Happy "Noon Year's!"

My parents and I took Holden to the local Children's Museum for some fun activities on New Year's Eve day. They have a "noon year" celebration with a countdown at noon and also at 3pm. They also had a lot of "extras" such as face painting, a crown making station, and snacks.

We have a lady in town called "The Zoo Lady" that is a phenomenal face painter. Not only is she good, she is quick; it literally takes her a minute or less to paint. She has tons of animals to choose from. Holden has had his face painted by her numerous times, and always chooses the tiger. It must tickle; he always giggles as it is done! :) This time, she gave him a cool little tiger striped sweatband to wear, too.

My little tiger!

Next we made crowns to wear. Holden was really into this and used lots of dots!

The four of us with our New Year's crowns. :)

Holden loves visiting the museum and exploring all of his favorite areas. He looked so cute with his little tiger paint on! I love how he sticks his tongue out when he is concentrating on something.

Dad wore his crown all day and was quite the king of the museum.

My parents had some fun "play time" of their own, apparently! Can you see why Holden loves them?

Holden's buddies, Colin and Cade Cunningham, were also at the museum. Colin had the same tiger paint as Holden. :) The three of them always have fun together; and I actually got ONE shot with all three of them in it! Never an easy task.

Holden spent some time in the baby section honing his diapering and bottle feeding skills. He would pull a diaper off and announce, "This STINKS, Mommy! Let's change the baby." I think he is going to be a good little helper this spring.

Apparently Papa also decided he could use some practice! Ha! (Actually, Holden bossed him to "Change dat baby's diaper, Papa!" and we all know Papa will do pretty much anything Holden asks him to.) :)

Shortly before noon, party blowers were passed out. This was Holden's first experience with one, and he was so proud that he could do it himself. He wouldn't take it out of his mouth, even playing a little giant chess with it still blowing in and out.

At exactly noon, all three levels of the museum had "confetti cannons" that shot off! We counted down from 10 and then they blasted open. Holden jumped about a mile, but as soon as he saw all of the streamers and confetti he was positively gleeful! What a fun event!

Wishing everyone a very Happy New Year! I hope 2010 brings you joy, health, and love. We are very excited to add to our family this year!