new years

new years was so much fun this year.  most years we lay pretty low, barely make it to midnight.  two years ago we actually went to see The Road and i couldn't stop crying all night (probably not the best decision). anyway, this year was more festive and sparkly.  ben came to visit (yay!) and claire and wade came over with some sparklers, and the combination of the two couldn't have been better.

we made sliders, sipped on prosecco, gorged on a huge cheese plate, wore st. paddy's day hats (thats all that was at target!), watched the weirdness that is ryan seacrest and partied on the front porch until the wee hours of the morning.  we were lucky that our neighbors decided to throw a huge party so we could even venture out and be a little social if we wanted, without the cost of a babysitter!

needless to say the following morning was a little rough for everyone, particularly kyle.  haha.  but everyone was up by 10 (me by 7:30 with the wee one), and we pigged out again on belgian waffles, bacon, eggs and biscuits.  we had a little college moment that afternoon, napping in the sunshine in the front lawn, the boys tossing the football, stella playing in the dirt.  it really was the best way to ring in the new year.

here are a few pictures, mainly of the sparkler experience...