We had a wonderful New Year’s celebration in Condo Town over the weekend. It was the third time we’ve rung in the New Year at the condo and it just gets more enjoyable each time. I have a handful of funny stories and photos to share from our trip, but first I want to revisit the gingerbread house we made this year.



At some point while building and decorating the house, it was decided that the boys would be allowed to blow it up after the holidays. There was some discussion about putting it in the microwave but that plan fell through. We don’t actually have a microwave and I made it very clear that we would not be buying some thrift store reject for the sole purpose of blowing up food items with our five-year-olds.

After we arrived at the condo, there was also a short-lived plan that Dylan would swing by our place, pick up the gingerbread house, gather up some fireworks and bring it all to Ketchum with him on New Year's Eve. I was not overly enthusiastic about this plan either. I found the possibility of damaging property while in Condo Town concerning and was thankful when Dylan decided to forgo his plan after spending too much of his afternoon at Costco.

But alas, I could not prevent the eventual demolition of the gingerbread house and on Monday night Jack and Dylan showed up with the fireworks. Much to the delight of all the boys, big and small, that gingerbread house didn't stand a chance!

First, Stephen crafted an opening for the fireworks and then he and Dylan loaded it up with lots of things that made noise.



Second, we blew it up. And because blowing stuff up is such fun, there was much turn-taking and reloading of the gingerbread house with more fireworks (Henry and Wyatt excluded, of course).



I was expecting some crazy explosion and was happy to be disappointed by the show (although Henry and Wyatt were thrilled). These types of activities are a challenge for me as a mother. I worry too much about...umm...everything.



Even though I was hesitant about blasting the gingerbread house to smithereens, I have to admit it was fun. And I can't think of a better way to symbolize out with the old and in with the new than blowing some shit up!

Hello 2012!