There is a good reason why I am NOT an acrobat

...because I cannot possibly make myself fit into that circle ring!  Yes, that man was able to squeeze himself into that circle ring!  Obviously he does not have birthing hips!  I will just have to remain proud that I can say that... I have great birthing hips!  (That will not allow me to fit into that ring!)  I was sweating watching him do that.  And he was also able to fit into a barrel!

 They were impressed!  (Can you point out my 3?)

 And do various handstands while on some wooden blocks!

Yes... I am glad I am not an acrobat!  But it was fun watching!  This was Wayne Huey of Red Panda Acrobats, based in San Francisco. He was pretty awesome.  He told us that most Chinese acrobats train as early as at the age of 6.  They go train for 8 hours a day and 6 days a week!  He, however, was not born in China.  He was born in the bay area.  He decided "to join the circus" when he was 22 years old.  (Those were his own words!)  He left to train in China for 7 years and returned to America where he began his first job at the Epcot Center!  Hi performance today was in honor of the Lunar New Year.  I was disappointed that it was so short!  I was expecting an hour long show but it was only 30 minutes long.  The children didn't mind, they had a great time, and then hung out at the library - their favorite place to be!  :)

Happy Lunar New Year!

It's the year of the rabbit.  So, what's that mean?  Not sure... but you can read more here or here.  Becky always says that I'm not "really" Chinese because I never know these important things!  She's probably right!  I really don't know... but I'm slowly learning!

Anyway, this is how we celebrated.
On Sunday, January 30, 2011, mom prepared quite a feast for our deceased grandparents and my dad.  Look at this beautiful table full of colorful and delicious food!  Yes, that is a whole roasted pig!!!!

They burned some incense with mom:

Then the fun begins!  They LOVE burning joss papers!

Check out this handsome suit that is going up to dad.  It took some time to explain to the children how that was going"up" to their grandfather!

Then we all went back in the house and they learned a new game...  (the link I found is last year's but it was the only one I could find tonight explaining this game).

Afterwards, we had our feast -- my aunt, uncle, cousin (Ratha), and Jim and Clare joined us:

YUM!!!

Today, February 2, 2011, I went into MG's classroom to teach the class the little bit that I know about the Chinese New Year.
Crazy mom that I am, I decided LATE last night to make them these shirts... turned out great and they were able to wear to school for my lesson!  (they chose the pictures for their shirts yesterday when we "casually" spoke about making them... not thinking that I would actually have to follow through with it!)

I read this book and then we made paper lanterns!

 It was fun but loud!!!  Reminds me of the days when I taught elementary school!  Makes me thankful for my little break from the classroom!

MG passed out red envelops filled with lucky candy at the end of the day... a nice treat to end the day!

This evening, mom had the 3 line up to receive their red envelopes from her -- pardon the "fancy outfits"... It was late, they had just showered, and I was quickly getting them off to bed.  It was waaay passed their bedtime on a school night!!!

Happy Lunar New Year!!!!