Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Fun and shop in FS / GZ

Who would have thought there is so much to be done in these places..

Daddy took some days off to bring the family on a day trip out of the region for some fun at Chimelong Resort in GZ. The kids enjoyed themselves tremendously and took all the rides as long as the height limits allow them to.

They also had 2 rounds of play in indoor playgrounds while Daddy was at work (bought the 10 entries passes as they are quite certain the kids will request to go again, and these are situated in big shopping malls).

The family also ventured out to Zhuhai and the underground mega mall is enough to occupy them the entire day. Daddy and Mummy also found some time for a haircut and a session of foot massage after long hours of shopping.





Leanne is starting to be quite a shopaholic and will insist on buying an item once she sets her eyes on it.. Most of the time -- pink stuff. She got her hands on a pink Uniqlo jacket and pink spectacles. She loves them very much and willingly poses for pictures with them.

From Kaohsiung to Taipei

After having spent a full week in Taipei 5 years ago, Daddy decided that the family should venture south, before heading to Taichung and Taipei.

Upon reaching Taoyuan airport, the family took the bus to HSR station and head towards Kaohsiung immediately. This round, both Lleyton and Leanne did it without the stroller though Leanne was reliant on the Manduca carrier. It literally became a perpetual accessory on Mummy, she could almost fall asleep once her butt rests well in the carrier. That said, the family travelled light only with 1 suitcase and 1 65-litre Osprey backpack.

Highlight of Kaohsiung was the stay at the 85-storey Splendour Hotel with a magnificent view. The family got themselves an executive floor, so that the kids could help themselves to the cookies (and once a day apple for Leanne), while Daddy had various bottles of Spritzer and Mummy with cups of brewed coffee. Apart from that, they had a long walk to find the 爱河 harbour for the cruise along the river. To Mummy's surprise, the boat was solar powered using solar PV. The older ones using diesel were parked aside and no longer in use. The first night ended with 六合夜市 as a must-go place in the area.

Next stop was Sun-moon-lake 日月潭from Taichung station. The hotel was a boutique hotel with a nice lake view and breakfast. Again, the highlight was the ferry cruise ride to the other side of the island to try the local delicacies.

Next morning, the family proceeded to Taichung HSR to reach the Taipei Main station, where the kids had all the fun they were promised!

Upon arrival, they took the train to 西门町 where Leanne started her shopping spree. Daddy also found his 阿宗面线 which he commented that there was no oyster. For dinner, they headed to 士林夜市 to try the famous foods that were recommended in the guidebook. The night ended with a generous portion of 芒果冰.

The second day in Taipei was spent entirely at Baby Boss where the kids had their attempts at various occupations ranging from dairy farmers to astronauts. There, they earned baby bucks where they spent on stickers and jigsaw puzzle.













Finally, the next 2 days were spent venturing to the outskirts of 淡水老街 then back to the more tourist spots of 五分铺 and 饶河夜市 as well as the Hello Kitty cafe. The kids had their share of fun and the adults also indulged in delicious snacks and great shopping!


Look alike?

More friends are commenting that Leanne resembles Mummy, and Lleyton resembles Daddy.

Usually 当事人 will not be able to notice it well, even by comparing photos. But both of them start to have some significant features that belong to both parents. Eg small nose, small eyes? Take a look..

October's a birthday month!

The 3 "babies" in the house have grown a year older as the month of October went past. Though the biggest of all was not keen in having any birthday cakes unlike the 2 younger ones. He even deprived them of their "must have" birthday cake by ordering寿桃 instead! He din manage to get those either as the seafood restaurant only served 馒头 for the chilli crab.

The kids enjoyed themselves most of all, with birthday celebrations (including goodie bags for friends) in school to lots of birthday presents from mummy, uncles and aunties, and cakes chosen by them. Even Daddy complained that Mummy forgot to add his name on the cake.

Leanne got a set of barbie doll, cleaning set and pink Flicker scooter. She was recently infatuated with the colour pink, and all things girly. Must be a growing up phase!

Lleyton received a toy car racing track and a white board to practice his writing and mathematics.

Besides a visit to Singkids at Vivo, there was also a trip to Taiwan to make it even a more exciting time for all!

Sunday, August 12, 2012

Fun on Sunday morning

Leanne was having mild fever and was not in the mood for outdoor activities including playing on the swing. So she stood aside while waiting for gor-gor to have his turn on the swing. She took some pics using Mummy's phone, and actually turned out quite ok.

Immediately after the supposedly morning in jog at the park, Lleyton wanted to play at the pool! Unfortunately, it was a no-no for Leanne, so she ended up doing art & craft and snacking by the pool-side. What a relaxed life-style!

Saturday, August 11, 2012

Haircut day!

Little boy commented that he could not have his hair trimmed as Daddy was not around. Not totally illogical as it has always been Daddy bringing him along for haircut sessions (a father and son thing?)

Finally Mummy decided that his hair was really getting messy and should get a trim really soon. There they went to the $10 quick trim at the nearby shopping mall.

As expected, the little girl wanted the same (though Mummy deliberately postponed the trim for her as she wanted her fringe to grow). There goes another 10 bucks for a simple trim for the back of her hair. Now she looks rounder than ever!

Thursday, August 9, 2012

Happy National Day!

Coincidentally, Daddy was not around again this National Day. Was commenting to him about how quickly Leanne has grown and the amount of words that came from her this year compared to the last.

She only managed to mutter the word PORE a year ago.

Today, she can spell out the letters "S-I-N-G-A-P-O-R-E", oh...Singapore! And danced on stage with her Pom Pom for her NDP performance in school! :)


More places!

The 2 days upon arrival were wet and rainy as Typhoon Vicente just approached the region the day before. When the weather turned good (still a little wet but cooling), the family visited more places of interest this time round, including the 祖庙 , with a long history and is now a museum featuring the kungfu heroes -- 黄飞鸿 and 叶问。

Wanted to bring the kids to try out DIY pottery at the 南风古灶, but the kids' class was not open during weekday.

Daddy also brought the family to dine at more food places, especially the ones that he frequents, including Prata and Steamboat Porridge! Yummy!

Wednesday, June 20, 2012

Start of a new week

It's been barely a day since the start of a new week, yet news of sorts have been coming through that require some handling: 1) work 2) kid 3) financial. Actually, all ain't that serious. Just sian to handle all stuff at beginning of a fresh week.

These undesirable stuff are balanced off with some good news.. Looking forward to the next big event next week! Of course, a full weekend with Daddy to share the details / hear the nagging and to resolve whatever needs to be done. Also understood the concept of "fastest fingers first", all thanks to BB. :) If all else fail, just catch a glimpse of the kids' cheeky look.. they will definitely bring all smiles to your face!

Monday, May 28, 2012

Visit to Daddy's work place..

It was a rare opportunity to visit Daddy's workplace as his company was having a "safety contest" on a Saturday.

The mood amongst the staff was good and all were set to compete to win back the trophy for the event. It was indeed crucial to note the importance of safety at workplace to protect your own life, and that of your colleagues. The final round was a presentation of safety innovations that can be implemented at their workplace.

Daddy gave a speech in Mandarin at the end to thank the teams that contributed to the event. Doubt that the kids understood the content but they looked pleased to be part of it!

Thursday, May 24, 2012

Activities for the kids

The kids got bored after awhile playing at home. Mummy decided to take a stroll with the kids around the lake within the compound of "环湖 garden". Weather was good and breezy, very 诗情画意。

The kids also had a mini-sports day at home, using daddy's socks to double-up as bean bags. Lleyton claimed that Leanne "play-cheat". He must have learnt the term from school.


The kids also liked to play hide and seek in the "new house". But mummy has indeed run out of new hiding places, while Lleyton's spot is always under the blanket.

Lleyton likes to tidy up the house while Leanne (sometimes Mummy) was napping, even though the part-time cleaner comes in twice a week. The kids even helped out with the preparation of ingredients for cooking.

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Life of a 1 week SAHM (in F.S.)

The entire family woke up at 6am in the morning (despite the fact that only Daddy needs to leave for work at 7.45am). The bright sunshine here makes it look like it was already 9am.

As a result, the day started early. Mummy has no idea what to do except to steam some Baos and make milk for the kids. Leanne's milk bottle was totally ruined as adventurous mummy tried the disinfectant "machine" in the kitchen and the whole bottle melted! That's it.. She has to use a cup from now on. No spare.

After entertaining the kids with Lego, workbooks, iPad for half a morning, mummy can't resist and started working on the laptop and clearing work emails. Of course, that was after preparing the lunch ingredients (Mee-sua with chicken and mushroom).

Time to cook lunch at 11am..

Best! The gas stove was not working properly. So Mummy had to use the rice cooker to cook the Mee sua instead. Alas, lunch was settled...

Dinner was chicken rice with bak ku teh, using pre-packed ingredients brought over from Singapore.

Saturday, March 10, 2012

Trip to Genting

A quick decision was made to drive up to Genting Highlands. The last trip was around 2 years back, Daddy thought that Leanne will probably enjoy the rides more this time.

Besides the usual rides at the theme park, the family went for bowling games and KTV. The favourite song that the kids chose (5 Little Ducks) was so action-packed that Leanne was moving around the room, quacking away. Lleyton took more than 10 rides on the junior bumper car.

Thursday, February 2, 2012

Pics on CNY

Usually, most pics are taken on the first few days of CNY as everyone is dressed in their new clothes. Some collages for sharing..

Friday, January 20, 2012

Transformers Ride!

A year has past since Daddy purchased the annual USS pass. Fortunately the pass was extended such that the family was in time to catch the long-awaited transformers ride. Lleyton took his turn with Daddy, while Mummy waited outside with Leanne.

After Lleyton had his go at it, he decided that was enough, leaving mummy to join the "single-rider" queue.

Not too bad for the price spent. Mummy made a quick count.. At least 8 entries to the USS were clocked!

Monday, January 2, 2012

Brownie baking day

Mummy decided to use her new combination oven on some brownies, hence sought the help on 2 greedy monsters. They really had fun stirring the mixture and watching Mummy load it into the oven. The end product was finally shared with their cousins when they visited ah yi's house in the afternoon.