Happy Chinese New Year! Sophie had an exciting day starting with Mommy taking photos of her in her pretty "Chinese Princess Dress" as she called it! This is one of many many traditional dresses we bought for her while we were in China. Just look at that smile- it melts my heart every time!
Sophie didn't have school this day, but her teacher invited her to attend the special Chinese New Year celebration- including a dragon dance! When we pulled into the parking lot, the team of dancers was unloading their van. All of a sudden I heard someone scream, "Shana?" It was my friend Irene who is a black belt in Kung Fu. I know her from the nail salon- we used to get our nails done at the same time and became friends during the wait for Sophie. I remember the day I finally brought Sophie's referral picture to the salon- Irene was very emotional, as China is her homeland; and the orphaned girls of China have a very special place in her heart. I haven't seen Irene in a couple of years, so this was a very nice surprise for both of us. And of course, she was very charmed by Sophie Lu!
During the first dragon dance, Sophie Lu turned around and exclaimed, "I LOVE dragons!"
I loved the performance too and was yet again so appreciative to Sophie's preschool for all they do for their students.
Sophie Lu had the great honour of being chosen to play the big drum for one of the dances! She did a wonderful job, but afterwards she ran to me with eyes full of tears... "I want to go home, Mama! I don't like the dragons' masks! Please take me home..." So we had to leave about 5 minutes before the show ended and the special lunch began.
But I didn't take her home... Instead, I took her to a new gourmet cupcake shop for some not-so-traditional strawberry cupcakes! They were SO delicious- much better than the mooncakes I tried to bake last year!
Sophie Lu was so inspired, that she made her own "cupcakes" with twigs, leaves, and berries she collected from our backyard (so sweet)!
This is the beautiful Chinese lantern I helped Sophie Lu make!
And this is a project Sophie Lu did at school! Gung Hay Fat Choy, everyone!
Sophie's Valentines and goody-bags all ready to go!
Yet another "Family Project" required by Sophie Lu's preschool teacher- a Valentine w/ a family photo...
Sophie Lu with her Valentine's Day Box at school! When I picked her up, she was SO excited to show me every single one of her Valentines- carefully reading whom each was from. She can read each child's name (first and last) because the teacher calls roll by holding up a card with the child's full name on it. I was impressed! Happy (late) Valentine's Day!!
Sophie Lu & Jenna
