New Years Eve 2012

On Pinterest...(there's that phrase again) I saw this idea for New Years Eve for little kids. A balloon with each hour labeled on it and inside is an activity to do. It helps the kids keep track of the time instead of asking is it time yet, and makes the night more fun over all.  We started at 5p and went til 8p. (There was no way I was going to entertain them til Midnight.)

Jason and Kari came to visit and it was great to celebrate with them. And we started a new tradition. For New Years Eve we BBQ a london broil and get a little of that summer flare in the middle of the winter. It was a little tricky; Jon said every time he opened the lid to check the meat, he'd loose 50 degrees on the grill.

The 5p activity was playing in the snow. Make a snowball, having a snowball fight, make snow angels.  It was a little tough because it was so cold, the snow wouldn't stick together.

Halle opens 6p

Play a game. Zac got the game headbandz for Christmas. Its a great game; its easy for kids and not to painful for adults! :)

Max had 7p

Make cookies. This was cook mix in a mason jar. A neighbor gift that made it really easy on me! :)

8:00p The "New Year" is finally here!

Then we found a count down video on youtube. This was from London. They had a huge show! The fireworks were endless! Zac liked how he could see Big Ben. (Later we realized it was the 2012 show...not 2013. Oh well, it served its purpose.) Then we toasted with sparkling red grape juice to the New Year.

We put the boys to bed, then us ladies fought to stay awake til Midnight, while Jon and Jason played a Forza 4 on the Xbox.  

New Years is a dumb holiday for sober parents with young children.... Any other ideas to make it fun?