Irish New Year

This year we did something a little different for New Years Eve.  Some friends of ours invited us to join them at an Irish Pub where they ring in the Irish New Year at 6PM.  They encourage families to come and have a lively Irish band playing, noise makers, hats, balloons, etc.  It was wall-to-wall people.  I kept hoping Talan would give us plenty of notice if he needed a bathroom knowing it would take a while to get through the crowd to get him there. 

Talan and I got our groove on!  He was jamming out to the music and loving every second. 

 

Because we got such an early start and because we have all stayed up so late throughout the winter break we were exhausted.  The kids and I were in bed by 10 and Kevin wasn't far behind us.  Although he did make it to midnight. 

 

The next morning we got to work on our traditional New Years Day meal.  It takes us most of the day but it's so worth it.  In addition to black eyed peas we make my Grandpa Boudreaux's hot tamales and my Great Mama Thompson's cabbage rolls.  This year Reese got in on the prep work.

 

In years past the kids have turned their noses up at just about everything on our new years day menu. This year, however, Reese couldn't get enough of dinner. She was digging the cabbage rolls but really couldn't get enough of the tamales....dosed in a ton of hot sauce.

We always freeze leftovers and have it again mid-year.  Not sure we'll get to far this year.  I know she'll be all over the tamales before we know it.  Makes me proud and I know my Grandpa is up there fist pumping, so proud of his little baby girl with Cajun roots!

I'm always excited for a new year to start because with it brings new beginnings.  I love a fresh start.  My wishes for this year are good health, blessings of peace, love, and happiness, more time with family and friends.....and no broken bones!  Here's to bigger and better in 2013.