Sledding

Three weeks ago Aidan was very excited that we finally had a lot of snow. Now he could finally go sledding! So we headed out. It was snowing hard but Aidan and Mike had a good time. Maya and I watched for a while, but it was very cold and the hill was too steep for Maya; so we ended up waiting in the car to stay warm. Here are two shots from the day. We're going to try to go again this weekend.

Book Recommendation

A colleague's wife gave Maya a book about Tet called "Ten Mice for Tet" by Pegi Deitz Shea and Cynthia Weill - it has lovely illustrations and is simply written for toddlers. It also has a more informative section at the back for older children and adults. I highly recommend this book about Tet!

Busted!!

Mike was cooking dinner one evening and he turned his back for a nanosecond and found Miss Maya swigging the syrup!!

Only a few days earlier I caught her taking a juice container out of the recycling bin and attempting to get the last few drops out - how horrifying! - 'course in Maya fashion, she declares "mmm mmm MMMMMM"!!

Our First Tet

Yesterday we celebrated our first Tet by going to the Tet Festival at the International Centre in Mississauga. The festival was well-attended by thousands of Vietnamese Canadians. It was interesting -but very, very crowded. I don't think we would go in future years as we couldn't see the dragon dance very well. We did enjoy learning about some Tet traditions. Here are some photos from the day...

Aidan and Maya in front of some blossoms. Many of the families were taking their photos in front of the blossoms - so we did too!

Some women with traditional Vietnamese instruments
A monk writing - probably about having a prosperous and healthy new year.

A lion mask

The throngs.... it was difficult to see much of what was going on on the stage. We did see Dalton McGuinty and Michael Ignatieff - not sure if they ended up on stage or whether they were just honoured guests

Aidan and Maya in front of the money tree.

Their red envelopes

We bought this banner to hang by our fireplace. I asked the saleswoman what it said - I think she said something like: May you have a prosperous New Year and have harmony with your family. (I will need to use an on-line translator to check - translator said "Wealth' and "Peace").

So all in all I'm glad we went, but next year we will look for a smaller, less crowded celebration!

Vintage Video

Some Tet Options

I am aware of festivities in Mississauga for the wider Vietnamese-Canadian community on Saturday January 22. Here is a link for the celebration in Mississauga. I also understand the FCV Toronto chapter is planning something for adoptive families. More info to follow when I learn the details.

What are you doing for Tet?

Hi there, Tet is coming up fast. Wondering what others are doing to celebrate in the GTA? Please leave your suggestions in the comments section. Thanks!