Bringing in 2011

New Year's has always been a holiday filled with laughs, tears, crazy games, tired kids, funny stories, prizes, and more. This year was no exception. So here's out the night went.

(1) To start with, the cousins had all slept over the night before for the annual "cousin's sleepover." Thus, we had 16 kids under the age of 12 that were a little tired.

(2) You would think that ordering the Chinese food at noon to be picked up at 6:00 would be enough time, right? Wrong! Apparently the sweet lady at Mountain City has a method of her own. When an order comes in, she takes the order and then promptly stuffs it in her pocket. Then, when she is ready to fulfill an order, she picks one magically out of the apron (a little bit like the lottery). Will you be the lucky winner of your food? We sent Rich down early to pick up the food and after 1 1/2 hours, he called to say it might be awhile. We chose the right person to go because Rich is quite patient and made friends with the many other customers waiting. Amy and I decided to go meet Rich to keep him company and got to join in the fun and meet all of his new friends. Ha ha! He watched people come in, eat their whole meal, and leave before we got ours. He found people who called in their order while he was waiting to pick his up and they left before him. Oh the laughs! At least it was great Chinese food and good company!

(3) So after having 16 now tired and hungry children, we decided to play the crazy New Year's Eve games...apparently chocolate bars, gloves, knives, and forks were not a great idea. Hmm...better thinking next year on my part.

(4) I think at this point all of the adults were tired and kept warning that New Year's was going to be earlier...at which point Lisa and Brandon somehow got put in charge of babysitting. Not sure that was the romantic New Year's eve these single folk had in mind.

(5) To end the night, they popped balloons. Fun activity, right? Not if you are Parker. He HATES popping balloons and fireworks. Serious fears here folks! So, he begged us NOT to make him participate in the party. Wouldn't be a party without all of the drama?

***So let's clarify, it actually wasn't so bad. We definitely had a rip roaring, foot stomping, family fun. For those of you who can't imagine such a crazy night, just come hang out with the Tate clan. You are welcome anytime. (However, you MAY be put in charge!). There's nothing like family! Welcome 2011!