New Years Eve 2007

No babysitter plus stuffy noses plus busy weeks equals a quiet New Year's Eve at home. That was where B and I were headed this year, and probably would be in bed watching the ball drop. But then J and V called and were equally sitterless and homebound. So we decided to combine forces and they came up to our house. I've never seen Reeves so excited before. When I told him on Saturday that Davis was coming, he immediately started running around looking for him.

Much to the delight of both boys, a train came by shortly after they arrived. Oh, the joy a hoo-hoo can bring. You'll note that Reeves is still in his pj's. This is what happens when we play inside on a rainy day and then go immediately down for an early nap so we can be well rested before company arrives. A pleasant disposition is much more preferred than a cute outfit. One is considerably more easily fixed than the other.
After playing for a while, and the previously mentioned Preston visit, we headed down to Marion Square for First Night Charleston. It was cool to see the lights and all, but, as much as I enjoyed taking the kids to Marion Square during the day to see the Bud horses, it really wasn't so great at night. There's something a lot less worrisome about watching your kids run around in the daylight. It's a bit disconcerting at night when it is so easy for them to slide out of view. That being the case, and the fact that neither Davis nor Reeves were much interested in staying in a stroller or holding a parent's hand, we did not stay down there very long. Not sure I would do it again, but I don't regret going.We did get a cutish picture of D and R in Santa's sleigh, sans Santa.
So we returned home and continued our celebration of the passing of the new year in our driveway. Reeves pulled Davis in the wagon while Guerin looked on from the recently removed from storage exersaucer. We had to pull it out just so that G-Man could be outside with us and we wouldn't have to take turns holding him. He's cute as a button, but the boy is BIG! Luckily, he loves the exersaucer, so we were all happy. He is definitely a muscle maker! But look at him. He's edible in his cuteness! Can't wait to watch this little man grow up!
While Jodie fed Guerin and put him to bed, the older boys did what older boys and men do - they sat around a fire. There's something hypnotic about it. And, for future reference, sidewalk chalk is a good first line of defense against children attracted to fire pits. "Don't go past that line." I wouldn't suggest leaving them alone with just that, but it definitely helps.
Jodie and Bryant practiced their synchronised sparkler art.

Davis was a bit scared of the sparklers at first, so he got Reeves' light up wand to use instead, but it wasn't long before he garnered up enough courage to handle a sparkler himself.

"This little light of mine. I'm gonna let it shine."

And, of course, Reeves wanted in on the action. You'll note that his firework for the night was a glowstick, but he was longing for the real thing. The boys eventually went to bed, and we couldn't believe they actually slept through the barrage of fireworks that assaulted us at the midnight hour. I thought they weren't allowed in the city. I was wrong.
I hope everyone had a safe and happy New Year's. Here's to a wonderful 2007.