Ushering in the Year of the Fire Boar

The Boar has arrived in place of the Dog.

On the eve, we had our family reunion dinners, first at my parents' house, then at Kenzu's parents' house. Advantage of marrying one's childhood sweetheart :) As usual, we had steamboat comprising of prawns, fish, fish balls, meat balls, fish maw, abalone, crabsticks (for the kids), etc. both places. Kenzu's crazy brothers ordered a whole suckling pig to celebrate at home! Later in the evening, Kenzu's friends started streaming in for a feast and poker.









New Years day, we went to our uncle's house to pay our respect. It is our family's custom to congregate there on the first day of cny for lunch. After that, my parents dropped the kids and I off at Kenzu's house where we stayed till 5pm. Many friends came visiting there; among others, Kar Boon, Raymond and Kok Wai and their families. Zerlynde had a swell time playing with Dylan and Patrina and Lisa, the puppy. She also helped herself to the various cookies and soft drinks - reason why she fell ill later.

We came back to my parents' place later for the tea ceremony, a yearly practice, where angpows were exchanged. The kids were all so excited to receive angpows but did not forget to wish their grandparents "Gong Xi Fa Cai". I have been teaching Zerlynde to utter those wishes and my efforts were not in vain. She even sang the first phrase of "Gong Xi Gong Xi Gong Xi Ni" for her Ah Mah and Kong Kong.

The 2nd day was uneventful. We basically just stayed in to rest and relax but for a brief visit to my 7th aunt's house.

On the 3rd day, Hooi Yie and her family came home from Pontian. We met them for late lunch at Secret Recipe. In the evening, we organised a Korean BBQ for dinner. Hubby bought the stove at a Korean Fair at Plaza Damas and Kitty contributed some Kim Chi brought back from her recent trip to Korea. The beef marinated by Kenzu's dad was lovely, so was the Kim Chi octopus. That day also coincided with Kai-Yun's birthday but we didn't bring the cake out till the following day when all the kids were awake to celebrate with him. On the 4th day also, we went out for lunch at Hong Kong Kopitiam which was very crowded - our first also our last time there in view of the poor service. Later in the evening, we went visiting my mother's 3rd brother who invited us over for another steamboat dinner.

On the 5th day, we brought Zuwern to visit my mentor where we discussed music and philosophy. Zerlynde had to stay home as the fever which she developed a couple of days earlier had worsen. She has still not fully recovered to this day, so we have been homebound since. Hubby and I however did manage to sneak off for a few hours away from our 2 little monsters to check out the new Toyota Camry in Prai and to do some grocery shopping on Friday.

It's Sunday today, eve of the 9th day of the lunar calendar. The Hokkien celebrates their new year on the 9th day and I can hear fireworks from my room as I am writing this. Hubby has gone back to KL leaving us behind. I've decided to stay on at my parents for another week to run a few errands and to meet some good friends. Also, Zerlynde was very much missed by my parents the 3 weeks we were in KL, so I am taking this opportunity to let them spend some extra time with her.