15th (Pretty Significant!)

New Year’s Eve hasn’t been a big deal to me since high school, but last night was a little different. After all, it was the 15th anniversary of our first kiss! (Click here to read the story, if you missed it.) Yesterday was also Heather’s birthday, so it was a reasonable excuse to go out. We usually stay home to avoid wild crowds and drunk drivers.

We decided on Pat O’Brien’s for dinner, located in HarborWalk Village on the Destin Harbor. Live music and fireworks were planned, so it was a good choice. It was super busy. The service was mediocre and the food was just above average (not nearly worth the $45 per person for a five course meal), but it was a fun night nonetheless.

There were originally going to be five couples in our group, but one couple had to cancel at the last minute. Just as we were sitting down, my cell phone rang. It was Andy’s sister inquiring if we were at Pat O’Brien’s. Luckily, we had reservations and two extra seats, because every restaurant at HarborWalk was on a 2-3 hour wait! So, they joined us!

Too bad the temperature was in the low 40s, because it sure would’ve been awesome to sit outside by the flaming fountain and under the stars.

The first set of fireworks was at 8pm (we missed the midnight fireworks). Although our table was right by the window, we all ventured to the balcony for the show. I love watching fireworks reflect off the water!

This was a pretty trippy result from a slow shutter speed and totally unsteady hand. Can you see Sarah and Calvin?

Okay, here’s a better picture of Sarah and Calvin. It was their second New Year’s Eve together. Sure would be nice if he’d put a ring on her finger already! I’m just saying…

This is Ryan and Erica, obviously enjoying themselves. Hard to believe they have a three-week-old baby! He slept in his seat throughout dinner. What a good boy. (Is it just me or is Ryan trying to cop a feel? Hmm…)

This is Jeff and Dawn. Her third baby is due 3 weeks after my fourth baby. She hasn’t felt nauseous at all. That is not even fair, man.

Here’s the birthday girl with her husband Jason.

Last, but not least, I thought I’d share an obligatory tummy shot. Fifteen weeks. Baby is the size of an apple! And I’ve officially given up wearing my regular jeans rigged with a rubber band and resorted to strictly maternity pants. They don’t stay up worth a darn, but they sure are a lot more comfortable!