Chinese New Year

2014 The Year of the Horse

Chinese New Year descended upon us last weekend, January 31....

This year we decided to shake things up a bit with a little pre-dinner celebration.  The older Chinese children in our adoption group came over to decorate....

their creations were hung on our doors and windows.

We also took some time outside with water and painted Chinese symbols.  We were especially lucky this year to have two Chinese exchange students join us.  

We read a book about the New Year traditions and the students told us a bit about how their families celebrate.  They also brought a traditional potato dish to share....yummo!

The grand finale was a scavenger hunt for the children to find their red envelopes with chocolate coins.  

Before long, the younger kiddos joined us as well as their families....  

and this little guy made his grand debut!  We are so thankful that Jonah is home forever!  His momma is one special lady and it is a blessing to see her finally get to wear the title of "mommy."  Congratulations Jesse!  **And congrats to the happiest big cousin ever....sweet Ella used to run from my camera but she was all smiles while holding her new baby cousin!

And our yard....we love a yard full of children enjoying each other's company!

Darkness fell upon us and we began our evening with sparklers....

but the largest event of the night had to be when the Chinese lanterns came out.....

no one was quite sure how they worked and we guessed and tried this and tried that.....

finally, up and away went our first attempt!

and though I don't recall snapping this picture, it is one of my favorites.....we were all taken aback by the lanterns!

And when something takes your breath away, one must try again, right?  So, each family took a lantern and we had a sky full of lanterns sailing through the night!  

We are so thankful for these families and the friendships we have formed through the common ground of adoption!