Happy New Year!!

Some new friends invited us over for a New Year's Eve party, and it was super fun.  Their home was decorated so cute, and even had a photo booth for party-goers.  Unfortunately Mark missed out on the fun, because he was drafted to go help another party-goer out of a snow bank they had accidentally backed out into.  No, there was no alcohol at this party!  Haha!

We spent the evening eating yummy snacks, and playing games.  In years past, we've always gone to the Ottawa Ward party at the church, and we usually leave around 9 or 10.  This year we actually stayed until the ball dropped!!  I couldn't believe Parker was still functioning.  By the time we got her in the car, it was probably around 12:30, and she finally hit the wall.  She dissolved into a ball of tears, but at the party she did great!  We were all asleep by 1 am.  Shwew-ee!!

Luckily everyone slept in, so the next day wasn't a drama fest.  We actually stayed home and did nothing.  We played some wii, watched some movies, wrote some resolutions, and reflected on 2013.  It was kinda awesome.  I made a new twist on our traditional Hoppin' John dish.  This year instead of the half pound of bacon, I added yummy baked meatballs in bbq sauce to go over the rice and black-eye peas.  It was a hit!

Here's some of our highlights of 2013:

Mark's greatest lesson learned:  It is important to enjoy the moment I am in and be present in it.
Mark wants to get better at teaching in 2014.

Parker's favorites from 2013:  Chippa-wuh, Despicable Me 2, the Midland library, Tag books, and vegetables (she said her favorite food was vegetables and salad).
Parker wants to get better at sitting still and listening in 2014.

Maryn's favorite memory from 2013 was her first year at girl's camp!  She is amazed at all the changes and new things that took place this year.
Maryn wants to get an A in science in 2014.

Suzy's greatest lesson learned:  When it's meant to be, it will be.  I can't believe that a year later, we are in another state with a whole new life!  I still can't believe we sold our house in 48 hours!
Suzy wants to get better at making bread and friends in 2014.

Avery's hardest challenge from 2013 was moving, but one of her favorite things was also meeting new people!
Avery wants to make the Northeast 7th grade girl's basketball team in the Fall, and meet even more people!

Hope you have all had a wonderful start to 2014!!