Our celebration was quiet. Paul & Nicole came over (partly so they're 2 hours closer to Florida, where they are going for a week's vacation today) and we played with Roman in the afternoon, had steaks for dinner, and after Roman went to bed we played a board game called Settlers. We decided to be daring and try the Seafarers expansion pack with it. Doug won the first game, Nicole the second. Then a round of euchre to kill time before we headed downstairs.

Around 11:15pm (and after Roman woke once) we trooped downstairs to watch the traditional ABC New Year's Rockin' Eve with Dick Clark and Ryan Seacrest. It was comforting to have Dick back on the air; he did not sound clear a few times, but I had heard earlier that he practiced very hard with his speech so he could do the New Year's broadcast. Yay for Dick Clark!

Roman awoke again at 11:55pm, apparently not wanting to sleep through midnight. We sampled the Italian champagne we received as a gift for Christmas. It was pronounced very good, more sweet than bubbly. Then we all immediately headed to bed, Doug to soothe Roman first.

The morning brought Roman waking the household at 7:15am with a bright and chipper "I awake!" Paul and Nic are on their way to Florida, and we're sitting around until it's time to get ready for church.

Here's to a happy New Year!