Chinese New Year began last Thursday, February 3rd. Normally, we go eat at one of our favorite restaurants, Zen. But...we were stuck inside with a foot of snow. So we had to improvise. Clara worked hard all morning making some beautiful lanterns and we got them strung together and Joe hung them for us in the dining room. Clara was so proud of them, they are still up. In all the tons of groceries I had bought in preparation for Snowklahoma 2011, I hadn't really thought about Chinese food. So, I quickly learned how to make some chicken fried rice and I had some edamame in the freezer and....voila! Chinese New Year lunch. One Chinese tradition my kids love (as would most any kids I imagine) are the red envelopes with lucky money that children get. Luckily, we made a trip to the Asian market a couple of weeks ago and were prepared for that much.
On Sunday night we celebrated Chinese New Year with our friends the Markmillers and the McLaurins. We went to the Chinese Methodist church's celebration in the ballroom up at UCO. Katie Mei, Lauren and Clara were all born in China. And little Jireh is half Taiwanese. So, we had a bunch of little Asian beauties and a selection of goofy big brothers. There were more red envelopes and the traditional drawing for prizes...and between us all we came home with a butterfly vase, some bracelets, a blanket, a figurine, a gift certificate for dinner and Colby got some giant hockey puck looking thingy rice cake. We love this sweet Chinese fellowship, they are always so welcoming and joyful.
Our improvised CNY lunch at home.
Clara and her beautiful lantern decorations. (Yes she is standing on the furniture.)
Clara and Judy all dressed up for CNY! Clara lost a tooth the night before, Judy did not.
Katie Mei, Lauren, Clara and little Jireh....beautiful aren't they?
Our beautiful Clara Ruth Huan Pierce!
Harrison and Lauren....they have a thing for each other! Harrison is big with the 5 and under set!
The "goofy brothers" I referred to....Jack, Harrison and Sammy!
Our little creative lantern maker!
Happy Chinese New Year everyone!
Our families truly are destined to be friends.
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