Happy 2009!!!!

Gosh, I can't believe it is 2009! 2008 was of course a banner year for me and Paul! We finally became parents and our world has not been the same since that fateful day in March. Life has been a whirlwind since then and we can't wait to see what 2009 holds in store for us!

Last night we got together with Christie and Valerie and hubbies to ring in another year and chat about how many changes 2008 brought to all our lives! Avery had a sleepover at Aunt Kathy's and Uncle Bill's and rang in the New Year by going to bed at 8pm! We had a great evening with good food, good friends, good conversation, and a little band playing thrown in!

We really went uptown this year and had a fabulous meal of prime rib, waldorf salad, baked potatoes, pineapple butternut squash, and that doesn't even include the appetizers or desserts. Us country folks felt like we were at a 5 star restaurant!!
Chef Anton with his prime rib! It was wonderful and he didn't even act too offended when I smothered it in ketchup (just a little habit of mine!).

A night with Christie and Anton would not be complete without Anton falling asleep at some point. It's just one of his little quirks and we all expect it at some point. I guess all that cooking really wore him out.
Christie and I checking to see if he is still breathing.

Let me see how close I can get this drumstick to his nose without him knowing!

Even though we couldn't convince Valerie to actually play the guitar we did get her to pose for a picture:
A very cool looking girl band if I do say so myself.

The requisite group shot:
Christie & Anton, Me & Paul, Valerie & Gary

Our midnight toast!!

Anton and Christie modeling our cool glasses and hats provided by our awesome hostess Valerie!

And what New Year's Party would be complete without noisemakers?

I love this self portrait of me and Paul!

The beautiful tray prepared by V with all our party paraphernalia!

Midnight kisses with the one's we love!!



A toast with just the girls:
Here's to a great 2009!!!!

Thanks so much Valerie and Gary for opening your home to us!! We truly treasure your friendship and hope 2009 is a wonderful year for your family!

And last but certainly not least:
The sweatshirt says it all!!!

Hope you all had a safe and wonderful New Year celebration and that 2009 is a great year!

Thanks for checking in!!