Happy 2012!

Hard to believe another year is upon us!  Happy 2012!  

Most years, we spend it with friends out in the boonies.  But that's because they all have families too and finding a family friendly event that doesn't cost a ton of money and has the space to house THAT many kids is difficult.  But my friend has a great place and basically has a whole floor for kids to play in.  So it's perfect! But this year, we spent New Year's Eve with basically the same people but in a different location.  This year it was in Harrison Hot Springs!  Not the most glamourous place as I always see it as a seniors place.  But we were at my friend's parents place out there and it's a stunning house.  It's about a 5 minute walk to the beach, tons of room, and just perfect for get togethers.  I've been there before but it was especially nice to be celebrating there this year.  

Tons of food, great friends to just chill with and the kids all got along fine as they do every year.   At 12 midnight, all the kids took their noisemakers (we're talking pots and pans, bowls, bells and whatever else that could clang) outside to bring in the new year.  Lots of hugs and kisses for everybody.  

Such a simple night but filled with lots of fun, laughter and love.  

As we all stayed over, we all got to spend our New Year's Day with each other too.  We all chipped in to make breakfast and help with the kids.  I cooked and washed dishes because their stove is to die for and I love  washing dishes (not enough to come over and do yours though).  And as usual, the conversation was awesome because they are just awesome people.  
After breakfast, we all went down to the beach to let the kids run off some steam.   They diverted streams, played with sticks and rocks, played whatever crazy games they thought up...it was awesome.  And of course we had to watch the crazy people do their Polar Bear swim.  Yeah, done that before and no need to repeat it.  But we cheered these people on...just thankful that none of us had to do it.  

So a completely chill night and day with some great friends.  Couldn't have asked for a better evening.  

Happy New Year and best wishes to all of you in 2012!