Happy New Year!

My, wasn't 2012 a whirlwind?  It ended on a good note (despite the rain and coldness of the day); we put the girls to bed, made an impromptu batch of chocolate chip cookies, and watched movies on HBO.  And, thanks to some people in our neighborhood, we watched live fireworks from the comfort of our own couch.

 

Matt and Hazel get in some last minute 2012 snuggles.

Last 2012 pic of the Abs!

 Some final exercise at the end of the year...

Zonked Abs.  Too much NYE partying.

...And a zonked Hazelbear.

As a thoughtful New Year's gift to us, Hazel and Abby slept in until 8:30 am.  And, in what is probably a surprising twist to some, we did *not* watch any football today - none of the games seemed compelling, and we have more fun playing with the girls anyway (yup, we've turned into *those* people).  :)

Yes.  We're playing with toys in 2013.  What else did you expect?

 Bear and Abs closeups.  I don't think they really got into the whole "it's a new year!" thing.

Abs:  "No more pictures"; Hazel gives us a profile shot.

To our friends and family, thank you so much for your presence in our lives, especially during hardships of the past year.  We appreciate all of your thoughts, prayers, words of encouragement, meals, jokes, advice, love, and support.  And we are thankful to introduce the girls to a world with YOU.

Another fresh new year is here . . .
Another year to live!
To banish worry, doubt, and fear,
To love and laugh and give!

This bright new year is given me
To live each day with zest . . .
To daily grow and try to be
My highest and my best!

I have the opportunity

Once more to right some wrongs,

To pray for peace, to plant a tree,

And sing more joyful songs!

-William Arthur Ward

I'm not one who usually does a New Year's resolution, but I liked the sound of this one:
To tolerate fools more gladly, provided this does not encourage them to take up more of my time. - James Agate

Happy New Year 2013!  May it be the best year yet!