3 years

Happy 50th birthday Singapore

9 August rolled around, cool winds and breezy. I managed to sleep in until 8am! We had no real plans for the day, except to head out to the Marina Bay area to get involved with some NDP action. After a quick breakfast, we all headed out to pick up the MIL to hang with us for the day.

 

The family parked ourselves by the fields and caught the action in the skies by the Black Knights again. The weather was sunny and it was perfect. The boy, who caught it the day before, was ancitipating his favourite maneveurs! After the show, it felt deja vu as I brought the family about the office on a walkabout to show them my new office.

 

We decided to have BKT for lunch before heading home and the kids got a treat when they came face-to-face with the Red Lions!

 

Shy around his idols

Now, to the unaware, my son is obsessed passionate about the Red Lions. He loves watching youtube videos showing behind-the-scenes of how they prepare pre-jump etc and he loves the whole fanfare. These men we saw are friends with the husband and to watch his eyes light up with confusion/ amazement/ recognition - it was pretty priceless!

The afternoon went by easily with the kids going down for a nap... and while the husband and I had considered going out to watch the fireworks in the evening, we voted against the idea eventually and settled on catching the parade on TV with home-cooked dinner - all in the comfort of our home.

 

Evening rolled around with perfect weather for the parade and the kids awakened just in time to catch the show live on TV. The recipe is expected - first they start off with fanfare, cheers, contingents march-past and performances. In between we'll have pyrotechnics and fly-bys as additional fanfare.

 

What made it special for us this year was how both children are aware of the nation's birthday and revel in the celebrations... to the point of being "involved" in their own ways.

 

Dress-up

Introducing our very own little boy soldier!

And back-up dancer

What was also amazing was that we could catch the planes and fireworks from our balcony - while it was tiny, it was still visible and the kids were thrilled!

Finale - saying our pledge

It was a good day and I cannot explain how proud I am to be a Singaporean, and to witness my children being this involved too. We have a fantastic home, safe and enjoyable and despite what people may say, it is practically perfect for us to raise our family in.

Happy Birthday, Singapore. We are so proud to be Singaporeans.

Catching the Black Knights

As part of Singapore's SG50 celebrations, our special forces of the Air Force put up an ariel show the days leading up to National Day. Scheduled at noon at the Marina Bay area, the 25-minute show was a draw for everyone. K was staying over at Grandma's and going gaigai with her, so I was left with the boy and free time and I thought - why not bring him to catch the planes? 

 

And so we did. I had wanted to take public transport, but prompted by the husband, I bravely drove and we set off from home a whole hour ahead as I was expecting massive jams. Surprisingly, it was not too bad at all! We parked at the MBFC and trotted over to the promotory.

 

 

Someone was happy to be able to use his M&Ms umbrella (it had stopped
raining by then but oh boy, was it hot and sunny)

We even had time to grab coffee and cake, and we set up picnic. There were families about and J warmed up to them, sharing his M&Ms (the chocolate, not the brolly!) and offering our mat too.

 

Happiness is holding a private picnic on our own

 

Terribly pleased to have his own 'pretend coffee'

 

The show was pretty impressive! While we were not too close, it was still visible and the pictures off my phone was terribly taken, so none of that nonsense here. You're better off googgling for images. Let's just say that we had a good time - despite the humidity (post-showers) and hot sun.

 

After the air show, I promised to show him my office, so off we went.

A little boy in a big play world

Getting comfortable!

We spent some time walking about the office, getting him acquainted with the space and view and he was thrilled.

Knackered

Did not take him long to snooze after the afternoon of excitement. It was a pleasant Saturday!

A full heart

So, we were getting a snack at the mall this evening and I sought for a bench where we could settle before eating. We spotted a bench but it was filled with people, with one spot empty. I ushered J over and prompted him to sit on the spot. 

 

An elderly uncle shuffled over to give him more space and J said to him, "can you move over some more so that my Mommy can sit down?"

 

The uncle shuffled more before standing up to offer me the seat, saying "sit sit with him and eat together." 

 

I could not take up his offer, but thanked the very old man for his sweet gesture. His wife/partner who was sitting some slots away exclaimed "how sweet, this little boy!" And I could not help but beam with happiness and pride at this sweet little boy, my sweet little boy who has me in his little-big heart. 

 

Oh J, your magnanimity astounds and touches me infinitely. 

Mommy loves you to the fighter jets in the skies, and back! 

 

My sweet little boy

The above is a posed pic after the couple left, leaving us more than enough space to seat and finish our food. My heart was filled in an instant and the tummy's need for filling was secondary for certain.  

Rehearsals - concert ala home version

The children celebrated National Day at school last Thursday, the eve of our long, long weekend. The husband and I could not attend their school concert due to work commitments, but after hearing all about it, we requested that the children did a rehearsal at home for us.

Mid-song with hand actions



Finale!

 

It was adorable, watching them and we played common national songs off the youtube as music accompaniment. On the actual day, I was fortunate that a friend went to school and she managed to share some pictures and videos of the children.

 

Follow the leader!

Dancing queen

Say yeah!

Cheers to our new leaders of tomorrow - WOOT!

Visiting Pasir Ris Park

A picnic where the girl got upset with ants and I was grumpy until fed.

This picnic was unplanned, and I was set on heading to catch fireworks (as that was what we discussed all day). But when the kids are happy, and the husband is amiable with making the decision and arrangements... I guess I should not complain. Once I was not hungry anymore, I felt way better. And we all had fun feeding the mosquitoes and it was nice seeing the kids get some exercise on their little bikes. I realise that it's J's first time riding on a bike in an open space on his own!



Giving their little legs some workout

Thankful for the family time and I did manage to relax by the breakwater, watching and being amazed at the heavy traffic at our Airport; plus I even got a chance to ride on the 'flying fox'!

When I hear them laugh, when I see them grinning from ear to ear, when they ask (several times) to go back to the park again, I know that's what matters, really.

Unplanned Fridates

Friends, booze and a view. Life is good.