Chinese New Year at the Nelson

Paul is very, very industrious when it comes to finding fun, local, and cheap (free) things to do in KC. Mostly, these things involve the zoo or the Discovery Center. And those are great.

This month, he remembered one of my FAVORITE all-time KC places: the Nelson-Atkins Museum. Shortly after I quit my job at eScreen, I started volunteering regularly at the Nelson. I already liked the place, but I really grew to love and appreciate it. Since Max has come along, I haven't been able to do so with as much frequency. So I was REALLY excited when Paul remembered that last Friday was the Chinese New Year celebration at the Nelson.

The Nelson, whose former director was a leader in Chinese collections, makes it one of the biggest free public celebrations of the year. So we took advantage!



The Dragon makes his appearance! Max really liked
the drums that went with the dance.

Door-knob dragon. He will bring us good luck. :-)

Max and his swag!

Dragons in Kirkland Hall!

Of course, Max made a little girlfriend...

Posing in the rickshaw!

It was really a fun Friday night. So glad Paul remembered to look up the dates. :-)

Next up - birthday time!!!

(OMG - my baby is turning 3. Too fast.)

Christmas Finale!

Last but not least, Christmas at Grandma Cathy and Grandpa Joe's house.

Max and Dex had a little craziness with Dexter's walker.

Pretty sure Dexter is just wondering
who that crazy blonde boy is.



Such innocent faces. We know better.



Uhm - Max. You're almost three. Not your toy, man.

Aunt Jamie with the boys.

Paul dressed for the occassion:
Christmas, NYE, and my birthday. Big night.



Fave outfit. My nephew is SO cute.

 And now for the presents. Here we go, boys!!

Max really wanted to "help" Dexter open presents.

Grandma's "Christmas Story" bunny slippers.



Ben's very special gift from me:
Mr. Hanky, the Christmas Poo,
homemade ornament.

Stealing Dex time while wearing my candy PJ pants.

He's really just a pro this year.



Grandpa and Dexter. Cuteness.



Grandpa with a mug of his boys.

Santa Dexter!

Mickey Mouse Hot Wheels. Heaven.



It's a Philadelphia Eagles Christmas for Jamie, Dexter, and Ben.

We got a family hippopotamus for Christmas.

And now, a commercial break for my 36th birthday. Gotta give it to them: my parents try so hard to separate my birthday from Christmas and New Years. Plus, Joe was trying to be nice: 18x2 instead of 36. Ha.

Cake and flowers.

Hugs from my boy. Best present ever.

Probably wishing we sell our house.

 The next day, we just spent time goofing around.


Grandpa and Max working on guitar. Max was taking it very seriously.



Reading the expressions:
Max: Mommy, I don't know that I
like sharing Grandma with Dexter. But I'll try.
Grandma: Oh, Max. I have lots of love. Don't you worry. 

Peace made: Grandma and her boys.

Ben and his hippo, Jorge.

And back to no good for the new year. Ha!

All in all, we are lucky to share so many Christmases with so many people. Lucky us. Thanks Grandma and Grandpa for the last hoorah. Now - on to the new year. And on to someone's third birthday. Aggghhh!!

Christmas with Fuzzy and GG

Max had a little Fuzzy and GG pre-Christmas when they stopped to visit on their way to St. Louis to see my stepbrother Cory. A little fun - a few presents!

Fuzzy and Max - wrestling.

GG teaching Max some carols. Fa-la la-la-la!

Happy Boy!

Max's also Christmas stop in Hutch for official Christmas with Fuzzy and GG. GG prepared a Mexican feast, and we all spent time talking and watching the boys play. Perfect.

Dexter lorded over the festivities from his walker.
He's making sure that NaNa Nette and Max are playing nice.

Jeannette (Linda's mom) and Max discussing the finer points
of Francesco from Cars.

GG showing Max what his gifts are. Yippee.

The look on his face here is just too much.

Auntie Susan got Dex to take a nap.

Then she let him cuddle with Uncle Rob for part of his snooze.

Max is giving his best Oscar effort here. I'm not buying it.

Dad and daughter!

Wassup, Gs?

File this one away: full real Linda smile!
Great picture, 'rents.

It was a really fun day, and we all had a great time. Thanks Fuzzy and GG for a good holiday!