Geraldine's First Love

Geraldine has finally found her first love...ELMO cushion! This is the first and foremost item that she has chosen for herself whilst shopping for Darcie's birthday present! Once she has spotted it, she grabbed it, hugged it and refused to let go...the only moment that she let if off, was when Mama was about to pay...she knew that Mama needed to pay before she can bring it home...smart gal!

Mother's Day Celebration

Without fail, Mama promises Gwendolyn to attend the Mother's Day Celebration in school every year. This year, it was a breakfast tea party, with performances by all classes! Contrary to the previous years, snacks were served at the entrance to the school, with a display of snack items made by the kids! Mama was anxiously looking for the one by K1 Grand Canyon, but was a little disappointed...as there wasn't any. However, Ms Wahila told Mama that K1 did something different in "making" a tree! Well, Mama thought that it would have been something done after the Earth Day discussion (but Mama hasn't been able to verify up till today)?!

This year seemed to have more mothers turned up for the event and the room was all full...All the mummies waited for their kid's turn to appear in the room to perform their special deeds proudly in front of their beloved mummy!

When it's K1 Grand Canyon's turn, Lyn Lyn's class had 2 performance items : Poem Recital and sang a song! As usual, Lyn Lyn was the loudest and clearest when reading her share of the poem! Mama was exceptionally proud of her, when she realised that she's read her words wrongly. She would stop immediately, looked at her script again and correct herself, making sure that she read the correct words! Bravo, Lyn Lyn!

When the kids were done, they returned to their preparation room, leaving the mummies to have some fun...this was something new, as compared to the previous years! Mama enjoyed it, as she volunteered herself to play with the other mums, for a round of charade! Just when she thought that she'll wait to be the last one to be the one to draw out the clue, she's got the most difficult (or the teachers agreed that it wasn't easy) to draw, for the "Three Billy Goat Gruffs"! The only thing that Mama could think of at that time was to draw 3 goat-like thingie, with 2 horns and 4 legs...hoping that the other mums can take the cue from the "3"...Mama acknowledged that her drawing wasn't good and there were mummies laughing and shouted "3 ants"? "3 cockcroaches"...then...one shouted "Three Billy Goat Gruffs"! Phew...not a bad representation eh! [By the way, did any teachers took any pictures of the "3 cockroaches"? If so, may I have a copy please? Thanks!]

Peek-a-boo

Geraldine is really a funny toddler...she invents her own games and act funny to make the adults laugh! Tonight, whilst having dinner...she, the usual her (not a good habit though), ran around the house, avoiding to take her porridge...she ran all the way into the room, hid for a while, then reappeared to "scare" us with her cute little "peek-a-boo"...isn't she lovely?

Her classic cheeky but innocent smile

When Swine Flu Alert Met with Lyn Lyn's Viral Fever

Gwendolyn was down with viral flu, when the scary Swine Flu alert first gained publicity around the world! When Mama brought Lyn Lyn to see Uncle John, Mama gave her a Hello Kitty Mask, which she bought from Taiwan some time back! Lyn Lyn was so proud of her mask, though there were a lot of onlookers staring at her on the way...

Fun @ the Playground

As usual, Gwendolyn has asked to go downstairs to play at the playground, this time with her new toy (don't know what it's called though)...but Papa and Mama have forbidden her from playing at home, coz it flies...Lyn Lyn can control quite well by herself and she liked it so much...Since Geraldine cannot play with that toy, as it deems dangerous for young toddlers...she was only allowed to admire the baby pool and play at the playground. Her favourite is still walking up and down the stairs and sliding down the slides!

Lyn Lyn is still feeling strong to be able to hold on to the monkey bars!

Terrapins

During the March School Holidays, the kids at K1 Grand Canyon have been asked to take turns to bring the class pet - the Terrapins, back home and take care before returning to school the next morning. It was Gwendolyn's turn and she instructed Papa and Mama about the requirements in the next morning, e.g. remove the pebbles from the container, transfer the terrapins to a separate container, wash the container and refill it with water, before adding food and returning the terrapins back into the container...

The next morning, she woke up very early to wait for Mama to perform the above steps with her...she diligently did all of the above steps without fault and returned the terrapins safely back into the container! She was so proud of herself!

Washing in the bathroom

Taking out and returning them back into the container


Getting all ready to bring the terrapins back to school

Princess On Ice

During the March School Holiday break (slightly more than a week), Auntie Lena and Mama brought the 2 girls to watch Disney on Ice - Princess Story, at the Indoor Stadium at Kallang. Both gals requested to be dressed in their princess costumes...at first, Mama was quite skeptical about that...however, when we arrived at Kallang, we saw many little princesses around and gave Mama the comfort that they're not the only weird ones...there were more to accompany them!

Before the show started, we visited the merchandise stalls at the entrance to the Stadium and bought some popcorns, tiara and Ariel wand, so that both gals will be seated quietly to wait for the show to begin. Mama didn't really find the whole setting impressive, well, at least as compared to those that she's been to in Hong Kong...the impression was totally different!


When the show began, we were all pleasantly surprised to see Mickey and Minnie appearing as the hosts to the show...before the princesses appearing one by one, with a much shorted version of their own stories. Both Auntie Lena and Mama agreed that the show was more entertaining for the adults than the kids, as they didn't really know what to expect...they didn't really understand the skills involved in ice-skating. But at least for Lyn Lyn, she went to Festival Walk in Hong Kong in January and saw the ice-skating ring and learnt a little about it before this show!

It was a good show, with good music, good costumes and good choregraphy! Bravo! Lyn Lyn has asked for the next show, when there's another Disney on Ice!

Haagen Daz on Uncle Victor's Birthday

Still remember the birthday party for Auntie Yaya and Mama at Raffles City? The same thing repeated for Uncle Victor. After having a sumptuous dinner at No Signboard, Vivocity, we went to Haagen Daz for an ice-cream treat! The birthday song wasn't as loud as the one at Raffles City...as both Summer and Gwendolyn were eyeing on the ice-cream fondue instead...yum yum...

Summer was literally drinking the chocolate...

Fun Bathing Together

Ever since Geraldine has become too big for the baby bathtub, Mama has been bathing her in the big bathtub. To enjoy the fun and save Mama's time, Gwendolyn will always jump in and join in...see how much fun they're having together!!!

Lucas's 1st Birthday

Lucas Di Di's birthday party was held earlier than his actual day...we went to Gu Gu and Gu Cheung EC's function room for the party! The cake was very nice, with a main cake and some surrounding cupcakes, with many butterflies and bees on them!

Happy Birthday, Lucas!

Andersen's Ice-cream

This morning, Dai Gu Gu came over for a swim at our place and we went out for lunch and some shopping together! Suddenly, a wicked mind went cross Gwendolyn and she's asked for ice-cream...Papa was trying to satisfy all the sweet tooth of the 4 ladies (Mama, Gu Gu, Lyn Lyn and Geraldine), he's suggested a gastromical experience for all at Andersen...look at the chocolate fondue set, there are strawberries and bananas for Geraldine and Mama, chocolate ice-cream and honey dew for Lyn Lyn, strawberry ice-cream and strawberries for Gu Gu...

We were all so full after consuming the fondue set and when we reached Gu Gu's house for Lucas's birthday party, we were too full to eat...

Good value for money

Kranji Farm Resort

Mama chanced upon a new farm resort from a promotional flyer and came to know about this new farm resort at Kranji. Without a second thought, Mama forwarded the information to Papa for his further research. Within 2 days, we've booked ourselves a "villa" at the resort, which comes with complimentary consumption of the mini bar in the room, breakfast for 2 and complimentary foot bath for 2! 20 Feb was just nice for such a getaway, as it was a day before Mama's birthday and Gwendolyn's school was closed for professional development!

The night before, Lyn Lyn was very excited and was packing her things into her Dora trolley bag -> her own luggage. Papa and Mama were busy discussing about which route to take to get there (only Kranji...as if very far away from home!!!) and packing the necessary items!

Finally...all ready to go...on the way to the resort, we went by Mandai, went pass some farms around Lim Chu Kang...then went pass a bridge, which has a nice view of one of the reservoirs and seeing Singapore on one side and Malaysia on the other! Such a panoramic view and you won't believe that you're actually in Singapore. However, to arrive at the resort, you'll need to go pass the Kranji industrial estate, which wasn't a very nice scene. Upon arrival, the entrance was rather interesting, with drive-in check-in services. When we stopped at the assiged "villa", just 10 steps away from the entrance, at our own porch, everything felt great! But when we finally opened the door to the "villa", our heart sank...it's terribly small...we can barely walk in the room...well, Mama agree that the shower was quite "green", as it has a glass panel, overseeing the planter in the "villa", but the whole setup was just tiny...even for 2 to share, let alone we're having a family outing!

The external look of everything looked fantastic!

The tiny room looked more roomy in pictures...but when you see the real thing, it's a turn-off

Since there wasn't much to do in the room after feeding Geraldine her lunch, we took a walk at the "farm" area...apart from the spacious spa facilities, the small stalls selling farm products, the tiny pieces of "farmland" and "plantation" areas were just laughable!

Lyn Lyn enjoying her foot bath with a little bit of massaging

The "farmland" has quite a variety of plants and fruits, mini durian trees, lime trees, dragon fruit trees, longan trees, banana trees, bittergourd plants, rice plantation, etc etc...good exploration for the kids

Dinner was at the only seafood restaurant within the resort premises, where Geraldine can walk on her own freely without worrying about cars...

As there wasn't much to do within the resort, Papa's decided to drive out to Woodlands Compass Point for some shopping...YES...shopping during a farm resort holiday...in the end, Lyn Lyn caught eye of an arcade gaming centre and requested for some fun time...Papa spotted a game involving the throwing of balls and another for colouring...Lyn Lyn had some fun time and we're all satisfied to get back to the "villa" for some rests...Don't think any of us are suitable to be farmers, we're still city dwellers!

When we're back, Mama showered the 2 sisters in the standing shower and Geraldine was trying to comb Jie Jie's hair...what a pair of lovely sisters...without further a do, both sisters fell asleep to get ready for the next day!


This was the first time, where Papa and Mama were actually looking forward to checking out from the "room" where they have spent their holiday...S$280 for the night stay was really expensive...experience was interesting, but quite a lot of the anticipated activities were not in place at the farm resort as yet...no doubt, the kids enjoyed themselves a lot for a night away from home!

Bye, farm resort...we won't see you next time!

Korean Restaurant

With 2 active children, it's not easy to find a dining place that has child friendly facilities. This Korean Restaurant is quite a rare find at Pasir Panjang Yess Centre! We had a feast there with Uncle Don, Auntie Lena, Uncle Victor and Auntie Yaya for dinner...just look at the amount of food ordered? Really a pig out session!

Free flow of Korean appetisers + various types of meat, seafood pancake, kimchi soup and ginseng chicken soup...yum yum

Whilst the adults were feasting, Summer and Gwendolyn were enjoying themselves in the playroom located right next to the dining table! Both gals were monopolising the room, whilst Summer's cousin and Geraldine were have a sweet nap!

Fun at play after a quick dinner post-nap time

Sakae Sushi

Our recent favourite lunch time place is Sakae Sushi @ TradeHub 21 on Boon Lay Way, as we love Japanese food and there is a playground for kids to play. When we arrive, Gwendolyn will help us order our food via the computer terminal at the table and help us with chopsticks, wasabi, soy sauce, etc...Whilst Geraldine will be busy eating her porridge, before joining us for some seaweed and sushi!

Geraldine has just learnt to hold her cup to drink by herself and has been practising

After we've fed ourselves, both kids went to the playground for some entertainment...Lyn Lyn would target the merry-go-round, asking Mama to push faster and faster each time, whilst Geraldine will be at the ball pit and cubby house, walking here and there. Only the recent trip, she tried the slide and it's not fun! As the slide is not smooth and flat enough for a downward slide, but with a bump in the middle...Mama doesn't think that it's an enjoyable ride!

Geraldine's been busy throwing the balls back into the pit, left by other players before her

Kids love the cubby house...as they can open doors and windows as and when they want to

Geraldine Loves Swimming

At first glance, some people may think that the pictures below looks quite familiar...there are certain angles that resembles Gwendolyn, with the same swimming costume and float! But when you look closer, you'll see that this is in fact Geraldine! She's enjoying swimming so much and refused to come out from the water!

Floating and being splashed upon

The water features never fails to interest babies and toddlers!

Bathing Both Sisters in the Bathtub

As Geraldine has become older and almost too big for the baby bathtub at home, Mama has decided to put her in the big bathtub when bathing her. A more wicked idea crossed Mama's mind...for convenience sake, Mama put both sisters into the same bathtub and bathe them together to safe time. Surprisingly, both were enjoying themselves so much, with each other's company!

Gwendolyn rinsing for Geraldine

Thank You

Thank you very much for those who have attended Geraldine's 1st birthday party! All the kids enjoyed themselves so much and see how many presents Geraldine has received and how pleased she is in the picture!

Both sisters were busy unwrapping the presents

Lo-Hei 2009

This is the first time we have a "lo-hei" session at home ("lo-hei is a Singapore CNY activity, whereby a mixture of colourful vegetables, sweet sauce, crackers, peppers and salmon sashimi are all put together for mixing. "Lo-hei" is a cantonese term, implying one being able to work well and being successful in whatever they do. Surprisingly, most Singaporeans don't know that there isn't such an activity in Hong Kong, but a locally developed CNY speciality)...actually, it can be quite fun...see how Gwendolyn and Summer both enjoying themselves...

All ready-made, bought from Sakae Sushi...

Gross Motor Skills

During our stay in Hong Kong, Geraldine was practising different sorts of gross motor skills with adult toys! This time round, she's using the tumbling tower of Fu Fu to try putting the block pieces from outside the floor, into the container. Well done, Geraldine...your skills are getting better and better!

Fun with Toy Vending Machine

Whilst waiting for our lunch table at Shark Fin City @ New World Centre (after 2pm, dim sum is half price), Mama brought Gwendolyn to walk round the shopping centre, as it has changed so much since Mama last went! We saw this stretch of toy vending machine and was looking for something suitable for Geraldine to play! After deciding that we wanted the miniature Crocs key chain, we're looking for mode of payment. Being "mountain tortoise", finally, Mama concluded that the machines are operated with Octopus Card, with a specific point linked to several machines. Papa came and help to analyse how to use the machines and finally, Mama and Lyn Lyn have decided to have a go...Yippee...we managed to operate the machines in our first try! Interesting...