And So 2017 Begins...

Happy 2017!

     New Year is the biggest holiday here, and it's a tradition for almost everyone to enjoy the ice slides downtown and enjoy the beauty of the ice sculptures.  Bruce invited us for sliding, hot chocolate, and treats soon before the turn of the new year.

Ike is right behind Leif 

The sculptures are always so amazing!

Ella in the Ice Maze

Mama and Ike (we're on little sleds)

We all enjoyed warming up and playing at Bruce's

     Then on New Year's Eve we invited guests for our tradition of fondue.  Our whole family prepared together.

Our neighbor came for a short time.

We feasted...

...and played games (the kids all played together in their rooms)...

... went outside for a bit...

... and set off a couple of small fireworks and had sparklers.

     Then at midnight we watched everyone from the neighborhood set off fireworks.  There was quite a show!

     The Brubachers went home soon after midnight, but the Giura's slept over and we had breakfast together.

It's so fun to enjoy these special friends and this special holiday!