So here's the short of it, 
Today was an awesome way to start the New Year!

And here's the long.

Liga and Valdis gave us a coupon for a prepared dinner for our Christmas/Hannukah gift this year.  Tonight was the night!

We had the two youngest in the house keeping the kitchen lively while Alan and I sat and visited with MaMa and Mommy Anne in the living room.  Sophie and Lola kept us company!

The menu was salmon, asparagus, wild and long grain rice (ala Uncle Ben), and spinach salad with raspberry dressing. Brownies and ice cream was dessert!

It's really nice to have grown up competent, capable children to share a lovely evening with.
And what better way to spend the very first day of the year!