Mary checked her watch it was almost time for the guests to arrive. It was New Year’s Eve, and the Krinkles had hosted many NYE parties, but this year would be different because Tristy Krinkle, Mary’s older sister would not be there. After all it was Tristy’s first year at North Rover University, and she had made up her mind to stay there for NYE. Mary snapped back into reality when the first guest arrived. It was Mr. and Mrs. Riverstone, they always arrived to parties first and were usually apt to have a tight schedule. Then came the Bibbles which was made up of, Mr. and Mrs. Bibble, and their eight children, Suzie, Amy, Tom, Amanda, Dean, Carolyn, Todd, and Mark. Then after that came the Tippiny twins, Miss. Laura Hamleton, and the gospel brothers, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. When all the guests had arrived, Mary was stationed to entertain the children. Most of the children were bundled in tight groups, chatting with friends or, making faces at each other. Mary was trying to break the ice. The Greenling brothers goofed the opportunity because every time Mary tried to get them to make a friend they immediately fell on the ground and pretended to die. Some kids thought it was funny and started doing that too, while others just kept a long distance between them. How Mary wished Tristy were there. She would know how to break the ice between them! After that came dinner, there was almost a food fight! But, fortunately everybody calmed down before any mess could be made.