meet heidi

Another musical genius in the house

2012-02-08T00:27:00.000-08:00

I was extremely surprise by Heidi last Saturday before and during music class, so much so that even getting a parking summon didn't bother me.

Firstly, when we reached Forum, Heidi want me to go with her to the class. That's really strange, normally she would want Sophia.

At music class, she is usually non-participative despite egging by either me or Sophia. But last Saturday, she started as usual but suddenly... she just tranformed into another Heidi. Not only was she quick to respond to Ms Elaine's questions, and she also seemed to know all her notes and colouring really well. Everything that Elaine asked, she had an answer for it and was always the first to answer.

And for the first time, she walked out to the piano herself and played the notes! Awesome.

Hello Kitty

2012-02-04T23:46:00.001-08:00

Keisuke Tonkotsu King

2012-02-02T19:04:00.000-08:00

This relatively new ramen store opened along with the new badly-named Orchid Hotel near our place. The joint seems quite authentic, with old Japanese movie posters, old Japanese songs, and Jap-speaking crew.

We have been there a few times without Heidi and Oliver, as the place is really quite small and usually there is a long queue before their dinner opening hour at 6pm.

This was the first time Heidi was there as she was on a 2-day MC. We bet Oliver would love the place too due to the free-flow of hard-boiled eggs on the table. I always thought the Heidi only doodles aimlessly, but was very surprised that Heidi could draw quite well and purposefully - the reptile-like creatures were definitely having a conversation about the menu.

Tongues

2012-01-25T19:28:00.000-08:00

Heidi & Oliver never fail to keep us entertained with their antics.

Appetite

2012-01-16T00:36:00.000-08:00

Over the last weekend or so, Oliver's appetite seemed to have grown. But still nowhere near Heidi's, of course.We were at Bukit Timah Food Centre no Saturday evening after scaling up the hill, which was a first for Heidi. This was one of the rare occasions that we ate at a hawker centre, as usually the food centre at our place isn't open on weekends.

Movie Fans

2012-01-10T19:38:00.001-08:00

Nothing can keep them still for a while except playing their favourite Cars 2 or Transformer.

Oliver doesn't need to blink.

How will they look like when they grow up?

Changi Point

2012-01-02T01:40:00.000-08:00

We were back in Changi on 2 Jan, it being a holiday. I thought it's a good idea to give them the old pink camera so that they can start to appreciate taking photos. Maybe Heidi will be like this when she grows up.
Deceiving smile.
Oliver just dropped his front tooth a day earlier. This is like a book or album cover.
Ever so photogenic.

The Beach

2011-12-31T02:19:00.000-08:00

Off to the beach we went on New Year's Eve. After a few weeks of rainy weather where we couldn't use the tent given to us by Karen, we finally pitched it one a popular stretch of East Coast.
Oliver and Heidi wated little time to build their volcano and mountain range.
Surprisingly, Heidi was very adventuous on that day, not only climbng the breakwater, but going into the water with me as well.

The beach... we will be back!

Pink workbook

2011-12-28T18:30:00.000-08:00

We bought these two workbooks for Oliver and Heidi. The education system is really stressful these days for Singapore children. Our thought is to start now by inculcating a habit of learning at home, than struggling down the road. It is to my relief that Oliver does enjoy doing some of these exercises. And not forgeting Heidi, we bought another workbook for her.

Last night, Heidi saw these workbooks on my table. The blue coloured book is for Heidi and the pink coloured book for Oliver. Heidi insisted on having the pink workbook. So I explained to her that the blue workbook is for her age.."See this book is for 3 years old" and pointed to the number 3. She was unhappy and reasoned with me. "No, this book is for 1 year old (pointing to the 1 (Workbook '1') and for 5 years old (meaning it is for Oliver)". I want the pink book".

Angels at Del-Care

2011-12-23T08:36:00.000-08:00

Season of giving... not quite for our little girl with her Hersey chocolate in the basket.

Heidi refusing to take picture with her classmates.

She melts my heart ...

Gruffalo

2011-12-11T18:09:00.000-08:00

We were at Forum Galleria for our weekly music lessons and caught this half-hour musical called Gruffalo at the atrium. The songs and story was pretty good, so much so that we bought a DVD of it. Heidi was pretty scared of the Gruffalo though. Apparently, it is quite an established franchise with related books, movie, fan site etc.

Heidi's first swimming lesson

2011-12-05T00:56:00.000-08:00

Heidi clad in blue swimsuit

Not quite Heidi's cup of tea. At first, she joined the activity of walking around the pool. Then she started to think twice about joining and finally needed some personal consulting session by the coach before joining the group activity. Then, she decided that she really did not like the session and let out a loud cry. Oh dear, Heidi has definitely gotten the worst of our gene of being reserved.

Expect the Unexpected

2011-11-24T05:27:00.000-08:00

Oliver and Heidi enjoying a moment together reading library books at home.

I had planned at the start of 2011 to take the week of 22 November off. Oliver's Birthday and the school graduation ceremony took place on the same week. I intend to spend 21 Nov preparing birthday goodies for Oliver's birthday party, 22 Nov to celebrate the big day, 23 Nov to relax and 24 Nov to attend the School Sports Day and Graduation Ceremony of my niece Vivian. Sometimes, we just have to expect the unexpected.

Just one month before the 'break', Boon Heng broke the news that he had to attend a working trip in KL on 24-25 Nov. This meant that he could not attend the Sports Day. Then, I had to work on 23 Nov to carry testing on my office feedback system. Not too bad, changes in plan but we could still celebrate Oliver's birthday on 22. Yet, on 20 Nov, our November boy's body temperature seemed higher than usual. In the afternoon during the birthday celebration, Oliver looked tired. His left eyelid making his presence felt. Oh mine, we just have to expect the unexpected.

Oliver was away from school on Mon and his birthday. Then Heidi caught the virus and fell sick as well. Boon Heng also seemed to be suffering a bad runny nose condition. And I too, fell sickly on Thu during the Sports Day. Look like, it is meant to be -a week break from work.

Outwitted by Heidi

2011-11-20T20:56:00.000-08:00

"Why must you always ask me to carry you?"

"Be-coz you want to carry me."
I forget that I asked Heidi to let me carry her so that Boon Heng who was carrying Heidi can kept the receipt.

"You win."

Meat Heidi

2011-11-18T12:13:00.001-08:00

Boon Heng thinks that we should perhaps rename Heidi's blogspot from meet heidi to meat Heidi.

Bonjour Andy

2011-10-29T08:13:00.000-07:00

Its 3 birthday celebration again

2011-10-29T07:43:00.000-07:00

44Birthday celebration at Grandparents' place.

از سرزمین های شمالی(from the northern country (Japanese TV Series)

2011-10-27T06:02:00.000-07:00

Canada 2011 - The Animals

2011-10-11T19:57:00.000-07:00

Throughout our journey to the Rockies, we came across creatures that we won't see at our shores. Here are some...
Swan lake at Stanley Park
Man, racoon, and bird
Cat at Artists House Heritage B&B overlooking Shuswap Lake
Elk in the woods at Banff
Some kind of fowl in the forest
Another excitable squirrel
Our biggest catch, a bear cub along the highway en route to Vancouver
and a Ginseng monster at Kamloops

Canada 2011 - Gastronomic Experience

2011-09-29T01:34:00.000-07:00

Tojo Japanese Restaurant at Vancouver

Omakase...When you order Omakase, it means that you are entrusting the chef to arrange your meal. We took the 5-course Omakase at Tojo. It was really yummy.

A&W Restaurant (enroute Vancouver to Banff)

"D" Dutchmen Diary at Sicamous

Breakfast at The Artist's House Heritage B&B at Sicamous

The Old Spaghetti House at Banff

Overcooked seafood fettucine

Buffaloberry B&B - Breakfast on second day

Apple pancake and yummy sausages

Home made banana cake with cranberries

Lunch stop at Suwapta Fall

Suwapta Burger - Sirloin Beef

Decore Hotels' Tonquin Prime Rib Village at Jasper

Complimentary bread to fill our empty stomach
AAA pure Alberta beef, aged 21 days and then cooked for seven hours to tender, juicy perfection.
Black & Blue Tuna from Hawaii served with ginger wasabi beuvre blanc. Heavenly...

Happy Birthday ... Heidi is 3!

2011-09-01T02:50:00.000-07:00

Chocolate muffin in Cars Cup

Nursery 1 Class Photo

And 4 of us!

Heidi's birthday coincided with Teachers' Day celebration this year. We celebrated her birthday on 1 Sep. Starting from this year 2011, Teachers' Day not longer falls on 1 September every year. Instead it falls on the first Friday of September, so that the teacher could have longer weekend.

This year, I decided to bake the birthday cupcake for Heidi. When Gina shared with me that she started learning cake baking so that she could bake cakes for her boy... the idea totally inspires me. Since then, I have been thinking of realising this little dream of making birthday 'cake'. It started off us getting the goodies for Heidi's classmates , and we found Cars cup to give away. Then we thought that it was good timing to have Cars as the birthday theme, since CARs 2 just have its debut. As we went places, we found Cars ring and mats and miniature cars. Exciting! We spent almost around $200 for just the cars accessories. The most expensive item is the London Bus which we bought in Takashimaya. Good thing is that there was a 20% discount. Phew... amazing how we could spurge money away so easily.. and hope that Heidi can remember her 3rd years old birthday many years down the road.

London Bus

It was crazy yet fun when we did the preparation work for the big day. Oliver and Heidi played their part by washing the cups. They enjoyed playing water and enjoyed feeling like useful engine. Next, Oliver drew almost 30 paper bags so that we could pack the cups into these bags. Exhausting but Oliver made it. Some of the drawings were quite funny such as Japan Tsunami, all of us in swimming pool, grandma open the door, car under the bridge, spinning top. Heidi did her part by stamping and also drew one bag. Hers was Strawberries drop on the floor. Actually, I think the strawberry drop on the floor because Heidi does not like to eat strawberries. That scenario would be quite unlikely to happen for food she really likes.

Now the next challenge.. Oliver's birthday celebration... same car theme for sure!

2 of Heidi's favourite complaints

2011-08-18T00:20:00.000-07:00

WHY SO LONG????????

WHY NOBODY WITH ME??????????????

East Coast Park

2011-08-11T10:32:00.000-07:00

Our new weekend ritual... swimming and cycling.

Goodbye Smelly Shoes

2011-08-09T22:15:00.000-07:00

The smell from these shoes can probably wake dead people. Totally intoxicating. I had tried my best to wash them. But the smell returned once worn.

2011 National Day Celebration at Labrador Park

2011-08-08T02:21:00.000-07:00

Tiring flight journey to nowhere

2011-08-07T07:57:00.000-07:00

3.40 pm ... We left home to swim at our pool

3.55 pm ... Heidi taking her flight to Japan and unable to stay awide

While Oliver and Boon Heng were doing their diving stunts,

Heidi was just slowly drifting away, on her own and motionless..
4.00 pm ... time for bed, and home we went.

Kids are bundle of joy

2011-08-05T08:29:00.000-07:00

Indeed, they are. Having Oliver and Heidi are probably the best decisions I ever made. They have such beautiful faces and they melt your heart with each smile, even with leftover on their two front tooth. I had always wonder where did Oliver get his two big front tooth, and only found the answer recently. Heidi's ones probably follow mine (nicer of course), and (a pity that) she did not inherit my signature big mouth. It is quite clear to us... that Heidi has Boon Heng's look and Oliver has my look, whereas Heidi inherit my character, and Oliver has Boon Heng's. And what if... I have a third one... who would he or she follow...

Recently, the question popped up in my mind. Why so? It is like making the decision now or never. Another two more years, I will be 40 years old. Oh mine... half of my life gone. We would love to have a third child, but I think we would go crazy. I am hardly coping at work now, and working almost alternative nights to clear my work, which is taxing both mentally and physically. I always wonder, when I reach 80 years old (I suppose I would since my grandma both live through that age), what would be my regrets in life. Would not having a third child be one of my regrets or reliefs? At this point in time, I am happy with two. My two beautiful bundle of joy (and pain).

Madame Heidi

2011-07-30T01:45:00.000-07:00

Yvonne's 24 Birthday Party

2011-07-23T01:30:00.000-07:00

Yvonne celebrated her 24th birthday at Amara Sanctuary Ville. It was great to meet up with her and brother Augustine after not seeing one another for a few months. Looking back, I would always think that I missed out spending enough time with my younger brother and sister during their growing out days. Those were the days of defiance when home was the last place I want to go back to. Now that I wish that I could have more time to spend with them, but my kids and work would take their priority. A piece of good news that I had that day would be my brother booked a flat in Ponggol. Bells are ringing soon and I certainly will make sure these important occasions cannot be missed.

Farewell Guan Lao Shi

2011-07-20T00:45:00.000-07:00

Another teacher, one of my favourites, left Del-care. She is Guan Lao Shi, and had been Heidi's teacher when she was in toddlers' class. She was from China and was on a two year work assignment in Del-care. It is a pity that I did not take any photo of her and Heidi together, as it has been a busy time for me during these periods.

Sometimes, I felt really sorry for our kids attending childcare. They have to learn from very young, the anxiety of separation from familiar faces. I wonder what kind of impact and feeling it left with our children in their growing up life phases.

Heidi's Song

2011-07-19T20:49:00.001-07:00

row row row your boat
gently down the stream
merrily merrily down the stream
like a crocrodile

Great firework and food at Marina Golf Club

2011-06-28T09:33:00.000-07:00

Saturday Evening Run

2011-06-19T09:20:00.000-07:00

An old friend of mine, Eve met me a few weeks back and gave me a birthday treat. Such a pleasant surprise and really nice knowing friends still remember my birthday. She shared with me her regular healthy regime which she brings her girls twice a week to the track near the National Stadium to run. Strangely, this thought of running this track has not come to my mind before. Considering the distance of my house to the track, this is probably the nearest. In the past, I have thought of going to Polytechnic, but laziness got the better of me.

Oliver was initially wary of the many footballers and joggers using the field, and his active self took over as he ran to and fro the track. Heidi was ever clingy, not letting either Boon Heng or I on our own to walk. This photo taken of Heidi running was the rare moments. I found a Tennis ball nearby, and Heidi was holding to it all the time after she discovered I had it. She is fast and possessive.

The Book Cafe on a lazy saturday

2011-06-18T07:45:00.000-07:00

Another aimless Saturday with nowhere to go after Oliver finished his late morning music class at Mac Music School. A thought struck my mind, and we thought of dropping by our past favourite hangout place, River Valley. Many years passed since our fav cafe - "Simply Sandwich" shifted their operation, and we had not stepped in when another breakfast place, Boomerang, which we went, did not quite live up to our expectation.

While we couldn't quite make up our mind, we decided to drop in the Book Cafe for a simple lunch and a good cup of cappuccino. It was quite a pleasant surprise that the Cafe actually had toys for kids, as we were thinking the Book Cafe might not welcome family with kids, especially noisy ones like ours. The Cafe was almost packed when we left. Most of the goers were yuppies with lot of time to kill. Gone were those days of freedom for us.
These cappuccino were quite nice. But a bigger cup will be nicer.
I ordered Caesar Salad with poached egg and chicken. The marinated chicken was too rich for my liking, but Heidi the meat eater didn't seem to mind, and finished up most of it.
Boon Heng ordered from all-day breakfast menu. But nothing beats Rider's Cafe breakfast.
The atmosphere. Lot of magazines, but no time for us to read. Boon Heng said he might consider dropping by one of these days to hang out when he did his parent volunteer at the nearby River Valley Primary School.

Watch out for the sweet Nothing

2011-06-13T03:31:00.000-07:00

Do not be deceived by her looks.. when it comes to food, there is nothing she will not do..

she eats like there is no tomorrow.

Those are not Heidi's tooth.. it was Mentos.

Girls Day Out at PS Cafe

2011-06-13T02:47:00.000-07:00

PS Cafe
My last visit to PS Cafe was probably three years back, when I had my breakfast treat on my birthday. It was a pleasant surprise when my buddies from secondary school picked the same place for my birthday treat.

Truffle shoestring fries has became quite an 'in' thing, according to Chris.
Truffle oil is commonly used to make "truffle fries," which feature french fries cooked in truffle oil, parmesan cheese, pepper, and sometimes other ingredients. Some pasta dishes and whipped dishes such as mashed potatoes or deviled eggs incorporate truffle oil. They taste pretty good.

Chargrilled Portbello Salad

Crispy Chicken Schnitzel Sandwich and pumpkin soup

Smoked salmon sandwich and portobello soup

Dates pudding - Yummy. I will probably come back for more of this, if not for the overwhelming caramel sauce, which made it overly sweet.

Our Saturday Morning Hangout at Tiong Bahru

2011-06-11T10:33:00.000-07:00

Evening without the kids at Absinthe

2011-06-10T09:32:00.000-07:00

Times pass so ever quickly. Every year around this time of the month of June, our childcare centre Del-Care would organise a pyjamas party for the kids. Parents can then spend an evening on their own without the kids and to eat a 'proper' dinner. Yes, dining at a place which will not fancy the presence of kids. Last year, we pampered ourselves with chilli crab at a restaurant located at the void deck of Ang Mo Kio flat. This year, we decide to try out the French restaurant -Absinthe, which Charles and Yvonne have been raving about, ever since they stepped in for the very first time.

It was quite a mad rush on Friday evening from work to the restaurant located at Chinatown, Bukit Pasoh. Absinthe was full house with reservation back to back. Our reservation was for 630 time slot and would have to complete our dinner by 820 pm.

We were greeted by friendly host when we reached the doorstep. As we stepped into the restaurant and showed to our table, I could not help but noticed the number of servers and hosts. I was quite surprised that more than one servers attended to our table, which I thought was not a very good arrangement, as I was expecting personalised services. Perhaps it was full house that night, the atmosphere was lively, wasn't too formal and fine dining, which I was totally comfortable with. Being a small eater, I decided to share a dinner set with Boon Heng, and I think this move was probably wrong. It was probably shock and disgust to the restaurant as another server returned to our table and advised me that the portions were really small. I was quite turned off by the tone which the server used, while embarrassed by it. The first taste of French's arrogance?

Our dinner set us aside by $98. Boon Heng likes the Foie Gras, and find the taste to be on par with Iggys. Our main course was lamb and it was perfectly done, very tender. The dessert -Blanc Mangé au Chocolat Manjari et Gingembre, Sablé Breton et Coulis Abricot was nice, although I was expecting more.

I will certainly return to the restaurant again, but not too soon. Need to get over the feeling of embarrassment.

All Dressed Up for Sliver Tribute

2011-06-05T10:29:00.000-07:00

Queenstown

2011-06-03T11:14:00.000-07:00

Before I realised it, the Queenstown that I know is gone. The clip is taken by this guy called Nelson.

Pictures of Oliver and Heidi at Queenstown on February 2011 before it is gone.

Happy 38th Birthday at Iggy's

2011-06-01T06:53:00.000-07:00

Two more years and I shall be 40 years old. Almost half of my life gone. Boon Heng kept his surprise where we are heading, as he always until the moment we reached the restaurant, Iggy's at The Hilton Hotel. As we seated down in the restaurant, Boon Heng passed me his i-phone when I got to found out that Iggy's was The Miele Guide Asia's Number One Restaurant (2010/11) and making in onto S. Pellegrino list of the World's 50 Best Restaurants (2010).

It is really quite a pity that I did not bring my camera along to take picture of the lunch set which we both have. But managed to find some decent photos over the website.

The garlic bread, before breaking into two, look like a sweet potato. This is heavenly when we spread it with parmesan and salt smoked butter. I had wanted to go for a second round, if only the server asked me. She was going around asking and when she came to our table, she asked Boon Heng and then left. Okay, I shall keep my stomach for other dishes.

Our first appetitiser was similar to this dish, tomatoes decorated with flowers and we feel like eating nature's greatest natural food.

Set Lunch Tasting Menu
May-June 2011
$85++

SALMON
Spicy cabbage, basil seeds
OR
FOIS GRAS
Figs, tarragon, cassis
---

SPAGHETTONI
Lamb ragout, fava beans, thyme
OR
CAPPELINI
Sakura ebi, konbu, scampi oil
---

MARKET FISH
Fennel, caper berries, Pernod
OR
DUCK
Carrot, sesame, natural jus
---

RHUBARD
Salted sable, vanilla beans, blood orange
OR
APRICOT
Moroccan spices, argan, almond, rose

---

We love most of them, but find it rather hard to appreciate CAPPELINI (Sakura ebi, konbu, scampi oil). Just imagine eating expensive shrimp and angel hair spaghetti. Dinning at Iggy's certainly is a memorable experience, we took almost two hours to complete our lunch. Another 40 years more birthday to celebrate... hope 'Oliver' can keep up his standard. Boon Heng has been using Oliver name to make reservation (another weird habit of his).

Birthday Celebration at Home

2011-05-31T02:25:00.000-07:00

Boon Heng bought my birthday cakes from "k ki", a new Japanese located at Ann Siang Hill. The cakes are a bit too sweet for my liking.

Boon Heng was excited about his new discovery and had wanted me to visit the shop. I should drop by one of these days soon, after searching the webs for some of its pictures.

the Kinabaru - Coconut mousse, passionfruit crème and chocolate daquoise the Little Red Riding Hood - 70% pure Guanaja dark chocolate and the middle - raspberry puree

Charity Fair at Del-Care

2011-05-27T02:49:00.000-07:00

4D3N Bintan Lagoon Getaway

2011-05-17T06:42:00.001-07:00

We are back again to Bintan, and back in the same place, Bintan Lagoon Resort. Almost home-sweet-home. Everything is so familiar, unchanged since our last visit last November (2010).
We are lucky this round. Our room comes with seaview, and Oliver is once again attracted by the inhouse video on the hotel.
The resort has two pools, main pool and a smaller family pool. Strangely, Oliver prefers to stick to the main pool, and decides not to give the waterslide at the family pool a try.

While swimming, Oliver says that he smells french fries, although we couldn't see it anywhere. So we reward Oliver's strong sense of smell with french fries at the poolside.

After splashing at the pool for long hours, the kids feel all cosy, wrap up the thick towel. Oliver must add that the towel smelled good.

We end our trip with reward of the green curry chicken, which we fell in love during our first trip to Bintan. But not quite nice this round, we find it rather spicy and salty.

It has been a good 4 day getaway, and we totally enjoyed doing nothing, just eat and rot in the pool. This shall not be the last.

Riders Again

2011-04-11T00:34:00.001-07:00

Changi Village

2011-04-11T00:32:00.001-07:00

Heidi at Hans

2011-04-11T00:26:00.000-07:00

Boon Heng's Black & White Passport Photo Attempts

2011-03-15T03:18:00.000-07:00

Back to Ubin

2011-03-01T00:48:00.001-08:00

Last Saturday, after Oliver's music class, we decided to head to Pulau Ubin. We were last there in April 2010 and before that, August 2009.

It was an impromptu decision, as the weather was good and we had nowhere better to go. Anyway, we had stopped Heidi's music class as she wasn't really paying atttention.

Heidi didn't quite like the boat ride and clinged on to Sophia throughout the journey.

The packet of Cheezels was given to her by a couple on the boat. Here we are at the Ubin First Stop restaurant which we always frequent whenever we are there.

This old lady at the shop is still around. She knows Sophia's grandma, but is obviously senile now.

Although our occasional trips to Ubin always take the same routine, ie eating at the same restaurant, visiting this same shop, walking inroad to the former village head house before turning back, the whole experience is always gratifying.

Ubin definitely has the charm that many places haven't.

On the way back, Oliver spotted something on the ground and told Sophia. He has the senses of a dog.

He actually saw dried up starfruits from this starfruit tree. I always thought that starfruit is a fruit from temperate countries.

The princess decided to come down from my shoulders and take a few steps.

Heidi is very thristy.

I just realised from this photo that Oliver still has that scar on his face.

On the way back, it was my turn to be hugged by Heidi.

And crooked teeth.

Till we meet again Ubin!

Samy's Curry

2011-02-28T22:33:00.000-08:00

Samy's Curry is nestled in Dempsey Hill at the old CSC Clubhouse, which is slightly away from the rest of the food outlets. The food is similar to Muthu's, except that it is cheaper. We quite like to go there, as the surrounding is idyllic and suitable for a stroll. There is also a pond there where 2 huge fishes can be found. They were about 8 fet long, but sadly only 1 is left.

The restaurant is unpretentious and food is still served on banana leaves.

New Toy

2011-02-17T20:53:00.000-08:00

The retro looking casing of our new camera.

Also, Oliver and Heidi favourite song now is Close To You. That's after we finally removed the Christmas and Mickey Mouse CDs.

Reunion II

2011-02-15T21:29:00.001-08:00

Reunion dinner with Sophia's folks.
Heidi has nice shoulders.
Heidi also has Sophia's mouth.

Heid looks like me

2011-01-24T01:11:00.000-08:00

I've come to the conclusion that Oliver is like me and Heidi is like Sophia, although looks-wise it is the opposite.

2011-01-11T23:22:00.000-08:00

Heidi is a fast learner and is picking up words at an incredible pace. She is also good at mimicking Oliver's "One Day... The End!".

Just want to write this down as some days just flew by and we hardly have time at home or in office to record our observation.

Papa Palheta for true blue coffee lover

2010-12-30T07:17:00.000-08:00

One thing good about reading forums is that some of the forumers share interesting places that they have visited. In fact I get most of my news nowadays from a car forum, as they are faster and juicier.

One thread which I stumbled upon recently is about coffee, and a fabulous place which roasts their own beans. This place is a hidden gem, and so we decided to check it out during one of our days off, minus Oliver and Heidi of course. Otherwise, there's no chance to enjoy the coffee.

The place is really quaint, in a back alley in Hooper Road and you wouldn't have realised its existence if you are travelling on the parallel main road. Sophia ordered a cappucino, while I tried to be more adventuous and ordered something full-bodied and black from Indonesia, can't remember the name though as it was recommended by the staff.

Sometimes you go to a place for the first time and you know that everything is right, and you want to come back again. This is one such place. The crowd and staff here seems like coffee cognoscenti. That's one level up from connoisseur :-)

Sophia thinks the cappuccino is really good. The joint is also unique in that it is not a licensed F&B outlet, or so I understand from the thread. So they don't bill you and there is no price on the coffee. You just pay for whatever you think your coffee is worth, and as it was during the Christmas period, a huge sock was placed near the counter for you to put your money.

My coffee was good too. No sugar and no bitter or sour aftertaste.

Unfortunately the place might not last long. They are opening a full F&B outlet near our office. Hope they can bring the ambience along with the coffee machines.

Christmas at Fairmont

2010-12-29T07:22:00.001-08:00

Last year's Christmas at Ritz was quite memorable. This year we decided to go to Fairmont. Except for some quirky design flaws in bathroom, our room on the 11th floor was pretty luxurious. Vera, Vivian and Veron had a room on the 18th floor as well.

The pool though was a bit of a disappointment. Two round pools, one for adults, and one for kids, was barely enough to accomodate the guests. However, Oliver and Heidi still had lots of fun, and it was here that Oliver learnt how to use his arm floats that we just bought, and ditched away the kiddy aeroplane float. His first attempt!

Exhausted from the day's activities, it wasn't too long before they slept on the comfortable bed.

The Christams Eve's dinner at Prego. We dressed Oliver and Heidi up again for thsi occassion. Raidon and Xavion were also there and had a room on the 18th floor as well.

Oliver seemed to be the only one appreciating the 3-man band that played in between the carollers. One of the musicians acknowlegded Oliver's attention too and kept waving at him.

The Christmas tree at the lobby.

2 of the funniest pictures.

Xavion, Raidon & family.

Parking at the hotel was a breeze.

V3 & family.

Jiajun, Jiaen and family was tehre too for a swim as well as the high tea.

A Relaxing Sunday at Riders Cafe

2010-12-15T08:02:00.000-08:00

I came across this place while surfing the internet for places to go for brunch. This place is really hot and you have to book in advance. We first went there on 7 November, and again last Sunday on 12 December, this time without making reservation. We waited for about half an hour, but it was worth the wait.

Riders Cafe is tucked in inside Fariways Drive, off Eng Neo Avenue, where Bukit Timah Saddle Club is located. So we get to see jockeys leading their horses to the stable, and there is also a place for pony ride for kids, for a fee. And there are ample parking spaces too.

The breakfast here is really good. Unlike the sourdough at Jones the Grocer which we just went, the bread here is soft and not overtoasted. And unlike Spruce, there are no mozzies here, and the staff which take reservation is so much friendlier. But best of all is the natural and tranquil surrounding and the nice ambience and view from the cafe.

Despite the many horses that trot to and fro the stable, Oliver and Heidi were more interested in the cat below, and kept wanting to play with it. The cat though, was quite aloof, and went up the deck of the Stable Club members-only lounge. Safe in the knowledge that both of them couldn't come near.

My arm was Her Bolster

2010-11-20T06:47:00.000-08:00

Did I mention in Heidi's blog her night habit of stroking my arms before she went into slumberland, and the session could last an hour? It is very important that I write it down. About two or three weeks ago, Heidi finally agreed to sleep and not to stroke my arm for that long a time.

Every night for the last few years (cannot recall when it started), Heidi stroked my arm as if it was her pillow and sometimes, I had to put her on top of my body and let her laid there until she fell asleep. For a light sleeper like me, even if I dozed off after a while, I would still be disturbed awake by her touch. Irritated and frustrated, I sometime beat Heidi's backside for not sleeping. Sometimes, she was almost asleep and would cry very loudly after receiving such a shock on her back side. Poor Heidi.

Now, it is all over! I would not always be the last one to sleep. Just for record - Boon Heng is most skilful in catching forty winks, followed by Oliver, Heidi and Sophia. The record might change in the near future.

Changi Boardwalk and Kiddy Ride at Changi Village

2010-10-31T08:24:00.000-07:00

River Regatta 2010 at Singapore River

2010-10-31T08:19:00.000-07:00

Heidi's masterpieces in school

2010-09-12T18:02:00.000-07:00

Papa No No!

2010-09-06T19:50:00.000-07:00

Whenever Heidi is half-angry with me, or trying to get her own ways and I'm in her way, she would shout "Pa Pa No No!".

It's quite funny and worth repeating that now we have "Ver Ver No No" and "Mummy No No" as well.

Birthday celebration at Grandparent's Place

2010-09-06T18:25:00.000-07:00

Heidi is 2 !

2010-09-03T22:54:00.001-07:00

Heidi's birthday celebration in school on 2 Sep 2010. She is the only princess in school that day with Isabelle and Elise, both away from school. After searching a few cake shop, we finally settled on the one below from ecreative.
Notice the Japanese doll in the middle? She looks so much like Heidi and I couldn't help getting it. The little doll is one of the Kimmidoll collection. Boon Heng and I always marvel at the resemblence between Heidi and the doll. We bought Yoshimi from Vivocity as there were only two choices. Too bad, there was no Beni as she would look exactly like Heidi in her red dress which she worn that day. Yoshimi's spirit is courteous and considerate. mmm... not sure about Heidi's.

We celebrated Heidi's birthday at 4pm after the children woke up from their afternoon nap. Heidi was seated right in the middle since she was the centre of attraction being the birthday girl. She took a long while to realise what is happening. Boon Heng and I were almost standing right in front of her, but she took no notice. When she finally saw me, she cried for my attention and insisted on sitting with me. I was stucked with her the whole time thereafter. Perhap, she was uncomfortable with seeing us around, as her mood was not that good. Oliver, on the other hand, enjoyed being Heidi's brother and eating the cake with the rest of Heidi's friends. Heidi, another output of introverted parents.

Perth to the Southwest - Day 8

2010-08-14T02:48:00.000-07:00

Last day of the journey and we practically were killing time before going to the airport. The hotel staff at All Seasons Perth told us of this huge mall that we could go. Called Centro Galleria, this is Perth's second largest shopping centre and is located in Morley approximately 7km northeast of Perth city. The centre consists of five major stores - Myer, Kmart, Target, Coles and Woolworths, a cineplex, over 200 speciality stores and a great range of services all located conveniently under one roof.

After eating a fair bit of junk food throughout the journey, I settled for this smoked salmon salad for lunch. Pretty good =)

Heidi's clothes somehow matched with this ride. My expectation of Perth was set very low by my friends and colleagues who have been here or studied here. So I quite enjoyed it. We will be back in Perth again one day.

Perth to the Southwest - Day 7

2010-08-13T02:47:00.000-07:00

The next morning, the weather was good to us. We headed straight to the Mandurah Cruise area and again attacked another branch of the Miami Bakehouse. The pie here wasn't as good though.

We booked a cruise out to the Mandurah waterways in the faint hope that we can see some dolphins.

All ready to go!

We had the whole ferry to ourselves, and the kids spent more time running up and down the bow area than enjoying the scenery. One of the ferry crew who drove the boat is called Heidi!

Along the waterways, we could see rows and rows of condos and houses. Sentosa Cove probably got the idea from this place.

We were told by the crew that on average, each house cost about A$700,000 - A$800,000 or so. That's really not too bad if you compare to the property prices of Singapore. Those further away from the wharf and nearer the sea actually cost lesser, some for as low as $200,000 plus. Not bad.

A huge house in blue along the inlet, the crew told us, belonged to Lee Hsien Yang.

En route to Fremantle Markets.

Fremantle Markets, a popular tourist haunt, has over 150 stalls selling food, souvenirs, paintings, everything! Like a chatuchak, except that it is cleaner. So it was no surprise that a lot of Asians can be found here.

The market stock souvenirs that are unique and local, but the prices aren't cheap at all. Buskers also abound to ply their trade and render their version of popular songs.

After the hustle and bustle of Fremantle, our last destination before heading to the Perth city was Kings Park. I've always been a sucker for botanic gardens, and Kings Park is pretty awesome with its view and wide spaces to run about. Oliver wasted no time in running around the park and stretching those muscles.

I think most people would find the park quite ordinary as there wasn't too much features, except for a rounded arena where your voice could travel from one end to the other even if you speak softly. However, I think this is a great place, and I certainly hope that Heidi will enjoy such simplicity as much as I do in future.

A friendly Aussie was walking her Labrador Retriever and chatted with us. Her dog enjoyed rolling on the lawn. Oliver did just the same as well.

Perth to the Southwest - Day 6

2010-08-12T02:38:00.000-07:00

We arrived the previous night at Ferguson Farm in the rain. The farm was big and easily accomodated the 2 families. Yvonne and Sophia went about preparing the food which we have bought at coles, while me and Charles entertained, and contained, the 4 kids in the room. And dinner of salad, pasta and soup was really good and aplenty.

The next morning, we woke up late, but just in time for the scheduled farm activities. Despite egging from me, Oliver still wanted to keep a distance from the pony.

The farmer, whose name slipped my mind now, drove out his tractor and loaded all of us up its carriage, and took us on a tractor tour round his farm.

Heidi displaying her affinity with flowers. Even her jeans has flower motifs.

After the tractor ride, we were left to explore the area when the animals were kept. Sophia wasted no time in going back to take the pail of waste from our kitchen and fed them to the ever hungry goats.

A photo of the place we stayed at before we left the farm.

We left the farm before noon at head for Mandurah.

This is the original Miami Bakehouse, which apprently many tourist guidebooks recommend you to stop by if you are anywhere near Mandurah. The GPS wasn't quite trusty and after driving around for a while, we finally spotted the famed shop.

Sophia bought 2 pies from the joint, one a spinach, one a steak pie. The steak pie was really succulent, especially as we were famish after the long drive. Definitely lived up to its reputation.

Soon we arrived at the Mandurah Terrace and foreshore, as Cicerellos at the Mandurah Peel Inlet is also famous for its fish & chips. But somehow I find it quite overhyped and not too healthy (not that they are anyway).

Inside Cicerellos.

Outside Cicerellos.

We decided to check in to the Seashells Resort earlier as the rain prevented us form taking the cruise out of Mandurah Bay. This swanky new place certainly outdo Abbey Bay Resort, and looks more like a showroom.

The room is tastefully decorated, there were 2 king size beds, 2 toilets, and a kitchen that resemble ours. And of course, the view is uber fantastic.

The sunset is a sight to behold and I really wouldn't mind spending more time in the room than outside.

It was diffcult to wake up the next morning with the comfortable bed and cool weather.

Perth to the Southwest - Day 5

2010-08-11T00:46:00.000-07:00

Busselton to Ferugson Farm

Another great breakfast place, this time in Prince Street, Busselton. Unfortunately I can't recall what is the name of the place, googled and still can't find. Even google map showed a large tree covering the fascade of the place. I just remember it's called something on prince. Oh well.

At first, we alighted at the street not knowing where to find breakfast. There's a cafe called old chapel nearby near Coles, but only the name sound cool. So we walked along Prince Street and at first, this place didn't look very appealing on the outside and there were no one in the cafe. But after we came in a string of customers also started to roll in.

One good thing about this breakfast joint is that they allow you to customise your breakfast, which I did. Being a sucker for avocado, that was naturally on my wish list. Along with bacon, sausages, poached eggs, toast and cappucino. I could eat them all day.

The mushroom soup is also yummy! The food here is so nice that Sophia has to post 5 photos of the place.

Busselton Jetty

Just a stone's throw away is Busselton Jetty. At 1,841 metres, it is said to be the longest wooden structure in the southern hemisphere (so much for Changi Broadwalk)...

Because the shallow waters restricted the docking of ships and vessels in the 18th century, construction of the jetty started in 1853 to allow goods, especially timbre, one of the main produce of Western Australia, to be shippped via this jetty.

Over the years, the accumulation of drift sands had made the water too shallow for mooring. The jetty was continually extended until the 1960s when it reached its current length.

Even at the car park, we could feel the force of the wind from the sea, so I guessed it must have been quite tricky to build the thing in the past, without the help of cranes and whatnot.

The boatshed-style Interpretive Centre gives visitors a glimpse into the Jetty's rich past and its future. However, Heidi and Oliver were more interested in the many souvenirs and knick knacks that the shop offers. Especially the porcelain VW Beetle cars which I was worried that they might break anytime.

The jetty also features a rail line along its length. Oliver is seen here practising his hip hop moves.

The constant beating that the jetty took from the angry sea along its length meant that many Aussie dollars have to be spent on restoration.

Heidi wasn't about to be blown away. She just wanted to be carried as usual.

Bunbury Dolphin Discovery Centre

A short distance away is the Dolphin Discovery Centre in Bunbury. When we arrived, the sky was gloomy and both Oliver and Heidi were asleep in the car.

The Centre enables visitors to interact with Bottlenose dolphins in a variety of ways. There are more than 100 dolphins living in the Koombana Bay and groups of them regularly visit the shallow waters in front of the Centre. However, today wasn't our lucky day as the centre staff told us that it was very unlikely that any dolphin would appear.

But since we were already there, and it being our last stop for the day, we decided to wake the kids up and head for the centre anyway. The friendly centre staff more than made up for the lack of dolphins by showing the kids a variety of sea creatures in their aquariums. She explained why some of the fishes look and behave the way they do, and even scooped up starfishes, sea urchins etc and got the kids to touch them. This obviously made them very excited and squirmy.

The view from the seafront of the centre. The real thing look better than the picture.

But where are the dolphins?

We enjoying and withstanding the cold sea breeze.

Next stop, the farm.

Perth to the Southwest - Day 4

2010-08-10T23:59:00.000-07:00

Margaret River to Busselton
Not wanting to go to the Berry Farm before the opening hours, we hang around Margaret river to do our grocery and pump our petrol. I was craving for a cappucino and went across the road to get one from this cafe called Sails.
The coffee was good and we decided that we should have our breakfast at the cafe as well, and thus my 2nd cup of caffeine.

The staff at the cafe were friendly, one even told me she was born in Malaysia but came back to Australia when she turned 4. The cafe is cosy, but what's remarkable is the fabulous breakfast of sausages, toasts, eggs etc. I am easily satisfied when it comes to big breakfast, and Australia probably has lots and lots of such cafe serving up such delicious brekkies.

Sails cafe is also child-friendly, with lots of crayons and colouring paper for the kids to distract them.

The Berry Farm

The Berry Farm is a misnomer. There are no berries nor farm (not one that is visible at least), it is just the name of the place.

There is a nice playground though and we spent most of our time there swinging the kids instead.

The main attraction is actually a shop selling wines and olive oils. So much for the Berry Farm.

Mammoth Cave

The Mammoth Cave is for cavemen and, erm, tourists. Proper broadwalk and steps lead us inside the cave, and we could see stalacitites and stalagmites everywhere inside the caves. The cave entry fees came with a portable audio guide, but Heidi and Oliver was making a nuisance of themselves and so both Sophia and me couldn't hear the narration, thus the meaning and history of the of cave was entirely lost on us. So much for cave exploration.

It was also at the exit of the cave that I lost my temper with Oliver, who kept running very close to the road despite telling him not to do so. I spank him, he cried, I let him, and that spoilt the whole morning.

Voyager Estate

This a huge wine producing estate that churns out 23% of Australia premium wine production each year.

We were greeted by this gigantic flag as we drove into the driveway. The whole place is like a huge garden with lawns surrounding the restaurant in the middle, very unlike other wineries.

Somehow, to make up to Oliver, I spent more time with him alone at the Voyager Estate, running around the lawns and knocking each other over. Our kind of playground.

Heidi with the huge Aussie flag in the background. She is becoming more photogenic.

The best thing, other than the lawns, about Voyager Estate for us non vineyard and wineries foks, must be the restaurant in the middle of the compound. It is quite posh and looked expensive too.

They are also kid-friendly with their ready supply of paper and colour pencils. And we tucked in for some fine food after settling down the kids.

Sophia ordered this Chenin Blanc steamed Donny Brooke marron thingy while I went for the safer choice, the char-grilled tenderidge eye fillet. Both were yummy.

This poached pear with champagne mousse dessert is really very tasty, although this picture made it look like some kind of tofu or sea anemone.

We spent the whole afternoon at Voyager Estate that by the time we head to this place famous for its olive oil, which I can't remember the name, it was just 5 minutes before closing time. I quickly grabbed a couple of bottle of olive oils that is mandarin orange as well as lime and rosemary scented.

End of the day and we ended up at the Abbey Beach Resort. Each room is huge and could probably fit in 2 families. It is well-equipped too with other appliances like toaster, dryer, and a jacuzzi as well.

Perth to the Southwest - Day 3 (Part 2)

2010-08-09T22:20:00.000-07:00

Not in time for the Marron Farm. But we had a taste with the Marron pasta which Yvonne ordered. Fresh and succelent!

It was however, a very hurried lunch as we were rushing to catch the train.

The Pemberton Tramway Company

The tram meandered through towering karri, Marri and Jarrah forests, over trestle bridges spanning rivers and streams along one of Australia's most majestic rail lines.

In fact, the railway is now quite unused except for this tourist tram ride.

Both of them genuinely excited - one of the attractions well worth the money.

We bought this train replica for the 4 kids for them to remember this ride when they grow old. The fries from lunch was great but by the time we tar pow to the train, it became soggy. Heidi doesn't seem to mind though as she took along during the train's pitstop.

The 1 3/4 hour tram ride past the saw mill and stop at cascades.
With a bit of time to kill, we made our way to Yeagerup Dunes. It was a wrong move as we ended up lost in the National Park and on a gravel road meant for 4 wheels drive instead. Our Toyota Corolla nevertheless brought us safetly back on the road and we headed right away to Margaret River which was two hours away.

Travelling west, we were chasing light as the night fell on every mile we made. With no street light and only reflect on road, I was quite worried about Yvonne. It was probably the first time she drove on such condition. We were however quite impressed that she was travelling at a remarkable high speed.

We reached Comfort Inn Grange. The room was freezing cold. Boon Heng and Charles went out to get our dinner. We had lamb and beef Solvaki. Another yummy treat for the long day.

Perth to the Southwest - Day 3 (Part 1)

2010-08-09T09:25:00.000-07:00

Albany to Margaret River

Oliver loves cars and trucks. This truck parked at Comfort Inn Albany cheered up Oliver's mood in the morning. He also requested to take a picture with the tree after taking some shots of him and the truck.
Another long day ahead of us, we bought freshly baked breads from a bread shop and made our way to Albany Wind Farm. Our GPS system took us to the less-strodden route - Stidwell Briddle Trail, when there were other less adventurous and proper roads to Wind Farm. The very first challenge for Yvonne on this very day.

Our kids were excited, and certainly more adventurous than their parents. Oliver was determind to be the first and ahead of the group. Usually, Oliver would run back to us. Now with his pal Jiajun, both mustered courage and decided that far was simply not far enough. They had Boon Heng, Charles and Yvonne chasing after. Lucky for me, Heidi was not yet attracted to such adventures and would stay close to me most of the time.

Albany Wind Farm

It was a magnificent sight at the Albany Wind Farm. Resting on 65 metre towers, each turbine has three blades. They are simply captivating.

The farm consists of 12 giant wind turbines, each at a height of 100 metres from the base to the tip of the blades. The farm consists of 12 giant wind turbines, each at a height of 100 metres from the base to the tip of the blades. These turbines generate around 75 per cent of clean, green electricity for Albany.

Valley of the Giants

If the Wind Farm was my favourite place from the Perth trip, then this treetop walk would be my second favourite. This treetop walk in the Valley of the Giant is situated in the town of Walpole, and is the place that our neighbour Jean spoke of when they last came to Perth.

It is an eco-friendly, 40 metre-high walk through the canopy of a Karri forest.

The Giant Tingle Trees and the suspension pathway takes us gradually into their giant forest canopy. At about 40 metres, the view is breathtaking. It's not often we get to stand, head height, among these ancient giants.

The treetop walk is actually a series of lightweight steel trusses built on steel pylons to form a circut 420 metre long leading over a deep red tinge gully. As the gully descends, you ascend. It's a gradual climb into the treetops.

Except for me occasionally rocking the walkway just to incite some "fear" from the group, otherwise the walkway is pretty sturdy and all of the kids seemed oblivious to the height. Oliver also much forgot about us and ran way ahead.

Pity that the one in Singapore, the HSBC treetop walk, is so inaccessible, and the one in Kent Ridge is so short in distance.

As we gradually descend and reach the forest floor, another delight awaits us. The Ancient Empire Walk takes us on a gradual stroll through the feet of the ancient tingles, even through one. Here the 4 kids were all posing in the hollow of the base of the trunk.

Perth to the Southwest - Day 2

2010-08-08T20:14:00.000-07:00

Perth-Abany
This morning after a good night rest at the hotel, we drove southwest towards the historic port town of Albany. The distance we travelled down Albany was around 5 hours.

It took me more than 2 weeks before I update this, as this time round it is my turn to update the trip, so I will highlight my thoughts in red. So before my memory fades, here goes...

Once again the rental car is almost the same as the one we had in Japan, this Toyota Ascent vs the Toyota Corolla in May. Both are the same, very lightweight steering, but otherwise very roomy and new. Took me a while to get hang of the different side for the signal and wiper stalks when I got back too.
Heidi likes to have her shoes and sock removed during our car journey. She knows how to relax. It was also around this time that they started to swop seats, and even now back home Heidi still sometimes wants to sit on Oliver's side, depending on her mood.Oliver still spotting the Singapore Flag on his face after his National Day Celebration at Labrador Park on Friday, a day before our departure to Perth. The weather is very similar to the time we had in Hokkaido, and Oliver and Heidi took to the change in weather really well.Scenic road journey on South West - sky stretching around horizon, rolling hills and greenery.

The first stop was Mt Romance Sandalwood Factory. We moved on to Old Farm at Strawberry Hill thinking that we could fill our stomach with Devonshire tea and lunch. It was unfortunately closed during winter. We ended up in McDonalds. The Angus burger was delightfully juicy and yummy. Why can't we have such nice burgers at Mac in Singapore?

The Gap, Natural Bridge and Blowholes

This site is our favourite. The coastal cliffs and the splendid southern ocean.

This place is Sophia's favourite, with the magnificent view of the ocean and the rock formation. The kind of place we would go to and camp over before the Oliver and Heidi era.

The wind was strong and chilly. But what good opportunity to look good in that new coat and beanie.

A rare opportunity for a group photo, minus me.

Behind us is the Natural Bridge. The Southern Ocean has sculptured a Natural Bridge in the coastal granites and formed The Gap, where waves rush in and out with tremendous ferocity. The Gap boasts an enormous 24 metre drop to sea level.

What a sight to end our day. And what a nice place to practice your robot kungfu dancemove.

We stayed at Comfort Inn Albany for the night. Our dinner was Red Roster, my favourite. But it was too salty for our liking. Could not recalled that the chicken actually tasted so salty.

Such drive-in inns offer so much convenience, especially for families with kids and luggage.

8 Days Perth to the Southwest - Day 1

2010-08-07T19:15:00.000-07:00

On the go again before Heidi hits her two years old mark. This time to Perth, Australia. It had been a long while since I visited Perth back when I was about 12 years old. Wondered if I could recall any of these places which I had visited.

Pre-trip Planning

We were once again embarking on a self-drive itinerary and booked our air tickets and accomodation with Chan Brothers. It was essentially self helping with Chan Brothers as compared to Prime Travel. Of course, the trade off was that Chan Brothers was very much cheaper than Prime Travel. We received our travel tickets and hotel vouchers just two days before our departure on Saturday. It was almost hell before the trip. Just after the completion of the launch of PA Internal Staff Compliment Award at the Quality Service Forum on 28 July, I started to plan for the trip. For about two weeks, I was totally deprived of my beauty sleep with only five hours every nights. I did not realised time were passing by so quickly when I surfed the internet checking out the route. Motivation truly made a difference.

The Perth trip was double the stress and double the fun! Double family on the trip. Two daddies, two mommies, two boys and two girls travelling on two red cars. Perth... here comes the Poons and the Chews!

Singapore to Perth

Departing Changi Airport Terminal 1, QF72 left Singapore at around 920 hr.

Reaching Perth International Airport at around 1540 hr. Perth and Singapore share same time zone. The weather was great with clear sky and gentle sunshine.

We were all in good spirits after a good 5.5 hrs flight.

After collecting our rented car, we headed towards All Seasons Perth Hotel at Robinson Avenue in Perth City. For dinner, we dine on authetic Vietnamese fare at Viet Hoa. I ordered beef noodle, which I had craved for the longest time. The kids shared a plate of fried rice, which was surprisely delicious.

On the way back to the hotel, we visited a few shops. At one of the grocery shops, the cashier said in a unfriendly tone "yes?" when I was browsing a packet of nuts. It sadly reminded me how unfriendly these people in Australia could be to the Asians, and how they bullied my Asian household back in Melbourne, ruining the letter box, playing tricks by putting our rubbish bin on top of the tree, and even stealing the rubbish bin, but to find it near to the police station. Hope we didn't have to face these nonsense when we returned as tourist this time.

Inception

2010-08-01T00:12:00.000-07:00

After hearing positive reviews on the movie Inception, we were tempted to watch it before our trip to Perth. After our dinner at Tonkichi at Lido, we caught the movie screening at 9.30pm with Heidi accompanying us. A good opportunity for us when Oliver was not around. Oliver would ask to go home and drink his milk. Heidi usually held onto me tightly and once a while, made a small noise that she was scare. Other than that, she would go to sleep mode after trying to catch glimpse of the movie when she mustered enough courage. She peaked through the corner of her eyes, eyeing fearfully at the big screen. By the time the movie ended, it was almost midnight. We were oblivious of time and flabbergasted by the movie plot. Indeed a movie not to be missed. Go for it before it's gone from the big screen.

Heidi saying Mommy

2010-07-31T03:40:00.000-07:00

I have always wanted to blog about Heidi's development in her speech that includes saying Mommy, but it always slipped my mind. When I remember it, I would not be near any internet access. Another proud moment for me when I heard Heidi calling me. It was the longest waiting time for me to hear from Oliver, almost three years. Heidi took slightly lesser than two years. She still doesn't call mommy a lot, mostly calls her papa loud and clear. When I asked Heidi to call me, Oliver will be quick to reply me. The boy knows how to make up to me for making me wait for three years.

Putting on her own pants

2010-07-12T08:00:00.000-07:00

Fast learner at 1 year 10 months old, Heidi is very independent and tries to put on her pants today. Surprisely, she manages to wear them well with a little bit of help from me. She is growing at such fast pace that it amazes us.

Sunday at Changi Boardwalk

2010-06-27T08:36:00.001-07:00

I always think that it is better to bring Heidi and Oliver outdoors than to go to some malls or stay at home. But since Singapore is so small, and some of the parks are either out of the way and not so interesting, there really isn't many places we can go. Luckily there's Changi Broadwalk.

We were there the day after visiting Botanic Gardens. All 4 of us woke up from an afternoon nap, which is very rare, and decided to go there. Heidi and Oliver loved the broadwalk and soon they were holding hands and walking ahead of us.

The place is really idyllic, so much so that I was tempted to check out the membership of the Changi Beach Club as well as the Changi Sailing Club the next day. Not too sure if it will be a white elephant investment though, as we barely use the swimming pool at home.

Anyway, we covered more than half the stretch of the broadwalk, didn't realised that it was actually quite long. After that dinner was at Charlie's Corner for dinner and riding on the kiddy rides. Will definitely be back soon.

Lazy Saturday at Botanic Gardens

2010-06-26T08:06:00.000-07:00

We had been wanting to go Botanic Gardens for the longest time. It was either the kids slept at noon, or the sky poured on our way there, never a good time. Today, the weather was great and we gave it a try. We reached the gardens at around 4.30 pm when it was still warm and humid, but bearable. The men went kicking the ball and we the girls just sat on the picnic mat and relaxed. Somehow after having kids, I just never find the energy to exercise. What more on such good weather, just sit down on the mat and relax. Anyway, someone had to look after our bag, right?

Heidi was just walking around , not running about. I mean... don't be mistakenly by the picture that I was the only lazy one.

Poor Heidi and her mosquito bites. She had eight bites all over her body.

Oliver loved running and going after the ball. He had a strange habit of sitting down or laying flat on the field suddenly. No idea why he did that. Noticed the boy behind the old and and young chew. He was such a sociable boy. He just dropped his scooter and played with Oliver. Quite skilful as I noticed he only kicked with his legs and never pick up the ball with his hands unlike Oliver.

Lucky us. Duman High School Band were performing and we loved it. Oliver in his usual irritating self, said he was hungry and we had to left the performance halfway for Casa Verde.
Heading towards Casa Verda with the two kids insisting to carry the ball on their back. Their funny antic humoured some of the park goers there, as they gave us a smile back.

Goodbye Botanic Gardens and see you soon!

Timeout at Changi Airport

2010-06-21T08:39:00.000-07:00

Jacob Ballas

2010-06-13T22:40:00.000-07:00

The sky threatened to rain when we reached Botanic Gardens last evening, and we decided to drive slightly further to Jacob Ballas. Surprisingly, the weather there was great despite being just a stone's throw away.

37th Birthday Celebration

2010-06-01T03:10:00.000-07:00

Celebrating birthday with kids around is indeed a different kind of feeling. In the past, it was just the two of us, and buying of birthday cake is a simple task. We just bought cake which we had not tried before and flavours which we like. Now, the flavour of our cake has to suit the tastebud of our kids as well. See this little tiny chocolate cake in the picture, we bought it as we were worried that Oliver would not fancy the other chestnut flavour. We couldn't decide at the cake shop and decide to go for two tiny cakes rather than one huge chestnut cake. I did not mention Heidi as she is the not so fussy one. And I had two rounds of birthday song, with Oliver blowing the candles. Look at him, holding the knife and ready to cut the cake anytime.

In the afternoon, Boon Heng brought me to this place - Food for thought. Mmm, a place which I wanted to go but for a different reason. Food was nice and atmosphere was pleasant. Anyway, those who heard my story had a good laugh at what happened.. and most likely, this birthday is going to be the most memorable birthday ever. Took this picture outside Food for Thought, cute bunny.

Happy Mother's Day

2010-05-15T01:07:00.000-07:00

This Mother's Day card was my first card from Heidi with 3 stalks of flowers. Although the card was made with big help from teachers. It still cheered me up.

Good Helper

2010-05-13T20:40:00.000-07:00

A few things I wanted to write about Heidi, but always couldn't find the time to or remember...

Heidi seems to be the complete opposite of Oliver. She will pack things up, sweep the floor (or try to), put back her shoes or fetch shoes for her mom. Even the teachers commented in the notebook yesterday that Heidi is a good helper, helping the other kids to sit down and eat their food (I dunno how she did that).

五月三日至五月七日

2010-05-12T18:19:00.000-07:00

亲爱的爸爸妈妈：

你们好！时光像女巫一样，从指尖悄悄地溜走。不知不觉又到了我们聊天的时候了。宝宝们在学校有哭有笑，有欢畅淋漓的玩耍，也有认真听故事的可爱模样。

在这个月，我们的主题是：七彩儿歌。第一周，主要介绍动物的儿歌，学习了《两只老虎》、《七只猴子荡秋千》、《小白兔》、《小鸭子》等儿歌。小宝宝们表现出了很高的热情。他们可以跟老师做一些简单的动作。例如，在《小鸭子》儿歌中有这样一段：“门前大桥下，游过一群鸭，快来快来数一数，二、四、六、七、八。”宝宝们也会学老师把两只手握起来，举过头顶，就像大桥一样。也会招招小手，然后数鸭子。哈哈。可爱吧~在讲故事《小帆船找妈妈》中，他们也会为小帆船找不到妈妈而感到悲伤，看他们眼里流露出的神情就知道了。他们可以说一些简单的字和词。比如“拜拜”“车”“嗯”，有的小宝宝还可以讲“谢谢”。看着他们牙牙学语的样子，心里由衷的为他们高兴。

因为这周正好赶上母亲节，所以我们的手工是围绕着节日而展开的。我们做了贺卡送给妈妈，外面有我们发自内心的话语：“I LOVE U”,里面还有妈咪和宝宝的合影。宝宝还亲手给您做了漂亮的花儿，真的是费了不少事呢~亲爱的妈咪你们还喜欢么？祝你们节日快乐！永远都年轻漂亮！

在科学课上，我们看了冰是怎样融化的。老师把小恐龙放进塑料袋中，然后放进水，结冰后，拿给宝宝们去看，去摸，去感觉。家长们你们能猜到这些都是谁的小手么？O(∩_∩)O~

好了，时间不早了，我就先说到这里了，我会及时向你们汇报宝宝在学校的学习和玩耍情况。也请你们放心，我们会在有限的时间里让宝宝们学到无限的知识，掌握更多的生活技能，和懂得更多的礼貌和道理。那就让我们下周再见吧。

爱你们的小树熊

Sunday walk at Raffles Place

2010-05-12T08:24:00.000-07:00

It has been a while since we last visited Merlion Park, and we thought of going again last Sunday. After our usual Sunday breakfast at Hans, we strolled towards Merlion Park. As we walked closer to our destination, the sky threatened to pour. Interestingly, when the sun was not so harsh, the pictures taken turned out to be so rich in colour.

After taking some pictures, we headed toward UOB plaza , and the sky finally poured. Unable to move further towards Merlion Park and stucked at the UOB plaza, we decided to take the MRT underground walkways. Ended up in the NTUC building, we took the lift up and down the building to entertain our kids. Oliver always enjoyed taking lift with a view. Walking around aimlessly for about 45 minutes, Boon Heng decided to run back to his car in the rain and fetch us at our final stop at The Sail.

Just want to pen down this totally ordinary Sunday, but yet totally new experience.

Heidi and her shoes

2010-05-12T08:18:00.000-07:00

Two weeks ago, Heidi started her strange habit of removing her shoes and socks whenever she sit in the car. Due to hot weather? No idea why she did it at all.

Life is Short

2010-05-04T05:18:00.000-07:00

Not too sure about the last two paragraphs, but certainly those words of the first paragraph tug at my heartstring. Especially... as it reads"... an entire life to forget them", images of people whom I love would surface in my mind, and would almost bring a tear to my eyes. I cried easily and I always wonder why. It can be really embarrassing at times, or rather all the times when I had sudden outburst of tears. After pondering many years, I attributed the cause to the big tear ducts which I noticed - no wonder I cannot control my tears... a genetic defect.

Taking Passport Pictures

2010-04-19T21:22:00.000-07:00

Immigration gave parents a tough job.

Crabby sunglasses and Oliver's moo moo hat

2010-04-18T18:39:00.000-07:00

4D3N Stay at Ritz Carlton Millenia

2010-04-07T07:39:00.001-07:00

With our failed plan to leave the country over the Easter weekend and three-day closure of childcare centre, we ended up staying in Ritz Carlton Millenia (a.k.a Merlion Hotel) for three nights. We paid two nights and the third night was on the house. Perfect getaway for us. We checked in on Sunday and left on Tuesday afternoon. It would be truly perfect if not for my monthly visit by my "yi ma", and not again during my stay at Ritz! No soaking in the bathtub with the beautiful city view.

View from the bathroom.Heidi, Oliver and Boon Heng were the lucky ones. Soaked themselves for almost everyday. I only have the rain shower bath to comfort my tired soul. Breakfast at the Green House were more sumptuous as we became quite bored of the meals served at the Club Lounge. We were quite turned off when they served fried mee hoon, vegetable and chicken for a particular night, and the taste were no where compared to those we have had at the Jalan Berseh Market. Other nights, we had lasagne and toasted duck crepes. The desserts were simply too sweet and once again, no where near the standard of those we had at Goodwood Park or Rose Vernetta. Our dining experiences were made worst with Oliver not showing any fancy in his food and kept spilling his drink. Heidi were equally fussy as she would throw out food she did not fancy, making a mess out of the place. She would be restless, wanting to climb out of the high chair. Boon Heng and I were mostly swallowing our food.
The Pan family joined us at the Ritz for a swim. The kids were great together and enjoying one another company. Heidi was sleeping at this point when these charming pictures were taken, sound asleep and all the noise in the world could not wake her from her sweet sumberland.

Not sure whether we would return to Ritz again, but I suspect we would. The Bvlgari toiletries, the lofty bed, the thick towels were simply hard to resist and, hey not forgetting the bathtub with a view, I got to use it one of these days!

Growing up fast

2010-04-03T08:19:00.000-07:00

Heidi never ceases to amaze us. As compared to Oliver, she is really a quick learner and understands instructions really well.

She would indicate to us that she has poo on her diaper. In the last few weeks, she even sat on the potty when she wanted to poo. Today, she surprised us by sitting on the potty waiting for her turn to shower while I was showering Oliver. The next moment she was gone and I noticed that she had pooed on the potty! So clever!

Other things that she can do now is imitating the bark of a dog, the meow of a cat, indicating her fear, calling papa, pointing to Oliver, Mommy, me or herself when asked of the whereabout, choosing her shoes, trying to wear her shoes, drinking from a straw, saying mama whenever she sees my handphone, feeding herself, making monster face. She also doesn't wake up for night feed.

I think I have got a genius daughter.

三月二十二日至二十六日

2010-03-30T23:08:00.000-07:00

亲爱的爸爸妈妈：

你们好！我们又见面了。这一周你们过得好么？下面就让我来说一说小宝宝在学校都做了些什么活动吧！O(∩_∩)O

本周的主题是“我喜欢的水果”。老师准备了各种各样的水果型塑料玩具，让我们去触碰，去感知。有苹果、香蕉、柠檬、葡萄、芒果、草莓、杨桃等。我们还玩了水果印画，就是把杨桃切开，然后沾上涂料，因为杨桃切开是五角形，所以，我们的画纸上留下了好多“小星星”。您看！就像我们明亮的小眼睛一样。多可爱呀~

我们还去水果店认识水果，那里的水果多得真是琳琅满目啊！家长还给我们带来了自己喜欢的水果，来和其他小伙伴分享。老师帮我们把水果切成小块块，放入沙拉酱，我们就拿着小汤匙搅拌起来，嘻嘻真好玩儿！
听说用柠檬擦桌子会很干净，于是老师特地买来柠檬，让我们学习做家务，感觉自己像个小大人。看着自己擦得桌子这么干净，特有成就感，这就是成长的快乐吧！

好了，今天我们就聊到这吧，让我们下周再见！

爱你们的小树熊

Heidi and friends in Koala class (2010 toddler class)

2010-03-29T00:47:00.000-07:00

I thought that Heidi's eyes have recently grown bigger. But after looking at these photographs, I realised it was afterall my imagination.

给爸爸妈妈的信 (from Del-care)

2010-03-26T07:47:00.000-07:00

三月十五日至三月十九日

亲爱的爸爸妈妈:

本周的主题是“我想要成为……”。因为都是小豆豆班的宝宝，所以老师帮我们设计了一个儿童走秀的活动。先是老师们穿了漂亮的衣服，扮演模特，真人走秀。然后，我们又观看了儿童时装秀的视频，小宝宝们看的可聚精会神啦，有的甚至站起来，想要试着走走呢！最后，老师为我们布置了一个“T”形台，给我们换上了漂亮的衣服，牵着我们的小手，从“T”形台的这边走到另外一边。来回几次后，老师松开了我们稚嫩的小手，鼓励我们自己走过来。看！我们当中真的有小宝宝可以做到！真棒呀！

在这一周，我们最有成就的是为自己的衣服染色。老师买来了没有任何图案的T恤衫，我们把衣服染上了自己喜欢的颜色。等衣服干了以后，老师制作了模板，让我们拿了滚刷，沾上染料，这样，可爱的小动物便留在了我们喜欢的T恤上。我们还穿上它在“T”形台上走猫步呢！哈哈！好炫耀噢！

关于颜色，老师教我们认识红色和蓝色。因为我们太小了，还不能认识得很明白，不过我们会努力的,爸爸妈妈也要为我们加油哦！但是也不要小瞧我们小豆豆班，我们可以泡美禄了！老师帮我们在杯子里放入美禄粉，加入水后，我们就拿着小汤匙，搅啊搅，搅啊搅……然后,趁着老师不注意，一大口放进嘴巴！嘻嘻，肥水不流外人田嘛！
亲爱的爸爸妈妈们，这一周我们不仅学到了知识，而且过得很愉快。

那就让我们下周再见吧！

爱你们的小树熊！

Conversation

2010-03-24T11:55:00.001-07:00

Last night, while driving Oliver and Heidi back from my mum's place, I stopped at the junction near EXPO where the MRT track is in sight.

Me: "Oliver, look at the train... the MRT train"

Oliver: "Wow..."

Me: "Heidi, can you see the train?"

Heidi: "Wow..."

To the Zoo again

2010-03-13T05:54:00.001-08:00

Similar to our last trip to the zoo July last year, we greeted the otter not too long after we stepped into the zoo.

Once again, we tucked into our favourite meal - Beryani Chicken and thirst quenching iced lemon tea.

Heidi shaked Ah Meng's hand

Oliver's favourite animal in the zoo.

Boon Heng and Oliver posed for the camera.

We love the unlimited tram ride at the zoo, and couldn't help ourselves to compare the lousy monorail ride we had at the Bird Park. Zoo surely surpassed the bird park in almost everything I can think of.

Heidi just woken up from her 1-hour sleep and looking rather confused....

but looking pretty and happy.

First week in toddler group

2010-03-03T08:02:00.000-08:00

Heidi graduated from Infant section and moved on to toddler group in Del-Care. Although the first day was supposed to be 2 March, the teachers had been orientating Heidi the week before to help her adapt to the new 'lifestyle'. This included scheduling her sleeping times to coincide with the toddler group, having meals and playing together. The teachers assured us that Heidi is very adaptable and has been doing very well (that was not much crying, although there were). I was quite happy to hear that, but still concerned that Heidi would equally be traumatised by the new change.

I had wanted to drop by during work hours to peep at her, but was swarmed with work. Well, I am busy with CCA rather than my actual work. The PA Songwriting Competition, which is out of the quality management work, seems to be taking almost 100% of my time. I feel really guilty for not making the time as I did for Oliver. Oliver had taken almost three months to get used to the new environment. He was crying most of the times and almost lost his voice from the constant crying. At times during his dream or perhap nightmare, he cried in his sleep. It was a traumatic experience for Oliver and for us. Jeanette shared with us months later she thought that Boon Heng and I could not go through the ordeal, and would pull out. Wrong guess. Oliver would be equally traumatised if he would to join another school.

Heidi, on the hand, behaved very well which made me worried. She cried mostly in the morning when we left her. At night when we fetched her, she was usually seen playing with her friend or roaming around the room. Perhap she think she is on holiday and unaware that she would be in toddler group permanently. Maybe, she knew Oliver was somewhere near her, Or, perhap I have with me a highly adaptable and brave little girl. Oh.. why do I feel my nose up in the air? I feel like a proud parent now.

Heidi wearing oliver's sunshades

2010-03-01T04:52:00.001-08:00

Oliver & Heidi at Botanic Garden

2010-02-18T05:10:00.000-08:00

Habitual Creature

2010-02-17T18:37:00.000-08:00

Human are habitual creature. We go to the same place to eat and order the same food. We go to the regular hangout and hang around with the same group of friends. Once a while, we explore new places but would still go back to the same old place.

Heidi and Oliver constantly remind us that we are a madeup of our own habits. Heidi wakes up every morning and would walk into the bathroom, point at her toothbrush and brush her teeth. When we return home every evening, she would walk into the bathroom, climb the stool and wash her hands. We would rush to her to prevent her from falling from the stool, although she has no problem with climbing, and she think she can climb down without falling. Sometimes, when we carried a sleepy Heidi to school without her shoes on, she wakes up pointing to her feet and I imagine if she can vocalise it, it will be "Mummy, you forget my shoes again. I want my shoes." Too late, we can't go back home, need to enter the ERP gantry before 8am. Rushing every morning before the clock strikes 8 is an old habit that is so difficult to break. There goes, $1 for Gahmen for being late; $3 for Gahmen for being 5 min late.