Another Day Nearer!

1 year ago, I was busy packing for the shift. 1 year today, I'm still busy packing. But this time we are all getting ready for the BIG shift! This Saturday, our 'barang' from the warehouse will be shifted to our new nest! After which, we have arranged for the major furniture deliveries to be made on next Monday. So excited about the upcoming shift!

Everyday, it has been habitual for us to pop by opposite to view the progress of our new shelter. Below are the sneak previews :)

 

Sweet Family Date!

Dating has always been a sweet affair. Yesterday, we arranged for a sweet date too but not a couple date, it's a family date between the Lim and Chow families!



All thanks to Mummy Tingting who sourced for an ice-cream making session for our trio. Of course, not only the kids are elated, our hubbies felt as though they were on top of the world too! The session was held in the afternoon at an industrial estate. Never did we expect such a huge turnout in such a secluded place. Our little 'J's were very excited and were humming all the way in the car on our way to the session.

When we arrived and the little ones met, they were so happy and eager to begin the session. The session finally commenced but little Kaden suddenly threw tantrums and burst into tears. After much cajoling by Tingting, he finally broke into smiles. It's time for us adults to mingle as the kids fussed over their ice-cream making. There was a briefing and a sales talk on their products. However, the 'professional' and 'seasoned' us who are used to such sessions were very experienced in dealing with them. So we took the time to discuss our dinner plans and captured sneak previews of our little ones' masterpieces through the glass panel door.

We saw how the little chefs shook the ice, enjoyed the preparation session through their smiles and I witnessed for myself how Jovin took the initiative to help Jovin and Kaden in making the ice-cream and finally helping the teacher to serve the finished ice-cream product to the little ones. Jovan also displayed his love for the session through active participation in the ice-shaking session, He swayed his bums tremendosuly as he shook the ice haha....



The session came to a final close as they invited all parents to join their kids and we took memorable family and combined shots with our pals. Our 3 junior chefs proudly showed their certificates and masterpieces to us. They are all certified ice-cream chefs! So we can request them to prepare ice-cream for parties! Haha....Jovan was very cooperative though. He obediently passed his ice-cream to me as he ate the fruit loops, knowing he couldn't eat ice-cream due to cough. How sweet :)



After which, we went to AMK Hub for dinner at New York New York. Perhaps all were hungry after exerting too much energy, so all had great appetities. We whipped up all the appetizers, baked rice and even the waffle dessert!

The kids seemed to be energised once again after absorbing all the carbohydrates. The 3 messed one another's hair and rolled all into one on the huge couch seat we had. As they ate, we adults had a great chit-chat while Reyes had his milk feed comfortably. We were contemplating on our next possible nearby getaway in December. Hopefully the trip could materialise. Bet our hubbies are praying hard for that to happen......



It's always great catching up with our great pals. Looking forward to the next date for the Lantern Festival at Chinese Garden :)

Jovan's 1st Soccer Friendly Match!

It has been a month since Jovan started his official soccer class. Last Saturday, the school actually organised a friendly match for the junior players. Haha, it was really our first to see so many junior soccer players on the field, really a rare sight.



Jovan really sweated all out that morning. From the usual 1 hour session, the match actually stretched further for another 30 minutes and we could see Jovan starting to drain out of his energy.From the intial energised active little soccer player, his legs started to turn jelly towards the second half of the game. So we requested to bring him home earlier.



Dear and I stood by the whole match as ardent soccer fans for our dear prince. He really tried hard in attempting a soccer goal for his team. Hehe, although being one of the youngest players in the team, he actually confused his team's goalpost with the opponent's team. However, we saw his glee and cheers when he saw his team mates scored a goal.

Jovan was tired out after the game. Perhaps the weather was too sunny and humid then, so our dear boy fell ill on Monday coming down with fever and cough.



Nonetheless, we could see that he really enjoys the sport a lot as he always drags dear to practise the soccer techniques in his leisure time. It equips him with the necessary motor skills as well as train him to listen to instructions. We yearn to see Jovan leaping to greater heights as he continues with his fun soccer training :)

爸爸生日快乐，长命百岁！

每年的8月9日，不但是普天同庆的日子，对我们来说，更为特别。因为爸爸的生日恰逢在8月8日，所以我们每年都去享用国庆大餐！

今年也不例外，但爸爸不要我们花无谓的钱，所以坚持不要上餐馆。最后，我们决定在一间我们常去的咖啡店煮炒档庆祝爸爸的生日。由于那里的容纳量不大，所以我预先订了位子，好让我们舒服地享用生日大餐。我们点了许多道美味佳肴，包括爸爸的最爱-海参。整桌的佳肴美不胜收-沙律虾、马来风光、炸苏东等，吃得肚子都快撑破了。



大家闲话家常，共聚一堂，齐家乐融融，温情洋溢。细心的咖啡店招待员还热心递上我们先前买好的生日蛋糕，准备好餐具，还替我们拍了一张幸福的全家福。



由于我们刚好坐在露天的位置，因此我们好几个人得抵挡强大的风势。试着为蜡烛点火，连老妈也非常努力哦！爸爸的五个孙儿围绕着他，唱着生日歌，两个小呱争先恐后地抢着为阿公吹蜡烛。终于，简单但温馨的生日庆祝会在一片欢愉的气氛下结束了。



今年是爸爸的64岁大寿。虽他已退休了好几年，但仍不辞劳苦与妈咪打点五个孙儿的日常生活点滴。妈咪主内，负责照料孩子们的衣食，而爸爸则负责接送孙儿到各个地方上课等。我们三兄妹的确由衷感谢父母亲无私地为我们付出。在此祝愿爸爸永远身体健康，笑口常开，长命百岁！

Relaxing National Day Weekend!

Meet-Up Lunch With Best Pals



Last Thursday, we met up with the House of Lims despite just a recent catch up during our annual CLDDS picnic on the 4th August. What makes the gathering special was thatit was little Reyes's 1st official outing with us and that day marks his 3 month old birthday!



Our buddies have already secretly arranged the meet-up details. At our usual venue (used to be Cafe Cartel) where Jovin was even smaller than the cafe menu 7 years back haha! As going out with a 3-month old baby was more inconvenient, we went early to secure a larger and more comfortable seat area. Our little 'J's happily posed for me to take pictures as we waited for our buddies.




Our buddies soon arrived as they were held up last minute due to the 'poo-poo' mess made by Reyes just before they left house hehe.... Little Reyes was sleeping so comfortably in Tingting's baby sling and he looked so much chubbier compared to the last time we saw him full month celebration.



The 3 kiddos soon started to let themselves run wild after lunch. Kaden even brought his specially baked pastries for our little 'J's. Too bad the little ones were too full just after lunch so did not manage to eat many. But I tried and it actually tasted not bad with the milky after-taste. As we adults chatted and Tingting fussed herself over Reyes, we realised Kaden and Jovan were actually 'fighting' over some trival issue. In the end, both got reprimanded by the both daddies and Kaden was a bit pissed and stood at one corner. All kids are really the same........



Over the lunch, the 2 hardworking wives arranged for our next meet-up to Chinese Garden Lantern Festival on Junwei's birthday! Haha..... the 2 hubbies would definitely arrange the meet-up details without us reminding them. They are more keen on the meet-up dinner at Taman Jurong before the visit to the garden. They could even remember what were the delicious dishes we had for last year! Goodness....



Before we left, the kids had fun at the mentos machine and all got a row of mentos sweets. Smiles were seen on the 3 faces as we waved goodbye to them, especially to little Reyes who was considered very cooperative for his 1st meeting with us.

Trip to Liang Court



After which, we made a trip to Audio House as we wanted to shop for sound theatre system for our new place. There were so many sound rooms and we were really spoilt for choices among the various brands. Prices were so competitive amidst the various functionalities. In the end, we shortlisted a few models but decided to hold the purchase till we make a final decision.



It was our 1st visit to Liang Court. So we shopped around at Kinokuniya and not forgetting the famous basement Meidi-Ya Japanese supermarket. I happily snapped various imported goodies and dear commented I acted as though I was in Japan haha....



Jovin happily pushed Jovan around in the trolley and we bought several imported food goodies as we saw other customers taking loads of them, as though they were free. So we decided to give those snacks and instant noodles a try too.



Finally, stomachs started to growl once again. So daddy suggested having crepes! The kids jumped for joy. We ordered the strawberry and peach flavoured ones. Jovan ate till his face was covered with the whipped cream as well and that hilarious sight really made all of us laugh!



When we reached home, we were just in time to catch the NDP Parade on TV. Our kids sang and hummed the various National Day songs. Could really feel the spirit as we saw the various uniformed performing groups and the flash back of the NDPs since 1965.  It was indeed a wonderful National Day spent with our beloved family and best friends.

Happy 47th Birthday, Singapore!

Another peek into our nest!

Before carpentry works commence, take another sneak preview into our lovely nest.......

New scooter ride!

All along, we have been contemplating whether to buy a toy scooter for the kids. Actually, we already have a 2 wheeled scooter but the kids still face difficulty in balancing themselves on it. Thus, it has become a white elephant for the moment.

Last Sunday, Jovan cast his eyes upon a 3-wheeled scooter as we passed by the shopping mall. After several rounds of 'test-drive', we finally decided to buy it. That very evening, we brought little 'J's to the playground below our void deck. Jovin was more versatile and managed well on the scooter. However, Jovan was not daring enough to place both feet on the scooter. So he became '3-legged' as he rode on the scooter. The obstinate mule refused to allow us to assist or guide him, so he simply played in the way he fancied.

Guess what? This was really too tiring as he dozed off soon after dinner. We had a peaceful night haha..... Jovan simply loves the scooter, but still not getting it right though. Hopefully, he would be able to master the correct riding techniques in time to come.

Annual Picnic Get-together

Our buddies from JC CLDDS have been dear and my confidantes for the past 10 over years. Every year, we never fail to meet during the traditional festivals like Chinese New Year and X'mas amidst adhoc gatherings through our kiddies' birthday parties, full month celebrations etc. In recent years, we added another annual event to our CLDDS calendar i.e National Day Picnic! It has been a few years since our dear dedicated organiser Auntie Bao took up the responsibilty in organising this wonderful annual event for us without fail.

Last Saturday, it was time for our annual Picnic get-together again. Alas, it was raining in the early afternoon. We were supposed to meet at 4p.m at Gardens By The Bay @ Marina South. We were almost on the verge of cancelling the whole event but I have already prepared my big wok of fried bee hoon, so to be fair to me, all decided to proceed with the gathering but we arranged to meet at 5 instead.

 
It was a long queue for car-park lots. Dear had to make several detours before we finally settled for a lot and had to keep smsing one another to affirm one another's location. We were among the second to arrive apart from Lijuan and Jimmy. As Jovan was hungry, we started to 'set up' our picnic area as I started to feed Jovan with the bee hoon. Soon after, the rest arrived. In total, all 6 kids were present with bikes, scooters etc. All had a great time while chasing, cycling with one another......




The highlight of the day was that Jovan and Kaden were dressed in the same Dino singlet which I bought from Taiwan and guess what, the 2 daddies actually wore the same brand design of cargo pants too from UniXXX! Sigh, the men really acted like leeches, inseparable.....

 
The food spread was really sumptous ranging from honey chicken, chicken nuggets, kids favourite sausages, famous B..... Pandan Cake, sushi etc. Everything would have been so perfect if not for the irritating flies which kept buzzing around and 'attacking' at our delicacies. So we had to take turns to standby on duty to be the 'fly-chaser', haha...

As night falls, we saw the lighting of fireworks, though they were blocked by the MBS hotel. Grrrr...... However, all the kids were fascinated as daddies carried them high up on the shoulders for better view. We also took memorable shots - group, men and ladies for our 2 generations.





Our picnic officially drew to a close as we adults sat and had a leisure chat on our updates. The few hours of get-together were really memorable. Always feel so at ease with this bunch of old-time pals over almost coming to 20 years of friendship. We reckoned the fact that time really passed by in a flash. When we were schooling in JC, we used to think that adults in 30s were very old. But now.... we are already in that category! BUT BUT we still feel youthful and we look younger haha.....


Planning to get a chalet if possible for the next CLDDS gathering. Hopefully it materialises then all the kids will have a fun time!

 

Kick1，2，3！

Last Sunday, we brought the kids to the newly revamped Bishan Park. Though we just live nearby, we never bother to visit the park. Never did we expect the park was bustling with crowds of people! Jovin cycled all the way to the park with the lazy Jovan hugging jiejie tightly from behind. The pair really looked so sweet and lovey dovey.....

As Jovan has officially commenced on his junior soccer lessons, we bought him a mini soccer ball to facilitate his training and practice sessions at our own leisure time. It was a tough match between gals and guys! Jovin and I teamed up against daddy and Jovan. This was the first time I played soccer and it was truly so much fun, especially with our little 'J's. The kids screamed and yelled as we tried hard to guard our goal posts haha.... Daddy was a tough one as he always tried means and ways to score the goal.

After which, we crossed the bridge for simple dinner hawker fare, our all-time favourite economical and tasty 杂菜贩. Jovan was so exhausted that he simply dozed off after dinner! Poor me, it's been a long time since I had to manage carrying him in my arms while trying to have dinner. Nonetheless, it was indeed a fruitful evening spent with the family. We look forward to such family outdoor bonding sessions!