Happy New Year!

So, the first New Year's that Jay and I were married, we had been in our house for about 4 months, so we were all fired up about throwing a New Year's Eve party. (We may have even thrown one the following year, too...I can't remember.)

Anyway, after the last one we hosted, I decided I didn't like being the hostess of a NEW YEAR'S EVE party because by 9:00, I was watching the clock wondering when everyone was going to go home! (No offense to my wonderful friends and family who may have been there and who may be reading this) :)

Well, a few years ago, we started going over to the Rash's for a party at their house. The Calhouns and the Mapleses are always there, too. It's great because we all bring our kids, so there's no having to find a sitter, and it's low-key, so there's no having to worry about dressing up. Plus, for those of you who know the other couples, you also know that there is never a dull moment with them!

Mark and Tiffany (The host and hostess) Grace

Sarah - apparently she was flying solo that night because I have no pictures of her hubby Mike...SORRY, Moose!

Emma & Kate (Sarah & Mike's girls)

Brian & Caleb

Trish & Trenton

Jay's buddy, Mike, was there, too. This was the first year he came and being that he doesn't have kiddos, it may have been the last time, too! hahaha! :)

My hubby!

This year, Truett was a LITTLE more independent when it came to playing with the other kids. Of course, I was still nervous about letting him go off on his own to play because I've seen what kind of damage he can do with markers or crayons that may be left around somewhere...not so fun when it's your own house...MUCH worse if it's someone else's house (sorry Mom and Dan!). But, for the most part, he was pretty good.

We did get a 'cry for help' from Grace saying that Truett was choking her (God help me!), but after a quick 'talking-to' with Truett, there were no more troubles...well, with the exception of a few times when Truett decided to slide down the stairs, head first, on his belly! I guess he figured it was the most fun and quickest way to get down. :)

Emma spent the night being passed around to everyone...

Even Kate helped out with feeding her.

I thought Brian was going to lend a helping hand, too, but instead he thought he'd try the bottle of breast milk for himself. (GROSS!) We're still not sure if he actually did it or not, but with Brian, anything is possible!

Milkman extraordinaire!

The grownups hung out and visited while the kids played and ran around upstairs. Every now and then, Mike would send a shout out upstairs to Emma and Kate. Emma wrote it down on a note and gave it to Mike and Sarah...TOO FUNNY!

After the kids all enjoyed some sweet treats, Truett was full speed ahead.

It was about 10:30 when Jay and I loaded up the kids and headed home.

As soon as we got in the truck, he was sound asleep.

We got home, got in bed, and struggled to stay awake until midnight, but we did it!

I am very thankful for all of the many blessings we received last year and am very excited to see what God has in store for all of us in the new year!