The Next Best Thing

So growing up, New Years Eve was a fun at-home evening with horse divers (hors d'oeuvre for those who get fancy with it) and Dick Clark, the big lighted ball and a bit of old family traditions (yes, we did bang pots and pans on the front porch yelling, "HAPPY NEW YEAR!" until our throats were sore).

Some how, over the years, New Years Eve lost its fun for me.  As each year went by, I began to dread December 31st.  Not sure why, it just seemed like every year I was never quite where I wanted to be, and it just didn't have its spark anymore.  And then four years ago, on New Years Eve, my Grandpa passed away.  And I told myself on the way to the hospital that night, to see my Grandpa for the last time, that I was DONE with the 31st of December!  I swore that from this moment forward I would never acknowledge this night, ever again.

After my family left the hosptial December 31, 2007, we went back to my Aunt & Uncle's house to have a toast to my Grandpa and bring in 2008 - it was what my Grandpa would have wanted.  And being surrounded by family that night, not only helped the hurt of our loss, but surprisingly started a new New Years Eve tradition.  Every year since my Grandpa's passing, we have all gotten together and brought in the New Year as a family! 

I LOVE IT!

We have the horse divers, and the cocktails (always a Manhattan in honor of my Grandpa)!  We have the lighted ball with whoever hosts the New Years Eve special now.  This year we had a little "Water Pong" in the garage...

Even the youngin's got in on it....

(No underage beverage sampling went on through out the duration of this game)

Might I also add as a side note that this retired Flippy Cup gamer, helped the girls smoke the guys in 5 rounds of Red Solo Cup Flippy Cup!  Like riding a bike - oh yeah!!

The cousins hung out...

Family enjoyed some quality time together! And my girl got to hang with some of her favorite people!!

There were even some creative wardrobe alterations....

This pic is quite scary looking, when really I knew she was back there and that de-threader was not that sharp!! LOL

And when the new year rang in, everyone celebrated....

Carly & Cayley dancing in the new year

Daddy & Daughter!

And so I like to think that this new tradition was some how one last gift from my Grandpa, to me and my family.  In his passing, we have created some great New Years Eve memories, and instead of dreading this day, I look forward to seeing everyone I love.  Of course having my Grandpa back would be the ultimate greatest New Years Eve...but this is the next best thing!  Happy 2012!