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!