new years in the city

this year was the first time that instead of getting a babysitter and partying to celebrate new years (or staying home and having an early night like i did when j was 3 weeks old) that we went out with the kid and introduced him to the weird world of 'ringing in the new year'. we didn't actually stay out until midnight, we were home by 11.30 but j was kinda amazed by it all and had a great time. he went home happy and exhausted and funnily enough, we did too. it was kinda strange and wonderful to realise that the kid friendly, home before the party really starts, cheesy and clean fun night was totally perfect. i wouldn't have had it any other way.

see; totally amazed. he didn't want to leave, despite the crowds and being tired and hungry.

a street performer doing fancy things with fire. i had actually seen this guy on the streets of wellington a few times before so his routine was kinda old to me, but he was definitely the best of the performers we saw and j thought he was super impressive.

the countdown clock that was projected onto the outside of te papa museum. i thought this was pretty damn cool but it turns out that no one could actually tell when the countdown was happening by watching this clock so the actual 10, 9, 8... was kinda lame and haphazard. either way we had loads of fun and j was totally blown away by the whole thing. he kept asking questions like "but why do people make all of this happen, what's it for?" and "how come those loud people are walking funny?" awesome. he now understands all about celebrating the beginning of a new year and also drunkenness. kids just never stop learning.