New years eve...

For the last several several years, we have been staying home for the New Years Eve. This year though, Cem was on a mission. He wanted to go out... With no kids...
The idea sounded great and the timing was not too bad since my mom was in town. We found a deal at Four Seasons where we could go to the "New Years Ball" and spend the night there too.
Our friends needed some convincing but at the end, we persevered. It was great to enjoy the night and sleep in, in a beautiful hotel. We headed home after breakfast. It was a night to remember...

We started taking pictures in our room...

The girls...

And boys...

Dinner was amazing...
The salad...

What is left off the main course. No before pictures...

And dessert buffet... Yum yum yum...

Beginning of a new year...

I have a lot of plans for 2011...

I am starting to work part time as of January 1st. I am really excited about it. I will still be able to do the job that I love and will be able to spend much more time with my family.

When I talked to our babysitter about this plan, I found out that she was not going to be able to work for us this semester because of her school schedule. I was feeling bad about letting her go in the middle of the year but I am glad it all worked out.

As I tell the kids, I am the new babysitter...

I have spent some time over the holidays to get organized and work out the details about how my work/home tasks was going to work out...

Even though I am the organizer in our home, I realized I do not know some of the details about the exact times of the activities, what to take with me every day, etc.

Today is the first day of school... Here I come...

Happy new year...

You might wonder what this picture is all about. We were invited to a costume party for the New Years and we had a blast. Dressing up for the New Year is a European thing, it is a big celebration. Lots of music, wine, good food, and great company. We had great time. It was also great for the kids to see the parents all dressed up and having fun.

Tomorrow is Monday and it is back to work. It is going to be hard to get back to it after spending so much wonderful time with the kids.

Have a healthy and joyful 2010...