Melaka family fun!

We are back in Melaka! Yes, again but coz we liked the place n when daddy says where to go if he takes Boxing Day lve for long wkend we Thot of Melaka. Somewhere we are familiar n lots of things to do since we know more places with the last trip. 

We came this pl some 4 yrs ago to have new yr countdown with Ian then only n so much memories as we rem when we came again when Joann was only a baby n then back again for church camp last yr and twice this yr end hols. This is a pl to rem our family progress haha. 

We started the journey w arcade fun for kids at bukit indah where we had brunch n fun b4 driving off to Melaka while both kids napped on the go! We went straight to the jap restaurant Winston recommended us n both kids slurped up the yummy food. Bad jam at jonker area b we finally got to hotel puri n both kids excited abt hotel n then checked out the pasar Malam while both kids din like idea of market at 1st but later told us they loved it coz they got some toys hardly found in the stores haha. Nice 1st day as we bought more food to nibble in hotel room including the durian puff n our fav dim sum haha n our feasting in Melaka begins!

2nd day here was good, we had a good bf at hotel puri, Ian loved the toasty bread w kaya n butter n also all the food! Then we headed to aeon coz tdy had members privilege sale n we did get some good buys n the kids had fun at arcade again. We then went A&W for lunch which was rare coz we usually don't go for fast food but hardly any other food there n we don't get A&W in spore, the kids were thrilled with their Beary set n went off w a box of color  pencils.

We headed back near hotel for hair cut. Tdy we all had a hair cut n was cool waiting for each turn haha and Ian insisted to go 1st n well had a super cool hair cut at jonker

We adjourned back to hotel for Joan's nap while daddy n Ian went batik painting as he really loves it! It started raining n daddy packed dinner fm the local mkt which we din get to go coz of rain but daddy said a lot stalls weren't open. Daddy had his jonker88 crave fixed as he Dabao back. This was 1 of the reason y we are back here in Melaka! We headed to jonker aft drizzle stopped and the kids were on the lookout for cool toys which they don't see it in sg. It was a good full day we had here n well time to go home tmr but kids had Gd fun here n lots of shopping stuff 

Christmas Day

This yr's Christmas Day we decided to give usual Christmas svc a miss and have a family svc at home. Daddy was nice to go queue for maxwell porridge n we had nice bf at home b4 our little worship at home. Ian has been practicing his few pcs of songs for family dinner on Christmas Day so we had him play the pcs for us. Somehow in his song book he chose a few which he has learnt b happened to b Christmas themed, they were ode to joy(joyful, joyful we adore Him), deck the halls n jingle bells. We Thot kum ba ya was to the theme so he played as well.

The kids were thrilled to get their toys fm us n immediately started playing them. Joann was singing into her kitty microphone. The kids had fun b4 we went out for Christmas lunch at nandos. Oh both kids enjoyed the chicken n we shld b back while mama n daddy rem the 1st time we tried nandos was in pert w uncle Ben. How time flies n now going there w our 2 kids!

Christmas dinner was at ah mu n ah baa's pl n the kids enjoyed their cousins so it was Sth they looked fwd esp for Ian who has been asking abt the dinner since morning, he has been excited abt his performance we had tasked the kids to come up with. He has been practicing hard on the pieces n he was so busy that he hardly ate. He packed a bag of things which had his instruments, piano book n his gifts for his cousins n dayi which he spent with his own pocket money to shower a little of love for his loved ones! Much laughter as we wrapped up the evening w gifts n more gifts and both kids can't wait to unwrap them but we zoomed off to Melaka on Boxing Day!

Christmas Eve

Ian was so happy we were going jurong featured pool this am as he has requested several times but we have been going lap pool for them to swim laps. It was such good morning weather that the kids went endlessly to the lazy river n wave pool. Yes, so much that they say they can feel themselves being washed by the waves haha. We shld go more often then when the new yr comes but we are getting tanner by each swim we go. 

We had Ian's fav dim sum for dinner since we had to go sunshine plaza n the dim sum pl is still open haha such nice warm food on a cool evening. Then we adjourned for some last min Christmas buys haha n our kids started asking why issit that malls are so crowded n guess we haven't been going malls in the evenings I guess n also Christmas is the busy time to get stuff. Well Ian is just excited that Christmas is here v soon!

Ian is a mth older

Yes, the mth of hols saw the really relaxed side of the boy, he ended the Sch  with a high note as he got his award in Sch n more award in hols as he got the top 25% in p1 this yr. we were teasing him at the many certs he got these few wks n pretty worthless ones unless he does well in Sch. He saw his cousin with psle results n since then been trying to find out everyone's psle score. Well still a few more yrs to it but feeling the strain of Sch system in spore. He feels much needed push to do well in order to keep himself up at the top but told him how learning shld b fun n not result driven. Hope it got into him. 

Anw it's been a fun hols w the many days out of home n the msia road trip n some fun along orchard which he did a fairy jump shot at wheelock last last wkend n a lot more lego fun w his mei2 back home n the stayovers he had at po2's pl n also ah mu's pl. no wonder he doesn't want his hols to b over yet but we are halfway there n how time flies!

Penguins of Madagascar

GYest mama n ian went for a movie at shaw lido for the 1st time as daddy's mgr gave him 2 movie tics n it was an good time to bring ian to the cinema this hols since Joann is at po2's pl. we went early b4 show to get the tics n scour round the area as mama hasn't been there since they done up the pl

A lot of changes as expected some food places outside cinema but nothing much left except macs. So we went round isetan b4 having a quick lunch b4 the show starts. It was kind of Ian's fav show as his fav animal is penguin so he told mama how his Sunday Sch teacher did ask him if he watched the show but his answer was dunno will go or not coz we do usually go cinema at JB or discovery cte so rare we go cinema in spore. When going in, ian requested for some pop corn n then saw some anime app to download n we did get some free popcorn 😉

The show was pretty good in plotting how to save the Penguins fm the bad ending which they had as a result of not being rescued in time. Very good animation as always with Madagascar movies. Din know the story why it was 4 penguins n not more or less so now we know!

Aft show, brought ian to some shopping area in orchard so a pretty shopping day for us. What simple joy we had just along orchard rd tdy!

Junior master chef

Somehow aft watching this series of cookout, ian requested to try some cooking w the cook book n apron n hat which were given by jiu2 some yrs back. So let him do the easiest choc cookie. It was simple steps for kids to follow n was v safe for him to try it. Looks like junior master chef? Far fm it, fm the prog we see how the kids are exposed to fire n even cutting all kinds of stuff. Good start for this 7yo boy as he brought out his cook book to supermarket to buy the stuff yest. We shall another easy recipe another time

Msia trip - Legoland 22 Nov 2014

We kindof planned for a theme park for this trip but just Thot the kids been asking for Legoland for the longest time. Aunty SC has given ian the annual pass since last December n we haven't made any visit just coz Joann still seem too young to play most rides. Tdy, ah Mu n ah baa brought the 4 kids to Legoland coz daddy had tummy ache so we skip the Legoland but our kids were happy to bid farewell to us. 

Guess this time there were more stuff awaiting for ian since its been a yr since we visited the park n could see there were more activities for him, he went for his usual roller coaster tho only 2 rides as ah baa couldn't take more😛. So he went for aero plane, train, bouncy beetle and attended 2 workshops tho he is below 8yo but he truly enjoyed himself. 

Guess the cousins had company on n off at various stops n had lots of photo fun just fm the look of their expressions! wonder when we will b back again!

Msia trip - KL 19-21 Nov 2014

KL KL...this was the most looked fwd stay for ian as there will b clean beds for him so this boy wished he could stay in the hotel all the time when he feasted at the breakfast spread! He took endless croissant, porridge n yogurt etc. what a feast on top of we have been feasting. 

The hotel was just lovely since we got an upgrade to suite so ian would just laze on bed n do his writing n admiring his works. The convenience of mid valley shopping mall was just so nice for us to go over for movie aft morning swim, Joann to return to nap which we did shopping aft a nice lunch. N was huge mall for us to explore n the kids to stroll ard for their stuff too. The 3 day stay just went last too fast n we are now at our final stop- JB n another 2 days we will b home n end our msia trip😞

Msia trip - Sitiawan 17-19 Nov

We r half thru our msia road trip, we had a feastful time over meals n fun w our sitiawan relatives. It's Ian's 3rd visit to ah maa n ah gong's home town but think he has vague memories for past 2 trips as he was really young. This time he knows there are yi-mas here to visit n some of them we met recently. 

The reason why we are here coz 1 of the yi-ma bought a house n has been always inviting us to stay at her pl as we usually stay over at hotel when we visit this town whereas ah maa n ah gong always stay at her old pl. this trip we all got to stay in her big house! The kids are excited ESP w the other cousin n his toys of course.

We had good feast over foochow food almost every meal n they r really kind to bring us to yummy restaurant n ESP seafood restaurant coz they know places that sells real fresh seafood. We must HV put on a lot weight thru this trip. They really made sure we are occupied thru the day n v hospitable thru out the trip. Good for the kids to know the other sitiawan relatives as we did visitation at their places n to let the kids see the kind of houses they don't see in spore. We even visited a fish mkt n had roti canai for bf n it was a terrific experience for the kids w wild dogs ard n fishing boats just behind us.

Coz this YI ma has a coffee shop so we had bf there n the kids got hands on to do ban mian n they were thrilled. Guess highlight was playing in the big home everyday as they try to converse w the cousin in mandarin n abt his toys n we were 'entertained' by their Chinese conversations haha.

All gatherings have to come to an end. We parted w a sumptuous seafood lunch n we certainly hope they come spore to visit us so that we can show our hospitality as well n here we go to our next leg of msia trip....

Prize giving 2014

Yes, we are involved on the last day of Sch as ian surprised us with this prize giving ceremony we have to attend as prior to this, we knew it was orientation day for Joann. So on this day, we had to fetch ian to Sch, attend the ceremony n excuse ourselves so we could rush over for Joann's orientation. Well the boy is sure excited n woke up as early as school day to get ready to look smart on this special day for him. Just so proud of him for doing well for this yr as certainly think it's really pressurizing in his class as some really seem so competive for the whole yr. just glad the boy is all cool n calm abt each test. Well aft all p1 is supp to b wo any exam rite? So what is this position thing coming in for? Sigh well but it's recognition for those who hv put in hard work! Tonite our prayer was to God b all glory. Certainly hope this motivates this boy to do more assessment which he has been so dreading haha. Now can use the cert to push him more for coming hols n yr! Well this ceremony is certainly a milestone for our boy who has been attentive in class n putting his effort in keeping up with what is taught in class for all 3 subjects!

Star pupil for the term!

Star pupil award has been awarded in zhangde pri for students who display good model behavior in Sch n aft the cousins been introducing this award the Sch gives, it has been a glamourous thing to get the award coz its given a collar pin for u to show others of the award. 

Ian has been adapting to Pri Sch life for past terms n we weren't surprised he din get the award n he was asking us to guess who will get the last award of the yr n we were guessing some girls in his class. He came out looking smart w his collar pin haha n told mama he got the award rather shyly. Well well a surprise for us but it's certainly an assurance to us parents that he is coping so well w pri Sch life that he is able to get the award. Just a pleasant surprise to end this Sch yr n certainly hope he will get to help more in yrs ahead n certainly hope it's right fm his heart!

Ian is 7 yrs n 8 mths old

This is the 1st stressful mth for us haha coz it was the final yr exam (ya tho so much abt not having exam for p1) but it's still normal for the boy (nv quite panick for anything in his life b4, yeah even for his p1 registration balloting) so this time was mama stressful time coz his compo test 1st ever in his life. Just glad the boy takes things in his stride n not pressured by mum haha (good n bad in a way) 

It's finally long hols time coz think the boy felt a bit different as the wkend b4 the exam, we did do what most parents do ie stay home to do some proper revision (but distracted by sister who was playing w lego) but the discipline paid off, guess he did his exam in a breeze. While it's only p1 so what can b so tough. Just glad hols is coming n we could relax but it certainly seem his p1 yr just flew past so fast!

Has quite a far bit of fun since his exams ended, went west coast park, JB, haw par villa etc even b4 official hols started. Guess will hv more fun when it does start! A long hols beckons....

A special day out

Got a notice of ian's Sch admin day means there is no Sch tdy but din plan anything till daddy said he's taking lve tdy too. We had bf n then had a playground time fun for the kids b4 taking train for both kids who have always been excited to take public tpt. They were given a seat so nice to cuddle together haha.

We then went haw par villa, a pl we wanted to bring the kids but not sure how the pl is like. Anw ian had a lot of queries n he did say a lot of character or stories he had seen his friends reading books abt it. It's to expose him to some Chinese stories n characters tho he did ask much abt other gods n why we need to know other gods when we believe in the 1 true God. Much to explain but it was a good way to see how he is thinking thru some stuff. We kindof din go the 10 courts of hell as it was dark n would think some might b gruesome for the kids as we read abt the 10 courts of hell n how the bad would hv to go thru each court of 'suffering'. 

It was a Gd walk in the pl n much tourists n not much kids haha guess we were one of those locals ard huh but glad to go indoor air con for lunch as was hot under the sun. The kids love the Korean restaurant n we were back w them exploring the indoor playground too. It was a nice day out fm our usual n Gd to do all the walking 

Visit to the zoo

Ian was counting the number of times he has been to the zoo n our guess was more than 10 coz if he does go every yr n this ur it's his 3rd so certainly he has been there more than 10 times! Amazing number of times we hv been there n we r not friends of the zoo haha n yes, ian would hv his stayover in another 2 yrs time!

We knew the place so well that we could ask the kids what animals they want n we would plan the route. For ian, it was easier, he wanted feed the goats, kangaroo n baboons but kangaroo feeding is out n baboon din come true coz was gonna pour by the end of it so mostly we accomplish his mei2's long want list but the boy is good to follow along n always wanting to take pic still w his sister so the animals u see him taking pics with is his sister's want to see animals!

It was a Gd day to zoom thru the zoo maybe coz its a Tuesday so wasn't much of a crowd n weather was Gd in morning which was a huge bonus coz when we knew daddy got tics, Ian wanted mama to check weather n tdy was supp to be rainy so God heard our prayers! We would b back for baboons feeding again which we missed the last time when we went zoo n was a highlight for Ian but he's still in good spirit leaving the zoo or was tired out aft the endless walking morning!

U picnic at west coast park

Daddy has gotten a tic to attend this massive picnic by NTUC Union n the kids were excited to go for this picnic w our fav subway. We were also given a picnic basket which had a lot of goodies n a picnic mat so we had 2 mats for the evening, rather comfy for our family of 4. There were coupons for various stuff n activities n even a wrist band to participate in the activities.

We had to queue for the candy floss for the boy who had been requesting to try it n they had it at the picnic as well. Ian loved the candy floss n his popcorn n then eating his subway sandwich. 

The sights n sound of the picnic was a rare scene for the kids so they were checking out everything that was going on. We were all given this LED flying disc n the kids loved just playing it. There were entertainment going on n loud music was playing. It was a party picnic b the boy later said he enjoyed it v much. Guess it was the activities n feasting of stuff in the picnic basket. 

The river is calling...

Ian has bugged us to go river safari each time we go to the zoo but never managed to get the tics till tdy! Daddy finally got his coy pass n on this day, we had to go late am as mama has training in the morning so the kids went out for playground fun w daddy n we headed to mandai straight!

Somehow the kids were very excited abt the pandas. We had to pass by all the fishes area 1st but they were Gd in capturing various fishes n Ian was reading all the write up on his own. Oh our little boy has grown up to read n wander on his own. 

We finally reached the panda enclosures n all the kai2 n jia2 craze all came out of the kids. Ian was so interested to read all abt them n how they got black spots haha. We had lunch at the panda mama kitchen which was so crowded. Guess Gd time to ring their tills! We joined in to get the sets n even got the souvenir cups n badges haha yes, we joined in the wagon! Tho Ian was endlessly asking to buy bag tags, we don't need them, do we? Anw the Sch hols had more activities n we stayed for the show n tell n think Ian kindof regretted not volunteering himself to break the bamboo or smell the panda's poop just to get himself some panda stickers haha. We took pics w the panda mascot n only jia2 came out! Among the 2 pandas, kai2 (the real panda) was the more active one while the passive jia2 just laze ard n even Mia when we try to find her! Yes, this panda craze went off as we left the place to explore other parts.

We saw squirrel monkey, some water insects n a whole loads of fishes which Ian kept saying it was like the SEA aquarium in sentosa! Guess the best part of the place was that it was sheltered all the way n quite cooling at most parts but seriously don't find it worth to pay so much just for the pandas. So glad we got it on daddy's coy benefit! Yes, the river is calling n we conquered the river safari tdy!

Ian is 7 n 1/2 yrs old

He never knew we have been celebrating his 1/2 yr bday coz last yr this day he stayed over po2's pl n so we missed it n he forgotten the earlier 1/2 yr we have celebrated so he was elated to know we do celebrate this special day. But poor Joann thot that her bday shld come next haha well soon soon we will celeb urs n u can blow ur own candle. 

Tonite we had a mini cheesecake n Joann still asked to blow an imaginary candle as we din light any n the boy was fine so it's Joann who truly wanna blow out the candle. 

This past mth has been a fun yet studying month. We went for national day celeb at promontory n went away for desaru trip where Ian saw how biathlon was held n how tedious it was. He had his 'tests' just soon aft the trip n guess it was pretty ok considered how little revision we did as we thot it was just tests haha. No pressure kind of studying we are adopting n he has a long way so why get so stressed up n he's fine to just do wo revision, yes the less studying the better for him but his memory of things learnt are retained so we don't worry much except for those careless mistakes. 

He's picking up on reading, tdy he read a long passage of the children's story bible which was his bday present fm ah Mu n ah baa n everyday it's his 'highlight' to get mama to read to him n tdy he in turn read to mama n surprisingly he can't was a lot faster than b4 n he could read a lot words which mama thot he might not b able to. It's Gd that he is 'hooked' on reading the bible n wanted to know the story coz he's such a story follower kind of boy. 

Yes, this mth he started his rajnbow loom craze n we even got him his 1st set n started doing starburst. Sigh so tedious but he kindof mastered it tho there were incidences of rubber snapping but he's still keen on doing it. Guess this was the best achievement we hv done this sep hols n more practices to come! Yes, n time flies he is into his last term of p1.  Guess this term will pass really soon!

A whole day out w the cousins!

The tests are over n Ian has been so looking fwd to going to the featured pool which the cousins hv been raving so much abt the slides! We just thank God for hearing our prayers asking for Gd weather to make the swim a possible one. 

We had skype over bf w auntie Lorraine n Ian has been so consciously checking on their time so he was glad he finally talked via skype w auntie Lorraine, Caitlin n Andrew! So glad we could it more often future sat mornings!

Then we had bf at jalan kayu b4 the swim at sengkang pool n Ian had his 1st try along the long slides. He was abit apprehensive at the beginning but w the cousins' coy, he was enjoying it more n kept going down the slides. Just nice there were 3 slides. Guess he did master the dip aft the slide coz he was initially afraid of water getting into him but he overcame it aft the many tries. 

We headed to airport for lunch n the kids had their exchange of sibling, the boys went together while the girls lunched together. Was kindof gd exchange haha. Popped by orchard to see jayla's violin performance n off we went to sentosa for some sand play b4 dinner by the beach haha. Well the kids just enjoyed so much it was tough asking them to go tho it was sunset! Guess it was a Gd whole day out w ah mu's family n think the kids enjoyed it thoroughly.

Our family getaway to desaru

It's the psle oral so Sch is out for Ian n so we planned a trip to desaru as we got the vouchers last yr. we were to stay at desaru lotus resort as daddy heard they hv a water theme park.

The kids were excited w the luggage we had prep n were up pretty early to go for our vacation. The usual jb bf starts then it was shopping time n makan b4 driving up to desaru as timing was Gd for both kids to zz on way there. It was drizzling so the kids had Gd time in the room as there was a staircase leading up to the beds n they had endless climbs up n down tho Ian was supp to b doing hose learning. 

Next few days were spent at the pool which Ian loved the slides but Joann was fearful of the 'coconut bucket' pouring a she stayed just at baby pool. 

Our stay coincided w a biathlon which took place on sat n totally awed by the pple's stamina as b4 we took b4 they had flagged off to the 2 km swim in the sea (my, the tides are no joke) n aft our bf which is abt an hr, they started biking for 90km n we were going out for lunch n they just came back n going on their 21km run n guess by the time we came back which was aft dinner, the place was cleared w all cars, bikes n pple. Just glad to able to witness such tough training while we enjoyed ourselves. 

We went to a lobster town which was famous for many lobsters restaurant n they were tummy tho it's 30mins drive away but Gd time for kids to nap again haha. Good food n drove ard for haircut n visit the desaru fruit farm. Guess it was one of the most relaxed trip coz we spent a lot of time just having food wo having to go out much. It was a good break!

Ian is 7 yrs n 5 mths old

In a mth's time, he is gonna b another half yr older. This term seems to go really fast, wonder issit all the breaks that make us feel so but guess the boy is rather stable in Sch ie no more anxiety, more relaxed (yes, by the way he treats homework n even his handwriting argh) n all the show n tells seems quite a breeze for him (ya where got so easy get full marks one! Teachers must be too lenient) n no much prep for all the spelling n he's doing well except lazy to do more assessment sigh 

Sch is fine. It's him overcoming his laziness n procratistination in doing hw. This long wkend he had quite a fair bit if work but instead of hitting it straight away, he chooses what he likes n do it 1st, always thinking there is a tmr to finish it. Sigh wonder if ever that would land him into trouble but so far, he has done so fine ie able to finish them all on time hmm

Past wk, tried quite a fair bit of new food haha. Went for this laksa steamboat which we all liked coz there is half chic broth for the kids n Ian loved to 'fish' for what he likes. N also trying abit of the spicy stuff. We went this cafe just behind our pl (on another occasion) n Ian was so paranoid w the carrot in the water haha n said it tasted weird so mama must capture a shot w the water. 

The 2 kids squabble over same things n Ian not wanting to share n took this pic of him insisting to sit on Joann's bike, it's gonna break if they continue to share. Interestingly the mei2 always has the bro in her heart ESP when getting stuff for her. Hmm just trying to enlarge the bro's heart to do likewise too. N well it was nice to celebrate tdy at the promontory n this time can see Ian is older, he is better able to appreciate thighs ard spore n all the things going on the parade ESP the fireworks which he found them really lovely coz he's a boy who loved colors n with that, we had a colorful wkend!

He is 7 yrs n 4 mths old

The Sch has started! So fast the hols went past just like that n yes, the boy is asking why hols passed so fast n not the Sch term haha. It has been a fun hols for him. It went fm JB family retreat, church camp, wild wild wet, danga bay fun n being page boy. No wonder when he was told to write abt his hols, he din know which to write. He wanted to write everything but it would b too long so he chose the wild wild wet. Guess he had a lot of fun ESP the ular lah!

Going back to Sch hasn't been so exciting coz he knows it's work n endless spelling haha but well he enjoys the new sitting arrangement n all the weird feeling of naseous went off, hope he is adapting well to pri Sch. Just a few days ago, he came n said they were supp to come up w an adjective that starts w their name letter. Well ms Yeo was so nice to say intelligent Ian. Well he din quite know what intelligent meant and the mean mummy said he said b irritating Ian. Haha it got him wanting to write adjective fm A to Z on his whiteboard haha so fun huh

Anyway he's real naughty at home. The pic of him dozing away was a selfie he did w mummy's hp coz mummy was catching a cat nap n he thot was funny n took pic of mummy n then he took a pic of himself napping too haha n took pics of funny poses too. Sigh what a boy we have

Yes, hols we had loads of chances for her n Joann to hv playground fun. They enjoyed bubble blowing or shooting n they went ikea playground together. Auntie kept saying its Ian's last chance coz he's hitting the max height so sad. He will gotta watch mei2 go in n have fun well he has never gone in alone n guess the sister shld b happy to just go in n play. N yes, during the hols mama brought Ian alone to ikea (aft lib trip) n there was kids eat free day n Ian had 2 kids meals for free. Wa got free lunch huh. Yes, a lot of pple commented he has put on quite a bit of weight. Guess he's really enjoying his food. Yes, even the simple udon n cha soba which mama makes wkly, he's slurping up so it's not only outside food. Guess he's an easy eater n this hols he fell in love w lettuce just coz he loves the sesame salad dressing but at least he's eating his greens n it's fun seeing how he's growing up!

Youth day - 1st stayover at ah mu's pl

Ian suddenly asked out of the blue, if he could stayover at ah mu's pl. it's coz of their new bedroom arrangement that has a space for him to share room w Seth n Seth was the one who invited Ian to come over n stay. N on Sunday nite when he was supp to go over po2's pl, he then asked ah Mu if he could stay over. It was really last min coz we din prep his pj n all. He went home to shower b4 ah baa came to pick him.

Guess the kids had 'fun' just a nite stayover. Not much time to play, he was introduced to the bed n gor2 told him some 'rules' haha that kindof 'scared' Ian hee n was told if he feels scared, he could wake gor2 up. Wa what a protective gor2. Guess the stayover cause the kids to hv insufficient sleep. They knocked out real early the following nite back on their bed. What an experience but Ian did ask when he could do it again. We shall see but it was a 'fun' time for him n on youth day itself, ah baa brought the kids to sports hub while the mummies went Bsf w joann😉 what a day off fm school and a 1st ever stayover at his cousins' pl. well guess our boy is the kind who doesn't wanna stay home huh

Ian, page boy for 2nd time

About 3 yrs ago, Ian had his 1st ever experience as a page boy for uncle Kenneth's wedding. He was 'engaged' for his 2nd time as page boy but it only took place tdy at auntie dawn's wedding. Today, he is much confident for the walk in (of coz with someone whom he is so familiar with) and could still look towards us n smile along the aisle as they look a little tense. 

This time he wore suspenders for the 1st time n we had hard time getting his clothes (we suspect page boy is meant for younger boys haha) but well he is excited abt this role so glad he enjoyed himself n all the attention he got (tho prior he did ask if the crowd can dont look at him haha but told him they r looking at the bride) guess this shld b his last 'engagement' but think he's a little too old for this role hee nice one, my son!

This is then sibling hood

This hols, the 2 kids had more time together (normal Sch day they meet for less than 3 hrs on wkdays) n so squabbles are more during hols but yet there were nice moments. Both will look for each other for playmate (yes ease mummy) n do funny stuff together (u see the clothes rack where they were hiding together) n nice to see how the bro takes care of his sister by carrying her scooter up the stairs n still holding her hands n the sister is really looking up to her bro for help. No assistance given by mummy n nice to capture such moments. But of course there are teachable moments but this is all about sibling hood. Treasure this God given sibling hood for life, our 2 precious ones!

Our car wash boy😉

Last Sunday, we had early dinner n were on way home when we decided we shld go for car wash but Joann started screaming 'don't want car wash!' Coz lately she has been having water phobia sigh n Ian was fast to say 'alright daddy, I help u to wash car' hee n he was truly excited abt it. Guess this is his 1st attempt tho we have frequently cajoled him to help daddy.

Armed w a small container of water (hoping to scoop more fm daddy's big pail) he went off happily w daddy to car park to wash daddy's car. Came back some 20 mins later (yes, they counted the time they took) n was reporting what stuff daddy had for the car wash. Looking at the pic he was happy to use the sponge n spray n he was amazed by the microfiber cloth haha to clean the car. Well it was w Gd attempt in shirt n shorts to do the car wash coz he tried to splash water coz of his height he ended up splashing himself haha. 

Our Gd n free labour asked daddy next day if he could wash car again. Din know car wash could b addictive. Hmm maybe shld ask him wax car the next time. Din rem washing car was so fun when I was young like him haha

A stayover over at JB again

Daddy planned to take leave last fri to go JB but granduncle's health suddenly dipped last wk n passed on n so we all went for the funeral on fri. N theraft we headed to JB in a rather somber state. 

We went for some shopping to get suspenders for Ian at aeon but to no avail but got into the aeon day sale which got quite a few kids stuff. Then quick dinner at the Hakka food b4 checking into tune hotel which Ian has been so asking for. Since Joann was a baby we have stayed over several times but stopped since she started walking so coming back was déjà vu but we came back was for her to enjoy the danga fun. She was being v selective of the rides she could take but totally enjoying the place which the bro has fond memories b4 legoland days. We had a durian feast at the car park b4 going back hotel to zz.

The next day we met up w ah baa n ah mu's family to have a lunch w Huiling gu2 n had a Korean BBQ lunch n it was nice as the kids checked out Korean food wasn't so bad after all n they loved the BBQ especially. Guess we could come back again since we frequent the aeon nearby. It was a nice short getaway.

Family retreat n church camp at JB

Ian has been so looking fwd to this msia trip n church camp since hols started so the rule was not to fall sick else it's gotta b stay over at ah maa's pl so he was elated to go for this 1 wk break!

We picked up ah gong n po2 n dayi early last fri am n headed to Bt indah for some shopping n fun. We then met jiu2 n family for lunch n adjourn to some shopping b4 A&W fun where the kids loved the curly fries n waffle ice cream. 

We then made our way to Le Granduer Palm Resort for our 3d2n stay. Ian requested for connecting room n we did get it w ah baa n ah mu's family where the kids had fun running ard the next few days.

We had drive out for meals n checking out the new aeon. The kids loved the wkend prog which the resort had n they had puzzles games, sandart n bowling foc. The kids loved the bowling best coz they hv hardly tried it b4 n they loved rolling the balls. We had Gd fun at the resort as a family n even celebrating ah baa's bday in advance. 

Thereaft we continued our 4d3n camp at bayu marina resort with the theme 'God's faithfulness thru generations' n it was the 125th celebration combined camp so were glad we made it as a family of 3 generations. The kids had their prog whole the adults had Gd time learning abt the life of Abraham. It was truly Gd feasting on God's Word n spending time w family n church friends. Ian commented that the camp was too short. Guess he had his fun w the kids n even games n tile painting w the adults. Covenant service was a Gd closure to the camp n certainly hope we could go as a family to the 150th yr celebration!

Back to the zoo....AGAIN!

Yes, we r back again then we just went some mths back. Ian has been asking to go back to feed baboons n fragile forest. Daddy tried getting river safari but din manage to. Well we r into loving the zoo n were so thankful the weather changed a little for us to enjoy some Gd hrs there. It was pouring at our pl but sun was outing at the north! 

Had a Gd brekkie n time started our zoo journey w polar bear where we were at the feeding. Saw the cat country, a lot of cats haha huge ones n we went see giraffe, zebra, rhinos n up to the fragile forest! The place Ian wanted but got most scared tdy coz the animals mobbed us haha. They were just following us but the boy got so scared! It was a nice place to b at, with animals going ard n feels like we were living w them haha. 

Then was the animals world where goat feeding was Ian's fav n we had endless there. Ian did some 'shopping' sigh b4 we set off w his auntie bag haha to the elephant show which we rush a little n was so so crowded! We then took a lunch break as both kids had been walking for an hr over. Charged up, we went Australian outback n to himalayandra baboons n stayed there the longest n checking out how the 'kingdom' works there haha. The feeding was cancelled coz of bad weather but the kids r fine to go n we were so glad we had a Gd time n covered what we had targeted to cover except the baboon feeding n we shld b back soon haha coz the kids aren't bored w the pl yet n we conquered it well tdy haha

May Day celebration at downtown east

The NTUC is celebrating the May Day at downtown east tdy n daddy's company union has given out tics for us to go for the event. Guess now the kids are older, they r game up join in the fun, ESP for Ian. We started early w a lor-Mee bf opp church n hit to the eat for early bird game. It was a super hero themed n we were given game cards of various super heroes n we were supposed to collect 4 corners of the super hero(there were several), kindof wanted to give up as it was tough exchanging cards n pple even gave us more cards. It seems like the only card was missing to complete the pic until daddy's colleague whom she had a stack n gave us the missing piece. To squeeze thru to get the prize was a challenge n we finally were the last few teams to redeem an oto neck massager! An unexpected win!

We started to roam ard the carnival w the game booths. Ian was keen on the med challenge. Took quite a while to get to the game n boy, it was fun! Din expect mama to enjoy w the boy haha. Was trying to dodge the shots while getting opponents down. Ian was funny, he stood in front of opponent wo any shield n yet the bullet din stick on his vest haha. Was a fun try n glad the boy was game to try w mama. Well it was there we chanced upon Mr Lim Swee Say n we got a lot of toberlone from him!

We moved to those game booths of throwing balls n even to sand art station. It was lunch n we were given coupons to redeem at shops there n we close subway. Ian saw entertainment by Sebastian (the guy acted broadway beng) n he was 'entertained' as he related some of the jokes as mama was queuing at subway n missed the stage entertainment. Guess the boy truly enjoyed this carnival!

Aft leaving the pl, we headed to Asian Civilisation Museum as there was some activities for kids tdy being open hse. Ian did a bookmark w all the nature stuff like leaves n flowers. He did another sand art n was abt trees (as the theme was once upon a tree) n it was all glittery! Guess the boy loved it as he is into silver n gold so u can see his glittery sand art piece! 

What a delightful day n we ended at ikea where he had his long-waited request granted to go the playground w his dearest mei2! The auntie did say it's his last coz he almost reaching the height limit. We might try again coz it was so peaceful for that hour! Haha but sure was a fun-filled day to b out for 12hrs! What a Big Bang closure to this May Day all thanks to NTUC!

It was PTC day n then museum hopping day

Ya it was parents teacher conference n decided daddy takes lve to hv bf w the kids while mama goes. Well the 1st ever in pri Sch n well went on quite fast as not much to say as usual abt the well behaved boy except more reading to improve his vocab for both eng n Chinese as a lot writing is coming up. Best ever comment heard was the Chinese teacher said if ever she has a kid, she would one who is like Ian. Aiyo the boy so Gd meh haha n told her he's not so angelic at home (haha which made the boy hopping mad later)

Anw the day then started w visit to tb park where he had swinging fun (as usual) then as he had requested for some time to visit the philatelic museum as there was a segment of exhibit which was closed during his Sch visit. It was the stamps who had smell n he loved the fruity n chocolate ones! Hmm saw some Kindy kids there. Well kindergarten starts going museum huh

Next was hop over to peranakan museum where we saw pri Sch kids n true enough, we bum into his Kindy friend Timothy n both shy to greet each other. Well it was like schs museum day. We roamed ard w the stamping exercise the boy was busy with. So much for the peranakan culture. 

Last was the national museum which was the highlight for the children's season. There was a permanent kids wing which the kids loved the big sofa, cooking pl, paper to emboss n even movie place. It was like a house w various places simulating a home. We did some crafts, a lot of games to play along the place n we saw sec Sch kids n sota students. Guess the museum we went was by the age grp huh. Well the place was huge to explore n so we lunched there as the kids wanted to explore more. Still we missed a segment of designing dream home n guess we would b back again coz Ian just loved going to explore room, dark room n even the games exhibit. Think we could stay all day there. Will come more prepared next time haha

A visit to maritime gallery

This is a place we have heard abt but never been there so been seeing quite a fair bit of children's season coming up in the museum so tdy decided to visit the gallery as it's the 1st day n they had some activities for kids. 

Hmm was tough getting a car park lot but we managed to go still coz daddy parked at cruise ctr n walked over. Ian was busy going ard the gallery to spot a list of things on the 'passport' to entitle him to a lucky draw haha he's so much into lucky draw. So the sister ran ard w him to find the things. He was then to tell the roving officer where are the items that he could get a sticker on his 'passport' but when asked y the thing was needed, he was stunned haha why quay crane, container, binoculars n etc are needed kept him stunned hmm but he answered w some help n yes, lucky draw gave him a Lego movie mini figures n he's delighted. Took some pics w the diff roles on the ships. Guess he had fun time running ard n daddy explaining some stuff to him. Saw quite a fair bit of daddy's coy over the gallery

I lost my front tooth!

Somehow, Ian's baby teeth starts to b shaking. Last Vesak PH he had his lower tooth coming off n followed by bleeding due to eating chic wings at ikea last sat which showed that his upper front tooth was shaky n it finally came off aft having bee hoon bf w chic wing. Haha somehow it's chic wings that make them come off. N think the front tooth really makes the boy look different. Aft the friends starting to lose front teeth, he gets v conscious of how he looks like so he does glance into mirror once in a while n tries to see if it's obvious talking to pple haha. Our little conscious boy has lost his tooth n wonder which is the next one coming off

Yeah! End of SA1!

We never felt like this b4 coz it's our 1st child going thru 1st SA but we never pressure him to do well but just keeping him a distance away fm his mei2 who is down now so that he won't fall ill during this crucial week. He is also v watchful coz he knows he can't skip any paper. 

Coincidentally daddy took pm off this noon so kindof 'celebrate' the end of the SA. It was at jack's pl (a new found love eating pl for Ian) n he had a huge student's set, think it's too much for him? He's happy w the drink n ice cream that comes w it. Ya it seems like he's the only child for the day while his sister is recovering at po2's pl. guess this is the start of many SAs that are to come but just wanna ren this 1st one coz we felt v relieved it's finally over haha although it's supposed to b 'mini tests' for p1 but doesn't seem so mini w all the prep they hv put in. Yeah, hols start now!!! Haha