We kept with tradition this year and rang in the new year with the Goldings at their house. The kids gathered around the table for dinner. Despite the frowns on the youngest children’s faces, they had a blast. Really.

Ruthie enjoyed some good ‘ol female bonding.

While the adults took on one another in Wii (photos not included to protect the modest), the kiddos decorated gingerbread houses.

We got a chuckle out of the fact that the two oldest children had total control over the frosting and how the candies were placed on the houses.

After being told where to put which candy, the little guys began complaining that they were bored.

But all was forgiven in the end when they all noshed on sugar-laden gingerbread together.

When it was time to go home, we were all excited about the fact that we just celebrated the coming of a new year.