Sunday Snapshot {mid-autumn moon festival}

To celebrate the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival this year, we headed to NYC with some friends to check out some of the festivities in Chinatown.  We are so glad we went.  The weather was beautiful and there was A LOT going on in the city!

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Our first stop was the Museum of Chinese in America (or MOCA), which had several activities for young kids, including lantern making, slide puppet making, and play-dough moon cake making!  All of which Cadie thoroughly enjoyed.  We attempted to watch the traditional puppet show twice, but she said it was "too loud and 'cary!" The wall Cadie and Christopher are standing in front of have the names of donors to the museum.  The engravings are of their Chinese name, english name, and where in China they are from and where they currently live.

Cadie and Daddy reading her new book "My Chinatown" by Kam Mack

Cadie showing Daddy the beautiful lantern she made.

A very old Lion Dancers costume (MOCA).

Some old movie posters featuring Chinese-American actors and directors (MOCA).

Cadie waiting patiently for the Lion Dancers to start at Sara Roosevelt Park in Chinatown, but the previous program was running long...we never did get to see them. We had to get back to the museum to "meet the author!"

Cadie had her new book, "My Chinatown" signed by the author Kam Mack.  Kam was born in Hong Kong and raised in Chinatown, NYC.  His book is a collection of poems and pictures depicting his life as a child growing up in Chinatown.  Kam also designs the Lunar New Year stamps for the U.S. Postal Service and takes great pride in sharing his Chinese heritage with other.  Thank you Mr. Mack for taking the time to share your book with all the kiddos!

My little Monkey King!  I should have bought this mask, she looks so darn cute in it!  And, she was jumping around like a little monkey saying, "I'm the Monkey King, I'm the Monkey King!"  Would have made a great Halloween costume. Hmmm....

Our friend, the Snyders, being interviewed by a local TV station for a piece they are doing on Chinatown.  This totally took the Snyder clan by surprise!  Christopher and I just kept shaking our heads, saying "only the Snyders!"  How exciting for their kids (3 adopted from China and 1 homegrown)!  After their interview, I got to talking to the reporter and he told me that he lived in China for 1 year and worked as a volunteer in an orphanage that only housed special needs children.  He said it was a life-changing experience.  I told him we felt the same way about our adoption experience.  We are truly changed!

Enjoying a delicious meal at Amazing 66 on Mott Ave. in Chinatown.  I read about this place on line and we decided to give it a try.  Clean and quiet, large tables, good food, excellent tea, and great prices.  This was a much appreciated respite from the hustle bustle of Chinatown.

Ethan and Emily...I promised them I would post this on the blog!

This little boy, just 4 years old, was singing karaoke in front of a bakery.  He was so adorable. Cadie was so ecstatic that she knew this popular Chinese children's song...she started clapping and singing along.  (Wish I knew the name of it, but the CD is all written in Chinese)! The red tins contain yummy moon cakes (4 for $15)...so, we bought some!

Cadie and daddy walking the streets of Chinatown, checking out the markets and food stands.

Locals congregate at Columbus Park to play games, socialize, play music, and exercise.  It is quite a busy place!

Walking through Columbus Park, heading back to the car.  A young lady was singing in the park, and this made CadieXin want to stop and dance!  Goodbye Chinatown, see you soon!