New Traditions.

New Years Eve used to seem like such a big deal to me, and I remember that the first couple J and I spent together were huge. We got dolled up and went out. One year to Ruth Chris Steakhouse for delicious steaks and Don Perignon at midnight; another year just out and about and another celebrating in Florida. The last couple years have not been quite that exciting, one year I was pregnant and we took T and M to a fun kids New Years party and last year H, only 8 months old, was sick. This year, with really no big plans and no real expectations, I talked to my dad last week and we decided that we would have a New Years Eve slumber party at my dad's. It was an absolute blast! Really, I told my dad I think we've started a new tradition! (I hope he agrees!!!)

We went over in the afternoon and of course the kids were most excited to start the party out by sledding down the front hill.

Here's T mastering the course on his snowboard.
M and H slid ride down.

After H was ready to head indoors, I took him in and J, T and M headed over to a nearby park and hill that I used to go to as a kid. My dad joked with J and I that when he used to take us as kids sometimes we'd convince him to drive to the bottom and pick us up and drive us back to the top since it was a steep climb.

The long walk up...
Both kids were a little nervous but enjoyed flying down the hill.

After some fun slides and some exhausting climbs up the hill they returned to my dad's where the kids and my dad ate a Subway dinner. J and I didn't eat because my dad had made some secret plans during the day for us and my sister and her boyfriend.

After dinner the question started to come, "Is it New Years yet?" "When can we have the sparkling juice?" "Can we celebrate yet?"

Finally in the middle of Shrek 2, about 8:00pm, we decided it was time to celebrate. Out came the party hats, the horns and of course the sparkling juice.

Toasting to 2008, four hours early.

With 9:30 reservations at Jax Restaurant, really what day in the Postuma family would be complete without a 20 month old who wants to stay up and a six year old little girl who doesn't want us to leave?!?

Thankfully, my dad had years and years of rocking experience and rocked little H right back to sleep. He also has years and years of experience with daughters and their finicky ways and had Miss M (and T) all set with Dr. Doolittle in no time.

My little sister's boyfriend Joe, my sister, me and J.

My sister and I.

If you've ever eaten at Jax (a favorite of my parents) you know just how good the food is. I'm not even a foodie and I LOVE IT. Our dinner was excellent, and of course more than enough food for all of us. I enjoyed a Filet Mignon and somehow managed to save a little for my dad. We had a really fun time chatting and laughing and it was really nice to get to know my sister's boyfriend a little better too.

J and I left Jax and headed for my dad's while my sister and her boyfriend headed out to see more friends. We got home and thanked my dad profusely for such a nice night out, sent my dad to bed and watched Times Square for about 20 minutes before the ball dropped and headed for bed ourselves. We're so exciting aren't we?

Of course New Years morning started early with H up and bouncing in the pack and play at 7:45. (Not so early compared to what he used to be pulling! Oy!) My sister made us all a pancake breakfast and we enjoyed relaxing and being together just a few more hours. T and M of course being brave (and young) wanted some more sledding action. J agreed to take them, but with the temperature being -1 when they went, they managed just a couple slides before they came back red cheeked and brrrzini!

M and H playing hide and go seek in the couch cushions. A new hiding spot, compliments of Uncle Burl and Aunt JoAnn a few weeks ago.

Finally, what New Years Day would be complete without phone calls...

T and M making some Happy New Year phone calls at home this afternoon.

Happy New Year! 2008 is here. May your year be great in every way. May you learn, love, laugh and live as fully and truly as one can! Cheers!