Leap Year, Starting on Tuesday, Year of the Rat

Sh! Pamela has not quite figured out that the Year of the Rat really begins on February 7. To her, it started last night! This year is a banner year for her because 2008 is a leap year, and Pamela LOVES leap year and plans to include Baby Alive, the fifth member of our family, to join in on the festivities. Between now and February 29, I am going to have to figure out a special way to ring in the leap day.

We found out that Pamela's great, great grandmother in England was born on February 29. Shock registered on her face immediately and she said, "You're kidding me!"

In preparation for the big day (the changing of a new year), Pamela has been making calendars for the past two weeks. Saturday a week ago, we spent a total 2.5 hours in the car for a trip to the health food store. Pamela spent the entire time organizing a calendar to reflect triple interests: years, geography, and the Chinese zodiac. Each page focused on one sign of the zodiac, and, starting in 1963, she included all of the places I have lived! Steve's geographical heritage does not capture interest for he was born and raised in El Salvador.

Year of the Rabbit


Year of the Dragon


Year of the Snake


Year of the Horse


Year of the Sheep


Year of the Monkey


Year of the Rooster


Year of the Dog


Year of the Pig


Year of the Rat


Year of the Ox


Year of the Tiger