happy new year

By New Year's Eve, the sick bug had pretty much run the gamut.

Happy day.

It was nice to have fun without someone being sick.

And we finally got around to making our graham cracker "gingerbread" houses.

Lately, it's become more of a competition to see who can be most creative.

And let me tell you, there is some creativity around that table.

Avery and I did one together.

This is Drake's house.

This is Avery showing off ours.

And here is a glimpse at some of the other creations.

At about 8:00 p.m., we did a countdown to the New Year with the kids. I think Graham had the most fun with it.

Then we put six of the eight grandkids to bed in the same room. They did fall asleep, eventually.

The rest of us just hung out until it was time for the real countdown.

Our carbonated apple juice was made complete with a toothpick and a black olive. Don't worry, it only altered the flavor a little bit....

Happy New Year.