WOW!! It is hard to believe that is already 2009. Mike said that he didn't think he would live to see the year 2009. Well, I DID!! I come from a family of longevity and hope to see a lot more years ahead.
In Spokane, they have a big New Year's Eve to-do called "First Night". Their mission is to "provide a high quality, innovative and diverse New Year's Eve Winter Festival in Downtown Spokane which celebrates the arts, entertainment and the Inland Northwest Lifestyle that is appropriate for all ages." It started in 2001 and is now in its 8th year. There were over 50 venues with more than 250 performances that include musical, theatrical and visual artistry. They have a special children's time called "Avista Kids Night Out", it starts at 3pm and goes until 6 pm. One of the main sponsors is The Spokane Tribe of Indians. There were soooo many things to see and do that you cannot possibly get them all done! You have to pick and chose what you want to do and just go. There were free carousel rides at Riverfront Park all night, there was free ice skating with free skate rentals, so, so, much more. You prepurchase a "button" for $12.00, kids under 10 are free. This button allows you into all venues and you can get discounts on things on January 1. Mike and I decided that is is going to be an annual event for us, with or without kids.
We left home at 5:45 to go downtown. Caite and I took naps earlier in the day so we wouldn't be tuckered out or CRABBY (guess it didn't help much for either of us!) but we made it out until 1045 pm. Caite was getting tired and getting a headache, so we left. We missed the midnight fireworks that they do, BUT Mike and I were able to see them from our balcony, which is better than nothing, but not as good as if we were there up close to see them.
I think the kids enjoyed it. The weather was perfect. It was about 30 degrees, was not snowing (at least not until we woke up this morning!) I had the kids bundle up in their snow gear (which they were not happy about). But I told them, you never know how cold it is going to be and the weather always changes! Here are some pictures from our "First Night Out"
Getting ready to head out
Spokane had free bus transportation from the parking area to around downtown. We parked at the Spokane Arena parking area and rode the bus down to Spokane Falls Blvd, to the stop right in front of Riverfront Park. The kids said this was their first time on a city bus, it was mine and Mike's also. I tried to get a picture of Mike and Josh, but Josh was being a clown.
This huge Christmas tree is in the main atrium of Riversquare Mall.
Trying to get a "size up" picture for you to see how big the tree actually is.
Check out how big the ornaments are compared to Caite!
The kids are on the first escalator going up. You can tell where they are by RaeLynn's blue jacket. 
We went up into the mall to take a picture of the tree, looking down. Look how little people are!
At Riverpark Square, there is a museum for kids called "Mobius". There was a magic act going on and Caite was fortunate enough to be called onto the stage as an assistant. The magician commented on Caite's beautiful smile.
The magician's name was Dick Frost.
This mural is made of tiles on the wall at Mobius
Caite really getting into the magic act.
This lovely creature was at Mobius, also. 
Don't you love this sign? Notice that it says the snowboard rail jam had been cancelled due to "excessive snow". That was one of the main attractions we wanted to take Josh to see!!
Where Wall and Main Street meet, there were some ice sculpting going on. Check out ALL the big ice cubes!
We finally got a picture of Rae on the carousel horse! We now have one of all 4 of our kids on it! YEAH!!
Caite enjoying a chocolate ice cream cone and her balloon hat!
This man was standing on the corner, playing his harmonica. He looked like John Popper from the Blues Travelers. He was really good!
There were free carriage rides through out the night. The kids did not want to go, so we didn't
At the Spokane Convention Center there were a "bazillion" things going on, here is a lady "knitting" with HUGE knitting needles. Looks like she was making a scarf for a giant!
This is Peter Irish, he is juggling with hacky-sacks, he was awesome!!
The Tribe of Spokane had this big dream catcher in the lobby of the convention center. If you wanted, you could put your "dream" for 2009 on a slip of paper or a ribbon and place it on the dream catcher. It was about 4 1/2 feet wide.
A night picture of the Clock Tower. I think it is so beautiful, I would love to take more pictures of it, to find the perfect picture.
There were multiple bon fires around town for people to "warm up" next to the fire.
We headed over to the Ice Palace. They had free ice skating with free skate rentals all night. Here is the Zamboni making his run. 
Josh and Caite getting ready to hit the ice
This picture turned out funky. I was TRYING to get a picture of Josh, but he does not like to get his picture taken, but I thought it looked neat with the swirls. 
The ice rink was full of people, but not as packed as I thought it would be. 
Spokane had free bus transportation from the parking area to around downtown. We parked at the Spokane Arena parking area and rode the bus down to Spokane Falls Blvd, to the stop right in front of Riverfront Park. The kids said this was their first time on a city bus, it was mine and Mike's also. I tried to get a picture of Mike and Josh, but Josh was being a clown.This huge Christmas tree is in the main atrium of Riversquare Mall.Trying to get a "size up" picture for you to see how big the tree actually is.Check out how big the ornaments are compared to Caite!The kids are on the first escalator going up. You can tell where they are by RaeLynn's blue jacket. We went up into the mall to take a picture of the tree, looking down. Look how little people are!At Riverpark Square, there is a museum for kids called "Mobius". There was a magic act going on and Caite was fortunate enough to be called onto the stage as an assistant. The magician commented on Caite's beautiful smile.The magician's name was Dick Frost.This mural is made of tiles on the wall at MobiusCaite really getting into the magic act.This lovely creature was at Mobius, also. Don't you love this sign? Notice that it says the snowboard rail jam had been cancelled due to "excessive snow". That was one of the main attractions we wanted to take Josh to see!!Where Wall and Main Street meet, there were some ice sculpting going on. Check out ALL the big ice cubes!We finally got a picture of Rae on the carousel horse! We now have one of all 4 of our kids on it! YEAH!!Caite enjoying a chocolate ice cream cone and her balloon hat!This man was standing on the corner, playing his harmonica. He looked like John Popper from the Blues Travelers. He was really good!There were free carriage rides through out the night. The kids did not want to go, so we didn'tAt the Spokane Convention Center there were a "bazillion" things going on, here is a lady "knitting" with HUGE knitting needles. Looks like she was making a scarf for a giant!This is Peter Irish, he is juggling with hacky-sacks, he was awesome!!The Tribe of Spokane had this big dream catcher in the lobby of the convention center. If you wanted, you could put your "dream" for 2009 on a slip of paper or a ribbon and place it on the dream catcher. It was about 4 1/2 feet wide.A night picture of the Clock Tower. I think it is so beautiful, I would love to take more pictures of it, to find the perfect picture.There were multiple bon fires around town for people to "warm up" next to the fire.We headed over to the Ice Palace. They had free ice skating with free skate rentals all night. Here is the Zamboni making his run. Josh and Caite getting ready to hit the iceThis picture turned out funky. I was TRYING to get a picture of Josh, but he does not like to get his picture taken, but I thought it looked neat with the swirls. The ice rink was full of people, but not as packed as I thought it would be. Can you see RaeLynn? She is in the center of the picture, near the wall. This is the third time that the kids have been ice skating. I was telling them stories about Grandma Aggie having an ice rink right behind her house when I was growing up and how we skated a lot and when the weather would get warm and the ice would melt, how JD would go "swimming" in the water then Uncle Douglas or Vance would have to go and fish him out!
A lot of people in the stand watching the skaters
Some kid was racing around and wrecked. He hit his head and there was blood on the ice. The paramedics had to come and took him to the hospital. Everyone had to be removed from the rink, we waited almost 45 minutes before we said "let's go". 
This is the bus that we rode on. The kids liked the "accordion" part of the bus and watching it turn on the streets, it was funky!
All in all, it was a wonderful night, even if we came home early. I guess it is better to leave before the crowds. Like I said, Mike and I were still able to see the fireworks from our balcony. No Bullets for me this year....Going to have to get the recipe from Grandma Aggie or Mom!! Hope everyone has a wonderful and safe 2009
A lot of people in the stand watching the skatersSome kid was racing around and wrecked. He hit his head and there was blood on the ice. The paramedics had to come and took him to the hospital. Everyone had to be removed from the rink, we waited almost 45 minutes before we said "let's go". This is the bus that we rode on. The kids liked the "accordion" part of the bus and watching it turn on the streets, it was funky!All in all, it was a wonderful night, even if we came home early. I guess it is better to leave before the crowds. Like I said, Mike and I were still able to see the fireworks from our balcony. No Bullets for me this year....Going to have to get the recipe from Grandma Aggie or Mom!! Hope everyone has a wonderful and safe 2009
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