2017 Countdown Party

My brother in heaven used to be my sidekick, he was my Robin to my Batman or Pinky to my Brain, or Watson to my Sherlock… Or perhaps more appropriately Ethel to my Lucy because our best moments would always begin with one of my crazy ideas that together we would see to fruition.  One of our best moments was putting up lights for Christmas.  During those years I think our home could be seen from outer space because if I suggested making a tree out of lights on our roof, he would suggest also adding a Santa entering the chimney.  When he passed, for years I felt like half of me was missing because I had no one to join me in creative mischief (my other siblings being way more sensible)… Fast forward to New Year’s Eve 2016, when I realized that God had sent me a new sidekick one who loves getting into all kinds of trouble.  He might be the Lone Ranger to my Tonto! (SMILE GRANDE)  Don’t get me wrong my family tries to play along with the things I suggest, and I love them for it.  This New Year’s Eve when I suggested having a countdown party they were all game- even when at the last minute I added “pajama party”; but, by ten all the adults were ready for bed. Except, for one charismatic ten-year-old who said no to bed until the last bag was opened.  That level of commitment is what I had been missing and on the last day of 2016 I realized I had found. Yep, I have found my Clyde to my Bonnie (SMILE).

We went to the 5PM Mass and then had a pozole dinner at 6PM before we changed into pj's for our countdown party. Dad had the flu so he was the first to go to bed.  At seven the rest of us played bingo.  It was a little bit of gambling because we did bet a quarter a game (yikes).

 At 8PM I provided a three film selection, my nephew decided on "Storks" and in Spanish we watched the cartoon. There was popcorn and treats, so it was the full movie experience.   

At 930PM, after the film ended we posed for pictures with NYE props.  I created a background for our pictures and they turned out super cool.  My mom couldn't stop laughing and the rest of the gang would have no part since they lack silly bones (LOL). 

At 10PM everyone announced that they were going to bed, what party poopers.  

This is when my nephew said he was staying up until midnight with his loca auntie. So, we painted and then played a truth or dare game of Jenga.       

At 11PM we had a silly string fight, my nephew won. Then we got our noise makers and confetti poppers ready for the countdown on TV.   

Happy 2017! At 12AM with kisses and apple cider we toasted to the New Year.  It was the first time my nephew got to drink out of a wine glass so he felt quite grown up.  But to remind me that he's really just a kid, he said it was time to eat the gingerbread house he made earlier in the week.

My dog also made it to midnight, but I could see the relief as we headed to bed.  I had the best time.  This might be a new tradition in the making for this dynamic duo.  How was your celebration?