12.31.2008: New Years Eve

For New Years Eve, we kept it pretty mellow as usual. Vince, Drake and I headed over to Brent and Alisa's for some delicious New Year's dinner, wine, and Dick Clark's "Rocking NY Eve". While we sipped on Almond Champ and watched the NYC version of the countdown (knowing we wouldn't make it to our own west coast version), the kids hung out upstairs practicing for their first gig. That would be Andrew and Drake on keyboard and guitar...alternating depending on the song...and Nana on pots (aka drums). We are still working on a name, but they are getting their moves down pretty well!!!

12.30.2008: Pre-New Years Eve

After getting back from CA, Vince and I decided to go have a few drinks and listen to some music at the Hyatt Gainey. This used to be our favorite spot to go hang out and hear some live music, but because we have been so busy lately, we haven't had a chance to take time for ourselves and go. So, we spent a little Pre-New Years evening relaxing and sitting out by the fire. It was nice to relax and enjoy some quiet time after a busy and fun Christmas!!

12.28.2008: Broncos @ Chargers...AFC West Championship

On Sunday, 14 of us went out to the Charger game vs the Denver Broncos. This game was for the AFC West Championship. Broncos and Chargers had the same record going into this game...winner goes to the playoffs and clinches the AFC West. So, what started as a meaning nothing game when Mom and Dad got the tickets earlier in the season...ended up being the most important and sought after game of the year!!

Morning of the game, we shook off our hangovers from the night before andwe were all set to go! We had the trucks packed down for tailgate mania. When we got to the game, the lines for the parking lot were backed up down the freeway. Trying to get to our coveted spot, we made a detour trying to get into the stadium quicker. The plan back-fired on us and we ended up on the complete opposite end of the stadium, and separate from each other. After spending 4 hours in the car, we missed our tailgate extravaganza...and endless opportunities for pictures by me! :( Needless to say, we were all a little bitter and had to have a few drinks to catch up fast....trying to get in a good mood before heading into the stadium! After we got in, we quickly forgot about the parking lot disaster and had a blast! The game was great....because we took the lead early and kept it thru the game. The Chargers played like a playoff bound team!

Since there was a big group of us, we sat kinda scattered but in the same general area. Nana slept most of the beginning of the game...aren't kids amazing! Andrew slept most of the second half. Drake watched intently and decided that he was faster than LT....not hard to beat these days! So, it got him pumped to play football again...which of course we love!!

To top off the game, afterwards when the players go back into the tunnel, one of the Chargers came up and gave Drake both of his gloves. If you know Mom and Dad's seats, they are right above the opponent's tunnel....so Chargers rarely come over to that side. We were pretty lucky! Anthony Waters, a linebacker, picked out Drake from way out in the field...and came right up to hand over his gloves. So exciting for a little guy!!!! :)

12.28.2008: After Party Karaoke Party

OOOHHHH, what ridiculous things alcohol makes you do!!!! That pretty much sums up the night....

Alcohol, singing, and dancing never go well together....although some would argue that they go perfect together! However, it always holds true that some singing should not be heard without alcohol!! ;) We will not mention any names! Haha!!

The night started very innocently with a little karaoke by those who really do it best BUT as the night went on, the mic pretty much transfered to all, no matter the singing talents! Which, by the way, is why karaoke is so much fun! The kids hung as long as they could...both singing and dancing! Riley even got out there a bit to dance! What a cutie!!

To say we had a BLAST that night is an understatement at best! It was one of those times, that can rarely be recreated. So for those of you that missed out, I AM SORRY! Jason & Kerry were there via phone call for the first song or so...which was Brent on the phone in the first pic. Wish you all coulda been there!! Please look at the pictures for just a glimpse into the fun that was had. Here are some posted in this blog, some might need explanation, but just use your imagination!!! But the rest, which I HIGHLY encourage you to check out are here at this link: All the Karaoke Pics

Oh, and hit play down below and see a little video of the evening. Kenny and Scottie do a mean "Tim McGraw" by Taylor Swift ;)

12.27.2008: Durbin Family & Friends Christmas Party

Saturday evening, a large group of family & friends gathered at Mom & Dad's house for a holiday Christmas party. Good food, good drinks, good friends, good times!!

Of course there was food - lots of it....Almond Champagne - lots of it...other wonderful alcohols - lots of that too....and a whole host of other delicious things. The kids ran up and down the hallway screaming....which kept them entertained for quite a while and also wore them out...which I am sure parents appreciated for the good night's rest! The older kids played pool. The adults gathered around and chit-chatted most of the evening. It was so much fun and I am really glad so many people were able to come!! It just wouldn't be the same without you all!!

I took TONS of pics throughout the night....with some help from my trusty sidekick, Vince...that is when he wasn't busy refilling glasses of champagne!! Which he was most of the night!! Always a good sign when at the end of the night there are more empty bottles than you thought you started with! ;)

Anyways, back to the pics...I am still working on getting them up on Kodak...there will be a link to these and the Karaoke pics in the next post!! Check back soon for those!! :)