our new years eve was spent with long time friends, nine children running like banshees, games, videos, pizza and goodies.  but before the clock could strike the kids melted down, who could blame them? it was hours after their bedtime.  we loaded them up and began the trip home.  our friend teased, "you know that whatever you're doing at the stroke of midnight is what you'll be doing all year long!" i grimaced as i realized that we'd still be driving home.  we came down off the point and into our valley to see the entire place illuminated. at 12 am, from mountain range to mountain range there were hundreds of families lighting off fireworks from their homes; making for one giant, flurry of color for us to witness.

oh yeah, i can feel it. this year's gonna be a great year.