a few more Kayla snaps

Kayla enjoying the holidays

Some snaps of Kayla growing up and enjoying the holidays with family.

Happy New Year from Chiang Mai (again)

Happy New Year from Chiang Mai.

We spent New Year's Eve going to temple, along with thousands of others.

Our New Year's Eve partying began with a small get-together on the roof of our guesthouse.
There was, of course, karaoke, and no, we did not sing.

We then made our way down t0 Tapae Gate where the "big" celebration was (sorta like Times Square only without the big ball dropping). There were probably twice as many people as there were last year (must be the recession) but we fought through the crowds and sent a lantern into the sky.

"Big Heads" are the BIG thing here now.

Yes, more litter in the skies but people here are pretty good about cleaning it all up.

Blind Musicians are also a favorite here. They never fail to draw a generous crowd.

Happy New Year everyone.

Good Health, Good Fortune, and Good-Bye for now.

A few more from Dina

A few more from Grandma's Birthday. (taken by Dina)

Sorry I wasn't there to help celebrate but it looks like it was fun.

Happy Birthday Great Grandma

GREAT GRANDMA IS 96 YEARS OLD!

I am sorry Josh and I missed such a momentous occasion. We had already planned our trip to celebrate a belated Christmas with the McCormick Family and were unable to change our plans on such short notice.

She looks even better than when dad and I visited her together in November.

Three Generations

The Party-goers

All the Chin grandchildren minus Uncle Herman plus one great grandchild.

See you on February 13th, Chinese New Year!!!

Christmas has come and gone

CHRISTMAS EVE

Aurora and Matt gave the dogs a stuffed Dreidel that sang the "Dreidel Song." Lana is usually the one who grabs ALL the toys...but this particular toy instanty grabbed Emily's attention.Matt and Aurora's first Holiday at the Chin House.
Matt and Aurora got my dad the Chirstmas Leg Lamp Puzzle from the movie, "A Christmas Story." The leg lamp has always been a running joke in our family.
Quotes often heard this time of year:
"IT'S A MAJOR AWARD!"
"Uh, 'Frah-gee-lay'. It must be Italian!.....I think it says 'Fragile,' honey."
By the end of the night Emily had claimed the Dreidel as her own. We think she may be a closet Jew.

CHRISTMAS DAY!!!
Grandma and Grandpa Chin's House-early early early!!!

All the Harry Chin elves were helping in their own little ways.

Kristine helped out......

I helped out....It just isn't Christmas without Sticky Rice.

Matt helped out.....

All the boys helped out.....and joked around a bit too.

Grandpa cutting that chicken JUST right.

YUMMY SOUP!

Dad's got his apron on to help out too!

I have now mastered Grandpa's soup recipe. I learned a whole lot that day.

Marcus thinks it tastes good

Grandma making her demands while I stare blankly and look at Grandpa. :)

Turns out...we were looking for oyster sauce.

The Ladies of the morning.

Josh's 1st Christmas at Grandpa and Grandma Chin's house. Next year we will have Thanksgiving here and Christmas at the McCormicks. Merry Christmas...Everyone!

CHRISTMAS AT THE HARRY CHIN HOUSE

Josh got the TV he has always wanted...It even had a big red bow!!!

Michael recorded the entire afternoon for us.

Matt in his USUAL present opening spot-the corner. :)

All Smiles when presents are being opened!my musical card from Marcus and Kristina....I am NOT a fan of Miley Cirus.

How many of you knew that Dad is a HUGE swedish fish fan??? If not, you learned something new today.

Marcus is SO excited and in his normal Christmas Spot...the Fireplace.

Video games for Michael from Mel and Josh.....We shoulda gotten Kristine earplugs. Melissa and Josh's First Christmas

Michael and Kristine's First Christmas

Marcus's and Kristina's First Christmas

Our First Christmas with Wizard Marcus and Kristina's CatOur first Christmas without Phoebe.

Emily and Lana had a great time.

Mom and Dad's 30th Christmas