Sunday, January 2, 2011

Party Like it's a Russian New Year



Happy New Year!! 

Okay, so I'm a little late but for good reason.  

This past weekend, we spent the New Years holiday with Toly's cousins and extended family in Cleveland, Oh. 

Toly's family celebrates New Years like we would celebrate Christmas.  In Russia, the most widely anticipated and biggest holiday is the New Year, thus they hold off on the parties, presents, and get togethers until December 31st.   It may seem unconventional but trust me, their celebrations put any party we have to shame.  

I had to work on New Years eve for a few hours.  I was in super early which meant a quick breakfast. 

 2 Vans's Whole Wheat Waffles, Pumpkin Yogurt, Banana, Blackberries, Granola, Maple Agave


Surprisingly, this is a "quick" breakfast for me to make.

I got home around 11am and we hit the road shortly after.

I packed sandwiches for us for our trip.  I'm not the biggest fan of turnpike rest stops for lunch options.
Smoked Salmon on toasted Wheat with Spinach, Honey Mustard, Pickles and Laughing Cow 

Lots of fruits and veggies were consumed.

As well as a healthy dose of enzymes.




We arrived safely and settled in with his family.  The party wasn't starting until 10pm, so we had a few hours to rest up for the long night ahead. 

Later on, everyone started to arrive and we got ready to party…..


Dinner for 30…..

The Vodka Bar (you know your in the home of a Russian when they have an entire bar devoted solely to vodka)….

We ate, we drank, we toasted….everything you do at a Russian get together.

Even Santa showed up as the kids all opened presents.  I told you it was like Christmas here.



 Before we knew it, the countdown was on and we all popped the champagne to fill our flutes.

10

9

8

7


 6


 5

4

3

2

1

 Happy New Year!!!!!!


 What a fun night.  I think I made it until 2am (which is quite impressive for me) and I hear Toly did better than me.  I think it was sometime around 5am when he made it upstairs, although I'm actually pretty surprised he did make it upstairs.


 Seeing the evidence from our camera the next morning, it looked as though the party went on well after I was asleep, but I'll spare you those pics. ;)

We had such a great weekend and are truly so blessed to have such big wonderful family to share these unforgettable traditions with.

I wish you all a New Year filled with health, happiness, success and unending joy.

2011 is going to be legendary!!


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15 comments:

  1. How FUN! Whoop whoop! An entire bar devoted to vodka? That is hardcore. I always pack lunch for the car too. There are very few rest stops with decent options (outside starbucks ;)). Happy New Year!

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  2. Sounds like so much fun! I love the traditions of other cultures -- my Irish Godparents had QUITE the Halloween party for us when I was little!

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  3. Whoo, that's a whole lotta vodka. Give me a rum bar and I will be as happy as a clam :-)

    Looks like you had a fantastic evening! Happy New Year!

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  4. Looks very fun!! Glad y'all had a great New Year's Eve!! Happy New Year :)

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  5. haha - Russians sure love their vodka that's for sure! It's because it's so cold there, they need something to keep them nice and warm!

    Looks like you had a great time!

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  6. looks like such a great New Year!! That sandwich looks awesome and so do the pancakes! :-)

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  7. Oh my gosh that vodka bar!! It's a college DREAM. Glad you had such a fun new year's- I'd love to party with you all!!

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  8. awww HOW FUN!! you 2 sure do know how to have a GOOD TIME!! those pancakes look awesome girl! you got me wanting some!! Wishing you SUCH a blessed 2011!! Cant wait to hear about all your adventures lovely!

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  9. Looks like you had an awesome time! Love the kissey pic! Happy New Year!

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  10. woah santa on new year's! i like the way you party!

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  11. It looks like you all know how to party :) I always bring food with me on long trips. It's truly sad how little healthy options are out there on the road.

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  12. looks like a great time! I always pack sandwiches for lunch on road-trips, too! Nothing worse than only having options like McDonalds, Sonic, Pizza Hut, etc. Ugh! I'm NOT a fast-food fan!

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  13. Looks like a great party!!! I made it until 12:15 and was pretty impressed with myself ;)

    Jen
    http://www.jenslosinit.com/

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  14. Happy New Year Lauren! I'm glad that you guys got to spend time with Toley's family and party like a true Eastern European! :D

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  15. these pics are great!!! Happy new year hon!

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