This Chinese New Year (CNY), we decided to stay away from the crowds. We did all the big Hong Kong celebrations last year, so this year we spent the holiday with friends. It was a nice, relaxing week! We loved it!
A few weeks before, we hit up the Wan Chai and Marble Street Markets for some decorations and Chinese outfits for the kids.
Pretty soon our apartment looked like a Chinese market too! And Jadyn loved getting CNY treats out of our Chinese coin candy dish (below right, on top of the t.v.). 
At the market we also let Jade pick out a bunch of hongbaos. Then I made a card for her to decorate. She had a blast sending them to all her cousins in the States and handing them out to her friends here in Hong Kong. 
Jadyn’s school had a CNY party and the kids got to dress up in their Chinese outfits. She loved it, of course.
Like I said, we spent a couple of the days at our friends’ houses. One of them even lives in a house and has a trampoline in the backyard. All the kids were in heaven!!
On the third (and last) day of CNY, we went to the Mandarin branch’s party. My visiting teaching companion was planning it (she’s from Mainland) and invited a bunch of us from the English branch. She did an excellent job with the decorations, food, and activities. 
The women wrapped dumplings (see the table of women on the left of the below picture) while the kids played games. I learned a couple new/better ways to wrap and I am excited!!
Jadyn and Calvin playing pin the head on the dragon (this year is the year of the dragon if you didn’t know). 
Cody taking a stab at the Chinese riddles.
I loved the cute, old man running this game. I think the point was to use chopsticks to pick up marbles and put them in the cup, but I only saw spoons being used…
Our talented friend, Melissa, made this cute dragon for the kids to run around in. Also notice the kid in the front playing the drum. On his head. And please check out that cute baby face in the lower left corner. 
Although Ridge had a hard time being out past his bedtime, I’m still so glad we went. This party was so much fun! It also gave me the inspiration and determination to have my own CNY parties when/if we live in the States again!
Although Ridge wore his Chinese outfit a couple times, this was the only picture we got with him in it! We seem to always be running late these days (why does it take so long to get out the door with just one extra kid??) and have no time for pics before we leave. This was the smallest size the market had. Pretty sure he’ll be able to wear it next year too!
Jadyn thoroughly enjoyed all the festivities and kept talking about a CNY show she was going to put on for all her friends. We convinced her she could just perform for her family, so last Saturday we set up a “stage” and “curtain” and let her do her thing!
Happy Chinese New Year!!!
6 comments:
What a fun celebration! I totally understand about being late when you have two kids. It just throws off routine i guess.
I love this. Jade is getting so big! She is like a little adult! And Ridge, sitting up in his classy pink bimbo! So proud!!
Jadyn's performance was very creative and adorable! miss you guys! i love all the festive holidays you get top celebrate and share pics of!
Loved the show! She's got some fancy moves:)
Jadyn has quite the wiggle! Ridge's jacket should fit him for a few more months!! Loved it. I think Jadyn has got some chinese traditions being built in her!
I hope you're not teaching Jadyn how to tie knots. She'll have Ridge bound and gagged.At least she has the presence of mind to stop and buckle him in. Good thing there are no sloping hallways for her to get up some speed.
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