sir Master King Collin and his Royal Majesty Queen Olivia entertained us for the next hour with their instruments and silly antics.

We ended the evening with the traditional New Year's song, "Auld Lang Syne," thanks again to YouTube. By the time we did the bedtime routine and left their rooms, it was already 11:00! Mike and I cleaned up, changed into our PJs, and watched the real ball drop at midnight. Sadly, the unopened champagne still resides in our refrigerator, but at least it's not wasted! We could make some good mimosas this weekend and be awake and alert enough to enjoy them. (Sidenote: You'd think our tired kiddos *might* sleep in since they were up over three hours past their normal bedtime, but no, it never works that way. 7:30 wake-up call is another good reason for not staying up all night drinking.)

So long, 2012! Nice to meet you, 2013.