lion dance

Year of the Horse is here! We took the boys to chinatown on Sunday to see the parade, and they were mesmerized by all the drums, costumes, and of course the lion and dragon dances. Jasper even got up close and personal with one of the colourful lions (luckily for us, he did not freak out.... you just never know with kids and things in costumes). Happy Chinese New Year and Tet!

master jasper

This past weekend we celebrated the Chinese and Vietnamese New Year with family, so I thought I would share a pic of Jasper in his little outfit (yes, any excuse to play dress-up with my little one, while I still can). He kept slipping and sliding around on everything he tried to sit on... darn silky fabric... here he is pre-slip on the couch.

roar of the dragon

Today is the first day of Year of the Dragon! We're celebrating Chinese New Year and Vietnamese Tet this coming weekend, but I thought I would post now, this being the official first day. Got a little lucky bamboo arrangement – my amateur attempt at feng shui-ing our home... have to try and figure out where the best place for it will be. Anyhoo, Happy New Year and Gung Hay Fat Choy!

slippery new year

Technically, Chinese New Year and Vietnamese Tết aren't until February 3rd, but our family decided to have our little celebration this past weekend. And since Jasper is 1/4 Chinese and 1/4 Vietnamese, we figured it appropriate if he dressed up for the occasion... here he is in his Chinese outfit (top) and his Vietnamese outfit (bottom). Silky outfits, I have learned, are very tricky for having a baby pose in for photos, especailly when grandma's couch and cushions are equally satiny! Happy New Year!

ancient chinese secret

Roger and I visited one of my favourite places in Vancouver over the weekend - the Dr. Sun Yat Sen Chinese Garden, an authentic representation of a 15th Century Chinese garden smack in the middle of Chinatown/downtown. It was nice to have a zen moment away from the hustle and bustle of the city and felt like we were whisked away to another land... like a mini vacation in our own city.... ahhhhhhh (that is my relaxing sigh, btw). Unfortunately my "ahhhhh" is now turning into "ugh!", since the weather here has now turned for the worse this week... rain, rain and more rain... and it's washing away my zen!!

year of the ox

Happy Chinese New Year to everyone and have a Tip-Top Tet! (My family celebrates both). This year is the year of the ox (buffalo). Hope everyone enjoys a year of happiness, luck, love and prosperity!