Nancy and I hosted a New Year's Eve party with a Madi Gras Theme at our house

    Nancy the Brat Queen!
Nancy cooks up genuine Wisconsin bratwurst for the party

    Nancy's King Cake
We did not have the traditional baby or gold prizes.  Instead we had a lion (You'll be the king of 2001), an anteater (little things won't get you down in 2001), and an alligator (new shoes for you in 2001).

    Todd the millionaire maker
We played "Who Wants to be a Millionaire," with a grand prize for whoever answered a million dollar question first.  Todd acted as the quiz master.

    Jefferson ponders...
Jefferson, at the $200 question, thinks about using a lifeline.

    Kristina misses a "Kennedy" question!
Our favorite Boston native missed on a question where the answer was "John F. Kennedy," the patron saint of Massachusetts.

    Nick Chinn, the Winner!
Nick answered the million dollar question and won the giant 2001 commemorative bottle of Cook's Champagne.

    On the couch...
We see Julie So, Raymond Loui and his wife Paula

    Later...
Once Nancy's mom found out that Raymond and Paula live just around the corner from her, a big discussion about real estate, housing prices, and the neighborhood ensued.

    Milo, Nancy, and Julie
Steve Miley, Nancy, and Julie So in a discussion.

    Raymond and the Cats
Raymond takes some time out to play with Felix and Oscar

    Carlos and Oscar
Carlos tried to get Oscar to come over, but Oscar is a bit shy and very wily.

    The Hats!
Nancy and her mother in their bright, feathered tiaras

    Jefferson's hat
Jefferson attached a flashing red light to his fireman's hat

    The Light Moves
Then Jefferson decided that the light belonged on Steve's hat

    Milo and Chi
Steve gets ready to set off an explosive while Chi looks on with some skepticism

    Milo Fires!
You can see Steve's hands and the confetti flying from the explosive launcher as Raymond and Paula look on

    Happy New Year!
Everybody at the magic hour!

    Boom!
More confetti in flight