Chinese New Year Fireworks: Take Two

Because we’re crazy such fun people, we staked out a spot for the CNY fireworks over five hours early.  Cody and I seem to have it in our heads that we have to be front row for things.  This year was pretty easy though, because we knew exactly where to go to avoid the crowds and still have an amazing view.  We learned this by accident when we went two years ago.  The one goal this time was to keep Jade awake so she actually got to see them.  Even for Disneyland fireworks when she tells us she’s not too tired and wants to stay for them, she has fallen asleep.  Pretty sure she’s slept through all July fireworks in Utah (jetlag is partially to blame for that).  And after waiting almost five hours for the 2011 CNY fireworks, she fell asleep just minutes before!  Not this year.  She had to see these!!!

We recruited some of our friends to come picnic all. day. with us.  We spread our territory far and wide with all our blankets.  We are still Americans after all.  We like our space.  

Notice the tripods set up as close as they could get all around us.

 

The hours passed a lot quicker than you might think as we adults chatted (and chased certain little children) and the kids played. 

Lincoln and Jade are great pals and entertained each other quite nicely.  BTW don’t you love his double happiness t-shirt!

  

The babies took turns chewing on each others’ toys and seemed pretty content with spending the day outside.

Also, the paparazzi kept us entertained for awhile.  I felt like I was in Taiwan all over again.  We don’t typically get droves of attention like this in Hong Kong unless we have mainlanders around.  Having not just one white child, but five white children was quite the draw!!  Plus, with the Chinese, once one person stops, everyone else has to too just to see what’s going on.  All was fun and games until Jade desperately yelled out, “Everyone go away!”  I thought it was funny.  Cody was absolutely appalled.  Whether they could understand the English or not, they caught her meaning because pretty soon the crowd cleared out!  Nice work, Jade.

  

Most of the afternoon was a warm and beautiful blue-sky day until just before dark when a strong wind blew in some clouds and suddenly we all wanted our jackets on. 

  

 

  

I’ve decided right along the harbor front has got to be one of my favorite places to picnic and spend five hours.  Seriously, I could never get sick of this view.  It’s truly incredible.

  

  

About 30 minutes before fireworks, the police made everyone stand up and move closer to the gates.  Positions, everyone!  And a few last pictures of the group. Particularly love this one of the five kiddos.  Too cute. 

 

And gotta get one of the mamas. 

We nestled Ridge into his stroller with a front row view.  With a missed nap and being past bedtime, I was shocked he was still awake/not angry.  Didn’t know how long that would last.  I was also anxious to see how he would react to the fireworks:  cry, be excited… what?  He had this position and look on his face just as the fireworks started. 

The fireworks were 23 minutes long and definitely worth the wait.

 

  

Loved the heart ones.

   

This just shows how smoky it was by the end!

I’m happy to report Jade stayed awake for the entire display!  Ridge, on the other hand, was in such awe, he sat completely still until the booming noise slowly lulled him into a deep sleep. 

 

Lincoln and Jade’s reactions to the fireworks.  I think they liked them. 

For the trek home, we switched Ridge to the front pack.  We knew Jade would be too tired to walk by that time.  She may be a bit big for the stroller, but it didn’t take long for her to get cozy enough to fall asleep.

No post like this is complete without showing the massive amounts of people in the streets afterwards!