New Year's Eve!

 As most women my age were scouting the malls for that last minute accessory to wear at the New Year's Eve Bash for 2012, we were busy herding up an awesome group of kids on an afternoon of adventure at our local mall.  One of the perks of being a parent on New Year's Eve is that you've always got a hot date and you most always never get stood up... and BONUS! You'll surely be entertained by one of your kids. 

We spent New Year's Eve day at a cute little shop that encourages interactive play and education.  I'm a big fan of exposing our kids to hands on experience and encourage them to ask questions to expand and blow their minds.  The great thing about this little shop of fossils is that the kids learn first hand how minerals and fossils are found.  

As you can see, all of the kids were just super duper excited to get their hands dirty and start learning (the best part? They don't really realize that their actually learning something while getting dirty, ha!) 

Fortunately, Brandon was with us for a couple of days and got to experience all this with Daniel and Matthew. Daniel had already visited this place with a family friend and sought prideful moments as he moved around the room excited to share things we all weren't even aware of.  And Matt... well he's happy anywhere he can down and dirty with his brothers.  

When we were all done collecting all the awesome fossils and minerals, we were able to gather the kids around a work bench to "prepare" all their great finds. Can you imagine how exciting and amazing it is for a child to get their hands on buffers and drills, paint brushes and magnifying glasses, then be encouraged to go at it?  My boys were in heaven, they loved every single minute of their experience.  

Karen is still here visiting and the boys just adore her.  She's the Auntie that knows how to do all this nitty gritty stuff, so thank goodness she was there. Because I for one, can not operate a drill (is that even a drill? LOL).

We had planned to watch The Adventures of Tin Tin, but after a few hours in the shop and at the mall, we were all due for some down time.  We headed back home and just relaxed till midnight came. To tell you the truth I fell asleep half an hour before midnight and had to be woken up. The kids? Well, staying up till midnight is like setting them free in Disneyland, they thoroughly enjoyed it. 

When midnight came around, we all headed outside to watch the fireworks that were beautiful and launched our poppers in the backyard. Kissed each other with love and happiness, wishing one another a very Happy New Year.  

So though it wasn't a typical New Year's Eve Celebration, where Cosmo's and Champagne are clinking away, music blasting and heavily intoxicated strangers were stumbling across a dance floor towards you. It was absolutely perfect to be surrounded by my family and friends on a quiet January night. 

Hope you all had a safe and wonderful New Year's Eve Celebration and the year has started out beautifully for you all.  Here's to bright futures and meaningful moments.. Cheers!