Happy Chinese New Year -- A Little Late!

Wow! What a busy week we've had. We've eaten as much Chinese food in the past week and a half as we did in China last year! Just one year ago we had just been home one day when Chinese New Year started (or was it the same day?? The time change confuses me). What a difference a year makes! Anyway, last week we started with Gotcha Day lunch. Then, this past Friday we had a Chinese New Year party for some friends and family at our house. There were 27 people in our small house (12 of which were kids!!) We had food, fun, and chocolate covered fortune cookies -- (thanks to Grandma & Grandpa) THEN.. there was the CAKE... Have I ever told her how talended my friends are?? I'm sure I have -- Heather can make a cake (and cookies) like no-one I've ever met!! She made this beautiful (and I mean I didn't want to cut into it beautiful) dragon cake for our party!! It was awesome!!

The beautiful dragon cake. (A MILLION thanks to Heather)

We had a TON of food -- and Anne Marie LOVES Chinese food (and cake) so she ate a plate of her own & moved from person to person trying little bites off of each persons plate.




Anne Marie, friends Kate & Avery having a good time @ the party.

Then, Saturday it was the local adoption group Chinese New Year party. There were over 50 people (parents & kids) there! My, how our group has grown. Anne Marie had a great time - the kids made Chinese crafts, we ate tons of Chinese food again, make lion masks for the "lion parade" and ran around (and around & around) the school gym for a while to burn off some energy! We're so blessed to have a group like this in our area. It's wonderful to see so many children & families that are "like ours". It's nice to be able to talk to others that understand where we are & where we've been. It's also great to give encouragement to those that are still waiting!

Gung Hay Fat Choy!

Anne Marie ran around the gym & ran up on stage with all the other kids playing behind the curtains, doing little "dances" - she kept peaking in & out of the curtain. Our friend Jenny ran after Anne Marie throwing the little ladybug balls with her. (she & her husband are waiting for their little one -- we love you guys & can't wait until we can play with your little one @ the next New Year party!!)

Happy Chinese New year!!