Hello, 2013!

We said goodbye to 2012 in a fairly quiet fashion, as has been the case the last few years. I've never been a huge NYE gal, and having kiddos has made me even less likely to make a bit deal out of the holiday. This year we were extended an invitation to celebrate at our friends' house, but since Brett was on call, it made more sense for us to just stay at home. We convinced Kacia, Andy, and Harlow to come hang with us, knowing that their presence would guarantee a super fun night!

After waking from their afternoon naps, the boys were on pins and needles waiting for the Hosmers to arrive. They got here about 6:00, and we happily dug right into the southwestern chicken soup I had made for our dinner. We were so busy eating and chatting most of the evening that I didn't get to many pictures, except for a couple of Miss H and Mr. P...

Porter gave up his high chair for Harlow. Such a gentleman. :)

Making beautiful music together.

There will come a day when their parents won't be too keen on the idea of them crawling into a tent alone together! ;)

Around 7:15, it was becoming very clear that bedtime was approaching for the younger members of our crew. Now, you know I couldn't let New Year's Eve end without getting one final picture of my trio:

1 Braly baby wasn't ready to say goodnight to 2012.

Homegirl jumped in for moral support.

I think Harlow needs a baby bro or sis to fill that empty spot beside her!

Though Malone made quite a fuss during our group photo, once she had a tummy full of milk and her silky jammies on, she was happy as a clam.

"Just foolin', Mommy!"

"Can I please stay up to watch the ball drop?"

By shortly after 8:00, all of the kidlets were tucked into bed, and we adults got to kick back, drink vino, eat brownies, and conduct very scientific Candy Cane Joe-Joe's taste tests. Oh -- and watch the season 7 premiere of Dexter! (Yes, we realize we're more than a little behind.) Between taking breaks to let the episode load on the computer, stuff our faces, and gab, it took awhile for us to finish. Since my hubby has to be up at 4:45 to get to work in the morning, our wild party ended a little after 10:00. Even though we didn't technically ring in 2013 together, we're so grateful to have spent our last night of the year with some of our most awesome amigos. Kacia, Andy, and Harlow -- we love you!

Of course, long after everyone else was asleep, I caught a second wind and stayed up to load pictures and whip up this blog post (which I might will probably regret in a few hours when my alarm goes off...) :)

It's been a pretty fantastic year for the Bralys, to say the least. We feel so honored to have had the privilege of watching our handsome sons grow, and welcoming a perfect, precious daughter to our family was without a doubt the highlight of 2012. We have some big changes and decisions awaiting us in 2013, and we anxiously await what the Lord has in store as we start an exciting new chapter in our lives! He is always good and always faithful. 

May God bless you and your families this coming year!