New Year 2008 is a Rat

Chinese New Year begins with the new moon and ended with the full moon last week (that included a lunar eclipse). Hikaru received lots of "hong bao" from relatives -- or red envelopes with "lucky" money for good things like happiness, health, and fortune.



It must really be working, since Hikaru's been waking in a good mood. The past couple weekends, we've been staying healthy and free of colds, so perhaps more reason to keep the new year traditions alive...



During Chinese New Year, we burn some incense to pray for good luck and health in the coming year.



And then we make an offering of some oranges and cakes to the gods. Everyone's usually is in better mood when they have enough food to eat.



During Chinese New Year time in our community, they usually block off the street with a street festival and a parade. It could be a bit of a "rat" race with the crowds of people, especially for small people...



But Hikaru had fun. In the photo below, he exclaimed "guitar!" after seeing a display of some traditional Chinese instruments.



There were many rides for kids, but unfortunately Hikaru was too short to go on most of them... The photo below is that of the "Dragon Wagon". Maybe next year.



But he did enjoy jumping around on this inflatable jumper.



And this was the first time in his life that Hikaru has seen a live "horse".



Mom thought she might be able to win a goldfish. This is a game were you try to throw a ping pong ball into a container of water. It's not as easy as it looks. I guess, that's life -- luck can only go so far...



Happy "Year of the Rat"! Gung Hay Fat Choy!