Welcoming 2009

New Years Eve is always a sore spot for me. I long to be at a fabulous party, preferably formal, amidst a crowd, welcoming in the New Year. In reality, I am always at someone else’s home, or mine, watching that darn ball drop and usually I am wearing pajamas and a stylin’ hat made of paper. This year I didn’t even get the hat.

My favorite New Years was a few years back when my uncle Rodger ordered live lobsters from Maine. We had lobster, crab cakes, scallops and shrimp. Even though we were at my parent’s home, we did something unique. Dinner was followed by some illegal fireworks, so…you know, overall it was a good time.

Last year we got to my parent’s house late. We had just flown in from Seattle. We almost didn’t make it in time to celebrate. I had vowed that the next year would be better.

Getting people to commit to anything this year was like pulling teeth. We weren’t even planning to go up to my parent’s because it didn’t sound like anything was going to be going on. Finally it was decided that someone would go to Evanston and buy fireworks. I really wanted to go. I hadn’t been to Wyoming before.

The next thing I know 11 of us (My mom, dad, uncle, aunt, three cousins, my two kids, Paul and I) are heading to Wyoming. A lot of time was spent picking and buying just the right thing. Too bad Jen didn’t get to take home her Full Metal Jacket ;)

There was about $200 worth of fireworks purchased. We did not take this home.

My cousin Brandon

Have you seen anything like this before?

I swear this is for a recipe!

Above is my youngest cousin Will being cute at the restaurant.

These are some of the goods we took home.

Paul and Emma putting sparklers in the snow, it looked really pretty.
Just a few fountains

Awwww (Not really)
Emma with a Roman Candle
Check out my cousin Talon! How cool is this shot?

HAPPY NEW YEAR!