Happy Chinese New Year - Year of the Dog

We really didn't get to celebrate Chinese New Year this week. Yes, we went to Las Vegas, but we were all tired from the trip and Punky was sick for a few days. As a result, we've been laying low for most of this week. In years past, we would have gone out to a Chinese restaurant for a New Year's banquet.

Back in New Jersey, no one really acknowledged Chinese New Year, not even my immediate family. But out here, it is a big deal. I even received New Year's greetings from most of my co-workers, many of whom aren't even Asian. And for all of our nieces and nephews out here, Jenny and I are expected to give them "lycee" or red envelopes with good luck money.

Russell wore a special Chinese outfit to school on Monday (see below) for Chinese New Year. His teacher liked it so much that she had him stand up and show it to the rest of the class. Punky has a Chinese suit as well, which he will wear when we visit his Grandmother in San Jose this weekend.

Gung Hay Fat Choy!


Year of the Dog display at the Bellagio in Las Vegas


Russell's Chinese outfit was a hit at his preschool


Punky says: "I'll drink to that!"