Happy New Year, Gobble Gobble

We had a party at 2042 last night to ring in the New Year. It was more of a farewell to 2007 since everyone left well before midnight, but it was fun nonetheless.

While we were getting ready for the the party, Jonathan and I did our best to explain New Year's to Gus. We explained that it was holiday and we practiced counting down, and yelling "Happy New Year!" Gus seemed to get it and when Jonathan took Gus to 7-11 to get ice he even wished a few people "Happy New Year."

I did not take many photos at the party. I was a bit overwhelmed by all the babies crying and having my kitchen on a different floor than my guests (first party in the new house). But here are a few:

Gus

Gus and Linh

Gus and Sophie. Gus's party antics did not go over as well with her.


Baby New Year? No, Nathan, with Jannie and a little bit of Tom, Todd, and Beth

We used the chicken coo coo clock to count down to 2008 several times for the kiddies. I passed out noise makers and hats and necklaces but the kids were most into the clucking chicken.

photo

Sophie, the most reserved toddler in then bunch, went running into the playroom yelling "chicken, chicken" when I suggested we do another countdown. Gus yelled "gobble, gobble." He has been a little confused about chickens and turkeys lately.

Party Guests:
Linh, Dennis & Sophie
Nikki, Chris, Zach & Ellie
Joanne, Alex & Lucy
Beth, Tom & Nathan
Jannie, Todd & Tobin

Gus woke up this morning, still in the mood to party.


We asked him about the party, who was there, what we did, and he had appropriate answers. Then Jonathan started a countdown. 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 . . .

"Trick or Treat! Happy Chanukah!" Gus yelled. So he doesn't get New Year's but he does understand that it is a holiday.

After a News Years day photo . . .


we headed out to the Mummers Parade. Gus was very excited for the parade and told us "Gus ride on the horsey." Unfortunately, the Mummers Parade is not that kind of parade. My understanding of it is that it is a Philly phenomenon, where "clubs" of very drunk guys get dressed up in matching costumes and march up Broad Street. There are string bands, and clowns and Fancies and Fancy brigades (don't know what those are exactly). Most of the attendees are very drunk, too. It is rather crazy and pretty fun. If you are interested in a more accurate description of the Mummers Parade link to the Mummers Parade website. And here are some pictures from the parade:

I think these are Fancies. They were definitely drunk.

Also Fancies? Also drunk.

Theo and Amy trying to figure it out.

Poor Gus slept until we went to Starbucks to warm up with some hot chocolate. Gus had his first hot cocoa and then saw a little of the parade before we had to head home to feed Theo.

"Butterfly" according to Gus. Now this is Fancy!

Even kids can be Mummuers.

"More butterflies."

That elephant looks like he is from India. Wonder how Grandma and PopPop are doing? Happy New Year, world travelers!