This was our New Year's toast (which we had to specify did not involve bread)--7-up at 7 p.m. I will note for posterity that after a few unsuccessful attempts to get both boys smiling in the same photo, John finally coaxed these simultaneous grins by suggesting they say "Bappy Boo Beer" instead of "Happy New Year." Oh, the hilarity!

The fancy flutes garnered oohs and ahhhs from the boys and a quizzical look from John, who could not believe we owned such a thing. Never mind that they were a wedding gift from 11 years ago. This may only have been the second or third time they've ever been used. It definitely will not be the last, however. The boys were already plotting how they could get to use them again. Edward asked if he could drink from one for his birthday, which I affirmed, but then reminded him that his next birthday is a year away. Daniel jumped right in though and suggested that he could have one for his birthday which is right around the corner. Not to be bested by his little brother Edward piped up, "Well, there are two, so maybe I could also have one for Daniel's birthday!"

Anyone want to place bets on whether these glasses will last another 11 years? We may be lucky to get another 11 days out of them, though they are packed up again for now.

Our day also included a "Noon Year's Eve" celebration at the Children's Museum, including a balloon drop at noon. It was chaotic enough that Daniel was momentarily separated from us. He hooked up with a museum staffer though, and after a few frantic minutes once the crowd cleared and I realized he wasn't in it, I found him at the front desk. He did not seem worried, which was good. I was almost certain that no one would let him actually leave the museum, so I was not as crazed as the last time one of my children was lost in a crowd. Still, glad to have the episode behind us and make our escape back home.

After some quiet time in the early afternoon, we headed out to enjoy the beautiful 50-degree weather. It actually was not as warm as we expected, since there was quite a strong wind (which only got stronger overnight and through New Year's Day.) But the boys ran off some of their energy at the school park and we came home to have a pizza dinner with Grandma and Grandpa.

They stayed through bath and pajama time in order to join in the 7 p.m. toast. I may be in the daughter-in-law doghouse for posting a picture of grandma, but I thought this was cute. (It's also the only photo in this post that isn't blurry--darn those constant-motion kids!)

Christmas and birthday updates to come.