Carefree like a child

Child's play. Uncensored laughter & joy to run around.

Recap of me-time

In my last post, I shared about how thankful I was/am about being able to go on this solo holiday. Honestly, while I was toggling whether it was the best decision to go, I absolutely have no regrets about it. On one hand, while I recognise that it was selfish (given that the kids will always need me/a person to care for them; and they were ill just before I left; and the husband had an assignment to submit...); I really think that it was such a good break and I had time to be alone, do nothing/something/silly things; and spend time with the sister.

Many years ago, the sister and I talked about going on a holiday - just us two - and while that hadn't happened yet (we wanted to do Hawaii), I think this trip is sorta a good preview to many more good times we can share.

There were so many highlights in the trip - every moment along the way was so fun and great that I really cannot pinpoint ONE key highlight. Truth is, having the sister & her boyfriend along was a blessing and I'm lucky that I had their company and the whole break was just awesome.

Beautiful weather, awesome company, ginormous spread - we were in such a good place.

Sister silliness - laughs and spontaneity

In awe of nature

Re-living child's play

The blue house - the perfect spot for perfect pictures

Nightfall - King's Park

Healthy living daily

Special place, special sisters, special bond

Treat at Jamie Oliver's Italian restaurant

Thank you for being my sister

Thanks to lovely meimei Jos who so generously shared her home with us

Thankful

One hour to go and I board the aeroplane, on the flight back home.

The past five days have been nothing short of amazing and I am so thankful for them. Thankful to the husband who gave me the green light to go on this holiday. Thankful to the sister and the boyfriend who were around that brought much convenience, great company, laughter and so-much-fun to our time. Thankful to the mother, who selflessly volunteered her help with the children in my absence. Thankful to my friends who made time to meet with me.

And finally, thankful for my sister - she who I can speak to, confide in, laugh with, shop with, eat with and be with. I know that I'm not the easiest person to get along with (sometimes) but I'll never ever hurt her or anyone intentionally and I really am glad that I have such an awesome relationship with her.

This holiday was such a luxury and I am so thankful that I was able to enjoy it.

I'm recharged and happy and looking forward to going home, to be a wife, a daughter and a mother.

Fruit

This is another fruit of my husband's labour. While I was rather taken aback by how much crawlies there were from this plant alone, it's still rather amazing that we reaped our first bitter gourd! My husband totally has green fingers (though we did have sunflower and other plants which...)

& they can look cuter - with props

Jake the scholar

Kate the clown

Last three days

In two day's time, I'm going to end a journey in my current work place.

I remember, more than two years ago, I was full of excitement, anticipation and hope when I first started. 

This journey has been mostly fun, made bearable with the support network I have gained through my tenure here. I leave on a super high, because of timing and honestly, I'm still so ingrained in the work that I nearly feel wistful that I'll not be here to follow this through. But I'll be back to stand at the finishing line and watch this in all its glory, so I'm still part of it all.

I'm thankful for all the experiences I have gained, lessons I have learnt, and most of all, the friends I have made.
 

Friends

Things I do when I'm off work

I had a couple of days off work last week and it was nice, being able to do my own things, doing things with the kids, and just having time.

Head to the market with everyone in tow and silence feed them with food. Someone's grumpy because he's finished with his biscuit and wants more.

Bring the daughter down to wait for her school bus. Someone's found a way to entertain herself when the bus was grossly late.

Capture the siblings loving each other. Such sights truly warm my heart.

Watch the son have breakfast like a boss.

Bring the daughter out for some solo time and treat me us to some dessert.

Head to the park for some evening play

Watch them enjoy themselves on the swings

Marvel at how the son is a mini person and no longer a wehwehbaby when he can hold his own on this horsey thingy

Have a girly sleepover (there are 5 in this pic) when the husband has his friends over till late.