Summer Recap - Nudgie Turns 2

I've been really bad about keeping up-to-date over the summer. I've got all the pictures and the words were in my head, but I just never got around to writing. So each week, I'm going to do a summer recap of things we did over the summer! I suppose it's a last gasp attempt to hold on to the last days of summer!

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On July 18th, my baby - Nudgie - turned 2! I could hardly believe it. It seemed just like yesterday when I was bringing her home from the hospital, snuggling with her late at night after a feeding, and watching endless DVD episodes of CSI on the portable DVD player we put in her room so I could keep my mind alert while nursing!

How can my little angel be two already??

We had a small party here at home with the folks from My Marine's unit. Nudgie's birthday party also served a dual purpose in that it gave us as a unit to get together and hang out for an evening! My mom was also in town and helped a lot with party preparations -- for which I am forever grateful!

I originally wanted to do a Candyland theme for Nudgie's birthday, but dragged my feet on getting everything together. So in the end - we went with Cookie Monster -- Nudgie's favorite! I decided to make my own cake with marshmallow fondant icing -- the first time I've ever made it.

It was sticky.....

And messy....

And a pain in the ass....

But in the end - it was worth it.....

I was incredibly happy with the way it turned out and was so proud of myself for even trying this in the first place!

I even made up a batch of Cookie Monster cupcakes that ended up invading our fridge!

I even put my mom to work rolling little fondant Cookie Monster eyeballs....

But in the end, all that mattered was that Nudgie was happy!

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Summer Recap - Dragon Boat Festival

In mid-July, we went to the Dragon Boat Festival. Every year, this family-friendly festival celebrates Colorado's Asian Pacific American heritage. It's a 2-day festival that showcases traditional performing arts, cultural customs, cuisine, and a marketplace of unique arts and crafts. The highlight of the festival is the action-packed dragon boat racing across the lake.

Nani with part of the group that performed the "Awakening" ceremony

Dragon Boat Racing is an international sport that originated in ancient China. The sport is over 2,000 years old and is steeped in tradition. According to legend, Chu Yuan, a poet, warrior, and loyal aid to the Emperor, fell victim to plots and deception, and fell out of favor with the Court. When the old Emperor died, Chu Yuan was unjustly banished and wandered the countryside writing poems he hoped would be heard and heeded by the new Emperor. Despondent, he finally threw himself into a river. His devoted followers, learning of his death, beat their paddles on the water and banged drums and gongs to frighten away the fish from Chu Yuan’s body. In Yuan’s honor, athletes the world over still meet to commemorate his sacrifice for honor and justice.

Before the races begin, the dragons on the boats have to be "awakened". A tradition since the first Colorado Dragon Boat Festival, the Awakening the Dragon Opening Ceremony is a beautiful and spiritual ritual. Buddhist monks and other temple members chant as dignitaries carefully “dot the eyes” of the racing boats to awaken the spirit of the dragons, and to bless the athletes. Then a 75-foot dragon comes to life for a colorful dragon dance.

Waiting for the races to start

This was our first year going to the Festival, so there were a few things we learned and will keep in mind for going next year - like bringing a blanket and staking out a spot on the lake to watch the races. This way we could still walk around and grab some lunch and then come back and watch the races while eating.

Overall, it was a really nice way to spend an afternoon!

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