So how often do you get to go to a parade on your birthday? It's rather fun to do, although I'm hoping it's not every year... The annual Chinese New Year parade in Vancouver happened to fall on this day, and so like last year, we met up with our fellow adoptive families that we traveled to China with. And, like last year, it was raining! :( We staked out a corner with a fairly big overhang from the nearby building, and thankfully, the rain let up for a bit at the beginning of the event.
Things weren't too crowded at first, so Nora had a pretty good view. However, we eventually found out that the yellow rope cordoning off the crowd from the street was mostly just a suggestion. People eventually went in front of the kids to take photos, which was a little irritating.
Many lion dancers graced the streets with the accompaniment of clanging cymbals and thundering drums. Nora seemed okay with that, it was more the occasional firecrackers sounding off that the older men would randomly throw onto the street. (You could see they were just like little boys, so happy to play with fire!)
Having front row seats allowed the boys and Nora to receive many red envelopes from special guests in the parade. Scott was quick to tell Mayor Gregor Robertson that we had seen him in Guangzhou in September 2010, when we there adopting Nora... was funny!
A colourful dragon wanders throughout the crowd.
Vancouver Police Chief James Chu greets onlookers as the rain picks up...
The umbrellas start to mix with the other vibrant flags and banners.
Nora's "China-sister" Ai-Li. We were missing Isabella today as she had to stay home sick with her family.
Dean, Ai-Li's Daddy, and Scott, who was having fun with his camera.
Lewis peeking out from his perch. The chocolate coins in the red envelopes were a highlight for the boys.
Thomas did his best to keep Nora covered up and explain to her what was going on.
Julie joined us with Anna, for their first CNY parade. Anna was as calm as can be... nothing phases her whether firecrackers or raindrops!
After awhile Nora joined me, as she was getting progressively wetter.
I'd have to say Nora was a good sport. It would be very nice to experience this parade without the rain sometime, but with such an ancient holiday, it can't exactly be switched to a different time of year!
Participants are enjoying themselves nonetheless.
Did you know? It's not just Mickey Mouse that has gloves like this!
Anna goes home with her complimentary dragon "headgear".
Mid-afternoon, we were eager to enjoy our meal together in a warm setting, once again at the Burnaby Palace.
Ai-Li still doesn't enjoy being in group photos without her Mom, but Jenna and Nora did okay.
Here's Bev and Jenna, over from the Island for the weekend. Unfortunately we're missing group photos of all the adults... I think Scott was camera'd out by then.
Nora was happy to entertain us all with her antics at the table, like playing "peek-a-boo" under the tablecloth.
Jenna passed out the coolest red envelopes... Mickey Mouse!
A special surprise, a birthday cupcake from Layna. Thanks everyone! It was a fantastic meal once again, and great to reconnect. Just too short of a visit...
Nora knows how to break open her own fortune cookie, and then makes us all laugh by attempting to read the message!
Wilson, our fantastic waiter, poses with the girls as he did last year. (See below.)
Once home, we enjoyed sorting through our assorted red envelopes of treats. There's something about chocolate that can make every day a holiday! :)
To conclude a special day, my parents came over to have some Chinese food leftovers, and share cheesecake with us. Can it get much better? :)
Everyone enjoys the video clips of the boys wiping out on Friday, I mean "skiing". :)
I think I'm ready to move onto the rest of my life now... no more parties or celebrations until Easter. It was fun though, thanks!
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