Cheers to the New Year

"We'll take a cup o' kindness yet, for auld lang syne."

Does anyone even really know what that song means? I didn't, so I took it upon myself to find out. 

Auld Lang Syne is traditionally sung at the stroke of midnight each New Year's Eve. The lyrics refer to raising a glass for good will, friendship, and kind regards as we celebrate a happy New Year. The Scottish "auld lang syne" can technically be translated into standard English as "old long since," or "long long ago," "days gone by," or "old times."

So farewell to the old days, my friends, and cheers to a happy New Year!

We don't typically get to celebrate Christmas with my sister Nichole's family, but this year our schedules magically worked out so that we could spend New Year's together. I absolutely love any opportunity to get Ryder together with his cousins, and spending time with my sister is one of my favorite things ever, so this was definitely a fantastic way to ring in the New Year.

And because we hadn't exchanged gifts yet, it was like Christmas all over again!

The kiddos were super stoked.

Unfortunately, Stew had to work New Year's Eve, but Ryder and I arrived at my parents' house with a few hours to spare before the ball dropped. After opening all our presents, we made s'mores and the kids had a parade until they totally exhausted themselves into sugar comas.

And miracle of miracles, the adults all somehow stayed awake until midnight to ring in the new year.

New Year's day was so much fun. We just hung out, ate yummy food, hung around and played games. Well, some of us did. It's pretty hard to stay awake and have fun when you stayed up past midnight the night before, you guys!!

"We'll take a cup o' kindness yet, for auld lang syne."