On February 14th, we had a lot to celebrate. It was Chinese New Year - Year of the Tiger - Valentine's Day, and my dear friend Anne's birthday (which was on the 9th), so my pal Alicia and I co-hosted a Chinese New Year/Valentine's/Birthday party! But before I get to that, I'll fill you in on Valentine's Day at home. We started off the day with mini pancakes, shaped like hearts of course...
And I also baked a giant cookie for Matt & Mateo - my Valentines. Matt got me a fancy pedicure (my toes really need it!) and I got him a massage. As you could probably tell, we like pampering. And gosh darn it, we need it! Mateo got chocolate, stickers, and a toy airplane. It was a sweet way to start the day!
I have to share a cute story here. Mateo has recently really gotten into Dora the Explorer and Go, Diego, Go. On one episode of Dora that is about trains (yes, Dora AND trains - a WINNING combo), there's a scene where 2 trains almost collide. Mateo always covers his eyes. It's so funny and cute! You can almost here a sigh of relief when everything turns out okay!
And some cute pics here of mom's lil' romeo...
I just love this scrunchy face!
Okay, onto the party. We had it at Alicia's and let me tell you, she cooked up a storm! Actually, let me back up, she and Nick decorated their house with Chinese scrolls, lanterns, and other lucky Chinese decorations which looked fantastic. Now onto the food! They spent the day before making meat and vegetarian turnip cake (one of my absolute favorites!), "glutenous" rice wrapped in banana leafs (one of my absolute favorites!), and had a yummy spread of edamame, crackers, and Chinese candies. I made a pork mixture for dumplings and Matt made fried rice. And Anne brought a savory potato/cheese/onion filling for some vegetarian dumplings. YUMM-O! We set up a dumpling making station and had guests take their turn at assembling them. Then I fried them all up and we gobbled them down!
Bianca, Anne (b-day girl), and Jenn (all the way from Silverton!)
"The Spread"
Mateo took a liking to the lobster chips.
Mmmmm...
I also made a red velvet cake for the occasion. It was suffice to say we didn't go home hungry. It was really nice to eat such good food with our friends. Erik and Jess brought their 4-year old son Finn so him and Mateo had fun running around the house and causing trouble. Mateo loves older kids and wants to do everything they do. Oh, and there were 3 dogs there too. So much excitement. But it was a great time. Gong Hei Fard Choy - 恭喜发财
The next day was President's Day so it was a treat to have Matt and I have TWO consecutive days off together (a very rare occasion). We relaxed at home and walked over to the duck park (see pics below). Matt made some of his yummy ribs and I even got to go to a yoga class that evening (ANOTHER rare treat!).
I just love the way he was holding his hands behind his back here. What a little gentleman!
And, I've said this before and I'll say it again: poor poor Bebe.
Dear friends and family,
