New Year's Eve Party!

This year we decided that the kids were getting to be old enough to stay up for the midnight countdown for New Year's Eve. We traded kids with our friends the Hales who had a new baby, meaning we took their older two kids to come enjoy a party at our house and we sent Krystal over to their house for a quiet evening and much earlier bedtime. The only plan for the evening was to play Monopoly and eat goodies until midnight, but the kids made their own fun. The 11,10,9 and 7 year-old spent most of the evening planning, writing, practicing and performing their own play complete with sound effects, background music, mood lighting and an original song written and performed by Cailin. Here are Cailin and Clarissa acting out one of the scenes. The jist of the story is that they are two rock stars who are on an adventure to discover the true meaning of happiness.

Although Jared and Connor did have some supporting roles, they also did all the backstage work, music, sound and lighting. It was all quite impressive.

Finally, it's time for Monopoly (and little hot dogs!)

Chris was the banker of course. The kids did enjoy the game, but even with all the sugar from M&M's and hot chocolate, they eventually started to get tired.

They were happy when the radio station started the countdown and they could gather in front of the clock in the kitchen to blow their noisemakers.

We had been listening to disco music the whole night and the first song they played for 2010 was YMCA, we couldn't resist a little dancing. Although Jared is actively participating in this picture, it didn't take long before he started to get a little embarrassed that his Mom and Dad were dancing in front of his friends.

In the morning, the kids made and perfomed a second act to their play. This time, it was even more impressive. Life is so much fun as the kids are getting older. I can't wait to see what 2010 brings us.