March 1
Audrey celebrated her 3 years old birthday. The theme was dinosaur. I made her a surprise dinosaur cake, brought her a dinosaur soft toy and daddy got her a huge T-Rex Dino. I asked her who do you want to invite for your birthday party - Daddy, Mommy and Sydney, just nice.
March 16
Easter celebration. Straight from Chinese school, we rused to Cross Farm park for "Easter egg hunt", which is not so much of a hunt when all the eggs are laid out in front of you. Got a special polka dot pink egg and a big bunny chocolate. Coincidentally, met a Singaporean family here. They are here for 2 years because of work. Finally, another Singaporean friend.
March 19
St Patrick celebration in King Of Kings. Never know there are green bagels , bought a dozen for the kids.
March 27
Mark the day our beloved pet died. We were all so sad especially Sydney. Early in the morning, I went to clean the room and saw Cutie laying motionless in her cage, sideway. Immediately, I know she is lifeless. My belief is she died of starvation. Because of the spring break and our routine is a little off, on top of that I was busy with my work and I have not fed her for 4 days. I remember just last night, she was racing in her little wheel which she likes to show off and get attention and food from us.
April 20
Delware Water Gap hike. It was a cloudy day, not too dark, bright enough and cool like a spring day should be. We went to Shop rite, armed with 2 pounds of fried rice, 2 bowl of hot and sour soup, we are ready. After almost 2 hrs of drive, at 12.10, we reached our destination - Pennslyvania
Delware Water Gap hike. It was a cloudy day, not too dark, bright enough and cool like a spring day should be. We went to Shop rite, armed with 2 pounds of fried rice, 2 bowl of hot and sour soup, we are ready. After almost 2 hrs of drive, at 12.10, we reached our destination - Pennslyvania
Just before we start, Sydney embraced the nature and in the open air, among the sparingly covered grassy ground, she left her mark. At the entrance, was a still pond with floating dried leaves and several water boat man (daddy pointed out). Next min, kids started throwing pebbles into the lifeless water and create splashes and ripples.
Took several pictures and was planning to start the hike when Audrey ran and fell onto some rocky surface. Fortunately, she was alright and her face was not cut by those pointed edges. Scolded them a bit for running but at least they would be more attentive of the uneven ground. The hike must go on.
Sydney got an extra long walking stick and Jieh found another one for me, we started. The walk was good - cool weather, not many people, kids excited and walking on their own. After 1 hour of walking - still good - fresh air, peace and quiet around, just our happy chatty conversation. Off guard, Sydney was bouncing from rock to rock (her so-called jumping rock adventure), she ran and fell. Immediately, she scurried up and said "I'm alright". This time, there was a cut in her palm and was bleeding a little. Good thing, we are prepared. She started crying and said it hurt. After the bandage and she was determined to go on.
After more than 2-3 hours of walking and not seeing the destination anywhere closer and no body to ask and just a flimsy small map, there wree 2 points where we felt like giving up. Kids started getting hungry, a lot of flies around and Jieh had "back-packed" Audey for more than 45 mins of hike uphill, surprisingly, it was Sydney who said she wanted to complete the hike so that she can see what is at the end. We decided to persevere.
Finally, we reached the top of Mt Minsi - (1,658 feet). The view was great, we saw the opposite mountain, black hawk or falcon -like bird, soaring in the sky. Sydney and Audrey did their little happy dances.
The walk down seems easier. With some inty bubble gums, the kids were happily alking and talking. This time it w as Audrey who surprised us, she walked down all thousand feet of this mountain on her own without Jieh carrying her !
In the car, we asked the kids "Do you want to do that again". "Yes ! yes ! I want to " - Sydney. "But it is a long , long walk " - Audrey ... :) We went to Jing-Wu-Ting for our celebration, triumphant hike and have a great feast.
