Happy New Year Shower!

What a fantastic Chinese (Lunar) New Year celebration we had for a shower our friends Lisa and Marlena hosted for us.  They went all out!  There were China decorations, lanterns, special goodies and red and gold everywhere.  The food was excellent and included these incredible chicken on a stick things and some awesome white chili.  Mike and I want that recipe!

Kelly and her sister Kimberly posing under the fabulous red dragon.

The golden pig which symbolizes the year Leila was born 2007.

Beautiful wall hangings...

and table coverings.

There were certainly a cast of characters that showed up for the event...
Eric, Kathy, and their boys.

Paula (love this photo of her).

Our other friend Paula is a mom and was explaining to us how some of these toys work.  We were all too happy for any and all parenting advice since we are pretty clueless.

All the little girls like Mike.... Nora Beth...

... and Hope.

There goes Mike (another Mike) and his wife Kammy horsing around again.

Great photo of Marlena, one of the shower's fearless leaders.

Kelly's sister and brother-in-law, Kimberly and Scott.

Nora Beth got a tummy ache after eating only chocolate for dinner.

A Schoonover and Hanson enjoying an electronic game.

Jack and Carole talking with Marlena and Chris.

Holly having a kitchen chat with Jon.

Lisa having a discussion with Dan.

Even Mel and Andrew showed up for the event, though they had to leave as soon as they got there since Andrew wasn't feeling well. 

Here's a great photo of our shower hosts Lisa, Marlena, and Chris.  Chris and Marlena are also waiting to adopt from China.

Lisa lead us in a couple of games.  One was to see how fast we could diaper the baby doll.  Lisa had to demonstrate to all us non-parents and show us how its done.

Daddy Dan looks confident with his baby doll.

Art says this is probably the only time we will ever get to see him changing a diaper. (Posted this photo just for you Paula!)

Mike and I received some awesome gifts.  We will have to take a photo of them when we put them away in Leila's bedroom.  We had to post this photo since these gifts were from Mel and Andrew who weren't there to see us open them.  Needless to say, all the cavers really loved these gifts and were jealous they didn't come in adult sizes.

After the gifts were opened, we all went outside and enjoyed a bonfire and some fire works.  It was a truly awesome party.  We are in awe of what great friends we have.  Thanks so much for everything!!

Mike and Kelly