ex⋅trav⋅a⋅gan⋅za
| 1. | a musical or dramatic composition or production, as comic opera or musical comedy, marked by a loose structure, a frivolous theme, and elaborate costuming and staging. |
| 2. | any lavish or opulent show, event, assemblage, etc. |
So I think, minus costumes, uh...lavishness...opulence...etc. we pretty much EMBODIED the word "extravaganza" with some amazing vocal talent at the Taylor home on New Years' Eve.
First. The SPREAD:
Um. LOVED this. Jonathon and Rach brought this, and I should give credit to the ARTIIIST, Jonathon. They wanted to do "2010" but let's be honest, do we really need that much cream cheese? No. So we have "10." (which does very well in reminding me about how I was born in 1980, and I will be 30 this year. Yes. 30. Although the McDonald's guy today told me I didn't look it. Maybe I shouldn't go around telling people I'm "practically 30...")
So, Aubrey & Britton were there! Cutest couple ever.
Holly & Dean were there!! Um. I have a photoshopped copy of this in hi-res for you guys--you look HOT!
Megan & Gillis! Always ready for a partaaaaayyyy!
Rachel & Jonathon (yes, his name is spelled with an "on" at the end...I'm a good speller, I promise.) ps. I can't believe Jonny was so...normal...in this picture. Even if he still looks homeless with the beard going on :) Rach, I have to say, I kinda have a crush on you in this picture. You look like a little hot tamale!!
We were there. Yep. We didn't bail. Weird cheesy smile there (not Jordan's, mine...)
Jenny & Peter came too! Jenny, no one is as cute as you preggers. And look at how SKINNY her face looks!! I wish my face didn't explode like a blowfish when I'm pregnant :)
And then, of course, party animals, Natalie & Rob!
So, I got a bunch of us on VIDEO playing American Idol Karaoke Revolution!! But I didn't get Holly, so here is a lovely shot of her. See how Randy is just LOVIN' her vocals??? Yep. I don't know, but we sure did!!
And NOW. The moment you've ALL been waiting for, I'm sure!!! I have a video presentation for you all right here. You WON'T be disappointed. I am now a PRO at making movies! (OK, not, but I actually did figure it out w/out Jordan's help--now THAT is saying something...)
Wasn't that awesome?? Yep. We should all be trying out for AI next season. It was the best when Simon told us how amazing we were, like:
"My advice would be if you want to pursue a career in the music business, don't."
"Did you really believe you could become the American Idol? Well, then, you're deaf."
"That was utterly horrible. Painful to watch."
And the dancing! Especially MY dancing. (Becca, are you impressed with how well I shake my booty???) Too bad I didn't have a video of my solo. Dang. It was so good, Simon cried. (NOT.)
And then we watched the ball drop. With Ryan Seacrest, and a totally WEIRD JLo in a freaky catsuit thing. I would show a picture, but I'd have to take the time to completely censor it.
And we took pictures of ourselves kissing and all that jazz. But I have to post the best kissing picture of the night here:
Jonathon, who really resembles an Amish person here, is kissing his very willing wifey. Now, Rach did not like her "seven chins" (A quote from her, and TOTALLY a lie, but that's what she thought... but let's be honest, I think I look kinda chubby in the video, so you know, you are your worst critic) and so I told her I'd censor the picture. So, I did! With a pink box. Because anyone who knows Rach knows she LOVES pink. Baby pink especially, and would totally wear it every DAY if she could! She wishes she saw the world through rose colored glasses...literally. That is how much she loves pink. OK, I'll stop now. It's like 1am as I write this. Obviously. And I'm starving. Double whammy.
Um...Claire woke up a couple of times throughout the night... we must've been loud or something. So, when she woke up right before midnight, we figured she might as well enjoy her very first New Years' Day.
With some Martinelli's:
She received a lot of love from the gang :)
And she loved them back :) Peter had a good time "practicing" for fatherhood here :) Claire is very cuddly when she's tired, so she went to everyone!
Well, just to finish this post and finally go to bed tonight, I have to say that all of you who were invited and couldn't make it, I have a New Years' Resolution for you:
"I will do everything in my power to attend the "2010 New Years' Extravaganza." It was incredibly fun, and I totally missed out, and must go this year.
Hopefully THIS resolution won't fall by the wayside like those exercisey-eat-healthy kinds, and we'll see you next time!! It will be more fun with you!!! But it was SOOOOOOOOO fun with all of you who could come, and thank you for such a great night!
