Explosive celebrations

I can't believe I have not yet posted my awesome New Year's celebration. How many months has it been? Six!? I guess it's time.

My parents were still here, and we celebrated with our neighbors and with Mary Anne and Dusty's clan. Someone had the amazingly brilliant idea to light up the fire pits to stay warm. It made a huge difference on this cold night:

Mom and Dad were trying to stay warm while they waited for the fun to start:

The girls found a good way to stay warm while preparing to watch the fireworks:

I tried to warn my parents that there is no way to prepare themselves for the awesomeness that is New Year's Eve in Germany. Dad got his camera out and ready nonetheless:

The men got ready for midnight to strike...

...and boy did it strike!

There were fireworks going off in every direction. There was nowhere to turn for safety. Mom finally figured out what I was talking about. I don't have pictures of the super close fireworks because Mom was more fun to photograph than the fireworks:

TJ even got a turn to light some fireworks:

David, on the other hand, had no desire to be a part of it. He stayed inside and watched a movie with his buddy Canon (although Canon found his way outside eventually):

Mary Anne with her boys:

The fireworks went on and on and on. They were so loud and so fun. And they were exploding from every yard in the city it seemed.

Oh, and I got my kiss at midnight. I missed it last year since Erick was in Afghanistan, so this kiss made my heart extra happy:

And another one for good measure...

The kids on the block. I love these kids:

This last photo I stole from Mary Anne's blog. It shows the whole neighborhood. I'm sure going to miss this gang when New Year's rolls around next year... I love you guys!