The Dragon Roarssssss.......

This Dragon CNY differs from the previous ones we had. This year, due to custom traditions, we are not allowed to distrbute ang pows as dear's granny passed away in Nov last year. Nonetheless, we still had a great time gathering and meet-ups with our relatives and great pals.

Relatives
Every year, we used to gather at dear's aunt's place for the 1st day as granny was staying there. However, from this year onwards, my in-law's place shall become the focal point of gathering. Haha that conveniences us too! So my in laws busy prepared and whipped up delicacies for the relatives. We love her dumplings and we actually wiped out over 60 dumplings!


It was a great chit chat session as we rarely meet these relatives. Our little 'J's had fun eating and playing 'SABOTEUR' card games with us. Of course, all were busy eating too amidst all the playing. So my mother in law was the happiest as we helped to 'clear' her stock of festive goodies haha....



As for the 2nd day, we visited dear's maternal grandmother's place as usual. The 3-rm apartment was really bursting with the ever-growing numbers annually. However, at least, we deconflicted the timings so it was still made possible with almost all corners filled. Jovin had her playmates, Jovan had his I-Pad, we interacted with the adults over some card games. The most amazing thing was that, dear's grandmother actually forgoed her usual buffet catering and cooked all the dishes by herself! A 84 year old lady! Kudos. The homemade dishes were really fantastic. especially abalone! Jovin helped herself to so much abalone pieces haha....

Family
For the 1st day of CNY this year, as we were barred from visiting some places, we had some time to ourselves and our intial plan was to catch a movie instead. But alas, we went to both J8 and AMK hub and all tics were sold out! So we decided to give it a miss. Brought the kids to explorer kids instead.

 


Jovin had a art and craft session whereas dear brought Jovan to shop around. We were surprised quite a no. of shops were operating then, Jovin completed her princess scratch artpiece. Could see that she really enjoyed it. Then we settled for our dinner at New York New York. Hmm, this was something we didn't do in the past. The kids and us enjoyed ourselves thorougly.



Therafter, we went to sis's place and played card games together. A night filled with fun and enjoyment!





On the 2nd day, we also went for louhei session with my family at one of the usual Chinese restaurants we patronize. The kids love the louhei session best as they tossed and flipped the ingredients, shouting all the positive tidings. Every year, I truly look forward to this part of the programme when I see all the happy faces on all my beloved ones.

Friends




As for friends, we went to dear's buddy's Krist's house on day 2. This was our first time visit there. It was a small and cosy condo apartment, perfect for the 2! The decor and reno was aptly done suited to their styles. We had a great time there as we were their exclusive guests, so honourable! Before we left, posed some beautiful shots with them. Not easy to get Jovan to pose as usual haha but we still got him to join in the finale shot :)

Of course, every year without fail, we made time for our long-time JC CLDDS pals of 18 years. This year, the hosts were Jimmy and Lijuan. We met last Saturday, went for dinner in the nearby neighbourhood. To our surprise, the food tasted great. We had a 10-course dinner. Over-estimated ourselves, so couldn't finish the food haha...After we returned, the guys as usual congregated at one corner for men's talk and we ladies fussed over the kids. Chloe and Jovin were more interested in their girly activities whereas the rest of the 3 boys were busy playing other interesting toys which really amazed Tingting and myself. Chloe's toys were mainly bought from internet and were really fun. Even we adults were drawn to them. The kitchen and tools set, slicing toys etc.....

 
The climax was here when the play slide made its appearance after being shelved in their storeroom for sometime. The 5 kids took their turns, queued orderly and played repeatedly. Except for Jianping's little Justin who needed more attention and that really made his parents dead exhausted, the rest of us merely sat one side and too photos of our little ones.
 

We were glad our professional photographer Andy was with us and he took so many nice shots of us and the kids. Thks pals! Hmmm, our dear pal has been so busy thta we hardly see him join us for gatherings. This year, he really made it possible and joined us for the reunion dinner and this CNY gathering. He even said in jest " I've clocked my hours haha!" ( Pal, does that mean u won't be able to join us for subsequent gatherings haha?)

It was a pity that that this year's CNY only had 2 public holidays. How I wish this will last longer.... Nonetheless, we still had a great gathering and celebration. My last celebration will be tomorrow when my family will all gather at mum's place for steamboat dinner and a final round of louhei yippie!

HAPPY DRAGON YEAR TO ALL!