New Year's Eve Celebrations

As is our usual New Year's Eve routine, Chad, Lauren and I headed over to the Shafer's house to spend the holiday with our friends and their families.  Once we settled in, the kids all gathered in the family room to exchange Christmas gifts and then climbed on to the couch for a group photo.

Then it was time for a kid's dinner and an early countdown to the New Year.  Lauren, Matthew Shafer, William Shafer, and Ella Levy would be fast asleep before the actual ball dropped down at midnight, but we did not want them to miss out on any of the fun.  This year, we brought hats, necklaces, and noise makers.  The kids had a blast dressing up and posing for pictures.  

           

           

The next morning, the kids spent some time playing, while many of the adults were still sleeping and recovering from the previous night.  Lauren and Ella especially enjoyed coloring on the easel.  It is very nice to watch them play together and I hope we will continue to get photos of all of these kiddos together as they get older.  

That night, the excitement and fun from the Shafer's house finally caught up with Lauren.  She was in bed fairly early, and insisted on wearing her new Minnie Mouse at to bed.  Chad and I were not far behind her.  

It certainly was a successful holiday and I am sure we will be doing it again in a year.  Happy New Year!!