China's National Day

China's National Day/

Mid Autumn Festival

One of the cool things about living abroad,

is being able to experience a different culture, customs and holidays.

We have been excited to experience Holidays out here.

Everywhere you look,

in the last few weeks,

Cute little decorative bunnies and fish 

have been appearing.

We were told they are to celebrate the Autumn Festival.

Another must for the Autumn Festival, 

MOON CAKES.

Anytime you introduce the idea of a new type of treat,

I AM IN!

I accidentally bought a moon cake from Mrs. Fields a couple months ago.

Really, it was probably an American Version.

It was nothing less than a bit of ecstasy in the form of chocolate.

HEAVENLY, rich and fudgey.  YUM!

To Celebrate the Festival.

I bought some 'authentic' moon cakes to have as a family.

The ones in the Golden box.

And because, we have tried some other authentic ones,

not the 'Mrs. Fields' ones,

and lets be honest, it tasted like play dough to me...

I bought some 'pretend' Godiva Moon Cakes for the evening, as well.

(Now, Godiva did actually have moon cakes too, 

but they were flavors that the kids wouldn't eat and they are expensive,

 so.....  I totally felt justified in the 'pretend' ones!)

As you can see,

There was much excitement over the treats!

Todd didn't seem to mind the real moon cakes, 

kids were 'ok' with them.

I STILL think they taste more like play dough, than cake.

But, let me tell you.

Our 'pretend' Godiva moon cakes, heaven!

Anyhow, 

Back to National Day!

It is a big Deal!

A Government Holiday for not just Monday, but Tuesday as well!

Which was perfect, as Todd and I got home from Berlin Sunday

and were/are seriously jet lagged from the whirlwind trip!

Todd's friend from work, Cathy, 

invited us to join her family and some friends to celebrate!

Which was awesome, as we wouldn't even have known what to do!

Cathy lives near to us, 

so we met by her place and all MTR'd downtown.

It was crazy crowded, holiday and all!

As a group of about 30, I am guessing,

we all headed down to the harbor.

 The kids were adorable, as always!

 We were silly as usual.

 Our boat!

(Kayla bunny ear photo-bomb, ha!)

Can you tell the boat was rocking?

My camera does this double click thing at night....

Yah, didn't work out so well.

There were a few teens on board.

Yes, Logan was the only boy. :p

He was so cute sitting on top of the boat,

but it was too dark and bumpy to get a clear pic,

but you can use your imagination!

 He saw me trying to get his pic and came to get me!

We had dinner on board!

It was almost like home!!

So good.  Sorta like BBQ.  

There wasn't ONE complaint from the kids.

The boats got WAY, WAYYYY to close for comfort to me.

The cute lady in the purple blouse, next to my Kay, is Cathy!

The highlight of the evening were the fireworks.

I believe they lasted about 30 mins!

Truly spectacular above the water. 

The HK skyline is so beautiful.

There were people lining the streets everywhere.
It is hard to see, but believe me hoards of people!

 There were even people on the rocks!

-My Boys-

Ok, back to how pretty the skyline is.
Sorry the quality is bad.
Was really dark and super humid, albeit it a nice temp.

Seriously, that is too close!
They are not parked!

It is hard to see, but boat furthest out in the center is a Police boat.
They were making sure no one crossed the imaginary line!

Amazing.

Ok.  Here are a couple short videos from the night.

So.
Now, you too, have experienced, in a small way...
China's National Day!