We got to attend another Chinese New Year party at a restaurant in Rockville.  It was for a Chinese language and culture school (mainly for adoptive families and other Chinese Americans.)  I lady I met through Families with Children from China invited us.  The best part was the lion dance!  Ariel got to participate and feed money to the lions.  Alice was in town for a short visit, so she got to go with us. 

We also visited my friend Norma, who I worked in a lab with.  She has a son, Miguel, who is Ariel's age.  It was the first time we'd seen each other in 7 years.  Forgot to take any pictures, but we had a nice visit / play date.

The next day was warmer and sunny, so we had a nature walk at Huntley Meadows nature preserve.

After Alice's visit, Ariel caught up on her rest with Nene.

 Ariel has a renewed interest in Doraemon, a Japanese cartoon cat.  We have one Doraemon video with English songs, and this Doraemon doll that I got on a whim from a thrift store in Japan.  Little did I know these items would become so loved.  Of course, it's all guided by the spirit of the real Doraemon, one of Ariel's first cats.  His portrait hangs in the dining room.

Nene & Ralph's daily cuddle time.

DC outing for Chinese New Year

 While Jeff studied, Ariel & I hit the Smithsonians.  Our big Chinese New Year party was canceled the day before due to snow (bummer.)  Jeff helped us get last-minute tickets to Disney on Ice. So between museums, we economized with a packed lunch.  Ariel had a short nap in the theater at the Native American Museum.  As always, she's in her element being out on adventures, just like Dora.

 Disney on Ice was at the Verizon Center in Chinatown (downtown DC.)  Our Chinatown is very small, but was bustling with people and lights this snowy evening.  We lingered to enjoy the sights.  Disney on Ice was lively with lots of music, dancing, and theatrics from Mickey Mouse and many other Disney characters.

 Happy Rice Girl (her chopsticks eventually landed on the floor.)  We sat by another Disney-on-Ice family.  The little girls were excellent pee role models in the bathroom (they had a "who can pee the fastest" contest in the stall next to us, so Ariel & I did the same.)

 Vegetarian "chicken" and broccoli at Chinatown Garden.  

Riding the DC Metro is a thrill in itself.

snowy times

 We had lots of snow and cold weather in February.  

 Grateful for cozy clothes, blankets, and cats.

 Valentine's Day crafts (we were snowed in.)

 The cats have really enjoyed the critter-fest outside.

Old friends, new place.  With Laura (right), who I knew from long ago in Colorado, and Tricia, my friend since college.  This was Tricia's promotion party!