Heralding Chinese New Year

Ringing in Chinese New Year at Disney's California Adventure for family day yesterday was a fortuitous opportunity we heard about just the day before. We contemplated dressing the kids in their traditional outfits, but Alex suggested we dress Serene up in a Mulan costume instead. I thought it was the most brilliant idea, especially when we learned there would be a Mulan parade. Mulan was Serene's first favorite character; she has a Mulan dress from the Disney Store that she received last fall, but I had been wanting to make her one that looks more authentic. I thrifted a pale pink robe for $2.50 a few months ago that I wanted to transform into a Mulan dress eventually. I altered it so it would look like Mulan's, and added the blue and burgundy accents. I had planned to finish the costume for Serene's Valentine's gift, but I wrapped it up in a frenzy late Sunday night instead so it would be ready for our trip to DCA for Lunar New Year. Serene adored looking like a mini Mulan while ambling around Disney. Mulan spotted her mini-me in Serene and singled her out during the parade to bid her hello, which totally made Serene's day. Besides napping half the time we were there, Valor amiably soaked in the sights, sounds, and sensations of his first Chinese New Year celebration in the security of our arms. Sharing our culture with the kids in this way was a special experience. Now, if only we could also teach them some Chinese!