The Little Mermaid Ballet Performance @United Sq

The beginning of the Year-End Holidays marked a very busy start for me. Now, I have to keep the big one entertained n cook for TWO kids instead of one (have to really squeeze my creative juice to come up with delicious, wholesome yet healthy food (minus additional seasonings, additives etc) that can satisfy the palate of the picky ones). In fact, the younger one is harder to please (is it with boys???)....

Not forgetting the Extra-Curriculum, as En is involved in this year's recital for her ballet school, this translates to more practice sessions and rehearsals. Sometimes, I have to be out from mid-day till late in the night. Many times, these sessions run consecutively for a few days and it can get very taxing and tiring for both of us. Another issue will be with the arrangement for baby-sitters as many of these sessions either stretched for too many hrs or happened to crashed with Kang's nap-time.

This performance is a prelude to her actual recital on 5 Dec and she is starring as one of the starfishes. The costumes for this performance are really colourful and pretty, albeit very, very costly too.

There was just a small glitch before she was to perform. When I just arrived at the stage where they were stationed, one of the staff came over and told me she was crying. She thought it could be due to anxiety but I was thinking that wasn't quite possible as she is EXPERIENCED. When I met the teacher, apparently it was due to something else. A little brother of one of her fellow starfishes was mimicking whatever she was doing and she got upset about it. I don't know why. Guess it's another of those kid-thingy adults can never really comprehend.

Anyway, here's some pictures and video for the day.

Meanwhile, I hope I'll be able to catch a better video of the actual day performance. Crossing my fingers..........

Zoo again

We had been to the Zoo many times this year, since we got the zoo pass (short, frequent trips to accommodate the boy's napping), but never really got to use the waterplay area (except for En who did it once).

So, this was the first time Mr Kang got his chance. Oh boy! He had THE time of his life (and yummy cheese n ham sandwich from Ben n Jerry's for lunch. We had KFC)!!

BPMC 2010 Graduation Concert (121110)

Has been missing many updates lately, as there was problem with my laptop's adaptor and I couldn't charge it. Finally, my new charger "returned" from US, then, I realised it was the travel adaptor that was giving trouble instead!

The day for En's kindy's Graduation Concert finally arrived (a week before school closed). This year, it was also in conjunction with their 25th anniversary, so everyone was given some souveniors (fridge magnets) after the event. Cool!

Last year (at Newton Kindy), she was chosen to be 1 of 2 presenters for her class's item, but was dropped last min (as they decided 1 is easier to manage). It was a bit of a disappointment. Nonetheless, she was given the opportunity again this time round again :).

A pity I couldn't get the camera to focus and missed the opening of her "speech". It was quite funny, as her co-presenter (coincidentally her best friend, with a love-hate relationship), tried to take the mike from her hand, while she wrestled away her attempt and told her off that there was another mike on the floor. Everyone broke into a laughter.

The title for their song cum dance item is "Make a Joyful Noise".

Till the next concert, when it's truly her turn to Graduate......

Horse riding

The exciting part was when he stood on the seat of his horsie!! Didn't manage to catch it on video. Scary!

5th Birthday

This year, the Princess's birthday coincided with Good Friday. So, we decided to do away with celebrating in school and just have our own little family fun. However, Ah gong mentioned that they would be doing their tomb-sweeping on that day (but ah ma ordered us to stay away as she felt it would be too smoky for the kids), and the grand uncles and aunties would like to hold a little celebration for her after that. Thus, she had double FUN!

In the morning, we went to the zoo again. This time round the weather was great, simply perfect for our objective - to let her have a go at the Rainforest Kidz Water Play Area. Therefore, our route was planned along that line and we made a couple of stops at the cheetah enclosure, polar bear cove, giraffe holding... before we finally saw IT!

While Sister changed and got ready for her Splashing moments, Mummy had to feed Brother (which was convenient, as there were nursing facilities right there). This was by far the best Water Play Area that I'd encountered, much bigger and varied than the one at Science Centre. She went on the playground, down the slides, through the tunnels, between the fountains, under the showers, on the wet ground.... She was truly entertained and enjoying herself. The best part was, she showered herself so Mummy did not have to get wet :).

Everyone was tired, especially the baby. So we went home for a rest after our lunch at KFC.

Afternoon arrived, we made our way to Taigong's house. This was probably going to be the final gathering there, as it was recently sold (time flies, my dear grandpa had passed on for more than 2 years). We were late as due to brother's nap (really, really apologetic for making everyone wait). Brother had some fun with his little cousin, N, who was a month older. Sister was totally pleased with all the presents and Ang Bao she received. But she was most delighted as she got to play with her favourite cousin, C and his sister C (double Cs haha). They are a year apart from each other, with Sister being the middle one.

All in all, Sister had a great day. However, she mentioned she will want a celebration in school again for her 6th birthday. Sigh... more work for Mummy...

Finally fulfilled my promise

Last year's March holidays, I brought En to the Science Centre. That was our first visit. Well, technically speaking, we only made it to the Admission counter.....

I was into my third trimester then. By the time we made it through the MRT ride, walk from the station to the SC in the extreme heat and humidity, I was half-dead. To make things worse, the queue at ticket counter was LONG. After standing in line for a couple of minutes, I really felt like fainting. It was worse than the walk there, much much worse. Somehow, I just couldn't tolerate standing still during my last pregnancy. My heartbeat would always race like crazy, and I would feel totally breathless and faint. In the end, we decided on McDonald's :p.

This year, I was determined to pay it back. Indeed, we made it, with both the Princess n Prince in tow. Though it wasn't a long visit, she didn't manage to play at the outdoor Water Play area (as I was the only adult and the weather wasn't permitting too) and Mummy wasn't able to walk/ talk her through all the exhibits, nonetheless, she really enjoyed herself (asked me to bring her there again on 2 separate occasions). The space exhibit, with the interactive corridor and pond, was one of her favourite. Of course, we spent a considerable time in the nursing room hehe (rather well-thought out, with toys for accompanying tots, even comes with shower foam and powder in case u need to cleanse the baby).

Tuesday was spent at the home of an ex-schoolmate (from N Kindy) as T, the mum of a pre-nursery kid, was going back to US this coming Easter. Another short visit but it's great to know we have made some long-term friends :). It was really thoughtful of M to organise the event.

Wednesday was another gathering session with my NIE kakies P n M. It was really nice and accommodating of them to come all the way to YT to meet me, as I had to lug both my darlings along as usual. En tried to behave and was generally ok while Kang was quite a handful. So I had to let him play with some plastic spoon and plates, while clutching on to him all the time, making sure he kept his hands off whatever that's on the table, nor diving off the bench etc... Truly tiring but definitely worth it.

Hmmmmmmmmm, what did we do on Thursday?? My old, hazy brain can't quite recall... Was it swimming or something else??? Anyway, I'm quite sure we had some entertaining activities...

Friday was the grand finale, when I finally didn't have to be the ONLY adult. Daddy took leave and we had our sandwich-making session in the morning before we set-off for the zoo! Although we didn't get to do much again, besides the tram ride and one show (thanks to our wonderful weather), at least we got the zoo pass! So, we're going this Friday again, to celebrate En's 5th birthday. Yeah!!

Let's hope that was a good start and I'll continue to bring them around during the school holidays despite them being so energy-draining and challenging.

Who's the New HERO???

Find out now.... There can only be 1!

http://en.tackfilm.se/?id=1261325382816RA86

En's 4th birthday

Strictly speaking, this is the 1st time that we actually have a mini party for En in her school for her birthday (last year in Challenger, all bday kids were only allowed a "Spotlight" session where we can share some pics n have a bday song. No cakes nor gift packs allowed). She was naturally very excited about it and would be checking with me when is the Day, prior to the celebration. Cos that's when she gets to have her self-chosen Chocolate Disney birthday cake and put on her Cinderella Princess costume. Had negotiated with her teacher that she gets to change into it on her bday, as we are not having a party at home so she won't get to wear it otherwise (BTW, the costume was specially ordered while we were in the States and it arrived the day before we were leaving for good. Had to rushed to Monarch Meadow's management office few mins before it closed for the day/ holiday as we were out and the package was left there. Phew! Luckily managed to retrieve it before our morning flight the next day).

Initially, I had an argument the day before with Daddy as he mentioned he wouldn't apply for half day leave. However, he called to ask me to lunch with him on the actual day. Turned out he had already requested for leave but he just wanted to spite me lor... So we set off to give darling a surprise in school, as the party was scheduled for the last 15-30min of school.

We collected the cake from Bengawan Solo United Square, then proceeded to her school. She was really happy when I got to her class and brought her to change into her pretty costume. Then we went downstairs to surprise her with Daddy.

It was time for the celebration. So we went back to her class, while the teachers gathered her classmates and got ready to sing her birthday song. Seems we ordered too big a cake, as we were told by Yu laoshi that the kids usually eat little and we ended up with abt 1kg of cake left out of 2kg. True enough, they do not seem too keen to finish the cakes.

Finally, it's time to go, which meant time to give out the party packs! En helped to give out the bags (each pack contains of specially selected pencil, sharpener and small notepad, hand-wrapped by Mummy, plus a Frugurt :)).

Certainly hope my Darling will have a pleasant memory of the day for the many years to come.

Happy Birthday my PRECIOUS!

Cottonwood Heights Outdoor Pool

Heard from a mummy here that Cottonwood Heights Recreation Center has a huge outdoor pool, so we decided to give it a try before it closes (the outdoor pools here generally close by 1 Sep Labour Day).

True enough, there are quite a number of pools there, including kids play area, slides and even diving platforms. Though it was a summer day, I wouldn't suggest those who are afraid of cold or have too little fats to insulate them to give it a try. Reason being, even though it's hot and sunny, the wind can be quite a chill.... K certainly didn't enjoy it..

What about En? She had a thing for the kiddy slide. She went on it for so many times, I lost count (of cos after the initial "I'm scared, I don't want episode").

Community Party@ Monarch Meadows Apartment

Ever wonder when my entries about FREE summer activities will end?? Certainly not yet!!! Haha ;p

Monarch Meadows Apartment held a Community Party on 13 Aug (6-8pm). It was a great opportunity for residents to mingle and mix and the best thing was, we got to have FREE food, drinks, snacks and plenty of playing for the kids!

Though En was kinda a scardy cat. She only got on 1 Bouncing Slide with a big koko.

Well, she climbed this ride about 3x but never went through with it...

Happy Family

Little friends

Beautiful summer evening...

Sandy Balloon Festival

If I'm not mistaken, this should be the 2nd Sandy Annual Balloon Festival. We missed the morning events but decided to go for the evening session. However, the weather wasn't that suitable. Though it was rather rare to be caught in the rain in Utah, especially during summer...





Luckily, there's a Super Target nearby, so we decided to avoid the rain there. An hr or so past, luckily the rain stopped. We proceeded to the Carnival ground. There was a concert going on. This little gal of mine decided to show her stuff...

Finally the wind had settled enough for the balloon to fly! Phew, wouldn't it be a waste to come to the Balloon Fest with no balloon in sight??

While they were trying to inflate the 2nd balloon (which seemed to be in the shape of a dog), the wind started blowing furiously, so the task had to be aborted. They deflated the 1st balloon too, as it can be a potential fire hazard. There was a fire engine on standby. The crowd started to disperse soon after... our 1st balloon fest....

Park Silly Sunday Market @ Park City's Historic Main Street

Park City - The PLACE that gets me really excited!! Why??? Bcos that's where the factory outlets r - CK, Osh Kosh, Gap, Banana Republic, Ralph Lauren, COACH, Aldo, Nine West, Nike, Adidas, Tommy Hilfiger, Fossil, Gymboree, AE, Aeropostales....... discounts, discounts, promo, promo... now u know y we ran out of drawer space ;p

Don't be mistaken, that's not all of Park City. This is where most of the Ski resorts are located. We are talking about the official location of the 2002 Winter Olympics k! That doesn't mean there's nothing to do during summer (besides outlet shopping).

There is ONE thing that can only be found during summer - Market Place. Farmers' markets, artist markets, weekend markets.... So here we r at the Park Silly Sunday Market. It opens from mid June to mid Oct only. The stores feature many unique items like bags made from recycled material, hand crafted bibs, handicrafts, unique children's clothing, art work etc... of cos there must be food - BBQ stores, beer....

Go Wild Animal Planet Expo @ SLC Liberty Park

Ahhhhhhhhhh.... here's me posting about the beauty of summer AGAIN (minus the stuffy nose, itchy throat, coughing etc... sigh, it's the season with highest level of pollen etc in the air, so my allergic rhinitis is here to visit again)....

Animal planet held the Go Wild Expo to create awareness of the wildlife and to inculcate value of environmental protection. Needless to say, they brought in some exotic animals that can be found in the wild, as well as well-loved domesticated pals like dogs n cats. Animal shows, stage activities, kids play area, mist spraying tents, games stand, food kiosks.... u name it, they had it.

Best of all, FREE stuff again - face painting, game booths, shopping bags....

Animal friends



I'm on top of the world!


Can I win that Panda........................ YES!



How I got my Fairy Face




New friends (Dad bought Doggy n En won Panda)



More pics...



We waited for about an hr before En got to paint her face. Free mah... But Dad took a longer time buying snacks -- 1 1/2 hr!!!! My wallet, hand phone, $$$ etc were with him. Getting worried, I approached a staff, who pointed me to the sheriff for help. In the end, who assisted me??? Member of public who lent me his phone to contact K.... Gosh, strange world. The people you were expecting to be of assistance “无能为力”, while someone who absolutely had no obligations lent that helping hand... Geez...