Dragon Boat Races

This past weekend the girls and I joined their friend Grace and her mommy for

a fun day at a Dragon Boat Race and Fesitval.

We have a few of these events not too far from where we live and

the girls really enjoy going (as do we) so we all make an effort even if we

have to travel a bit to get there.

This particular venue is a great setting!

They have a wonderful make-up artist who does free face painting! 

Clara Rose was quick to pick out a ranibow butterfly.

Josie opted for something a little more subtle-- heart-2-heart on one cheek.

Grace chose a pink princess design. 

We enjoyed some of the entertainment.

This young girl played some lovely Chinese folk songs on a 

traditional instrument called a Hulusi and Bawu.

It is kind of like a mix between a flute and a clarinet and produces a very lovely melody. 

This gentleman is from the same Province as Josie, Guangdong Province.

He played traditional folk music from Guangdong.

Josie was definitely pleased when I told her this man was playing traditional music

from her province. She said that she liked it alot.

The instrument he played is call an erhu and it has an interesting and pleasant melody as well.  

Clara Rose and Grace up front watching one of the dance and music performances.

After watching several of the performances

we moved down to the RiverFront so we

could watch a few of the Dragon Boat Races

while eating some lunch. 

Josie was content watching the races while

eating her lunch. 

Clara Rose was more interested in

being her usual "Miss Funny-Pants" self. 

After lunch and waching a few races,

we wandered back to the performance area.

These young ladies are second generation Laotian.

Their families were very happy to watch them perform traditional

folk dances from Laos. 

Another Dance Troupe that had a variety of dances

and was lots of fun to watch. 

We all enjoyed the "baby" Lion Dance. 

 All too soon it was time for us to head home.

Each of the girls chose a pretty fan from one of the vendors.

On the way out we pass through a science center and the girls

were amazed by the dinosaur in the back that every so

often would move and roar.