Gong Hey Fat Choy

That's the phonetic spelling for how you wish someone a happy new year, in Chinese. Translated, it's actually closer to, "May you become prosperous."

For Gregory's homework, he had to go to a specific website and find out what Chinese year he was born and then complete a worksheet. Turns out he was born in the year of the Ram (2003).

I wish I could say I'd been planning this already, but I tend to do some of our funnest family activities on impulse. Fred came home a little early, so he watched the kids while I grabbed stuff at the store to make a "traditional" Chinese dinner.

I found a great recipe for Sweet and Sour chicken. It was a little involved, but SO yummy! We also threw some frozen Kung Pao eggs rolls and cream cheese pockets into the oven, and served it all up with steaming rice and sweet & sour dipping sauce.

We already had these fantastic learner chopsticks for the kids.

(goofy kid... I imagine most Chinese folks don't drown their rice in margarine)

Fred learned as a kid- I never had the patience to learn, but tried again tonight. I lasted for about 1/3 of the meal.

Whatever it takes...

and defaulting back to the hands.

Apparently, they celebrate for 2 weeks. I don't think we'll draw it out that long, but I'm hoping to pull in a few more concepts.

Anyways, "Gong Hey Fat Choy" to everyone!