Chinese New Year was a Blast!

We were sitting in church on January 25th trying to listen to the speakers, as thunderous firecrackers were exploding. We couldn't wait for midnight, when the real show would begin. (Click here to see thousands of people traveling on the subway as they are most likely going to a)the train station to buy their ticket (you can only buy a train ticket four days in advance), or b)do some last minute shopping before the holiday.)
We knew that we would be staying up late so we decided to have a little sleepover at our friends' apartment (Mike and Tamara Griggs. Thanks guys!). Later in the
evening we went over to another members' apartment (Vivian and Jamie's) to help make the traditional New Year food, dumplings. Since Vivian is from China, she was able to share with Tamara and me the secret to make the dumplings taste so yummy.

It was so much fun to learn how to make these.

Here is a picture of some of the cooked dumplings and some spring rolls. Both are considered to bring good luck.

Many members from our branch were able to come and celebrate with us
too. As I was working on the dumplings, Sean was having a good time playing video games with all of the kids.

We even went outside with all of the kids to light off our own fireworks.


Finally, midnight came and we decided to go up to the roof of a 32nd
flor building to see all of the fireworks.

Once midnight hit I was blown away! This sight should be something everyone should see before they die. It was amazing! Imagine over 10 million people having access to extremely large fireworks, and all lighting them off all at once!

Well... you don't have to imagine them. Take a look here to get a glimpse. (This video was taken by Michael Griggs, he only captures a few minutes, but the fireworks continued through out the whole night!