NYE 2007

Originally we were just going to stick close to home and celebrate New Years Eve with the kids watching movies, playing games, and eating treats. However, my friend Catherine from the ward was so kind to invite us over for a BBQ and a swim. Thanks so much!!! We had a great time!

Madi has turned into quite the little swimmer - I hadn't even realized how good she has gotten. She didn't need a floatie or anything and was swimming around the pool. Cooper borrowed a floatie (it is really cool you can take off the layers as they learn to swim better) and was having the time of his life. Normally he doesn't like the water much and doesn't care about swimming. I think being here, going to the beach, and being around water more has helped with that. I am hoping to get them into swimming lessons when the new school year starts.

The BBQ was delicious! I even tried some prawns - they are a must have in Australia I was told. They weren't too bad and didn't taste too fishy either. Kev is still surprised at how many new things I have tried since we have been here. Gotta get the full experience right?!

(Carlie, Catherine, and Natasha)

We even taught them how to play Bonanza (The Bean Game) - "To bean or not to bean...." This is still one of my favorite games!! We watched the fireworks on TV at 9:00. [I think it is awesome here because they have family fireworks at 9:00.] They were really good. We only made it until 11:00 before it was obvious the kids needed to be packed up and taken home.

When we got home we put the kids to bed (after putting out the plate for Mrs. Santa - more on that later) and then we watched the big fireworks on TV. I was so impressed. They lasted about 10 minutes and they were huge. They shot the fireworks off from multiple places in the harbor and off of the bridge and they did so many at a time. In Utah usually you see one at a time and then the "grand finale" - it was like a finale the entire time. I think we are definitely going to have to go to the city one of the years we are here just to see them for ourselves. We think we will have to get a babysitter and do it kid free for the best experience.

HAPPY NEW YEAR - HOPE 2008 IS GREAT!!