{Happy New Year 2012}

After a pretty quiet Christmas, we were so excited for a house full of family for the New Year!  At one point we had 22 people staying under our roof! From my side of the family, we were only missing my sister, Erin, who had to leave just before New Year's for a wedding. 

It was a wonderful few days.  And as expected, chaotic, messy, full of good food, late evenings, early mornings, happy kids, sports on TV, and the ringing in of the New Year. 

The big kids enjoying hot chocolate out on the deck by the fire.  It was a gorgeous day!

These two were instantly friends again after not seeing each other for a few months. 

Grandpa's new IPad2 got passed around quite a bit.

Major Just Dance 3 tourney.

 Minute to Win it games on New Year's Eve. This was good prep for Carson's 10th birthday with a Minute to Win It theme.

The kids' New Year's countdown at about 9PM.

 Cheers!

And on New Years Day....some of the cousin crowd after church (missing a few!).  All in their matching outfits they received from Grandma Dalley for Christmas.

 Love my boys!

 Best shot of all 4 kids....oh well!

Becca, Me, Mom, and Charise (Camille didn't get there until later in the day).

Chris figured out our BBQ rotisserie and cooked up an amazing prime rib.  It was the biggest piece of meat I have ever seen!  It was so good!! We had a great meal on New Year's Day.

The 4 babies!! 

We convinced my sister to stay a few extra days before heading back to Chicago.  So Rylan got some one on one time in with Graham.  We hardly even saw these two during the day.  They just played for hours and hours! And we didn't have to break up any fights at all...they are just two peas in a pod.  Best buds!!

And of course, we got to snuggle on Ms. Claire too.  What a sweetheart!  I miss these kiddos all the way in Chicago!!!

It's always so wonderful to have the big group all together.  We missed you Erin!!  The kids couldn't be happier than spending every waking minute with their cousins.  They are their best friends. 

We were truly blessed beyond measure in 2011.  And we eagerly look forward to new adventures in 2012.