12.31.02

I spent the day running around picking up last minute items for New Year's Eve dinner and prepping the house.

Aric, Ashlyn, and I rang in the New Year with small group of close friends -Brian, Grace, James, Grace, Sam, and Patti (along with everyone's lil' ones). It was kind of thrown together at the last minute since none of us had any plans for tonight. Sad, huh? hehehe Regardless, we ended up having a great time and hung out till well past midnight. The only ones missing were Ed, Sue, and Olivia. *bummer* Wey and a friend dropped by to say "hello", too. =)

We dined on prime rib, steamed mussels, bacon wrapped asparagus, stuffed mushrooms, mash potatoes, taquitos, capresi salad, and chocolate cake. Mmmmmm! The evening was really fun and bustling with chatter and baby noise. =D
At one point in the evening, I sat quietly (in awe and contentment)...never really imagining, but finally realizing, that I'm celebrating New Year's with friends and their kids. It was pretty amazing.

I kinda miss celebrating New Year's Eve with my girls back home...but Wil and Ivy are in Paris with Tony, Oli, Aaron, and Mayu...and Cin and Matty are in Hawaii spending it with family.
Just wanna send a big ol' squishy hug to my Bett! Miss you, girl!

Hope you all had a safe and funfilled New Year's Eve! Wishing you all the best for 2K3!

Pictures from tonight:

Ashlyn bugging sleepy Lauren

James, and Taylor watching Lauren play on Ashlyn's train set
(that train has a 7-foot track and takes up most of the living room...*good lawd*)

Brian and his lil' Brandon

Grace, me, Patti, and Grace

the two Graces and their lil' ones

Baby Taylor

proud new parents- Grace and Brian

proud new parents- Patti and Sam

James, Grace, Lauren, and Taylor

Ashlyn in her jammies

CHEERS!