Hanging out behind the scenes as a group prepared for a lion dance at one of the libraries — it happened to also be their 1-year anniversary since they redid their branch.

And then they proceeded to go INSIDE to “bless” the library. The coordinator was jokingly saying this is the one time ruckus was allowed.

One of the librarians presented the lettuce offering where, according to tradition, the lion will eat the green and then spit it out which represents the spreading of prosperity and good luck. And yes, it was spit out all over the nicely carpeted library floor. :D

Some patrons were amused and interested in the festivities while others kept doing their thing with the minor annoyance.

Meet and greet afterwards.

Since E goes to a Mandarin immersion school, the lunar year was also well celebrated there during a morning assembly.

Each grade/class had their own performances. They apparently have been practicing since the beginning of school.

Hanging with Teddy, one of E’s good friends this year, for his 7th bday party on a Sunday afternoon…

It was put on by a YMCA branch and they had a couple of Y guys come out and do organized games with the kiddos.

Ready for cake.

Serious boy talk.

We went on a longer bike ride to the lakes downhill from our neighborhood.

Signature E-brows!

Riding the church shuttle back to our car on a cold, dreary, rainy day. But this one had bright flowers to give to his teachers for V-day, courtesy of Grace Church. :)