Out and about in Toa Payoh!

After all that decadent feasting during Christmas, we thought a little porridge would do us some good so off we headed for the restaurant called "Oasis" (formerly located at the National Stadium and now relocated to Toa Payoh). This restaurant is situated right next to the pond & garden so Ethan got to see tortoises swimming around whilst we had lunch.





Around the pond is a nice boardwalk complete with little bridges and landscaping reminiscent of those described in a Chinese novel that makes you wonder if you're still in Singapore.

Come on peeps! Lets go!

Of course, with all the nice landscaping screaming a photo opportunity, there was a mad rush to pose with me on the different bridges.




I must say the most fun was this acrobatic shot with Uncle Li hanging over the bridge! I can't believe Mummy & Grand-ma actually allowed me to do this. heehee. Needless to say, I had a great time in Toa Payoh!

The Marina Barrage - Part II

*Disclaimer: This post is 1 week late as mummy was busy updating on the Christmas happenings. Better late than never she says! Nevertheless, happy reading!*

After our very fun first outing to the Marina Barrage, we decided to return to better explore the place considering we only explored the outdoor area of level 1. So it was with little surprise that our boy began to walk around like he owned the place. Ha!

So up we went to level 2! Check out this view of the barrage!

We even had time for a game of peekaboo and this time Ethan was acting all lofty and scolding his paparazzi daddy for videoing him. haha. This is so funny!

Next, we moved to the roof garden of the barrage. There we were amazed by the sheer expanse of grassed space and it was here that we witnessed many families indulging in fun activities which we hardly see enough of anymore - they were either having picnics or flying kites or playing catching with their kids or just enjoying the scenery and talking. It was quite magical to watch and all with the backdrop of the Singapore skyline and the beautiful setting sun. Geez Mummy! You're sounding like an advertisement for the barrage. Ok, but you get my point right?




Here we are on our way down along the ramp from the roof garden.

Down from the ramp, we caught sight of a little gift shop on our right and decided to pop in to see how tourists are cheated these days. Who knew we would end up buying something ourselves?! Don't I look very happy with my purchase?


Hmmm...does anyone want to come along with us for our next trip? Let Ethan, our tour guide know. hehe.

Presents revealed!

The finishing touch to Christmas Day, the unveiling of the presents!
First up - The bubble-blowing Thomas the train!

Wow! Look at all those bubbles! Amazing!

And now, the moment of truth - Ethan in action!

The next gift, a cute little white bunny from Great-Granny. I've never seen a hopping bunny before and mummy thinks a great way to introduce me to animals that is both safe for the animals and for me! I really didn't know how cute bunnies can be. Notice that I'm smiling non-stop in this video.

It really has a knack for hopping in my direction to play tag with me. Tell you what? I love it!

Its beginning to look alot like Christmas!

Today, we get to unwrap all our presents but before the festivities begin, lets pose for a picture with all our presents! Hmmm...doesn't this feel like deja-vu from Ethan's birthday in November.

Here is Ethan unwrapping his first present of the year from his doting Yi-Poh Diana.

More unwrapping of Thomas the train. Bet he doesn't know what it can do yet...hur hur hur.

As for Stich (given by Uncle Derek), action speak louder than words. He loves it very much! Awww...

Finally! All my presents have been unwrapped. Man, that was hard work!

I deserve a round of applause! Woohoo!

Next, it was off to Aunty Elizabeth's house for a hearty homecooked meal! No prizes for who was Mr Popular with all the Aunties...Ethan, are you having a good time?



Will reveal Ethan's presents in action in my next post so stay tuned! =)

Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even the mouse...

This year marked a change of tradition for it was the first year that we didn't have Derek with us (hope you enjoyed mass at the Vatican Derek!) and the first we decided to attend the Children's Christmas Pageant at St Ignatius instead of our beloved SVDP. Now we have grand plans to sign up Ethan as one of the Shepherds when he is older. hee hee...


After mass, it was off to GrandMa's place for a nice yummy Christmas dinner courtesy of Daddy! Lets see what's on the menu?

1) Turkey (5kg Nonya styled) - Check!
The bird in question...delicious!


2) Pork Knuckle from Paulaner (1.7kg) - Check!
Mummy & Granny posing prettily in front of the meats.

3) Caesar Salad from Swensens x 3
A shot of the salad with Grand-daddy coming into the picture.


Finally, a birds-eye view of all the good food.

More and more people joining for this family Christmas shot!


And finally, a feast of calorie-laden indulgence! (Kudos to mummy for melting and mixing the delicious chocolate and Yi Poh Diana for her fondue set and chocolate!)

Ready, set, GO GO GO! Yum...

Swimmin!

It has been too long since I've taken to the pool as it has been raining so much and as I was down with the flu just over a week ago. So, its with much anticipation that I got into my swim diapers and swimsuit, begged my daddy to re-inflate my "deflated" float and hopped into the icy waters!

I have learned how to "kick, kick, kick"!


I also love the fountain! Part of the fun is trying to catch the water that never seems to be able to be caught! But don't worry - mummy always tells me practice makes perfect so one day I will be able to catch myself a nice little fountain! (Mummy will show everyone the video once she manages to find a video converter and editing programme)

I even had a nice dip in the Jacuzzi...ssshhh...don't tell the management!

The Marina Barrage

Last Saturday, we revisited the Marina Barrage (which we first visited during the New Paper Big Walk).



There were good views of both sides of the barrage with lots of space for kiddos to run around and have fun. Here is the view facing the Singapore Flyer!


And the view of the sea on the other side.


But more importantly, since the Barrage took on the primary role of forming Singapore's latest reservoir, WATER was a definite highlight in the numerous fountain displays and water playscape for kids! Here is Ethan mesmerized by the synchronized fountains.


There was even enough space for a game of peekaboo!




The place was so huge that we spent all our time on the ground floor and have yet to explore up the grass ramp to the roof of the barrage or the pump room to learn more about the function of the barrage. Aw well, there is always next time!