Chinese New Year Story

Kitty bought us loads of decorative items, so in the afternoon of the eve, we put them up to create a festive feel. Jonathan and Zerlynde were both very intriqued with the plastic "pineapples" which in hokkien sounds like "ong" meaning luck.


Jonathan and Zerlynde helping to decorate the house


Jonathan swinging the "mystic knots"

We had the traditional steamboat for our re-union dinner, comprising of prawns, fishballs, meatballs, abalone, fish maw, pompret and 'tau ki" (taufu stick)



Everyone on board except Hooi Yie, Hau Yee and K-Ying who were in JB


Then, we went to join Kenzu's family for their re-union dinner.


Zerlynde with her paternal granddad

Zerlynde with her handsome uncle Kenzin

Near midnight, cheeky Jonathan visited Zerlynde in our room wearing a pigtail and teased her incessantly, which tickled not only her endlessly, but all of us adults watching them as well. Ahh... who can resist these 2 lovely babies...

They were both so cute that we decided to dress them up for more snap-shots.






Came first day of the lunar year, 3-month old Shaun ushered in the Year of the Dog dressed like a doll...



Then, we prepared to go visiting our relatives, Zerlynde clutching her lovely bag to store her angpows.



At our uncle's house, we took an extended family portrait.



And Zerlynde demonstrated her Taekwondo kick.



Later in the afternoon, we visited Kenzu's parents again to "pai nien".


Zerlynde admiring the beautiful bouquet and showing off her kick


After that, we came home for our customary tea ceremony.


Proud grandparents

"May you be blessed with good health"

Of course, Chinese New Year is not Chinese New Year without poker for the guys.



The following evening, good friends came visiting.


Uncle Kim Heng playing with Zerlynde

Old Friends from primary and secondary school

Zerlynde admiring auntie Mee Lin's beautifully pedicured and painted nails


And last but not least, for our family, Chinese New Year is a lot about togetherness.

Cousins, first and second generations...