Happy New Year!

We had a wonderful New Year after a great 2009. With some very iffy weather predicted for the rest of the Christmas break, we decided to head to Old Sturbridge Village on New Year's Day to begin taking advantage of our new membership, courtesy of Uncle Brian, Aunt Meg, and Cousin Henry. And, we were glad that we did. With the cold, snow, and wind the rest of the break, we were hardly able to leave the house. New Year's Day itself was relatively mild with some light flurries to make the scenery at Old Sturbridge Village even more beautiful.

We had a great time at this living history museum. There were very few people there on the holiday, but plenty of "actors" and demonstrations going on. We took a horse-drawn sleigh ride, watched candles being dipped and tin utensils being made, chatted with the minister, and sampled some fruit cake and freshly roasted chestnuts from an open fire. Evan just loved being able to go into all of the old houses and structures and seeing "pilgrims" about. Liam also enjoyed the displays, but he was most impressed with the quality of the snow to eat.

We even got out on New Year's Eve with the Brothers YZ, Nana and Grampa. We had an early dinner at the Texas Roadhouse where Evan insisted on wearing his cowboy hat from Grammy and Grampy--perfect for a ride on a saddle and Liam at his weight in peanuts--and still had room for his entire dinner. We finished dinner in time to catch some of the early fireworks show at Worcester's First Night. It was Liam's first time seeing fireworks live, and he was most impressed by the "sprinkles in the sky."

I'm looking forward to more fun adventures with the Brothers YZ in 2010. There's nothing better than experiencing the world with them and through their eyes. I'm one lucky mother!

In the spirit of the new year and to capture Liam's emerging vocabulary and humor, I am starting a new list, Favorite Liamisms. His first one that I was fortunate enough to capture is a good one. A few days after Christmas, he was wearing a pair of jeans that wouldn't stay buttoned or zipped. He told me, "My belly is too fluffy for these pants." Don't we all feel that way after Christmas?