Picnic at home 04/03

One evening after dinner, the kids started to drag their blankets out and spread it on the living

Badminton at Eunos 10/3 Tues

The daddy volunteered to come back home to pick us all up for badminton today. So by 7.30, we were all ready but had to wait for him instead.

We reached Eunos CC at about 8.30pm and the kids went on stage to play their own game. When they got bored, they started to cheer for the players, their daddy and I. Meryl was not very interested in the game but Kyle was keen to learn more and even played with his daddy on the court.

Kyle's Dental visit and Meryl piercing ears 14/3

Prelude to the dental visit : The appointment was fixed at 2.30pm so the 2 of us went for lunch at Sakae and then visited library

Went home to deposit the books and brought Meryl along.

We get to go almost immediately once we reached there and I got my teethe scaled and polished first as I wanted Kyle to know what to expect.

When it was his turn, he didn't flinch or show any fear. Dentist announced that he has 2 little holes and suggested coming back to do the filling as he was afraid that Kyle might not be able to sit still for too long. I told him to go ahead and he did. Kyle was most cooperative and heeded the dentist's instructions obediently. Meryl witnessed the whole process. She did not want her turn at the dentist but agreed to pierce her ears again instead. (see video below)

Visit to T3 11/03

After a good rest from the zoo trip, the kids were all geared upto go out again...to T3. Tagu came, picked us up and off we went. We toured the place while waiting for the hubby and yeye. we went up to the viewing gallery and see what was available. Jay requested for Sakae Sushi but there was only teppanyaki available. Finally we settled for the Kopitiam foodcourt where Kyle had his favorite, cold zaru soba.

After dinner, we went window shopping then took the skytrain to and fro for the kids' sake. As usual Kyle got a lot of scolding for monkeying around and not observing safety. It was almost 10 when we left. Jay did not get the go ahead to stay with Kyle and was very sad.

Horton the movie

It was a mad rush as usual in the morning if we have plans to go out.The kids rushed through their breakkie, rushed through their shower, changed, packed and off we went to ctach Horton at Vivocity at 10.35am. Halfway, I asked Kyle if he prefers to go Plaza Singapura to watch but he insisted on going to Vivovity. It turned out to be a big mistake!!!

We managed to reach ther intime but to my disappointment, the 1035 show for for GV Goldwhich was $25 per ticket!!! Had no choice but to watch the next show at 12pm.

So the kids and I went for a stroll outside Vivo and enjoyed their snack meant for the movie. Then we went to Pageone and had a good time browsing through books and I finally managed to get my hands on a copy of Kiterunner. Meryl and I played a game whereby she is the 'mommy' and I am the 'baby'. It was pretty hilarious as we exchanged roles. She was a pretty good 'mommy' too.

The kids enjoyed the movie , even Meryl. We took train and bus back. Meryl was knocked in the train but woke up again before we reached home.

Firemen to the rescue 12/03

The whole morning was spent playing 'Firemen to the rescue'. First I hide the 7 toys in various places and then called for the firmen to come and 'resuce' them. The 2 of them got better and better at finding the toys and finally we exchanged places and I became the fireman and they hide the toys.

March Holiday Zoo Trip 11/03

Holiday time and its time to hit the zoo again. Jo packed their breakfast and the hubby gave us a lift to the zoo. The kids ate their breakkie at the otter enclosure while waiting for belle and joel to arrive. We took the tram around the zoo and then alighted at the Splash theatre to watch the sealion show. We almost couldn't get a place but in the end managed to squeeze at the 1st row. The kids enjoyed the show.

The next program was the pony rides which all the kids had a go for $4 per ride which is only 1 miserly round around the small compound. There goes my $8 and although I felt that it was not money well-spent, the kids had fun and hopefully happy memories.

We then walked to the baboon enclosure where the kids played chasing. It rained heavily after that and we stayed till the rain stopped. Belle and Joel had to leave 1st cos they needed to eat their lunch whilst we wait out the rain.

After about 15 minutes, the rain dwindled to a drizzle and we slowly walked to KFC for our lunch. Their friends were still there and we feasted on chicken, fries and pizzas together. It was almost 2.30 when we left the place in a cab.

Opening of Anchorvale CC

Arrived at the new CC early to meet my students. Meryl only joined me at abot 9.30 and was all geared up to cheer for us. The brother did not arrive, until I had finished my competition with his Tagu and Yeye as he stayed over the previous night. The place was jam-packed with people and we had a tough time trying to keep track of each other especially since I was running around.

I wanted to bring Kyle down to kayak but the timing was bad as my students were due at the same time to collect their token of appreciation. He was so disappointed! JO then queued up to take our food and goodie bag and by the time they got it, settled down to eat, it was almost 12ish. Yeye was so hungry as he did not have breakfast and Tagu announced that this was the last time she was coming for such activities..hehe..

My students who took part in the dragon boat competition.

Naomi 1st Birthday

It was a hectic day as we rushed back from a fun-filled morning at the new Anchorvale CC opening, showered and changed before we rushed out again to Naomi's birthday party. By the time we arrived, it was already after 1. Nonetheless, the kids hit straight for the toys (esp Kyle) while at the same time eat their lunch. I was frankly speaking, too tired to eat or do anything.

Meryl and friend got to meet up again barely after a week and they had fun, needless to say. Whenit came to cake cutting, my kids were the most eager. Meryl was requesting even before the cake was cut which portion she wnated and then to my amazement, proceeded to finish the whole cake...and then asked me for more!!!! I just had to stop her. Even on our way back, she was also asking for more cordial.

Downtown East Fiasco 8/03/08

Hubby drove us down to Downtown East as I wanted the kids to have a go at the Escape Theme park before our membership card which gives us free entry expires. Unfortunately for us, the park was closed for a Family Day and we had to change our plans.

We walked to the beach which was also full of people as there was a secondary school having their cross country!! Sigh... We ended up strolling and watching a man laser sail then the kids raced each other before Meryl declared that she wanted to eat chicken rice. We proceeded back to the foodcourt to eat the famous 'Chatterbox' chicken rice..yum yum.

After we finished, the hubby came and picked us up.

Hoi Sing's 4th Birthday 02/03

Hoi Sing celebrated his 4th Birthday at home. The kids played and played as they had not seen each other for a while.

Meryl with her 2 good friends, Zachary and Cheryl.

Meryl's dragonboat outing 24/02

Meryl with the dragonboat coxswain Sharon, an undergrad from NUS.

Kyle stayed overnight at Ta gu's place and went to climb Bukit Timah Hill in the morning, so I brought Meryl with me on my dragonboat training at Kallang. She wanted to go into the boat and after getting permission, she was off together with us, squeezed in-between another guy and me. She was enjoying herself so much that she expended all her energy and half an hour into the training, she told me she wanted to sleep and within 5 minutes, she fell asleep. I was out of action for 15 mins! She woke up after we landed on a deserted beach to take a rest. I think she was disoriented for a while. After we got back to the sports centre, her father was there waiting with her lunch from Mac'donald. She followed her daddy back and slept from 3 to 6 in the afternoon.

Jay's 1st Sleepover 09/02

Jay got permission to stay over and the 2 boys were overjoyed!! Even Meryl refused to sleep with me and insisted on sleeping with 'kor kor Jay Jay'. In the end, it was decided that Jay sleep with Kyle on the bunkbed and Meryl was sooooo sad.

Today for the 1st time, Kyle drank his milk super fast...following his cousin's example. Then they went to brush their teeth together and peed together (see picture below). Meryl was feeling left out all these while and threw a mini tantrum,insisting on 'Little Mermaid' story to be played instead of 'Pinochio'. It took quite a while for the kids to settle down before they finally dozed off.

The next morning, the kids woke up early to play with the toys. We all went for lunch at the new Anchorvale Community Club where the kids were treated to a session of Lion Dance and then buffet lunch. Jay went back home after that.

3rd day of CNY 09/02

10.30 am : Depart for Kwang Wai Shiu Hospital

11 am : visited Gong Gong

11.30 am : Lunch at Bendemeer market

12.00 am : Went to Tua Pek gong's house to pai nian, ate lots of kwe zhi

2 pm : Went to Yeye's house, kids napped and adults played MJ

6pm : Dinner buffet of Nasi padang, lontong, beehoon and samosas

7-11pm : MJ

At Pek Gong's house where Kyle had a sudden stomachache. He's enjoying all the attention that he's getting from his cousins.

Meryl and Jon dancing again. See them in this clip.

1st day of CNY 07/02

9am : Woke up, eat and get changed
10 am : Meryl and Kyle 'delivers' their greetings to parents
1030 am : Ta jiu's place to pai nian
11.30 am : Lunch at yeye's place ( vegetarian noodles)
12 pm : Depart for Ah Chor's place in 3 cars, Meryl napped
1.30pm : Depart for 1st Grandaunt's house in Jurong
2-3 pm: Kyle slept in the car
4-6 pm : Free and easy
6pm : Arrival of relatives in batches, mahjung.
7pm : Tim went to pick Ah Chor
8pm : Celebrated Pansy's birthday
9pm : Dinner
9-11.30 : MJ
The cousins at Ah chor's place: Top left to right- Neal, Kyle and Jay
Bottom left to right- Keene, Meryl and Jon

Ah Chor giving out ang pows to the great-grand children

The cousins singing Gong Xi Gong Xi for their Ah Chor (great grandma).

Our New Year's birthday girl!!!

Reunion Dinner 06/02

We were all back to help prepare for reunion dinner which was the usual steamboat. The 6 cousins met and played to their hearts' content.

The cousins singing Chinese New Year songs on Ta gu's bed

Flowers for CNY 03/02

Wanna see how the Indian workers auction their flowers. Click on the above clip.

The lunar new year was fast approaching but the festive mood was stillnot quite there. So that Sunday, after dinner, we dropped by the nurseries to buy some plants for the new year; pussy willows and some lily bulbs. The kids, as usual, had their own set of fun as they played chasing, London Bridge etc.

Zac's Birthday Party 03/02/08

Zac celebrated his 4th birhtday at Down town East and the kids were invited. We were the 1st to arrive as I did not want the kids to miss out the fun since they will be leaving early. The hubby and I promptly went for our cuppa while the kids played.

As usual, the party started late as all the kids find it difficult to leave the play area. Meryl and Kyle were the 1st to be seated down for lunch.

The kids playing their favorite game-musical chairs. I think Kyle was one of the last 2 but he did not win in the end.

My son having an adrenaline high. He is seen here running in circles and going on and on till like forever. In between he showed some TLC to baby Naomi.

Meryl has learnt from her own birthday party how a pinata works. Click on this video to watch how she hoards the goodies when they fall from the pinata (hilarious)

Flappy the mynah

Baby Jon took up the challenge to have Flappy onhis shoulders even though he was hesistant initially.

Meryl and her 'baby' who has just learnt how to fly.

Dr Kyle and Meryl Tan

Dr Meryl Tan trying to hear the heartbeat of Flappy as she is 'sick'.

The 2 kids playing 'Doctors' after their 2 'babies', Flappy and the recently christianed 'Skippy had had their baths.

Flappy just had her 1st bath (phew!!) and is ready to show off her clean, beautiful wings!!

Dr Kyle is gearing up before he gives the guinea pig, also called 'Baby, American Dragon and the most recent name 'Skippy" because it jumps a lot, a physical examination.

RESCUED!!

The little bat was rescued from the 3rd level in my school by 2 girls. There was no way of getting her back to her mother so I decided to bring her back and see if I could rear her. The kids were thrilled and tried feeding her but to no availed. After I googled some information, I tried to feed her by using a sponge to soak up the milk and attaching it to the wastepaper basket (placed upside down). It remained uninterested so I covered the basket with a cloth and let her go to sleep. Atlas her time with us was destined to be a short one. The next morning, after my son went to 'greet' the little bat, he forgot to place the basket properly and it crawled out and was gone!!

This is Flappy, a baby mynah which Meryl and I rescued while on the way back from school. She was bald and shivering in fright when we found her. We brought it back and nursed it back to health. Everyday, we fed it with bird feed mixed with water. Meryl was most diligent and so was I! The only problem was that she got hungry every so often and we had to feed her immediately when she started cheeping. The other problem was her poop. Everytime after she feeds, she will poop and the box will get dirty and so will she. I finally devised a way whereby I layered the box with newspaper and each time she pooped, I will fold it into half and then half again until it gets too small then I will throw it away and use a fresh sheet which is underneath.

In less than 2 weeks, the feathers sprouted (look at picture above) and she looked so different. The kids would play with it and pretend it 'nurse' it. It grew and grew and was hopping out of its box and attempting to fly. Finally we decided to bring it to their grandpa's house as he has a cage. He settled in very quickly and at one time, even flew to our hand when we beckoned it.

Our intention was to release him when he is fully independent but it happened sooner than we thought. He escaped one night when the maid opened the cage to feed him. We did not have a chance to say goodbye.