Happy CNY!!!

CNY = Chinese New Year. It's the year of the Ox. Last year at this time we were in Singapore w/ the Starks celebrating Chinese CNY. The Starks loved some of the traditions, so they helped us bring back them back to Big D in 2009. Thanks to our Dallas friends for coming over and sharing in the fun. We did the traditional "steam boat" dinner where there is one big pot of broth and a ton of meat, veggies, and noodles. Everyone gathers around the table and cooks their own meal to their liking. We had chicken, beef, shrimp, fish balls, tofu, dumplings, napa cabbage, bok choy, mushrooms, scallions, bean sprouts, bihoon noodles, chili peppers and a range of sauces. Everyone was a little timid at first, but by the end of the night they all looked fat and happy. The Bimmerles get the award for "most improved steam boaters". Early on, they looked very scared, but were steam boatin' pros when it was all said and done. Baby steps, next year, we'll teach them how to use chopsticks - without stabbing the food! It's a toss up between Sean and Jason for who ate the most. For dessert we had green tea ice cream mochi balls and red bean ice cream sandwiches. There was also lots of little chinese snacks and pastries - including "fish chips". Travis and I liked them…Sean equated it to sticking a bass in your mouth. Turner didn’t eat any of the goodies, but he sure looked cute in the rice hat! Everyone got their prosperity oranges - or prosperity orange drink mix (thanks to Mike and Sara). Tiff H. looked hottie in her china dress (it's actually called a cheongsam).

Last but not least, the Callahans announced the purchase of their new house and a little Cali on the way. Happy CNY everyone! We can't wait to do it again in 2010.

More CNY Pics:
http://picasaweb.google.com/btharlow/ChineseNewYear2009?feat=directlink