New Years Eve "Bash"

Last night, we had a small bash to celebrate the end of 2013 and welcome the beginning of 2014.  It was full of fun foods, games, and fireworks.  We had a great time.

First we started with fun food.  We decided to have a collection of finger foods.  There was a veggie "tray", some other finger foods, and bread.  All pretty good, if you ask me!

 Oliver liked it too... but you can't tell from this scow he gave me.

 Brandon and me at the end of 2013 (ignore the chaos in the background).

 After dinner, we played twister!

 I do NOT recommend playing this game at 36 weeks pregnant.  Live and Learn! 

 Then we headed outback for a little firework show.  The kids were a little hesitant. 

 And then a little scared...

 So I sat down beside them while Brandon continued the show.  Next thing I knew, I had an Oliver behind me.

 Then he was really behind me, and saying "I'm scared!"

 After a wonderful display of exciting fireworks, Brandon broke out the sparklers.  Noelle was deemed "Queen of the Sparklers" last night, as she volunteered to go first, and then she asked it try again and again.

 Poor Melanie only did it once and she tried to get as far away from the sparkler as possible (almost pushing Brandon down in the process).

 Oliver had a love hate relationship.  He was scared, but intrigued.  He did them twice, but asked to do it again after we had run out. 

 Then we came inside, had dessert, and Oliver (being exceedingly tired) when to bed.  He even THANKED Brandon when Brandon tucked him in.  At this point, it was just after 7 pm.  We decided to play a new game, Scrabble Jr.  Here are some pictures from our first Scrabble Jr. experience.

We ended up tying, which was prefect because the game became a little too competitive to be considered "friendly".  Then the girls got ready for bed and were out by 8:30 pm.

Funny side story:  Apparently Melanie was extra concerned with the fireworks show.  I explained to her that in Arizona, you can shoot off little ones, but none of them will be big or go too high.  Well, during our little fun, out back, she wasn't sure about some of Dad's fireworks.  During her bedtime prayers, Melanie said "Please bless daddy that he will obey the Arizona Law and not do big fireworks."  I had the hardest time not laughing.

Brandon and I watched a movie, and at about 11:00 pm had a little Mr. wake up with a fever.  We spent the remainder of 2013 making him comfortable.  Poor little guy.  I think it was just a little too much excitement in one day.  Thankfully, he woke up this morning feeling much better!

Happy New Year!