Happy Chinese New Year!

Happy Chinese New Year and Gong Xi Fa Cai ... which in Mandarin means “Congratulations and Prosperity!”

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_New_Year
Interesting info on Chinese New Year as it is celebrated in China


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Abby, Drew and I had a great time yesterday at the local "Our Children from China" celebration of Chinese New Year! We dined on great Chinese food, talked to lots of the 150-ish people in attendance with children from China, and were treated to an incredible Lion Dance to celebrate Chinese New Year!

I have some pics, but hope to get some better ones sent to me of the Lion Dance. It was crowded and I was not in a good spot for pics ... and then the camera batteries went on the blink. By the time I reloaded, I had missed a lot. But in a way, I'm glad I just watched it and didn't just see it through the lens ... it was a wonderfully authentic presentation by the owners of the Chinese restaurant where our event was held. The closest thing to being in China without leaving Central IL! The kids loved it, even though the drum was loud. Abby went up to the boys who were in the costumes and talked to them forever, she just thought they were so neat. Only 4 and already a groupie! :-)

The owner of the restaurant went to great lengths to give these children a taste of Chinese New Year, and he really endeared himself to the adoptive families in attendance. He gave each child a special, traditional Chinese New Year gift ... a "lucky money" envelope with a crisp dollar bill. Of course in China it would have RMB and not a dollar ... but when in Rome ...

Snow Days!

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Yesterday it snowed all day ... I'd say we ended up with 10 inches or so. It's hard to tell with all the drifting. Our patio/deck have some 2-3 foot drifts around the furniture and fish pond. School was out again today due to the blowing and drifting snow last night ... so the kids have had fun with their 2 days off and mama is enjoying her two "bonus days" at home with the kiddos! Be sure to check out our cat at the end of the slide show ... I think he is ready for the kids to go back to school! :-)

Basketball Tourney

TJ and I headed off to Galesburg yesterday for the 3rd grade traveling team tourney ... had a good time watching some basketball and swimming at the hotel pool after they played 3 games. It was just a little crowded at the pool, as you can tell in the slide show!

Mitch stayed home with Abby and Drew because there was a high school dance last night ... so it was split duty this weekend for the family. TJ has really enjoyed being part of the team this year, and is kind of sad that the season is coming to a close!


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