New Year's Eve 2007
Last year was up in Tahoe, then previous years were the more convenient locations. This year is back to the more convenient locations, too-- back to Mike/Chris/Henry's place.
First, out with the Hacketts. Dave and Alan's dad was down visiting, so we went to Malibu, then to The Counter for luch. Mmmm, burgers...
Dinner at Maria's Italian Kitchen, then off to the party... Maria's Italian Kitchen is pretty good if you're just ordering the basics. Don't get fancy there, pretty good nosedives quickly into mediocre...
Pretty standard party for New Year's Eve. Which is a good thing, actually... *grins* Although it's one of the last ones, since Mike and Emily are engaged, Chris and Bettina are now engaged, and Henry's on his way too. Looks like we may have to find a new place to party next year?
Wisely, Texas Hold'em was omitted this year, or else many of us would have disappeared behind the poker table for a while, which is not good. Met quite a few new people, Chris and Mike's friends, plus a lot of old friends were there. Henry's cousin (I forget her name) made enough noise for a dozen people, partially caused by whatever card game they had going in the back (slapjack?). We were generously stocked by our hosts with the usual party poppers and noisemakers for the traditional New Year's confetti and champange, which was fun. :D And deafening, since people were already loud even without them. Eeep.
Topped off the night by Bettina hitting her fiance in the face with a plate of whipped cream. My camera position was a little too close, and it wasn't helped by one of Chris' friends unloading the canister of whipped cream on him barely a minute later as revenge for some past whipped cream incident or something. I think I heard the details, I'm just involuntarily blocking them from my mind!
Mike did an excellent job mixing drinks, and the night closed with jenga and ice cream. Served separately.
Wandering Malibu
New Year's Eve Party
