1st day of CNY 2014 - 31 January 2014

31 January 2014 (Fri):

Gong Hei Fatt Choy! Happy New Year! :)

Having slept for 6 hours, I was up & about upon my mil's knocking at our door. She wanted to visit our uncle (her brother) but not sure if he's in Singapore. He lives in JB, Malaysia & would come into Singapore occasionally. After a phone call, Uncle's not in Singapore but in Muar.

My mother decided to join us for a trip to the Singapore Zoo instead but after knowing the boat ride's fully booked at the River Safari, we went to Jurong Bird Park. We had lunch at IMM. Surprisingly, quite a number of shops were opened, even on the 1st day of CNY.

About 4pm, my mil & the kids showed signs of sleepiness so we decided to head back. I told my mil to have a good rest since they will be leaving for Korea in the evening. Since we would be having dinner at my mum's place, I ran back home to pack some clothings for the kids to change into. The kids slept all the way in the car. Upon reaching my mum's, the kids woke up & asked if they were home yet & wondering why the house looked so different. Haha, not fully awake yet.

We went back to pick my in laws to the airport. 6 people in the family going on a trip & the whole village came to send them. 3 cars awaited at the carpark while they arranged between themselves who to sit in which car & the luggages to go in which car.

To the temple to pray for a good health & luck.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Some of the birds we saw.

 

 

Not as awesome as the one at Gardens By The Bay though.

 

 

Steamboat dinner at my mum's.

 

Momo.

 

My aunt & cousins.

 

There were more than 20 of us here, not all were in the photo.

Eve of CNY 2014 - 30 Jan 2014

30 January 2014 (Thurs):

Last day of the lunar calendar for 2013. This evening, we had our reunion dinner. Some of you might already had yours a week ago or some of u might had yours during lunch this afternoon. Whatever it is, a reunion lunch or dinner is for family members to get together, reunited after being overseas for work or for studies. Whether its only for a short period of time or forever, its still a time to celebrate.

As always, we had ours at my aunt's place (hubby's side). The kids call her grandaunt. Steamboat is ready on the table & we tucked in heartily. And a toast to a good start for luck, health & prosperity.

This photo does not justify the glorious food we had. There are more to come.

 

Clearing up the last bits.

 

 

 

4 monkeys cousins got together for some fun.

 

3 cheers for good luck, health & prosperity.

Chinatown - Look Look See See

19 January 2014 (Sun):

A trip to downtown Chinatown is a yearly outing for us. Not that we have anything to buy but we were there just to soak up the atmosphere. This year was fruitful cos we were so honoured & privileged to meet a VIP.

We were walking admist the slow moving crowd when we were stopped dead in our tracks. What's happening? Why were there flash lights from cameras & hps all of a sudden? Some celebrities? Big shots? Who?? What??? Where??

Just outside the Chinatown MRT station.

 

Look at the crowd.

 

 

My princess loves taking photos :)

 

Guess Who? Do u recognize the back view?

 

Mr Lee Hsien Loong. Thank you Sir, for your time to have this photo taken with us :)

 

CNY décor.

 

 

More photos.

CSTD Primary Ballet Exam Results

05 January 2014 (Sun):

Rachel received her results for her primary ballet exam taken last November & we were happy she did well.

Pre Grades Classical Syllabus: Primary -  Highly Commended.

 

Rises: Posture was secure with good use of instep pressure, timing was well maintained throughout - V.G

Foot Flexes: Strong use of floor pressure and ankle flex shown, rotation well executed - V.G

Centre Practice: Posture, footwork and balance all shown with strength & control - Excellent

Port De Bras: Expression and flow of movement shown with natural personality - V.G

Walking Skipping Running: All rhythms demonstrated with well extended legs & feet, good elevation, strong posture & musicality - V.G

Dance 1: You really tried very hard to stretch your feet today. You danced with a sweet smile. A little unsure of your routine today.

Dance 2: Try to gain a more confident performance quality. Be sure feet are well stretched in your skips. Dainty performer.

Demi Curtesy/Bow: Presented with correct placement & expression - V.G

 

2nd day of school

03 January 2014 (Fri):

After school yesterday, the children told me there are a number of books to bring the next day as the teacher would be collecting them for safe-keeping so as to lighten their schoolbag. Basically, all activity books & workbooks are submitted to the teacher, including files, drawing blocks & some exercise books & jotter books.

I made up a trip down during Rachel's recess time today and the school actually brought forward the recess time by 10 mins, so the students have a whooping 40 mins of break. I suspect the reason behind this was that the teachers noticed some students having difficulty finishing their noodles or rice within 30 mins during recess yesterday, hence they gave further allowance.

Below pics were of Rachel playing a game with her buddy & friends. ' Pepsi Cola 1 2 3 '

For those of you who are unsure how the game goes:-
Stand in a circle, holding hands.
As you shout out Pepsi Cola 123, jump 3 steps backwards, letting go of you hands too.

The gist of the game is to try & step onto someone's feet before they step onto your feet. Once your feet gets step on, you are out of the game.

 

 

1st day of school, 2014

02 Jan 2014 (Thurs):

Happy 2014! The 2nd day of January dawn bright & early for these 2 as they prepared themselves for their 1st day of school. I was in school at 0730hrs & went back home only at 1015hrs. Parents were asked to wait at the school canteen while the teachers took attendance & got the pupils ready for their walk to the classroom. Hey, I think as parents, we were more anxious than our children. We were not allowed to be "loitering" around the classrooms but......

 

 

 

 

 

I was taking a foto of Rachel (red arrow) & happened to catch my niece in action (blue arrow)....yawning away. Lol!

 

 

The classroom doors were opened so I took a peek at Rachel, sitting at the exact table she sat during her orientation.

 

This is Yi Xuan, Rachel's P2 buddy. A very helpful & caring girl. She taught Rachel how to buy snacks & even helped her to carry the bowl of noodle soup. Rachel's wallet, though hooked on her skirt, was hanging out of her pocket & tried as I might, I could not get her attention. Yi Xuan saw it & quickly push the wallet back into Rachel's pocket.

 

Immediately after Rachel's recess, it was the P3s & P4s. Lionel looked so mature in his new uniform.

 

Parents are still allowed to visit the P1 pupils during recess tomorrow & I will definitely be there. STILL cant believe my princess is in P1.