I really like celebrating Chinese New Year - holidays are just fun, and traditions are good. Also, I really wanted to celebrate our New Year's Eve and it didn't happen. I thought that this would finally be the year when everyone could stay up, and we could do crackers and bang pots and have fun. But it just wasn't in the cards this year, so Chinese New Year it is. Plus, it's the year of the Dragon! That's my year! And my daughter's!
Anyway, I picked up a couple of fun new decorations (which was good, since I ended up not having red paper to make lanterns like last time). I don't go all out like for the girl's 8th birthday party, though (I still like that one).
The kids had New Year themed mazes and coloring pages in their boxes for school, along with 'find China on the map/globe' challenges.
They wanted to watch a movie about China, and picked Mulan (Monkey voted for Kung Fu Panda, though). Our library doesn't have Big Bird in China anymore! Boo.
We put together a surprise to send to their Boise cousins (don't look, Christy!), including our favorite almond cookie recipe, which Monkey illustrated with ideas of what else they could eat for a feast. I kinda love it.
Oh, and Panda Express sent me a New Year's education pack, so we sent them coupons, too. :) It also had a dvd, so we watched a semi-educational commercial. heh.
I was really happy with how the dinner came out. Chinese is usually Aaron's cooking domain and he's really good at it. But I tried a new wonton soup recipe (from this book) that turned out super yummy and the baby bok choy made it really pretty. Spicy soba recipe from this book. Spring rolls from Costco. ;) I made too much food, though - so we had leftovers - woo!
I'm glad I finally got those soup spoons, I've been wanting them forever and they make me happy. Also, the kiddos all got these chopsticks in their stocking. They love chopsticks and this makes it a tad easier.
Hope the Year of the Dragon is a sweet year for you!
