Family Portal

traddition family pose

The 'males' in the family

The Groupon deal catches my eye when I see 'timeline photography'. $18 for family portal sounds good to me. Since Cieran was born, it has been in my mind to have a family photo taken by professional. Before I action, I went in to timeline to check on the photographer's profile. Somehow or rather, it gave me a nice impression, and eventually I bought 1 groupon. Its a good deal to me. The package includes 5 selected photos to be edited and given the option to have all photos saved on a CD taken home. Believed this deal has attracted lots of online purchaser. Immediately I schedule an appointment for the photo shoot, I got a response that the earliest weekend date was more than a  month. Popular! 

Ready? Get Set.... GO!

Eventually the day has arrived. All of us are in 'fun' mood for the photo shot. We are dressed in same design Ts and as we arrived at the studio.... "Wow, we have a football team today!" was greeted by the photographer. 2 young photographers! I knew this will be a modern, playful team. Alan was our photographer and immediately he set us into action. It was not our norm to pose in front of cameras. It takes a while for us to warm up indeed. I cant recall how many shots we have taken, but the session took us slightly more than an hour. As soon as we are done, Alan loaded them up in the computer.

The kids laugh as we go one by one each shot. We had a witty time laughing and selecting the photos.

Yippe!

A hilarious moments and great bonding session we had! It was truely a something that money can't buy.

First Ice Skating Experience!

I have seen few photos from my friend's facebook on ice skating, and thought it was a great idea to bring my children to check it out as well. But then, not sure how this idea would sound to them. Will they be bold to try? I guess I shouldn't have block them such exposure based on my own self-thinking .Thus, through one of the night's chat, I asked if they would like to try ice skating. To my surprised, Ashley was excited and immediately shouted a 'YES!'. Cieran got

Happy Children 1st time trying ice skating

the excitement from influence from jie jie. I further explained to them that the coach slot was subjected to availability and if we managed to get the slot, they will have a coach to guide them. If we didn't manage to get the coach, they will have to learn on their own, by the holding bar. Objective was to have fun, exposure and not to 'back out' from any learning. Both children nod in agreement. The nearest ice skating ring will be the one located at Kallang Leisure Park. Met my sister and nephew at 11am for the trial session. A pity that we failed in the coach list, so the children have to try on their own. It was an exposure to me as well. First time stepping into a ice skating ring, and first time to help my children put on the skates! It was a blessing that I came in well prepared. I had got my children wearing in long sleeves Ts and long pants, and I hadn't

Ashley on her own!

forgotten the sweaters! Inside the ring, as expected was rather chilly. To me, it was nice temperature as the weather had been real hot lately. My sister wasn't that well-prepared and was feeling cold. She was lucky to have me as her sister..haha! I lent her my shawl since I do not need it. I was amazed that the skate blade was not as sharp as I thought will be. The children had no problem walking on their own on ground after putting

Gaining more confidence

them on. Or rather, they were all too excited to what's welcoming them! Since there wasn't any coach available, we got the metal pedestal to help the children

self-play by the ring side. I have to praise the children that they were brave to try on their own. Cieran was a little too young to self-explore. Sorry for my boy that

Cieran prefers to eat

mummy can't helped much as mum was as clumsy. haha! In the end, this little boy rather sit with me and enjoy his packet of snacks, while Vernon and Ashley went on their own. Ashley started with hands tightly grabbing on to the pedestal, in fear of falling. Vernon on other hand, skate more naturally as he has been learning roller blading. As such, his balancing was better. My sister and I stood by the side of the wall, encouraging the children to be more adventurous, skate further and making more rounds around the ring. Soon, little niece Clara came to watch her cousins skate. Cieran was happy to see Clara. They are great pals! He has someone to play with, rather than waiting for Vernon and Ashley to finish with their skates. The ticketing was quite reasonable actually. We paid $15 for 2 hrs skate that includes rental of the skates. Visitor entering the ring pays $3. With more practice, the children were more daring. Ashley accidentally bumped on a boy, both fell. I went over to check on both, but they were fine. Taking this opportunity, I chatted with the boy. He was quite an interesting chap. His name is Klin and he was the same age as Ashley. I found out that he had learned how to skate  for 2 years and he skates well. So I asked Klin of hecan teach the 2 children , and he

balancing...

 happily agrees. He took this seriously and he caught up with Ashley and from far, I saw him advising Ashley to do away with the pedestal. He skate same speed as Ashley and followed wherever she goes. Truly a responsible little chap. He also showed both Ashley and Vernon how to fall safely and tips in getting feet up after falling. For a while, Ashley had more confident to skate freely without holding on. A pity that Klin had to go and he waved bye to the children as his dad called upon him to leave. Glad that the made friends and learnt some tips from Klin. Both children skate for almost an hour and it was a real experience for them. At the end of the day, I asked Ashley if she would like to come back for more

skating and I am glad that her reply was a
nod. The next time we come, I hope we will
 have a proper coach to guide the children and wished Cieran will be willing to take up the challenge in learning to skate. I know he will if mummy is learning.... maybe I should start convincing myself to learn first?.... haha.... 

Learning to let go



Big Eyes, Big Minds - Jacobs Ballas Garden



Millipede-notice the colour (yellow & black)



I have heard so much about Jacobs Ballas Children's Garden. Both children had been there during school's field trip, but this is my first time. Happen to find out about 'Big Eyes Big Minds-Singapore International Film Festival and bought the tickets that include a guided tour at Jacobs Ballas. 

Cotton Plant



Curious Cieran!



Banana tree!



We have a little challenge finding the exact location, nonetheless we arrived around 10.15am which is 'on time'! (Our tickets are for show starting at 10.30am)We watched several short films made by, and for children from countries over the world. It lasts about 30mins. Next, we started our guided tour by Uncle Loo. Well, maybe brother Loo, coz he looks young to  be called uncle. The tour is very educational. Not just the children, I have learn something new as well. The first stopover was an introduction about root plants. Loo showed the children tapioca plant with

Both are sweet potato plant

leaves that shaped like our ' palm of five fingers'. It's really a visual pleasure, as the children can relate better under Loo's comical explanations. It's also very hands on where children get to touch the tapioca and looking at pictures Loo have in his bag. There's also sweet potatoes of which several children raised their hands that they had eaten before. Loo explained the 2 colour differences between the sweet potato plants and it's interesting to find out why. Afterwhich, he showed the children millipede which he spotted and picked up from the

Calabash fruit

Cieran checking on the calabash seeds

soil. He explained further that millipedes are harmless and not poisonous. In fact, the millipedes are 'superheroes' for the garden as they feed on dead leaves, and their poos are great fertilizers for the plants. I am amazed that Cieran was brave to touched it! As for Ashley, it was after much encouragement and demonstration from me (actually I am quite scared too. Just putting on a brave front, coz the sight of this worm looks so eeee. ), she finally builds up her courage and touch it as well. It feels rough as the millipede is closing its

Painting using Calabash seeds

'protective cover' as it senses danger and curl up. Loo mentioned that in insect world, color yellow and black means danger, thus predator will keep away when they sees these colours, and the millipede will be 'protecting' itself like this. What useful information! :-) Next, we were introduced to cotton plant. An interesting facts about the flower of cotton plant. It was white in colour as you see it. However, when a bee or butterfly 'visited' the flower, it will turns pink! Loo also showed us a rather large fruit call Calabash, also know as the 'lipstick plant'. People uses the crust to make musical instruments or containers. The calabash has red color flowers and its seeds can be very useful too. This is because the seeds produces red ink. Look how the ink can be used in painting. After showing the useful plants that provides



An earthworm



'colourings', Loo caught sight of an earthworm and showed it to the children. He also explained that an earthworm is another superhero in the garden, of which it helps to loosen the soil on ground. Again, Cieran went on to see how does an earthworm feels like! He told me it was slimy. Haha! What a brave boy!

Next, we went to the spice corner where Loo showed us laksa leaves, pandan leaves which we commonly use them in cooking. Children also have some fun on 'touch  me not'



Exploring 'Touch Me Not' plant



plant. Cieran was astonished to see how the leaves close up when his little fingers touches them. I truly enjoyed watching their tremendous curiosity at work! Before the end of the tour, Loo showed the children a baby dragonfly. Not to mention it was the first time children see a baby dragonfly, it was my first time too! Loo explained that when it was a baby, it was a harmful creature in the garden. The baby dragonfly will eats on the roots of the plants, causing the plant to die. But when it grows up, it will contribute to the ecosystem by helping plants to pollen. We learn some useful facts again. The



whole tour enlighten us and it was definitely an educational trip. The next few hours, we spent exploring the garden on our own. The kids learn a little about

Cheers for getting it right!

photosynthesis (how plants make their own food), by having fun with

the props. An engaging props indeed! 

Ashley and me also walked into a maze and we are unable to get out... haha! Eventually, we cheated and walked backwards to the entrance. 

fungus found!



As we walk along, we discover some fungus growing on the trunks and Ashley gets over the moon as she recently

learn about fungi in school. We spotted few that are large, few small, and of different colours. What a discovery! As we walk deeper in the garden, the children's face lit up! There's a tree house playground withs and pit. Immediately they ran off after approval from me that they could go have some fun. Children's joy are easily satisfied with. While the children play, Jeremy and I sat by the bench relaxed. There's quite a handful of Caucasians enjoying the sun tan. We had a wonderful time at Jacobs Ballas Children's Garden and will surely be back again!



We have a GREAT time!


  

TSOD Openhouse 2012



Stretching



Once again its TSOD open hourse. This is a time where students showcase what they had learnt in TSOD during the year (before they sit for RAD exam). Its also a good opportunity for parents to see results from the investments put in.



Posing upright

Time passes, Ashley is in Grade 2 RAD syllabus and will be sitting for the test in April. I can recalled how young she was when she started with Ms June Lee. She skipped Pre-Pri and moved on to Pri and now it's Grade 2.  Each time I watch her dance, I knew my decision in supporting her in dancing is right. A pity that I have to withdrew her from the dance troupe as it clashes on her Chinese class. I hope I can put her back in next year.



Presenting a dance with expression (sewing pillow as a gift for a friend's birthday)



Ashley's participation in CSTD 13th Asia Pacific Competition : Mulan Warriors

We have never thought of putting Ashley to any competition. It all happened so naturally that sometimes, I wonder if this is all 'fated'. Out of curiosity, Ashley joined TSOD. Without planning, Ashley was roped into joining TSOD 1 (a so-call 'dance group') and not long, took part in a dance competition. The whole practice period was short, I would consider. From end June-13Aug, barely 2 months. They started regular rehearsals (once a week) only late June. Ashley joined in July if I remember correctly. The rehearsals had been tough. All girls (except Keller) were unable to do somersault, and each time they attempted to, they fall. As parents, watching her fall hard on the ground has been a painful experience. Nonetheless, Ashley has a passion for dance and I could only provide her with my utmost support and guide her (showing her some tactics of flipping over. Well, her mum can be flexible!). After several times of practicing, the girls including Ashley made it. But the expectations did not just end there. Ms Lee expects more...not just 1 flip, but two, three and more. Soon, I realised it was through their rehearsals that she started planning for the role each girl will play in the dance. From individual dance moves, puzzle up bits and pieces, to a final piece of dance. That's not all, each phase had to be perfect with consistency, groove and jazz! By end July, the master piece-Mulan Warriors was ready for the day-13 August! Po Po, Cieran and me went to support Ashley. The whole theatre was full. I am surprised to learn that there was in fact, 3 sessions of competition on this date. 10am session for 7 years & below and 9 years & below. 2 pm session for 12 years & below, while 5pm session for 15 years & below. Ashley belonged to the category - groups, 9 years & below. As I watched the whole competition, I admired some girls who danced as professional dancers at young age. The level of dance was high (though I am not a professional judge). A total of approximately 13 schools took part in the competition. Mulan Warriors was the last category and last dance in the 10am session, before the prize presentation. I have to admit that I feel touched and proud as I watched Ashley performing on stage. I saw persistence, determination and teamwork in their dance. Their efforts were rewarded by cheers and screams from the audience, which was very encouraging. It was even more encouraging when judges announced that they have won 2nd prize! We cheered and clapped loudly. Out at the theatre, I cant helped but congratulated the girls for a job well done. Ms Lee grouped the girls as the cameras snapped non-stop.

I Am Proud of You, my Ashley baby!

Long Weekends with National Day

Thanks to the short school day on 8 Aug, I have a 4-Days break including the National Day. Since it is a long weekends, we have a fun bonding time together. We took bus rides, MRT... on purpose so to experience a different mode of transportation. The children, especially Cieran was trilled over the idea (though not their first time, but ever since I got my car, we hardly take any public transport). Immediately, they got their bus card ready before I need to go get them. Haha! We set off from home at 6pm and arrived at Toa Payoh Terminal 15mins later. Fast ride, wasnt it?! It was in fact very near from our house. Direct bus all the way... Next, we took the MRT from Toa Payoh to Dhoby Ghaurt, 5 stations away. Our final destination was Plaza Singapura, which needed some walking after we alighted from Dhoby Ghuart. Cieran has no fuzz at all, instead, he was enjoying the walk, looking around and asking me questions along the way. It has been a long while since I lasted visited Plaza Singapura, and it was certainly a relaxing opportunity shopping with children. No limitation on time, we decide where to shop, where to eat for dinner. As per children's request, we ended up having our dinner at KFC. Nothing special, but since the kids love it, I shall grant their wish. Both selected snackers -popcorn chicken, while I have my 2-pc chicken meal. For the 1st time, I allowed individual cup of pepsi. The children went wild...haha! After our sinful meal, we shopped around. No shopping list in mind, but always ended something to buy. Went in to Fox, as I am attracted by their "46% discounts"... and ended up with 1 bag of clothing when we walked out. :-p Inside, there's a hello kitty T for Ashley, Spiderman T for Cieran and a Minnie T for mum. Opps! The large sign board met the objectives! Next, I went to one of my favourite shop in Plaza Singapura, Daiso! I usually spent in this shop and I kept reminding myself to be cautious this time, not to buy things that I don't really need. Well, everything at $2 was another 'killer'... at least for me.. haha. Subconsciously, you tends to buy more items that you really need with the thought that "its just $2!' I am quite successful this time, as I only bought 1 item from Daiso. haha... and I think it was a good one. Can you guess? It's a large (real large) water sprayer for my plants. Kinda got motivated after I finally witness my orchid blooms... which I almost gave up growing. Next, we passed by Spotlight, and the kids were in their excitement. Lots of pinatas (licensed by disney) were hanging and displaying... and all at 20% discounts (for the week)! I am amazed as I never knew Spotlight sells pinatas. There's buzz lightyear, Barbie, Disney Princess, Thomas...etc. All at $36.20 before less. Hummm... tricky! After much thoughts, I decided to skip this buy. I wouldn't want to keep storage till Nov/Dec for a savings of $7plus. Moreover, I am not sure if we will be organising any birthday parties for the kids. Wise decision I felt... though I had the kids disappointed. To compensate, I suggested that we could take a bus ride down to Bugis and have ice-cream before we end our trip. This worked! The children's disappointed face lighted with glow. The next minute, we are out of Plaza Singapura, running for the bus. Bus 7 passed by and that's exactly the bus that will take us down to Bugis. Fortunately, it stopped for us and in less than 10mins, we alighted at Bugis with children each has an ice cream in their hands. Timing went well as they finished eating, daddy was here to pick us home.

A trip to Kukup on 1 May

The idea comes from Joanne who suggest a trip to Kukup. We agree to gather at my house at 7am and depart to custom from there. The kids are trilled when they learnt about the trip the night before. Ashley has been asking where is Kukup, what can be found there. I have been to Kukup during my Secondary excursion, and I can only base on that excursion experience to relate what to expect in Kukup to Ashley. The kids agree that they will wake up early, ready for the trip in early morning. Indeed, my children never delays... they wake up 6.15am and are ready by 6.45am! According to Marcus, the drive is about 2 hours from custom. The custom clearance is smooth on a Labour Day and the weather is fine with light shower. On the journey to Kukup, we stop over for breakfast by a coffee shop. We have wanton noodles and bak ku-teh. A little disappointed that the wanton noodles are not with the dark sauce where M'sian style usually are. Nonetheless, it taste good with a combination of fishball, char siew and wanton. It goes pretty well with my teh for a morning breakfast. After the break, we continue our journey to Kukup. We arrive at Kekup around 10am and manage to find a space for parking along the side of the road from the jetty. Our first stop in Kukup was a toy shop as we walk towards the Jetty. The children are probably attracted by the toys hanging outside. Little Clara is so cute! She spotted a little barney (size just nice for her little fingers) and couldn't let go. Eventually, her parents paid for the barney since she likes it so much. Little Clara is so clever! None of us realised that a song will play when you pressed the Barney's tummy, till Clara pressed it and Barney starts singing "I love you... you love me..." . It's quite a worthy purchase (esp when you pay in Ringgit)! Joanne also spotted bubble gums (the one we used to like when we are kids) and bought a pack. I think it's RM1.50 for a pack of 10. Both Vernon and Ashley get excited watching us blow bubbles from the gums and wanted to try. I have to warn them that gums are not meant to be swallowed. It is their first time chewing on gums and they love it! Poor Cieran who wish to try as well (from watching them having fun in trying to blow bubble). But I dont think Cieran is at the right age to chew gums, as such disallow him to have one. The children amused themselves with the gums while we wait for the ferry to get on board. Cieran keeps pointing to the speed boat, asking if he can sits on it. What an adventurous choice! The ferry will be bring us to 2 places-red forest and fish farming. This is an educational trip for the children. Our first stop was the red forest. It's actually the National Park. You have to pay a minimal entrance fee which we decide to go for it. It's a round walkabout inside the red forest of 600m, with a hanging bridge. After taking a few photos by the signboard, we start our adventure in the red forest. The first animal that welcomes us is a monkey! The monkey is on a branch that is only about a ruler distant from our head. Indeed, it stares us a little as we have to walk pass it. Next, we walk by the suspension bridge. Cieran is a little afraid to walk across but he bravely completes the walkover with me, to and fro! Well done Cieran! Vernon is a active boy who tries to jerk the bridge by hopping and making big steps while crossing. Believed all children have fun on this suspension bridge. As we are climbing down the stairs, the same monkey surprises us again. This time, it walks up the stairs (towards our direction) and swing up to level 2 from the bars. It scares the children since it's so up-close. All of us have a good glimpse of the monkey's ability in climbing and swinging. As parents, we are glad that the monkey didn't attack the children who are making so much noise. Our walk in continues with several spot on. There's long roots of mangroves, different speces of crabs in the mud, birds ...and wild boar! It's certainly a rare sight for all of us! On our return journey from the red forest to central jetty, we take the speed boat for a different experience. We paid total RM 19 for the ride. It was a breezy ride and the children love it! Our next stop is at the fish farm on kelong. As we alight from the ferry, few of us witness an accident. There has been a crowd anxiously waiting to get on board the ferry before all passengers can alight and through the push, a boy (around 10 years old?) fell and drop into the sea. Few of us shouted loud and the boy's parents (I suppose) quickly pull the boy out from the water. It is a blessing that nothing serious happen to the boy, but a traumatic experience for him. That accident reminded us, to look after our children carefully and constantly remind them of the safety on the kelong. The children are delighted to see the different fishes being farmed in each sectors with nets over them. We got to see how the fisherman feed the fishes. He pours a pail of fish food into a sector and the fishes are creating lots of watter ripples as they snatch the thrown food. We also saw an interesting fish...call archer fish (or spinner fish). The archer fish is a fish known for their habit of preying on land based insects and other small animals by literally shooting them down with water droplets from their specified mouth. They are remarkably accurate in their shooting! A few aunties who demonstrated to us on the skills of the archery fishes. They place a small anchovies on the wooden prank and not long, it captured the eyes of the archery fishes... and soon, we witness the shooting of water droplets from the archer fish. The auntie did a few rounds, and each time the water droplets hit on the anchovies, falling into the water and ate up by the archer fish. It is perfect and accurate shooting each time! Amazing! The children, no doubt was amused by the demonstration.... actually, I am too. By the time we are back to the land, it's lunch time. We are amazed that the crowd have formed with long queues waiting for ferries. Aren't we lucky that we are the early birds? The seafood restaurants are crowded as well since it's lunch time. We try our luck in the restaurant that was recommended earlier by an auntie we met at the suspension bridge, but it's full house. Believed that restaurant has earned its name for nice seafood. A pity we are unable to try it this time. We decide to walk further (away from the jetty) in hope to find one with less crowd. Finally we settle on one and have a sumptuous lunch. We ordered steam guroupa, sweet sour pork rips, dou miao, braised beencurd, several cans of soft drinks and two coconuts, all cost only RM100+. Cheap Cheap Cheap! An discovery before we leave the restuarant. The children spotted a fish-head alike creature with 2 front legs and a tail in the mud below our resturant (portion bulit on wooden pranks above sea level). According to Marcus, the creature is call 'mud-skipper'. Again, our first time seeing such creatures. There's so many of them in the mud! Yucks! After discussion, we decide to have some shopping at JB-Jusco. It is recommended by Marcus who mention it is a huge shopping mall. The drive to JB is a little slow moving with lots of cars on the road. Both Clara and Cieran fall asleep in ride. Jusco is indeed popular among the locals. We see a lot of shoppers in the mall. The retail shops are similar to Singapore ones, and I didn't manage to buy anything. Grace and Eric are the only ones that bought something from Jusco. We have dinner at Nandos before we leave for Singapore. Ashley slept on the way home, but surprisingly Cieran is wide awake. He has his shower, drinks his favourite milk before he doze off to la-la land.

The trip has been fun, adventurous as well as educational.