Ringing In the New Year

We spent New Year's Eve at a local hotel that has an indoor pool.
As a gift to the kids, I found some swim gear on clearance back in September. I picked it up, put it away, and we planned to take the kids someplace where they could swim during the winter months. The hotel stay ended up being a part of their Christmas gift.
We decided a local hotel would work and New Year's Eve would be a good time. We invited our friends to join us for some swimming on Friday evening. I was too busy enjoying my chat with Lisa to take any pictures of Grace swimming with the kids, though.
After swimming for a few hours, we headed up to our room to dry off and get some dinner. The kids got McDonald's happy meals--a treat! (I always make them order from the dollar menu.) Then Joel and I picked up some take-out meals from a nearby restaurant.
The kids watched Toy Story 3 after scarfing down their dinner while Joel and I enjoyed a little "date" on the couch in the suite eating our meal. We also played a new game we got called Qwirkle. It's neat!
We brought along a treat--Poppycock and sparkling apple cider. Then, we tucked in for the night. No midnight hooplah for us. (Our kids started saying "Oh poppycock" after they watched Cinderella 3. I explained that there's a yummy popcorn treat called Poppycock. I found some on clearance after Christmas and just had to get it for them to enjoy. It was a hit!)
The next morning we enjoyed the free hot breakfast. Our kids think it's the greatest! Simple things, I tell you, simplest of things. We headed down to swim for another hour or so and then cleaned up to head home.


Now, here's a warning. I debated on whether or not to post this picture. But, as a gracious gift to all those women out there who are afraid to let their not-so-great, too plump, very pale legs show...here's me in my maternity swimsuit! It's the only picture of me from the weekend. We will be adding a new addition to our family in this first month of the new year. If not for the million other things we are grateful for, that's a good reason to celebrate!