In my last blog, I wrote that I would be ringing in the New Year, with or without my children. My older teens had plans and wouldn’t be part of our traditional family time.
Well in a strange twist, it was my 12-year-old son who ended up spending the night at his best friend’s house. And my older teens ended up at home.
Although their plans fell through and they were disappointed at first, we ended up having a great evening together. While munching on goodies like summer sausage, guacamole and my, what some may consider to be a strange appetizer (celery with cream cheese and slices of green olive on top), we played a game of “Electronic Banking Monopoly.”
My 17-year-old was a rags-to-riches story and ended up winning the game.
Then we all went into the kitchen and hung out while my husband broiled lobster tails and my 17-year-old cooked shrimp in a pan of butter. We talked and laughed, treasured moments I am so thankful I was able to enjoy.
While they went out to the hot tub, I cleaned up and then we ended the evening watching, “The Princess Bride.” I didn’t quite make it to midnight but I can tell you that this was one of my favorite New Year’s Eves.
Although I didn’t ring in the New Year with all of my children, I got to enjoy rare moments with the older two. I really think it worked out perfectly. My 12-year-old is still at the age where he will snuggle with me and he is almost always around.
But with my 17-year-old working so much and my 14-year-old’s active social life, I don’t get to enjoy time with them as much as I would like. So this truly was a special New Year.
How did you celebrate New Year’s Eve?
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Photo by R80o in Flickr