Happy New Year!

So...really, don't you think a badger would be way tougher than a "horned frog?" Come on! We were excited here in Wisconsin because our Badgers were playing in the Rosebowl today...the outcome wasn't too pretty though...

So, on New Year's Eve, Doug and I had a party to go to. We were excited to spend a few hours with grown ups and enjoyed having a little "date." One of our biggest blessings is our sweet Alyssa. It is so handy to have a babysitter in the house! She was left with the little ones. We promised that we would be home before "the ball" dropped. We usually celebrate with the kids and let them stay up as late as they can...little did we know that Grace would be so good at staying up late!

Alyssa took a few pictures of the kids night without us...I guess Grace decided she needed her brother's new shoes to complete her pj outfit.

We let the kids get really good junk food on New Year's Eve. Drew decided to show Grace the art of eating squeeze cheese.

Grace is a fast learner. Looks like the kids had some fun without us.

We made it home before the "ball dropped" and were able to share a glass of sparkling grape juice with the kids.

Happy first New Year in America Grace!

We thought it would be fun to have some friends over for the big game. Here is a rare picture of me with the boys...Go Bucky!

All of the boys watching the game -

A few Badger fans making beaded necklaces instead of watching the game...

I told you she likes to sneak blue eye shadow on!!!

If you have a little girl and are looking for a really fun toy that even makes big girls happy, check these out! They are so cool. They just pop together and can be made into necklaces, bracelets, and even rings.

Our menu consisted of all Wisconsin fan favorites. We tried to stick with the Wisconsin theme and had grilled brats, dip with beer bread, cheesy potatoes, lots of Badger desserts and I tried a new recipe that we loved...homemade macaroni and cheese made with a bottle of beer in the cheese sauce and topped with more cheese and crushed pretzels. It was really good! Let me know if you need this crazy recipe. It has to be a Wisconsin thing...I doubt you will find it anywhere else :)

So, now that all the partying is over, it's time to face reality...the tree must come down. Check out this sad tree...we are losing needles by the pound. Tomorrow will be the end of the holiday season for us. We'll take down the tree and eat the gingerbread house.

Hope you have an amazing 2011- I can't wait to follow along as many of you continue on your adoption journeys or experience 2011 with your newly adopted sweeties.

Happy New Year!!!