Carpe Diem Alumni Gathering

6 Nov 2010, 1st Carpe Diem Alumni Gathering was held at Russel Campus. This idea started off arranging a gathering for Ashley's graduating batch and Ms Shahnaz suddenly thought of combining with the 2010 K2 Graduating. This was very welcomed by parents, including me. Afterall, the children had spent so many years together, they missed one another after graduating from Carpe Diem. For Ashley, she was with Carpe Diem since 19months! She spent 4years plus growing up with Carpe Diem (Carpe Diem Kidz then was only couple months old as well!). Ashley was overly excited over the gathering. She has been looking forward to this day. Looking at her excitement, I am prepared to skip her ballet class for this gathering. As Jeremy is out-stationed on business trip, I had to bring the 2 kids alone. Each parent will contribute a food item while the school will prepare barbecue items. I have selected a easy one - fruit cocktail. We arrived Russel Rd Campus around 3.40pm. Already, there are several cars parked outside, along the drive way. I am fortunate to be able to find one that is near to the gate, with minimal walking. I needed that! Coz Cieran slept in the car. I had to consider how could I bring in the fruit cocktail and carry Cieran at the same time. Ashley helped to carry my bag. As we walked in, we heard happy voices.... "Ashley! Ashley!..." Ashely was welcomed by her friends, Evangeline, Wan Qin and Shanice. Girls are girls... they hugged together happily as if they have not seen each other for many years. Haha! Their laughter woke Cieran (which is a blessing), and I immediately put him down. I am gald that Lynn came over to help me with the cocktail. The weight of both sure was too much for me. It was a surprised to see Pambudi at Carpe Diem. We spoke for a long while. His son was with Carpe Diem for few months as he just relocated back to Singapore. He will also be performing magic for the children, which was his forte. This time, he roped in his son in the performance. Ashley had long ran off to be with her friends. She was an out going girl that will be able to entertained herself very well. Poor little Cieran had no friends (younger ones are not in the party) thus he stayed with me. Anyway, he will be happy with the food... lots of food that will not bored him. I brought him around to the greenery. I have never really had such an opportunity exploring Russel Campus. The space was really huge (much larger than Royal Campus). More greens which I liked. Beside the tree house which is bigger, they have a hanging bridge, adventure and tyre swing, they even have small sand pit areas. All are what I will love to have in a childcare for my little children. This place suits Cieran best! Which is why I moved him back to Carpe Diem Kidz. No regrets! Really! ...despite the longer journey I have to make. The party started with graduating K2 children performing. Followed by, Pambudi and son did a magic performance. It definately delighted many children, as well as parents. There are also games that involved both children and parents. Tug of War, beautifully organised by teachers. The teachers have taken tremendous efforts in organising this gathering. The gahtering went well with lots of fun and of course, food!By the end of the day (around 7pm), I drove the childern home. As expected, they are both tired and doze off in my car.

Grandpa's Birthday? Or Children's Birthday?

It was dad's birthday on 28 Sept. In the morning, I have already told the children what to expect after school. They will get to choose a birthday cake for their grandpa. I knew this will excite them with anticipation. Cieran was in lovely mood when I picked him at his childcare. He greeted me with his charming smiles and asked if he had got his shoes in the correct position. He had been a GOOD boy lately. Realised that he had been using words such as "thank you mummy", "you're welcome", "It's alright" etc. Believed he had learnt that in school and have been using them in the correct manner. Cieran had also been more independent. He has been going to the toilet on his own, able to undress himself, as well brushing his own teeth (though sometimes he skipped brushing). As a reward for his wonderful smile greeting me, and for being 'super boy' for not crying in school, I gave him an apple. Cieran was trilled over the apple and clapped his hands! A easily satisfied child! Ashley was equally happy to see us when we waited at the canteen. She ran towards us and happily reminded me that they will be getting a cake for grandpa. 2 children were so happy. On the way, Ashley shared her sweets (from a friend's birthday) with Cieran. When they are not quarrelling, they can be such lovely siblings! Haha.... Once I parked the car, the 2 children couldn't delay further in getting down and ran towards the bakery shop. Cieran immediately laid his eyes on a chocolate 'mountain-like' cake, while Ashley prefers the cherry vanilla. After short discussion, the children decided on Cieran's choice. They also selected 5 candles (with mixed colours) to go along with the cake. The excitement followed through dinner as awaiting us was a sumptuous meal. Mum prepared fried vermicelli, spring chicken, spring rolls and curry. The cake is for desert. The children eagerly waiting for me to set the cake on the table. Ashley and Vernon enjoyed placing the candles on the cake, while greedy little Cieran anxiously looking at the grapes on the cake! All the kids got so excited that I wonder if it's dad's birthday or theirs! After I lit the candles, Cieran was the 1st to clap his hands and sing the birthday song. All children sang so loudly and happily that caused joy to all of us, especially dad. The night was filled with happy children with lots of laughter in the house.

Mid Autumn @ RGPS

Received a newsletter from RGPS that they will be organising a Mid Autumn Celebration Day on 17 Sept. I thought this will be an interesting event for Cieran to join (besides Ashley). Anyway, Cieran's childcare is just nearby. Most importantly, during the week I will be busy at work with training program and somehow, I felt 'guilty' towards them each time that I will not be able with them when they woke up in the morning. (I would have left the house at 6plus am before they opened their eyes). That day, I managed to arrive early to pick Cieran (training ends on time at 5.15pm and I completed the clearance at 5.40pm). I realised that there was more cars than usual parking at Watten Park due to the celebration. Met Ashley's classmate and her parents who advised me to better secure the lot at Watten Park as expected to be crowded over at RGPS or road along VJC. Nonetheless, I decided to take the risk and try to see if I can find any parking near the landed property that is within walking distance to RGPS (my usual parking spot). Very lucky indeed that I found one! Cieran was in happy mood. Already, I saw several parents queuing at the entrance. Many parent volunteers were already there, assisting the events. Entry to the school was by tickets only. The queue leading us to collect the goodies bags. We got 2 since I bought tickets. The bags were too large that I find it cumbersome. As we walked in, we saw many parents and children.. and of course, many booths of activities/food/drinks. I didn't expect such an interesting event. Immediately I led Cieran to the vehicles drop off point where Ashley will be meeting us there. She was extremely excited to see us ... her 1st greeting was "Why are you so late? I want to buy popcorn!". We managed to locate a vacant table and settled the children while I went off to get 'proper dinner' for them. As promised to Ashley, she can buy popcorn only after she had taken her dinner. I bought beehoon with chicken nuggets, hotdog and fish balls plus a Ribena bubble drink. It was quite expensive I felt (total $7.50). When the children finished their meals, we left the bags on the chair and went off 'exploring' the booths. The children love the balloons sculpturing booth and we ended up a hello kitty balloon for Ashley, and Elmo for Cieran. Can you imaging it cost me $12 for that?! Next, the children ran off for the playground. It was tough for me to 'monitor' Cieran as he simply enjoy running around... as he was rather short comparing to the girls, it's a challenge trying to hunt down his movements. I asked Ashley to keep an eye on his brother of which she's good at, and she's a great helper! After the fun playground, we continued our exploration around. There's a booth on lantern making (art & craft), mooncake making, fishing, lantern with riddles parade, recycled art, old photos counter and even a counter for lighting of lanterns (for lantern walk). After a stroll around, we went up to the school hall for performance. The 1st performance greeted us with gymnastics dance. Followed by hip hop and children were welcomed on stage to learn/dance. We didn't stay through the whole event as it was getting late, and I was feeling 'dirty' from a full day work. Glad that the children didn't have much objections and we headed home at 8.30pm. The event went well and we all had wonderful time @ RGPS.






A fun-filled Mid Autumn for the kids!

YOG 2010

First YOG in Singapore...everyone has been talking about it lately. A major event this year, 1st time ever that creates an history. It has been an honor for Ashley to be part of it. Well, as parents, we are proud of her being selected to participate in the opening ceremony from the YOG audition at School of Dance. In grade 1, there are only 5 being selected, and gladly Ashley is one of them. With her, there's Britney, Kale, Shanice and ... (a Malay girl, cant recall her name ...). Unfortunately Shanice got chicken pox and had to withdraw from all rehearsals, and the Malay girl's mum got some other commitments that cant have her daughter participating. In the end, Preecha and Esther stand in for the 2. It's not easy for the girls. There are many sessions of rehearsals and for long hours on Sat. Nearer to event date, more rehearsals were scheduled, even on weekdays where Ashley need to seek early dismissal from school. Being her 'driver', I am also tried over the period-remembering the rehearsal dates, preparing snacks, seeking early dismissal from teachers...etc. Simply cant wait for the event to be over, and back to our usual routine. Recalling back, sometimes I regretted allowing her to take part in YOG. But as what Jeremy says, it's once a life time... and since she got selected, we have to support her. It's not surprising that Ashley had no complaints over the numerous rehearsals (with super long hours) since she had been enjoying. If it was us parents wanting her to be in YOG and not in her own preference, I think she would have thrown tantrums ththousand times. Haha... Finally the day draws nearer. We are given 2 tickets to watch the Final combined rehearsal on 11Aug (wed). The last rehearsal before the actual opening ceremony on 14 Aug. I am in delighted mood when walking to Marina Platform from Cityhall station. Jeremy came with me. Well, after my 'nagging', he had no choice but to come along with me to watch his girl performing. A pity Cieran is unable to join us... which I am glad. Such performance just doesn't suit him. He'll get bored from the waiting, and bringing him out to toileting will be cumbersome as well. Though I left sorry for him, but at ease when I learnt that he is having fun time with Clarissa at mum's place. The event started with lots of cheers and dancing moves led by the 4 MCs. Atmosphere is there... I suppose the audience are all ready for a fun time. Lyo and Merli being the mascot for YOG are in appearance as well. The opening came out as a bang, drums playing, and street dancing from TSOD. I have been trying to spot for Ashley but in vain, even though she tipped me off that she will be near to the blue sector (gate MC1). Out came the lion dance, with the water fountain behind that blend with the music and lights, and the lezar from the CBD buildings..all adds on to the spectacular opening. The whole marina platform becomes serious only when the National Flag was marched in with athletics and handover to the military to raise it up. For that instance, I believed all Singaporean feel proud of it. The night scene is beautiful with light and fire works, and the atmosphere is simply great. I can imagine the actual ceremony will be of a lot of fun, cheer and pride. Singapore is proud to be the 1st host of YOG and eager to show what we are. Through the event, Ashley make a lot of friends (seniors of TSOD) and I believed she had fun and it's an experience/eye opener for her. A relief that now it's over, and we are finally back to usual routine.... ;-) Actually little Ceiran also feels proud of his sister (though he may be young) He looks up upon his sister, and misses her when she's away for rehearsals. On actual day, Cieran watches the performance by the Tv... believed he knew that his sister is performing and telecasting on tv.... haha... :-p See below pose of his.... he's trying to imitate Ashley.... haha...

Cieran's 1st Field Trip with Carpe Diem

Cieran was with Carpe Diem for almost 8months, finally a field trip was organised. It's a trip to Underwater World, under the week's theme on animals. Before the trip, I have been telling Cieran what he will be expecting at the Underwater World to prepare him. He was happy over the trip. I recalled Ashley went to Underwater World as well when she was in K1, and I made the trip with her together with her school, she was rather afraid of the big sharks under the tunnel. As such, being fair to Cieran, I joined the school trip as well. Cieran was happy that I came along. On board the bus, Cieran was excited through the journey, especially he loves sitting on bus. He choose the front seat by the window. We arrived at Sentosa at around 10am, passes by Resort World which looks quite enormous to me. Finally we reached Underwater World and the 1st to greet us was stingray pool. This is new to me. Last time when I came with Ashley, there wasn't any such pool. It was interesting and I think it's educational as it allows the public to feel and touch the stingray. Cieran had fun watching them swimming to and fro. The adventurous ones can even buy the baits and feed them with your hands. There were several other sections where the public can put their hands to touch and feel the water, fishes and corals which make learning more interesting. Walking through the tunnel, I introduced to Cieran sharks, jelly fish, shells, crabs etc..... Cieran watched with amazement in his face. haha... he's such a cutie. Especially the giant crab... he was in total shock... but as usual, did a silly face while I cant helped but took a photo of him. the tunnel was an eye opener for the children. Earlier I was worried that Cieran will be afraid of the large fishes above him, but surprisingly he was so brave! He walk like a leader in front of the whole group. Haha! Along the tunnel journey, Cieran was observing the different fishes swimming around. He looked so attentively, I wonder what's in his mind.... We also saw 2 diver in the tunnel cleaning the area and feeding the fishes. The children looked with amazement. Next, the group moved on to the dolhine's show, but unfortunately, it was raining and we are 'trapped'. The distance to the threatre was not far though, thus the group decided to proceed. Fortunately I came prepared. I had an umbrella with me, thus both Cieran and myself were not wet at all. For once, I felt that BT Carpe Diem was not organised for the trip and children had to cross over under the rain. We missed the show anyhow, due to poor time management. Ended up, we had our lunch by the threatre. We left Sentosa around 2pm. Overall, The children including Cieran had fun. Nonetheless, I felt the trip could be even better and more educational.

A long weekends Fun!

It's a long weekends for the kids, especially for Ashley. Friday, she celebrated National Day with only 3 hours at school, and Tuesday a school holiday for her. So envy! Basically, she break for 4.5days! Sun, 8 Aug, the weather was good with ample of sunshine that triggers the thought of 'water play' for the kids. When I threw the idea to them, immediately there's lots of shouting and excitement in the air. Seeing them jumping with joy, again I feel that the tiring job in setting up is worth the trouble. Haha! The 2 kids waited patiently for mummy to pump the pool, changed them in consume and flash water into the pool. Cieran was especially excited when I splashed the water at him. It's really a joy watching them at play. Also, a quiet moment to myself, listening to my music by the sofa...watching them. At one stage, Cieran put on his green-coloured sunglasses, and with his matching swimming costume, I can't helped but requesting the children to give me a pose! Look! Cieran looked smart yah? haha... The children can certainly amused themselves. Without me noticing, they already had more toys with them... tooked the bottles (that I used to water the plants) and started to play cooking in the pool. For a moment, they looked so serious! For 15mins, they are very cooperative and shared the toys in cooking... soon, they started to snatch and fight for 'utensils'... till I warned them about sharing, else no more water play. Kids are just kids... the cycle goes round and round like this. That's why they always keep me busy. Haha.... but Is till love to watch them at play. Cieran started to get bored with cooking and started to be on his own fun. He pretend to swim... then match around the pool...haha! He's so funny! I took a video clip of his silly actions, but a pity I cannt share it here in the blog as the capacity is too large to upload. I suddenly remembered about bubbles and offered a bottle to Cieran. His face lited with joy. Next moment, he's busy blowing bubbles with all his mighty lungs...haha... coz he blew so hard! They played for an hour or longer before washing up. Mon, National Day was also a fun-filled day for the kids. Decided to bring them to the zoo, and will be meeting Grace & family for this field trip together! Cieran had been exited since the night before the trip. Even before he doze off, he had been asking "we go zoo?....see elephant?" He repeatedly asked the same even when we are at the zoo....haha! He loves elephants and this is a MUST visit at the zoo! We arrived slightly earlier at around 8.20am. As usual, Grace is late. The kids got impatient and kept asking me why yi-ma haven't reached. Even little Cieran kept asking "why yi-ma so long?"....haha... He cant wait to see elephants. Finally at 9.30am, we are inside the zoo. Ashley and Vernon lead the way in, and the 1st to welcome us are otters and chimpanzees. The chimps seems happy to see many people visiting the zoo, as they swing from a tree to another, showing off their excellent skills. Along the trail, we saw cats family of cheetas, leopards and lions. Learnt how to differentite between a lepard and a cheetah by reading the fun facts displays. Next, zebras, girrafe and rhinos greeted us. It was by coincident that we are passing by polar bear that we managed to catch the polar bear feeding time.We have been missing the polar bear feeding time each time we are at the zoo. Glad that the kids finally get to watch the show. Next, we proceed to the splash safari under the kid's demand. Though I had watched the same performace 3x, I dont mind watching with them again. I lead them to the front andmanaged to squeeze them seated comfortably among the crowd. The 3 kids enjoyed a great performance by the penguins and sealions, and also the snacks that I brought for them. As usual, Cieran is the most dirty-eater...haha. He had small piceces of seaweed all over his mouth and face. After the performance, the last we visit before leaving zoo will be the elephants! Cant forget about elephants since Cieran had been reminding me. Timing is just right! 11.55am for feeding the elephants! Bought a basket at $5 this time, so that the kids get to feed elephants. A little hsistation in Vernon, but he managed to build up his courage to feed the elephant with carrots. Overall, the kids had fun... including the adults. We ended up lunch at KFC before we head off to Raffles Town Club for a movie-Astro Boy. Dont you think it's a FUN day for the kids? Well, I must admit I do also... Astro Boy was quite a nice and touching movie. Quite funny also, in certain portion of the movie. Can hear some adults laughing heartedly in the threatre. The show ended around 4plus where we headed home. After a short rest, I showered the kids (and shower myself, cant stand the sticky me from the sweat...), and 3 of us had a little stroll out to buy our dinner. Enjoy dinner while watching the National Parade... so shiok right? Haha....