It was New Year's Eve and we were all alone.
"It's not that we don't want to celebrate New Year with you, Mom, but it would probably be boring. You're going to get Chinese food and we don't feel like having that tonight. Any way we've been invited to a great party and we can't miss it," our daughters informed us.
"I'd stay but I really need the money," said our son who had a baby-sitting job.
After laying down certain rules and regulations and surviving the usual arguments about curfew times, etc, we all went our separate ways.
"At least we can choose what we want for a change instead of worrying what the kids will eat," said Dad as we poured over the take out menu. ( I never said we weren't boring!)
With a bag full of noodles, two kinds of rice, sweet and sour chicken and garlic prawns, we set off home, but as we pulled into the driveway we saw lights blazing from the house and heard music blaring away.
"Great, Mom and Dad, Chinese food, we're starving! Dad we need you to fix the tent in the backyard we're going to sleep there tonight."
"Why are you all home? What about the party and the baby-sitting?"
"Well, no-one exciting was at the party and the baby-sitting ended early so we decided to bring our friends here and join you. Can we have some of that food? Please don't eat before you fix the tent Dad, we want to get in there as soon as we can."
"Boy, Mom, this food is really good. Do you think Dad wants some or can we finish it?"
"The tent's ready girls. Where's the food? Have you all eaten while I was outside?"
"Oops Daddy, there's only noodles left but thanks for fixing the tent. Look it's nearly midnight, do you really want these noodles or can we eat them in the tent? Happy New Year everyone, it was great to spend it with you."