The Singapore Zoo

I was feeling quite energetic and determined this morning, so I decided to bite the bullet and take the kids to the zoo on my own. Just before leaving the house, I texted the mother of Sophie's best friend and asked if she would like to go. I didn't wait for her reply and left soon after. I thought if she was to join us, she would need some time to get ready too. 

Coincidentally, they had planned to visit the zoo today for their toddler's birthday. We met at the ticketing booth and thus, we had some great company today. The kids were very happy to see one another. Of all the families we know through Sophie's schools, this is the only one who does regular playdates with us. Somehow, we aren't very popular candidates for playdates. Partly because I don't really make friends easily, partly because the kids are too spirited. 

Sophie sometimes has great ideas and intentions but she has too many other things to think about. Thus, she forgets easily. She asked me to take pictures of these red river hogs so that she can draw them later. However, I doubt she remembers now.

The day was hot and the zoo was reasonably crowded. The kids were hardly stationary enough for me to take pictures. Also, I brought the pram along (just in case Alfee refuses to walk) and it was difficult to manage everything.

Unlike Sophie, Alfee isn't very adventurous when animals are concerned. He's instinctively fearful of large animals. It doesn't help that I always warn them about wild animals. This little man was very serious and stayed very close to me whenever we came across big or scary looking animals and creatures.

With Papa around, we usually missed animal shows because he likes to follow his own agenda and schedule. Today, we managed to see the sea lion show at 10.30 am. AS I was in a terribly good mood, I gave the kids a treat of popcorn and potato chips. They were ecstatic by the simple pleasures.

We took the tram around the zoo before stopping for the elephant show at 11.30 am. I must really thank the family with us because I would have skipped the ride to avoid the hassle. Of course, I had little idea where to hop on and where we would end up. 

The crowd was quite intimidating at the elephant show. We had to split up and I realised some tourists can be very inconsiderate sometimes. They took up a lot of space and they wouldn't move to occupy the inner seats. They would rather let us squeeze through to get to those seats. They also look at us condescendingly. I'm referring to Asian looking ones (with caucasian accent).  

At the end of the show, we could pay $5 to buy a basket of fruit for the elephants. Sophie was very excited but we were not quick enough, they soon run out of feed. Sophie was quite upset and I know how much she really likes to feed animals. I must make a mental note to sit in the centre next time and jump at the first offer to buy the fruit basket.

Alfee was a little cranky after the elephant show so I decided it was time we leave the zoo. I'm sure the kids wished we could stay but they were too tired and the afternoon sun was punishing. If Papa was around, I could let Alfee sleep in the pram and get some lunch in the zoo. However, I couldn't buy food from the Ah Meng restaurant with the two kids around, especially Alfee.

Thus, we did the next best thing. We met Papa for lunch at Suntec City. It's really cool for the kids to see their papa at lunch on a weekday. We had a simple lunch at The Crystal Jade before visiting the Foundation of Wealth (or whatever it's called). Honestly, I think it's my first visit.Sophie was very serious about making her wish. She diligently made her wish and walked around the fountain 3 times. I wonder what she had wished for. But I won't ask. The kids fell asleep in the cab on the way home and so did I for a while. I was tired but I wasn't in pain or unwell. For that, I am very thankful.

Singapore Philatelic Museum & Ah Mah's Christmas Tree

Auntie Kar Keng signed us up for a holiday programme at Singapore Philatelic Museum today. Honestly, I don't know what the kids did there but I was glad to hear that they had fun. Alfee was underage so I saved him the agony of waiting there for Sophie. Instead, Ah Gong and Ah Mah came over to our place to play with him.

After the session, we went to City Hall for lunch at Skinny Pizza. I was happy to see Sophie's enthusiasm with the food. Despite her usual reluctance to eat, she cleaned up her plate today. We managed to squeezed in some time for shopping. I desperately need some new clothes so I bought two t-shirts (I'm so proud already… ). 

I didn't linger too long because Alfee is a handful and Ah Gong would be very tired. When we reached home, I started taking out my art materials to put away. Usually I hate sorting art materials because it's tedious and boring. So I gave it to my mum and taught her to make a Christmas tree. To my surprise, she liked it very much. The tiny bells tickled her. 

I seldom see her smile and when I do, I get the hint. It's time to carry out my plans. I have always thought about doing art and craft with my mum. It's kind of an art therapy for her. But my dad kept discouraging me and I hardly have the right moment to do it with her. I think she's not so keen on art, she's more into craft. I shall have to look for simple yet adorable crafts to do with her.

MFPS Gathering

Lately I find it hard to get out of bed before 7.30am. And I tried not to. Sophie would be the first to get up and CK would join her at the living room. He always tell her to monitor the stock market for him and today, he took a picture of her reading the newspaper. It's a good sign. Perhaps it's time to encourage her to read The Straits Times. 

That aside, we had a major gathering today. Some of my ex-schoolmates from Mayflower Primary School came over to our place with their children. The kids were so excited that they sat at the sofa to wait for the guests to arrive.  It was a pot luck so everyone brought something to share. 

As usual, food isn't my forte so I provided the place, drinks and cutleries instead. Of course, I threw in a Christmas craft session for the kids. I made the promise to conduct a craft session for their children some time ago but there wasn't any opportunity until now. The children preferred to play with Playdough during our last gathering. This time, I was prepared and very determined to conduct the session.

I planned to make the Christmas tree with them. I wanted to see how good was the response and figure out the best way to conduct the session because we have another session with some senior citizens on the 19 Dec. Then if there was time, I planned to do a hand print craft on the good bag with the children. 

The children, of course, went straight into playing. The boys took the play room while the girls occupied Sophie's room. Somehow, I felt that the boys were a lot more cooperative and organised in their play. 

After we got the feasting out of the way, I started the craft session proper. I didn't really know the children so I wasn't sure if my way of teaching was good for them. I was also concerned that Alfee and Sophie would pester me to give them attention and disrupt the session (they did).

Yet, the children were very well behaved and they listened attentively. The older ones were also very helpful towards the younger ones. When we started doing the craft, it was chaotic. I roped in the adults to supervise the children. Hopefully they had some fun doing it with the children.

The end product was rather cool I must admit, although Sophie put too many bells in her tree. I realised the children couldn't resist bells. Like moths drawn to the light, they loved shaking those bells.

The enthusiasm for the second craft was fuelled by the children's desire to receive their goody bags. I told them that they could only claim their goodies after they finished decorating their bags. That worked. They didn't even mind having their whole hand painted red.

Everyone managed to make the falling Santa beautifully. It turned out much better than I had expected. The children then filled their bags with toys, candies and favours. Everyone seemed very content with their hard earned goodies.

Then some children stayed on to do a ladybug craft with plastic spoon and markers while others continued playing in the room. Although this wasn't planned, the children were enjoying the process of a simple craft.

By 5 pm, the children were tired and the adults were ready to just relax and call it a day. We waited for Ann to arrive with Dexter before eating the ice-cream cake. Everyone loves ice-cream! Soon after, everyone was ready to go home. I'm sure the children would continue to play forever but it was dinner time soon and evening time is 'cranky' time.

Only Ann stayed on. We did the Christmas tree craft with Dexter before watching some TV before Papa came back. By then, the kids were super tired and Alfee even asked me to bring him to bed. Ann and Dexter ate dinner with Papa while I put them to bed finally. I'm glad everyone seemed to have enjoyed themselves and I enjoy teaching the crafts to them as well. It's been a while since I last taught other children crafts.

Auntie Gina's House - Carolling & Craft Practice

It's the time of the year again. This year, we are challenging ourselves with a craft session before we sing. There would be around 40 senior citizens there so it wouldn't be very easy. We started off with a simple Christmas tree with ribbons but soon we realise it's not as easy as we thought and the ribbons are expensive. After lots of discussion, we simplified it to the basics. Surprising, it looks quite decent.

 

I knew Alfee couldn't cope with crowd and fatigue so we had to leave earlier. But not before the kids had a go at the playground nearby. They were so happy, it wasn't easy for me to tell them to go.

Ah Gong came over unannounced so I was glad we left early. I left the kids with him and went off to get more art supplies for the craft sessions. I have a gathering tomorrow and I need to stock up my supplies.