New Years Eve

New Years Day started early with a big breakfast and lots of showers. Everyone was instructed to only pack a toothbrush, comb and a change of undies. After all we only have two Marriott rooms and 15 going into the city for the big Celebration. We gathered for prayer and schedules were passed out of the activites that would be happening during the evening. Then we loaded 15 people into a Yukon and small rental car. 10 in the Yukon, 5 in the other. After checking into the hotel and dropping our few belongings we checked out a few store windows and rode the wooden escalator at Macy's. The under 21 crowd got antsy, so headed to Times Square to get into position. The mature folks decided to get some lunch before going to stand for the night. During lunch the younger folk kept calling, telling us to get down there, the crowds were arriving and we weren't going to be in prime location. Well at 2pm we finished and headed to Times Square. The crowds were unbelievable. We couldn't even get close to the kids. We were 3 blocks from the ball and locked into position. The locals call it being caged in. After a city block fills up, they barracade the street and you can't get in. You can get out, but if you want to go get something to eat, go potty, etc. you can leave, but you can't get back. You are then required to go back farther into the streets to get into a new cage position. The wind is blowing, 20-30mph gusts, and the mercury registers 14. With the wind chill it is 1 degree and we are feeling it. We are squished from the crowd behind. This is a good thing though, because it helps to keep you warmer. We stand, Albert tries to get the crowd to do the wave, tries selling his candy bars, and everything else to entertain the crowd. AFter 3 1/2 hours of standing the ball is raised into position. The crowd goes balistic. All the mature folk at this time, not John and Joni though, decide they have had enough and head back to the hotel. John and Joni are holding out for the freebies they say they are passing out at 7pm. After 1 1/2 more hours in the biting cold, we also head back to the hotel, and by the way, no freebies for us 3 blocks away!!! Meanwhile the kids are braving it out. They can see the stage and are being entertained. But they are starving and have to go to the bathroom. I told Jamie that is why they wear depends. She said it was gross, she dehydrated herself for the event. Well around 9pm Andrew scores 2 pizzas at $20 each, but hey, he was their hero as they were starving. Mick meanwhile has decided to try and get to the kids with more clothing and blankets. He takes the Marriott card and tell the security check points that he is trying to get to the Marriott Marquee. He is let through and even had a personal officer escort right by the stage, but still could not get to the kids that were by Virgin Records. You can see the picture of the adults in the hotel, warm, cozy, and watching it on TV. At 11pm Bob, Albert, John, Brenn, Mick and Joni decide to head out, Marriott keys in hand and try to get to the ball. We got to the backside of the building that had the ball on top. At midnight, the crowd erupted, confetti (two tons) balloons and fun filled the air. It was truly an experience. I can check it off my bucket list. And we made history. It was the coldest New Years in recorded history. The parade in Pasadena, record highs at 50 degrees. Would we do it again? You bet. Only this time we will be in position at noon, coolers, blankets, chairs and games in hand. They said you couldn't bring these in, but those by the stage had them. We know the tricks now. But 2010 I will be on the parade route for the Rose Parade for the 2011 New Years event. Let me know if you are going to join the fun. It truly was an experience!!!! Thanks mick for an awesome Christmas present. You did notice that Mick was there. He has never gone to a parade, but he went with me to the ball drop. He says there are things you do for love. Love ya Mick.

Packin in the cars ready to go to NYC!!!

The HERO, Andrew for scoring some pizzas.



Yeah!!!! They had fun. jamie even got her picture and name on the big Times Square screen wishing her a Happy 21st Birthday! Check out her blog at www.jesuslovesjamie.blogspot.com

The kids with their freebies and enduring the cold.

Standing on the streets waiting for the ball to be raised.

Back to the hotel to get warm before heading out again. The adults 8, had one hotel room and the kids 6, had the other. Marriott which proved to be very helpful to have a key card. It got us back to Times Square to see the ball drop.

Check out the temp 14 with winds 20-30 mph. They are biting cold when they rip thorough the streets.

Back to the ball drop at 11pm. Notcie it says 18 here. That is in between buildings where the wind is not blowing.

Here it is, the famous New Years Ball.

2 tons of confetti being dropped on the streets of NYC. Did you go on the website and have your New Years wish printed on a confetti. I did, did I find it? What do you think?!?