Chinese New Year....early

This was a bitter sweet event.  We've held it at Oriental Express from the beginning and they were closing their doors forever! :(  We had it early so we could have it there one last time.  We had some new people join us and missed those that couldn't make it plus our regulars, Kris and Jerry, ended up helping serve so they weren't really with us.  It was fun but sad.  I'll miss this tradition a lot!

year of the snake

today we rang in the year of the snake by celebrating chinese new year and our traditional location, oriental express.  we celebrated with some of our favorite people.  we had the biggest turn out yet and it was wonderful!  in attendance were doug and opal; roger, alyse, victoria, royal, and zach; sandee, spencer and kassidee; ryan, amanda, lorelai and lovina; ken and laura; mary jo; gordon and carol; uncle steven and topher; ryan; adam; erina; judy and her mom ann; ben, nikki and cannon; kris and matt; jenna and casey; the sister missionaries, plus me, kg, flower and river! 39 people!  we also feel like jimmy, chau and their kids, sara and dean are like family which is why we love to go to their restaurant.  they were part of our party, too, as they served us.  in fact, the other day flower told kg that she considers jimmy and chau her chinese mom and dad. :)  i thought that was so sweet.   they also very generously gave each child in attendance a red envelope with a $2 bill inside. 
we had a wonderful time.  i'm so grateful for all these people who love us and our girls and support us in our efforts to celebrate flower's culture. 
(i gave kg the camera because i sat myself in a corner to minimize the neck pain.  he was having trouble with the camera so we didn't get a lot of photos but i appreciate his efforts!)

Boice's

Last night we met with this family for a photo shoot. I really like that they dressed black and white with splashes of color. I absolutely love taking photos downtown. We had a good time. And KG is the BEST assistant! I'm so glad he's willing. Thanks honey!
Here are my favorites.















And they're out, yo.
But not for too long because we decided to go to Oriental Express. As we rounded the corner to eat this was our pleasant view.
Say no to crack.
Simmi has been smitten with Flower since she came home. They are pretty cute together.
I'm so glad it's Friday and I'm really looking forward to the long weekend!