Day 2: Trip to Bangkok

We began Day 2 at 9 a.m. - Trip to Dream World, Bangkok. Do not expect Disney! It is an Amusement Park about 30mins ride from the City. I booked the tickets online. For 1000 baht per person (equiv. SGD$42), it includes 2-way Hotel transfers, Entrance fee, unlimited rides, Entrance to Snow Town, Entrance to all the shows and a buffet lunch. Free for Debbie...:)

We didn't know that Thailand just celebrated the King's birthday and the following Monday and Tuesday were public holidays. Thank God the Amusement Park was not crowded.

The first thing that welcomed us was the Love Garden. The flowers were well-maintained and beautiful! Can almost imagined couples holding their solemnization ceremony here...

The next stop was 7 Wonders of the World. My favourite was the Great Wall of China :)

Of course, what is an Amusement Park without the kiddo characters for photo sessions. Debbie was real excited when she spotted them! She wanted to take pictures with all of them :)

Told you "do not expect Disney"; it was nothing like having Mickey and Minnie...haha... When we brought the kids to Hong Kong, Debbie was still a baby... Perhaps I should show her the photos to remind her that we brought her to Disneyland before :p

However the rides were pretty similar... There were the usual cars, boats and train rides. As we bought the all-inclusive tickets, we did not have to buy tickets for the rides.

Next was the Fantasy Land. We took some "funny" photos with the giant "buried underground"...

There were the Magic Sword, Little Frog Prince, the usual castle and a little corner called Uncle Tom's Farm. Denise watched the Animal Show while the ladies went shopping at the Wacoal and Naraya outlets located within the Amusement Park...:)

There was a simple Sleeping Beauty Castle. A mannequin was sleeping inside... JX and Denise posed for "funny" photos again!

Besides the Animal Show, we were also treated to a Hollywood Action Show. There were explosives, fire, stunts etc... Good break for us to rest our feet...:)

The next highlight was to the Snow Town. Denise paired with Daddy while Debbie paired with me. The experience was pretty scary...:p As they did not have jackets in Debbie's size, she was literally "hidden" in the photo...:) We only took 1 ride down the steep slope, while Denise and JX went for several rounds.

We ended the trip at 4pm. Went back to our hotel to freshen up before heading towards Isetan for our dinner. What else but Japanese food!!! There were a stretch of 4-5 Japanese restaurants located on the top floor. We chose the one that had a Japanese manager...:) Thinking that the food might be more authentic... Solid and cheap!

After dinner, we visited the Supermarket for yummy ice-cream. We also bought quite a couple of Pocky that comes in unique flavours that we do not find in Singapore.

No photos... but after we dropped off the children and my MIL in the hotel, SIL, JX and I decided to venture to the Suan Lum Night Market. Didn't buy anything much, except for some Thailand goodies for family and CG.

This was also where I tried foot massage for the FIRST TIME! Yah, first time!!! I am not a massage person but it was very cheap, so decided to give it a try... I told the lady it was my first experience, please "have mercy" on my feet... Not bad...:)

Day 3: Trip to the Siam Ocean World...

Day 1: Trip to Bangkok

We were planning for an Overseas Trip with the kids before Denise goes to P1 next year. Initially it was Malacca, however, decided to venture to Bangkok instead. We invited MIL and SIL along...:)

Denise received a Princess luggage as Birthday and Christmas present from our domestic helper! Mind you, this luggage cost her 1/6th of her monthly salary!!! If you earn $3000 a month, it's equivalent to spending $500... She is SO generous with us! It was the right choice bringing her to Bangkok with us :)

Flying SQ was the next right decision we made! I have always liked the food they serve, especially for the kids. A wide spread of choices from starters, snacks, main course and dessert... It was a breeze flying them as they entertain themselves with the KrisWorld in-flight entertainment. Within 2 hours, we arrived at BKK... Here we go!

This was JX's 2nd trip to BKK but my first... It was interesting to see what colourful taxis they have... We managed to hire a MPV taxi to take all 7 of us to our hotel. We were all excited. Before we left, I bought the tickets, booked the hotel, planned the itinerary and we are ready to shop, eat and have fun!

Next right decision we made was booking us at Amari Watergate, located at Pratunum area! JX stayed here previously when he attended a Business Conference held in their ballroom. He highly recommends this hotel for its convenience and cleanliness. It is a 5 star hotel and it is located directly opposite Platinum Shopping Centre, which became our shopping haven for the next few days...:)

Travelling with kids, it's important that we choose a clean and nice hotel. We got our adjoining rooms; a Twin and a Double. Not only were we upgraded to Grand Deluxe rooms which was bigger with a nice lounge, 40" LCD TV and DVD player, Amari offered free extra beds for 3rd staying pax...:)

The best part about this trip is being able to bring my MIL for holidays. The last trip we made together was to attend JX's buddy's wedding in Jakarta almost 9 years ago! The next few days were exciting as we have planned for the children to visit Dreamworld (Bangkok), Siam Ocean World and for the adults, eat, shop and more shopping...

Water Baptism

Last weekend was a crazy week... Besides Denise's Graduation, I had a CG outing, attended 2 Water Baptism services and brought Denise for a classmate's birthday party @ Polliwogs.

First stop, Danny, Tess, Jacelyn, Yongmei, Joseph, Daryl and I met on Sunday morning at KKMC for Yongmei's Water Baptism. We went for lunch at iCaramel at Luxe (beside Cathay). One of those little cafe with very pretty cakes...:)

Next stop was JW to support Charles and Eileen. They were supposed to be baptised the previous round but didn't because their eldest girl contracted H1N1.

It felt like their "wedding" as they walked down the pool together.

Finally, a group photo! Congratulations to Charles and Eileen!

Cultural Week

Denise learnt about different cultures in school. They had to wear either a Chinese or Indian costume to school. I managed to borrow a set from her classmate from India...:) I like the blue on her skin...

Videos Of Denise's Performance

Nov 27 - Denise's K2 Graduation

One of the greatest moments in Denise's life so far... Pat's Schoolhouse K2 Graduation has always been held in Raffles Hotel; Jubilee Hall. The tradition is that the students will put up an English and Chinese musical. Like all the proud parents there, we were filled with so much excitement!

Everyone was ready with their cameras and video cam. There were much hype and excitement in the air while the parents waited to enter the Hall.

The ceremony started with the Graduation March and an Opening Song item. It is a tradition that they will sing "We The Children". It is a very touching song; talking about "we the children are golden, we shine like stars in the night..." A few mothers were tearing at this moment... After the song, Mrs Patricia Koh, the Founder of Pat's Schoolhouse, presented every child with their Graduation Ring! It is a silver ring with their names engraved on it...

The concert started with the Chinese performance. The amazing 6 year olds had to sing, dance and act! Here, Denise was one of the villagers kids. She had a few solo lines.

3 centers; Halifax, Buckley and Siglap combined for this concert. It was amazing how the teachers improvised the script and songs, and cheoreograhed the dance moves. I heard the props was designed by one of the teachers too!

The English musical was abstracted from "The Little Prince".

Denise had 2 roles here... A Flower and an One-eyed monster of a planet...:)

Again, the children sang, danced and acted... They put up an awesome performance. The best part was no one single child stole the limelight. Everyone was given an equal chance to shine and had their moments!

The teachers must have felt the most relieved and satisfied during the last curtain call! A few months of hard work.... Finally it's over!

After the concert, parents were busy taking photos of their children. Managed to take pictures of Denise with her teachers...

It was already 10.30p.m. but the children insisted that they wanted to go for "supper" together. Well, we brought them to McDonalds at Bras Basah! It was a crazy sight! They were eating and singing at the top of their voice!

One of the best thing that happened to me after sending Denise to Pat's is that I made a group of mummy friends...:) They are one of the greatest mums around. We look forward to every kid's party where the mothers will just hang out and catch up with each other. We will plan for Teachers Day event for their teachers and often think of ways for the children to have fun. Even before the graduation, we are already planning for a March get-together next year!

With sadness and excitement, this graduation closes a chapter of Denise's life... And opens her to another milestone... She started school when she was 2.5 years old. It has never been a problem for her to adapt to any new environment. I look forward to her starting her Primary Education in FMS(P)...:)

CUPCAKES!

Denise received a Cupcake Making machine from Aunty Val last Christmas. It's almost a year (almost...) and she has not made ONE for Aunty Val. I decided to use up all the ingredient to make some last Saturday. Only managed to make 4; 1 each for Denise and Debbie, the other 2 for Aunty Val and Aunty Yan.

Denise - making the mixture

Debbie - preparing the cupcake holder

Denise - pouring the mixture into the cupcake holder

Debbie - placed the container inside the microwave for 1 min

Denise - VOILA! Add the icing and it's done!

Sorry, forgot to take pictures of the finished product. 1 thing I know, they were edible.. haha...:)

Denise's P1 Orientation

Last Saturday was Denise's P1 Orientation at FMS(P). I did not realise that the school has changed their name from FMPS to FMS(P)...

The parents attended a briefing by the Principal and Vice-Principal at the School Hall. After which, we were being ushered to a classroom for some administrative matters. We had to fill up 8 forms!!! One father commented that it felt like taking examinations again...:p

The children assembled in the school canteen. They went to their classrooms and met their form teachers. Denise told me that she did an English and Maths worksheet in class. Asked her if she can do them; she said Yes. Asked her if she got them all right; she said not sure... Haha... Is the kiasu-syndrome coming out from me already?

I fetched Denise from her class after filling up all the forms! She had already gone for a tour around the school compound and wanted to bring me to her favourite spot!

It is a "walk-in" aquarium!

We had lunch in the canteen (an opportunity to check out the quality of the food). Nasi Lemak and Mee Rebus at $1 each; Sushi - 4 pcs for 60cts... Edible; but not exactly fantastic... Well, what am I expecting? :)

Before we left, we settled Denise's busing and visited the FILA booth. Wanted to buy school shoes for her but the velcro type is SOLD OUT for her size. Well, buy another day then...:)

Exciting day! Looking forward to her first day in FMS(P) next year... Whoo! Whoo!

Breakfast @ Riders Cafe

Denise's KL buddies came and visit us. We met for breakfast at Riders Cafe. It is located at 51 Fairways Drive, Bukit Timah Saddle Club. Quite "out of the city" feel; nice place...:) Once in a while, you can see horses trotting by. A bit pricey but worth the visit...:)

The kids waiting for their food to be served.

JX's - Riders Breakfast Set.

Mine - Egg Florinetine (Very fresh!)

Furniture Sale

Dear FAITHFUL Readers:

I am helping a friend to sell some furniture. You can also find them listed in Ebay. Below are just a few of the items for Sale. You may view full listings here: http://picasaweb.google.com/dawnlpc/Furniture#

If you are interested, do send me an email.

One Of My Favourite Photo

The 3 most precious people in my life...:)

Tea @ Body Inc by The Health Club

Met a friend for Tea at Body Inc, Health-T-Bar. The drinks and food served are all healthy stuff...:) And definitely looks so pretty.... If you are looking for a relaxing place to hangout and do some quiet reading in Orchard, try visiting them at Ngee Ann City, #05-19

Tofu with pumpkin sauce, Cucumber with some special sauce, Tea Leaf Egg

This is a MUST TRY! Peppermint with Sour Plum

Ginseng Jelly

Customised Flower Tea

Coolest Video!

One of the coolest video I have ever seen!

Opening of Oprah 24th Season in Chicago!!!