Since we have little ones at home, it's fun to brainstorm and think about new traditions we'd like to begin, and ways that we can make special events memorable.  I'm always a little sad when Christmas is over, so I wanted to think of a way to make New Year's a fun event for all of us, especially since it can be a challenge for Chip and I to get out when most babysitters are having fun themselves!  We did this early so I could share it here, but it was still just as fun.

My plan was to do this in the morning, but it's a challenge to get ahead of the day with small early risers, so we did it in the evening, and it's always a treat to have breakfast for dinner.

(Since some of you asked, here is a link to that rug!)  We just had pigs in a blanket, yummy fruit, and pancakes.  It was simple, but just right, and we dined on the low table my dad made for Vivi's birthday (he later cut it into two pieces, so we have a 4 foot table!).  Even Brigie could sit at the table, which made her feel like a big girl.

I even pulled out the china and the silver (because when else will I do it these days?) and I'm happy to report nothing was broken!  That gorgeous vase from Target made the perfect centerpiece.

I also think it made it extra magical to dine in front of the Christmas tree, with all the twinkling lights.

Chip and I really wanted to talk about 2014 for our family, so I made a little poster (we're calling it the "Lay List") and we talked about things we'd like our family to do together next year.  I wrote down our ideas with a sharpie, so we can keep track of it.  At the top of Vivi's list is camping!  It was fun to hear what she thought would be awesome ideas for our family to do

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I think the hit of the party were the little noisemakers!

(You can find links for all the Christmas decorations here, if interested.)