A Whole New Decade

2010...wow. I remember Y2K like it was yesterday, but at the same time it feels like that was another life ago. We certainly celebrated 2010 much differently than we did 2000 - we hardly noticed that the ball had dropped, but were relieved when we learned it had because it meant we could go to bed. At the turn of 2000, the ball dropping signaled just the beginning of the party that night (the party that my parents are still cursing because of some feather boas that mixed with spilled beer to create a pink feathery mess still visible on the floors of their Rockport house today). I have mixed feelings about New Years - I like the new beginning, the chance to reflect on the past year and to make resolutions for the new one. But it also always seems a bit anti-climactic. Anti-climactic isn't necessarily a bad thing, though. Sitting around playing games after enjoying a delicious meal with family, knowing that our boys are safe and warm in their beds, and that our family and friends are for the most part happy and healthy isn't a bad way to ring in the new year and decade.

To celebrate New Years this year, we spent a few days at Grandma and Grandpa's house. Staying at Grandma and Grandpa's house is a bit like staying at a ski resort, with all the wintry activities you could ever want just steps outside your front door, and warm tasty meals ready and waiting when you return. The boys were thrilled to have two other little boys (Brian and Caz) to play with, and there was surely never a dull or quiet moment with these four running around. Ben got to play hockey, I got to x-country ski, and the boys got to sled and play in the wintry wonderland. We were happy that Mother Nature decided to grace us with a continuous snowstorm throughout our entire stay, which ensured great skiing and sledding conditions round-the-clock.

Ethan decided that pulling others in the sled was almost as fun as riding in it.

I love this picture. These three spent a lot of time sitting in the snow watching Ethan sled. They couldn't move real well with all their snow gear, so they just sat there (some happily, some not so happily).
Adam is actually getting to a good age for winter fun. Now that he is a little more sure-footed and can keep his mittens and hat on, he likes playing in the snow for a bit longer (say 10 minutes, as opposed to 5...).

Ethan showing the little ones a thing or two about music.

Ethan with his new puzzle (from Grandpa).

Adam with his new fish maraca (also from Grandpa).

The whole Monkey gang (notice matching monkey gear from Gwen and Mike) and their moms.

We hope that you celebrated New Years exactly as you wanted to (whether that's partying in Times Square or playing board games and going to bed at 12:02) and that your 2010 looks bright and full of opportunity!