First Night in State College, 2012

Once again we had a fun evening at State College's First Night celebration.  I think this was our sixth year there, starting in 2007, even before we moved up here.  Destiny would have been just five that year!  Here are a few cute shots of her and some ice sculptures last night - 

And one from 2007!  We miss the many large ice sculptures that used to line Allen Street and the reindeer that we could feed in the park.  This is the second year those things have been missing.  There are still many small ice sculptures, a few large ones, and many, many shows to attend all over town.  We took in two - both of them jugglers/comedians.  Just hilarious and unbelievably skilled.

In the park it's nice to have fires to warm up to.

Especially if you're crazy enough to go down the ice slide, which Destiny was several times.  Austin thought he wanted to, so they waited in the long line with him, Anthony sat on the sled to hold him, and at the last minute Austin changed his mind and ran down beside the slide as Anthony slid down.  

Here's Destiny first run.  I was a little late getting my camera started.


There are lots of bells and gongs to ring, which Austin loved - the louder the better.

Of course, the kettle corn and hot drinks are VERY popular.

We came home in time to watch the ball drop in NYC.  Now it's time to wrap up this holiday season.  We'll take Destiny home today where she'll start school tomorrow.  Lori's break from Penn State is shorter this year than it's ever been.  Three or four weeks between semesters has always been the norm; this year it's only two.  Everyone I talk to who works there in a teaching capacity feels extreme pressure because of it.  

Blessings to all my readers in 2013.