Gung Hay Fat Choy!

Today is the first day of the Chinese New Year celebrations. We say goodbye to the Year of the Ox and hello to the Year of the Tiger. Last night we celebrated a bit early with a home-cooked Chinese meal (which was so much better than take away).

Emma & Sophie have been learning about Chinese New Year in school, but we are especially excited about this foreign holiday since George will actually be in China for the last couple of days of the celebrations. We are also planning to be in London next weekend to apply for Lili's passport at the American Embassy, and London hosts the world's second largest Chinese New Year parades and celebrations. We hope to get in on some of that action.

(Sophie and me in our Chinese glad rags)

According to Chinese predictions, babies born in the Year of the Tiger will be especially lucky. Tigers are meant to be bold, strong leaders who command respect. They are also thought to be sensitive, deep thinkers. Additionally it has been forecast that all of us will see a boost in the economy. Whether you believe it or not, none of that sounds bad. So...wishing you all Gung Hay Fat Choy! Happy Chinese New Year!

And Happy Valentine's Day too!

Love, Meredith