Nearly New Years

At the start of 2011 we were running late with our midnight prep and so we paused the TV announcement of the countdown and then started it up five minutes later.  All year I kept remembering that when I was just a little late to things and so this year we made sure to celebrate early with the kids and observe the countdown on time.  Already I feel back on track and right with the world even if in the end 2011 was five minutes shorter than other years.

We headed out to Grandma and Grandpa Z's for our New Years celebration which was a special treat for the kids to have a sleepover with the whole family.  The kids had a marching band with all the noise makers and then we lite off some fireworks to send 2011 off in style.

Grandma Z with Claire, McKenzie and Ben in their New Years hats.

McKenzie and Ben helping Grandpa Z with the fireworks - Ben wanted more, more, more!

Matt woke up on New Years day and assembled the new jeep that Santa had brought to Grandma Z. Ben was so excited for a blue "race car" instead of having to drive the pink Barbie jeep.  The girls were very taken with the blue jeep too until Grandpa took the safety screw out of the Barbie jeep that let it go twice as fast.  McKenzie loved cruising even faster around the driveway loop.  Here the kids are testing it out before Daddy had finished building it.

Ben taking his big sister for a spin in the new jeep.  He must have been feeling wild since he left his bike helmet on for the ride.

Looking forward to more exciting adventures in 2012!