蛇年：初一

The first day of Chinese New Year is the most tiring day of our whole year every year. Add to that the fact that we were attempting to squeeze in church before all the visiting, it would come as no surprise that we were kind of dreading the day!

But the show had to go on.

At least it gives me an opportunity to put my kids in cute clothes and take lots of pics of them! This year they were togged out in matching outfits from Elly that I was particularly pleased about.


Definitely had more than my dose of cuteness.

We started the day with church then it was off to my parents' to 拜年. We didn't have a lot of time before everyone had to leave for lunch so it was a rather quick affair this year. We kept the greetings short but there was still enough time for us to get Noey to sing a number of Chinese New Year songs and for Naomi to raid the snacks.



And of course, for us to take the now annual shot of our live size DBS Ang Pow girl with her likeness. My sis commented that the girl seems to be growing up with her. It does seem that way huh!



After leaving my parents', it was DD's Mum's for the annual lunch feast with DD's uncles, aunts and cousins. Even with only one side of the family, we're talking about lunch for over 30 people, with all food painstakingly prepared by DD's Mum over the course of a few days. It's no mean feat. Did I also mention that the food is awesome?
This year's menu: Kiam Chye Duck Soup, Pen Cai with Eight Treasures, Steamed Ginger Chicken, Broccoli with Sharksfin and Crabmeat, Steamed Pomfret, Waxed Duck and Lap Cheong, and Chap Chye. YUM.



Lunch was really late, but I'm sure that's not the only reason why the food tasted so good!

Probably as a knock-on effect of running late, we ended up visiting fewer homes than we usually do on the first day. Amazingly, while I was ready to drop off to sleep on my feet, Noey didn't nap a wink. Naomi on her part managed two very short naps. Perhaps that's why she was rather grouchy when it was time to take pictures after dinner at DD's grandma's.



(To be fair, she was having a terrific time playing and squealing with her cousins before this photo!)

In any case, DD and I were certainly relieved when we got the first day behind us. The rest of the holiday was certainly much more fun!