Jacob Ballas Children's Garden

We celebrated National Day with an outing to the Jacob Ballas Children's Garden.

Started with prata ... am pleased that both kids like prata with curry and sugar, just like me!

The Garden had some special National Day activities at its entrance - face-painting and an art and craft table for the kids to make merlions.

Nadine had recently done picture composition in school on Jacob Ballas, and during class, her English teacher had described the various sites in the garden. Nadine was so excited to find all the spots!

Walking on the wobbly bridge

Balancing on a log

Found the big mushroom shade

 And they even got to climb a tree!

It was a great day out to a place that's somewhat "natural". But it was a scorching hot day too!

Bibi goes home

After 7 long years, Bibi finally went home. She had been with us since Nadine was born, and had spent more time with the kids than anyone else. She's done a fantastic job raising the kids, spoiling them, as well as disciplining them when necessary. She'll definitely be missed!

We broke the news to the kids a few weeks before she was due to leave. They were sad and reluctant, but not unduly upset, to our surprise. Perhaps some part of their little brains already knew that she wouldn't be there forever.

I bought her a Pandora pendant and necklace as a farewell gift - since Nadine loves Pandora so much.

And she bought us a pot of orchids. How sweet and thoughtful!

At the airport, the kids were playful right till the moment that she went into customs. Then Nadine started crying. But just for a short while. We distracted them with an outing to the Art Science Museum.

But that night, Nadine literally cried herself to sleep! She cried so pitifully it broke my heart. And she kept repeating, "Bibi's such an important person in my life! She's been there since I was born!" Poor darling!

Aaron turns 5

My baby turns 5!

Celebrating in school. This year, he asked for "stick insect" clap. Doesn't ask for the ordinary, this boy.

Birthday cake with the family, and a lovely photo with the sister

We held a birthday party for him at home this year, with the usual group of church friends - friends whose parents I grew up with, and with whom he's growing up with now.

Splashing fun in the pool. It had actually rained for the last few days, and weather forecast for the day was cloudy. But amazingly, sun came out when the kids went down to the pool! 

And Aaron's reply on how the weather was so good - "maybe because God knows it's my birthday!"

Happy birthday boy with his choice of birthday cake - Batman

How fast 5 years just flew past like that. Don't grow up too fast, my little cheeky monkey!

Nadine's 天下 report card

Was surprised that her teacher actually wrote that she paid attention in class. Quite different from the feedback from her school Chinese teacher.

However, she's decided she's had enough of these 2-hr classes. Major protest last week, and after half an hour's battle, we reached a compromise - I'd withdraw her from 天下, but she needs to do Chinese assessment everyday and master ready a Chinese book. Plus, I'd take all her savings from her allowance, to cover the 天下 fees.

Let's see where we go from here. 

Aaron's latest creations

Police jet plane with 2 booster engines

Bad guy's vehicle that has a vacuum in front

Number 6 boat made from "Che Che's trash". And it's number 6 because that's the only number he could find!

Aaron making sense of life

On our way to school today, Aaron pointed out a speed camera to me.

A: Mummy, I saw a man put his head into the orange box before.

Me: Huh?!

A: I think he was fixing the camera.

Me: Oh, right ....

A: I think he can fix all things.

Me: Erm ... I'm not sure.

A: Of course he can! Why would anyone want to know how to fix only 1 thing?

This 5-year-old can make so much sense!

Nadine's new look

Unfortunately, it's not a good new look. Specs at 7. Sigh .....

Clocking in hours for CCE

Nadine had to clock in household chores times for CCE for the June holidays, but she helped with washing the dishes, washing the bathroom and cleaning her shoe cabinet!

Mighty eagle

The kids' favourite anthem for the month of June.

Church camp 2016

This year, we decided to go to KL 2 days before church camp, for some family bonding time.

We went swimming in the very cold pool, and caught the Angry Birds movie.

Went shopping the second day and got the kids some new clothes, a new school bag for Nadine (a $50 Cath Kidston backpack!) and toys.

Should have been great for the kids, but Nadine fell at the indoor playground and cut her lip big-time.

But she pretty much got over it the next day, and was able to enjoy herself at Kidzania. Both of them tried out more activities compared to last year, when it was a lot more crowded.

Prepping the surgeons

Mid-wives taking care of the babies

Aaron the car mechanic

Getting a manicure

Aaron the police

Fireman to the rescue

Made her own McDonald's meal

Dentist at work

The microbiologist 

Probably the toughest job she did that day - courier

As usual, one of the highlights of every camp is the kids' performance on the last day.

Church camp is certainly becoming easier and more enjoyable, now that the kids are older and do not need so much babysitting!