Happy Chinese New Year - Year of the Monkey!

This year instead of planning our own party we went to the FCC (Families with Children from China) party instead, and WOW was it nice!  It was held in the gymnasium of a large church.  Upon arrival, each child was given a gift bag containing a small, stuffed monkey toy and an envelope with gold (chocolate) coins inside.

After a little photo op we went to the craft tables where the kids created a "mask" to use later in the evening during the dragon parade and a bookmark.  They also collected various coloring sheets that they worked on back at our table.

They played a game in which they were to pick up marshmallows with chopstix.  They weren't super good at it, but they had a good time!

After a DELICIOUS Chinese buffet dinner (that actually made me miss China a bit!) the kids were invited to have their photo taken with others from their home province.

Guangdong Province

Guangxi Province

And then each child put a paper flag of China on the "Red Thread" map showing where they were from.

Soon it was time for the Dragon Parade!

And sooo clever was the bubble wrap that they stepped on at the end of the parade route.  It sounded as if fireworks were being shot off!

This was followed by a couple of dance troupes, and then the Lion Dance.

I was able to connect with online friends from the area, some for the first time, and our children enjoyed a taste of past traditions.  So thankful for organizations like FCC!