Thank you{#blank#}1{#/blank#}the card and money you sent me for my birthday. I used the money to go to the zoo with my friend, Mario. It was the most interesting day! You know that I'm taking{#blank#}2{#/blank#}after school{#blank#}3{#/blank#} I'm too quiet. Well, Mario is in the{#blank#}4{#/blank#}class with me, but he really wants to become an{#blank#}5{#/blank#}. He is much more{#blank#}6{#/blank#}than I. He acted like a{#blank#}7{#/blank#}while we were waiting to get into the aquarium. He was so good that people started asking for his {#blank#}8{#/blank#}. I bought a {#blank#}9{#/blank#}as a souvenir, then I could take{#blank#}10{#/blank#}with it!

    According to Chinese history, sky lanterns were first used by Zhuge Kongming. He sent them out to ask for {#blank#}1{#/blank#}when in trouble. Today, sky lanterns are used at{#blank#}2{#/blank#}and other celebrations. They are made of bamboo and covered with paper. When the lanterns are lit, they slowly {#blank#}3{#/blank#} into the air like small hot-air balloons for all to see. They are seen as bright symbols of happiness and good wishes.

    Paper cutting has been around for over 1,500 years. Paper cutting sounds very easy but it can be {#blank#}4{#/blank#}to do. The paper, {#blank#}5{#/blank#}red, is folded before it is cut with scissors. The most common pictures are flowers, animals, and things about Chinese history. During the Spring Festival, they are put on windows, doors and walls as symbols of wishes for good {#blank#}6{#/blank#} and a happy new year.

    Chinese clay art is famous {#blank#}7{#/blank#}the clay pieces are so small but they look very real. The pieces are usually cute children or {#blank#}8{#/blank#}characters from a Chinese fairy tale or historical story. The pieces are carefully shaped by hand from a very special kind of clay and then allowed to air-dry. After{#blank#}9{#/blank#}, they are fried at a very high heat. They are then polished and painted. It takes {#blank#}10{#/blank#}weeks to complete everything. These small pieces of clay art show the love that all Chinese people have for life and beauty.