Siewster Times

Road Trip !!!

2010-04-17T19:47:00.000-07:00

Buggy Rentals
Daytona Beach Florida
Xmas 2009

Last Christmas, we drove from NJ down to Florida for vacation.
It is one of the things that Jieh really likes about the US -- Road Trips !

We started at 5:00am, passed Washington DC, and stopped by the Borders in the town of Stafford VA. for some snacks and a cuppa. This was a cold winter and there was snow on the ground right through North Carolina as we drove south
.
More stops along the way in places like Wilson N.C, Smithfield N.C (for gas), Santee S.C ( thai dinner), St. George S.C ( zzz ), Kingsland GA, until we reached Daytona Beach FL the next day, right around lunch time.

Since cars are allowed onto the beach at Daytona ( way to go, USA ! ) We gave our trusty car a pat and roared onto the sand. Its fun to harass seagulls and yell from the moon roof.

Our destination however, wasn't Daytona, but that most feared of asylums - Disneyworld...!!!

Seriously though, crowded though it was, it wasn't that bad.

More in next upload...

The Fleet and the Fleeting

2010-04-04T06:07:00.000-07:00

Racing up the slope
in Central Park, NYC

Nov, 2009 (Jarrod visit)

Kiddy Downhills

2010-03-01T17:55:00.000-08:00

Shawnee Mountain, PA

2nd trip this year, Sydney skiing.

Audrey's first trip on a chair lift for the bunny slope.

Jieh returned to the lodge during lunchtime to find Audrey already dressed
and ready to accompany him to 'the mountain top'
She is captivated by Sydney's accounts of what is up there, with places called "Blue Mountain" ( a trail name ) and "Underwear tree" ( a tree that has said items strewn all over it )
Since she will not take 'no' for an answer, Jieh actually took her with him and pretty much carried her down all the way, taking a few shots along the way.

Warm November

2009-12-04T13:26:00.000-08:00

Sandyhook. One of our favorite afternoon getaway places.

Audrey rode her bike for some distance but got tired and wanted no more of it.
We found a hiding spot along the trail and Jieh pretty much threw it into the bushes behind a tree to be picked up on our way back.

Fall comes to Holmdel

2009-11-10T18:00:00.000-08:00

Another Summer, over.

Children live in the moment and enjoy a Fall romp through the park.

Stargazing

2009-11-10T17:42:00.000-08:00

While out shopping for a birthday present for Sydney, Audrey saw a toy planetarium and was smitten. She lobbied hard to buy it as Sydney's present and we acceded.

After the birthday celebrations, it was hard to tell who was more excited when opening presents. Audrey managed to restrain herself throughout but kept hugging the box after Sydney unwrapped it...

It turned out to need a little assembling, and when it was finally ready, Sydney gave the whole family a great star gazing show

Aud-in-a-Box

2009-10-08T06:03:00.000-07:00

Audrey's Fourth Birthday

2009-05-13T17:48:00.000-07:00

Quiet Times in Singapore

2009-05-13T14:47:00.000-07:00

We took a trip to Singapore from April 6th to 29th.
No particular agenda during the trip, just laze around and spend time with family and friends.

The days went by quite quickly.

Singapore Trip 2009

2009-05-13T14:36:00.000-07:00

Eye-to-Eye
Marina Barrage

April 2009

Insurgency

2009-05-13T13:11:00.000-07:00

We just got back from Singapore last week. Towards the end of our trip, Audrey discovered a phrase that seemed to get everyone around her agitated. Intoxicated by this new found power, she began to use it regularly.

30 minutes into a visit at our friend's home, she hops on the sofa, looks imploringly at mom & dad. "Its so boring..." she says with a sigh. Mom&Dad and friend all look a little pai-seh and try to laugh it off, but in the process, we redirect our conversation and attention to her.

Next friend's place, same thing. TV is not on. "Its so boring..." TV gets turned on, BUT it is ChannelNewsAsia. Within a minute, "Its so boring..." again. At uncle's house the next day, grownups are chatting, she is sizing up the situation, we make eye-contact, she gives a sinister look, and says loudly "Its so boring..."
Again, we get unsettled, immediate responses from the grownups in the room. Such pow-wah !

After a few more incidences, we told her its not a nice thing to say out loud, even if she feels bored. Why ? Because that could put our hosts in an embarrassing situation. What is embarrasing ? Errr.... just don't say those words please. Why ? Its not nice, and that all there is. Threatening look. OK...

Audrey's little power trip. Shortlived, since we are asians after all. Parents rule with iron-fist !

Oh The Things We Do for Fish !

2009-05-13T12:58:00.000-07:00

Kiss people, get fish.

First Piano Recital

2009-01-04T16:01:00.001-08:00

Today is a very exciting day for the whole family. We are getting ready for Sydney's first piano recital in the Chinese church. Finally this day has come for Sydney to do her first performance in front of other people. She is playing "Prince of Denmark March".

As usual, mommy hope things will go smoothly and that she will not forget her piece. She said with a glee that she is a little nervous. Her piano teacher, Salina, told her not to worry because she will be playing to a hall of strangers.

After lunch, we prepare a tray of bee hoon for potluck after the recital and set off to the church which is a short 6 min drive away. Sydney is the 6th performer and the youngest. She took a bow, sit calmly, posie and compose in her chair and then the beautiful music started.

After the performance, she said she love it and would like to perform again. She said she is not nervous and the Yamaha grand piano make her feel so welcome (like home because she has one upright Yamaha at home). A lady actually came up and said she is very steady.

Too bad her piano teacher has a stomach virus last min and was not able to perform. She would be very proud of Sydney if she was there.

Monets, Picassos and Van Goghs

2009-01-02T08:02:00.000-08:00

Strike a Pose
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Dec 2008

We paid a visit to the biggest NYC musuem of them all last weekend. IBM donates to the Met, so we can go straight pass the ticket lines. Have IBM badge will travel !
There was some children's activity and we hurried through lunch at the cafeteria to join up.

It was a guided exploration and discussion of some of the museum's items, with the guide asking the children what they thought about the artifacts that they were looking at. At the end of it, paper was passed out for the kids to sketch any object that piqued their interest.

Sydney and her Urn with horses.

Audrey and her little bowl with a handle

At one point, a couple grabbed Sydney and Audrey and took a photo with them. Some foreigners seem to find little chinese girls irresistibly cute.

We visited some of the popular galleries later. These were in the 19th century room.

Hot and Cold

2009-01-01T18:04:00.000-08:00

Winter temperatures here along the Jersey shore varies from a warm 60+ degree F ( about 18 degree C ) to 20 degrees F ( about -7 degree C ). During a warm day in december, one could go for a jog in the park ...

while the next day, if it gets frigid and snows, one could go skiing ...

We end up re-planning family activities quite frequently to take advantage of weather. Good thing that weather forecasts are quite accurate around here.
Also, there is always the museums.

2008-12-31T11:16:00.000-08:00

Sometimes, practicing the piano can get tiring.

Audrey Experiments with a Violin

2008-12-30T20:43:00.000-08:00

As part of our 'everything also hum-tum' approach to parenting, we rented a mini violin and let Sydney try out some lessons. Seeing her sister play made Audrey quite curious and for a few days, whenever she got the chance, she would swipe the violin and saw away at it all by herself, brows furrowed and her small hands holding bow in a hammer grip.

Thanksgiving Photos by Sydney and Audrey

2008-12-30T20:19:00.000-08:00

The girls took on phototaking duties at a thanksgiving party recently.
Some of their shots were quite OK.

Some didn't quite come out right.

Pee Wee Tennis

2008-12-20T11:14:00.000-08:00

There is a tennis club not too far from our home that has group lessons for kids.
Sydney tried it out this fall and enjoyed it. But we did not sign up for more since she did not insist on continuing. When spring comes around, Jieh will start playing again and perhaps hit some foam balls with her if she wants to.

Piano Recital Practice

2008-12-20T10:25:00.000-08:00

Sydney has been learning the piano for almost a year now. She likes her piano teacher very much, a high school girl who happens to be taking her own lessons from our neighbour. She comes by our house and teaches Sydney right before or after her own lessons. It is a convenient arrangement.

Music teachers here organize periodic recitals or performances for their students.
Here is Sydney practicing for her's.

Fall and Haloween in NYC

2008-12-08T18:28:00.000-08:00

We took part in a children's event at the Whitney Museum of American Art this fall.
The focus was on the mobiles and wire work of Alexander Calder.

While the name was unfamiliar, the works weren't. We tried our hand at creating some of the 3 dimensional wire sculptures at the workshop downstairs and came up with a 'man on bicycle' - Siewster and Sydney, 'wearable bee antennae' - Siewster & Audrey, 'racoon face' - Jieh. Here is Sydney with her 'man on bicycle', it is easier to look at the shadow to discern the form.

Following the event, we went for a walk in the city and snapped some photos of the drizzly day.

A dog says 'Hi' to Sydney

Sydney's 6th

2008-12-07T18:36:00.000-08:00

For the past 5 years, whenever Sydney's birthday came around, we had been having small parties at home or just baking a simple cake for the four of us to enjoy. This September, we thought we would invite her schoolmates since it was her last year at that pre-school. This means finding a larger venue and more planning. Fortunately, she liked one of the neighbourhood 'party gym' places where a number of her friends had their parties, and while somewhat pricey, we decided it was a good way to have a hassle-free afternoon.

We still baked our own cake though.

Jieh is particularly proud of his muffin Earth and ringed Saturn. Jupiter had a mishap enroute and rolled around a little.

The party itself was mostly kids running around ...

monkeying about the place,

getting a serious hula going...

and bouncing. Lots of bouncing.

Actual evening of Sydney's birthday,

talking to Grandma on phone

First Wii Boxing

2008-11-24T14:58:00.000-08:00

Dug up an old video clip of the kids learning Wii Boxing for the 1st time.

Frozen lake last winter

2008-11-24T14:27:00.000-08:00

Holmdel Park

Captured in January 08. Sydney venturing onto a frozen lake on a chilly overcast day.

The joy of discovery

2008-11-22T07:36:00.000-08:00

FAO Swartz in New York

Trying something new in front of a large audience.
Me as a kid, would I have felt as comfortable doing this ? If not, why ?

Theres something about a generally supportive environment where kids have greater self confidence, try things and fail or look silly without serious repercussions, grow in maturity to realize that life does not end when you fail, people don't jeer you when you look foolish....

2008-11-21T19:04:00.000-08:00

Temple of Warriors
Chichen Itza
Mexico

2008-11-21T18:59:00.000-08:00

"El Castilo" Temple of Kukulkan
Yucatan Peninsular
Mexico

Mute structures under an imposing sky bear witness to countless tourists ...

and their goondu poses.

Xelha Park

Sweet Memories

2008-09-24T10:06:00.000-07:00

Back in 2006, Sydney was 4 and Audrey was only 1.

08 Summer Recap

2008-09-14T17:18:00.001-07:00

Oh what a summer this year ! Time just flew by. Sydney joined the Middletown swim team and that keeps us very busy. She was in several competitions and Audrey started taking swimming lesson from the park too.

We have 2 road trips - Balitmore and Niagara Fall.

Went to Sesame Street, Hurricane Harbour, Camping and USOpen.

To end it all, a final trip to Cancun Mexico.

New Jersey - Toronto - Niagara Falls Express

2008-09-12T07:02:00.000-07:00

We decided to make a trip to the Niagara Falls on the 4th July after reading the Geronimo Stilton's "Field Trip To Niagara Falls". It was a brief 4 days road trip where we stayed 2 days in Toronto and 2 days near Niagara Fall.

In Toronto, we were looking forward to some great Chinese foods but since we are not familiar with that place, we did not eat to our heart content. The one place that is most memorable and surprisingly good is a Swatow Restaurant. Jieh said for his Mom's sake, he wanted to try some food where his grand parents come from.

We visited Toronto Island and CN Tower too. They were kind of crowded.

In Niagara Falls, we did the "Maid of the Mist" and "Cave of the Wind". Both are fantastic waterfall experience. There are endless spray of water droplets and the boat was shaking topsy turvy when it near the water fall. To end it all, walking directly under the waterfall give you first hand the powerful pounding force of the waterfall. Sydney was brave to try it with Jieh.

Getting pounded by water at the 'Cave of the Winds Tour'

WaaAAAAAhh !!

On our first night arriving at Niagara falls, we had a stroll along the river swaddled by the mist. It was quite special.

2008-08-26T18:56:00.000-07:00

Sydney and Dad with Piano

Baltimore - The city with More 'Balti'

2008-08-25T16:32:00.000-07:00

Perhaps it was memorial day, perhaps it was some other holiday, but we took a short road trip to see the National Aquarium at Baltimore recently. Anything to get out of our house and "Nuu" Jersey.

Whack you first, then say "Sorry" can already

Hotel in the city

Aquarium with Scary sharks

... and funky frogs

... not to mention dolphins

... and Audrey doing a soap commercial for silky smooth skin

... plus other creatures with buggy eyes

one more stop in Baltimore was a children's museum where Sydney tried her hand at building some electric contraption.

Carnegie Hall - New York City

2008-08-25T15:41:00.000-07:00

Catching up on some past events.

Sad but true, but we rarely visit the city these days. There was a 'Space' themed children's event at Carnegie Hall and we trooped to the city in siewster's car.

Sydney - "We had fun"

The members of the Orchestra were giving the children oppotunities to try out the various instruments. Here is the 1st violinist letting Sydney "kill a chicken".

We managed to snag pretty good seats at good prices. Some pictures of the event without flash ...

We dropped by the big Disney store afterwards and did the group photo thing.

Audrey found a cool squishy skull.

Jieh's birthday

2008-06-22T20:23:00.000-07:00

Kids picked out a cake for Papa.

They've already decided who is getting which candy flower on the cake, so the all the birthday boy has to do is sit back and hope he is given something tasty.

Passing of the torch

2008-06-22T18:58:00.000-07:00

Childhood game invented by Jieh and his brother now has 2 additional players in this world.

Six Flags Great Adventure

2008-05-05T12:04:00.000-07:00

"It was amazing and exciting" said Sydney of our Six flags visit this past Sunday.

"The flying up to the moon was scary" she added, refering to one of the simulator rides at the park. The ride was in 3-D "blur" vision and based on the unlikely premise that 3 houseflies stowed away IN the helmets of the astronauts during the Apollo 11 mission. It was to be our last ride of the day as the sun was about to set, but on the way out, we passed by the ferris wheel and gave that a go.

When we exited the 3-D theater, Audrey wanted to keep her 3-D glasses and the attendant did not force the issue, so for the duration of the ferris wheel ride, she kept them on as sunglasses, taking them off to look at 'skull rock' midway through.

In the beginning...

The day began as a typical weekend morning where the family prepares for an outing. This time however, we did not need to plan lunch as it would be provided courtesy of the IBM Club. Unlike last year where they gave out tickets quite freely, this year, the IBM-employee-rule was strictly enforced. As a result, few are going. Be that as it may, with both Xiulin and me as employees, it is too good of a deal to pass on, so off we went.

Along the way, Sydney seems to remember our trip to Six Flags last year and was giving "directions" as we drove there. Telling us how near we are and to expect a "U-Turn" here or a sign there. She is starting to make a habit of telling Audrey and us how to get to places.

Waste Management

Looks like another company is having a party at Six Flags.
At the entrance was a tiny booth for IBMers to pick up their tickets. On the opposite side, with banners, tables, and lots of people, were the folks from Waste Management. Judging from their turn out, WM probably included family members as well. *tsk tsk tsk* IBM very the 'giam'.

Safari

Our first stop was the safari. Sydney and Audrey staked out their sides of the car and shouted out what they see on their side. "I see deer my side". "I see 5 deer". "me too". Sometimes, I would scoop Audrey up into my lap to get a better view, earning a disapproving "Not fair" whimper from Sydney.

One of the more interesting stops was the European Brown Bear area with a bunch of baby bears.

Amusement Park

March 2 April Madness

2008-04-26T03:43:00.000-07:00

Looking at old photos, I realized that so many thing have happened in the past 2 months.

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

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.

In the News

2008-02-21T15:02:00.000-08:00

"Papa, can you read interesting stories to me so I will grow up smart like you", Sydney knows how to please daddy .. :)

Yes, the kids have their pictures in Asbury Park Press for Chinese New Year celebration.
Check out
http://www.app.com/apps/pbcs.dll/gallery?Site=B3
&Date=20080126&Category=MULTIMEDIA02&
ArtNo=801260801&Ref=PH&Params=Itemnr=2

http://www.app.com/apps/pbcs.dll/gallery?Site=B3
&Date=20080126&Category=MULTIMEDIA02&ArtNo=801260801
&Ref=PH&Params=Itemnr=13

http://www.app.com/apps/pbcs.dll/gallery?Site=B3&
Date=20080126&Category=MULTIMEDIA02&ArtNo=801260801&
Ref=PH&Params=Itemnr=29

Lesson Learnt

2008-02-20T16:09:00.000-08:00

Audrey came running to me and said "Mama, booboo. I need bandage". There was a thin streak of cut just above her lip. "What happen, why is it bleeding ?". Audrey led me to the bathroom and showed me Jieh's shaver. Apparently, she had shaved herself just like daddy do in the morning. My goodness, I am thankful that nothing serious has happened. "Mama, man can shave but not little girl". Now at least she is learning something.

We visited The Hall of Science a few weekend ago. At the entrance is this black "table" where you can spin your coin. Audrey goes "Black Hole".

We watched this demo on cow's eye dissection and Sydney was replying to the demonstrator as if she knows. That pink thing is the "meat" (actually muscle), the pupil is circle (actually oval), cow eyes can move sideway (that's right). I am happy seeing her interacting.

Puppet show on Snow Flake Suzie (Sydney was the first to yell when they asked what is the name of the snow flake)

See this man, he is "testing" Sydney. Can you read this ? Sure, piece of cake for Sydney. "Wow, you are good. How old are you ?" .. :)

End of the space shuttle

From the eyes of a 2 years old

2008-01-15T15:52:00.000-08:00

"Audrey, should mommy park the car in the garage ?"
"Yes, so that nobody will steal it"

"Mommy, don't put me down"
"What happen to your shoes ?"
"The boy and girl shoes are fighting and they dropped off"

"Mama, this is really hard work" (Audrey is making pattern with red dots)
"Look, this is fancy" (pointing at a spiral drawn by Syney)

Cutie Yan

2008-01-13T16:15:00.000-08:00

Just this Friday (1/11/2008), we bought a new winter white hamster for Sydney as pet. The kids were very excited and bubbling away when we got home. Sydney had a name readily for him, "Cutie". Audrey said "Cutie pee pee and poo poo".

Madness

2008-01-04T15:26:00.000-08:00

Audrey not eating her dinner, daddy sternly told her to stay in the kitchen and finish up. She starts to cry,
"Daddy mad at me"
"Why"
"Because he doesn't like me"
"Why"
"Because daddy mad at me"
(Answered question and its an endless cyclic reply .. :))

Sydney not eating her dinner, daddy sternly told her to stay in the kitchen and finish up. She looks gloomy
"Daddy is mad at me"
"Why"
"Because I am not listening"
"Why"
"Because I forgot"
(very good reason for daddy not to be angry with her ... :))

I was reading "Little Red Hen" to Audrey. The dog, cat and goose are not helping the little red hen to plant. "Why are they not helping ?", I asked Audrey. "Because they have no "hends"". Audrey is starting to get corny. Wait, don't hens eat corns ... hmm ... (actually last sentence from daddy ..:))

Bye 07, Here comes 08

2008-01-01T17:51:00.000-08:00

Yet another year had past. There were significant milestones for Sydney and Audrey.

Audrey started school. She goes to King of Kings twice a week and St Catherine Preschool once a week. She will tell me "I like my friends and teacher".

Sydney is playing piano and enjoys reading mysteries books. Her favourite books are Cam Janson, Magic Tree House and Nate the Great. She can write "A-Z, a-z, 1-20" and do simple addition and substraction

Christmas Over

2007-12-27T19:29:00.000-08:00

The long awaited Christmas celebration is over. There is the church celebration, Winter Solstice in Sydney's school and to top it all, a skiing trip in Vermont.

Sydney learnt how to sing several Christmas songs like "Jingle Bells", "Frosty the snowman", "Dreidel, dreidel", "Winter wonderland", "Merry Christmas" and "Twelve days of Christmas". The other day in school, I told her we should bring home the lyrics, she said "No mama, it is not needed, I know them all very well. Just ask me."

The 4 days skiing trip in Vermont was hectic. Kids had fever before and during trip. Despite these, Sydney skiied down Snow Shed with daddy. She fell asleep immediately after. Audrey also fell asleep in the coldness after sledding. Still, they enjoyed themselves a lot with their friends - Phyllis, Brandon and Aaron.

On the first night, Sydney, Audrey and Phyllis teased Brandon for wearing the diaper. They called him a baby. "Only baby wears diaper..". They noted that only boy (Aaron and Brandon) wears diaper and they were laughing at him. What is funny is Audrey pulled down her pant and showed Brandon her panty. "Look, I have Happy Feet underwear.. :)"

Kids Do Dream

2007-11-16T16:31:00.000-08:00

Yesterday night at 4.30 am, Audrey suddenly said, "Excuse me Papa, can I go to the bathroom ?" I was just surprised by her politeness even in the middle of the night. When she repeated it the second time, I got out of bed to help her but bumped my head against the corner of the wall. That hurts.

After we were done, she told me the wolf was outside. The monster and tiger were there too, protecting her. The monster ate the bad wolf. What color is the monster ? Black. Where is mama ? Here (Isn't it obvious ?). Mama, can you please locked the door ? I obliged. Mama, how about the door downstair, the wolf can still come in from there. Err ... Papa already locked that. Mama, can I sleep with you ? Sure. Could this be because of the numerous Scooby Doo books that we read.

Sydney started her first piano lesson with Salina, a Sophmore, today. She enjoyed herself and liked the teacher. Well, will see how much she progress. The other day, she said "Papa, don't buy anything". Why ? So we can save the money and next year, we will be rich. I already have 2 piggy banks of money. Such wisdom !

HaaallooWeennn

2007-10-31T01:49:00.000-07:00

Woke up at 2.30 am, could not sleep, kept thinking about work. After spending 3 hours of constructive code tracing, decided to do my blog - this thing is addictive !

Today is Halloween, I thought it would be nice if I uploaded those Halloween-celebrated pics/videos taken during our trip last Saturday to Discovery museum. And maybe later today, more pics of what they do.

Oh, where am I ???????

Dazzling Angel to the Rescue

[up] Mozart Audrey best performance ever

[down] Free tickets available for the Michael Jackson move ...

Very busy day today. Straight after gym class, went to Melanie's house for "treats and tricks" and after that went Chinese Church for some children party. The kids really work hard for their bags of candies.

Candies- getter crew

Songs for words

2007-10-29T12:29:00.000-07:00

Audrey, 2 1/2 now, loves to sing songs to say what she wants. Just today, I prepared her lunch and it was steaming hot. She waved her hands over the steam and started singing "Shoo fly, don't bother me. Shoo fly don't bother me" and then say "Mummy, I called that "steam" ray !". Also, the other day when I told her to get ready for milk in her bottle and asked her which pillow and blanket she wanted to use. She went "Twinkle, twinkle little star, how I wonder what you are .. " (star pillow) and "Oh McDonald have a fun EIEIO.." (for her animal blankie)

In the afternoon, I tried to do some geometrical shapes with Sydney since that was what the school taught last week. However, she doesn't seems to be interested in prism and pyramid after my much effort of using paper and play-doh. We ended up doing a museum project instead. Maybe because of our weekend visit to the Discovery museum where she has a great times playing and celebrating Halloween there with her good friend Laura.

Museum Floor Plan : Soft Toy section, Sticker section, Book section and Play Area

Sticker Section :

VIP: Daddy

Late at night, attended the school curriculum for Sydney. Learnt about inventive spelling for preschooler and how it will build up their confidence. I realized I am rushing her a little with the spelling list. Now that I understand more about this "innovative" way of learning, I shall take it easy on her and allow her to learn and explore at her own pace.

To Blog Or Not To

2007-10-28T08:53:00.000-07:00

Blogging is in. I am the slow one even though I am in front of the computer every day and type like I am playing the piano... :) So the day has come where I realized that too many beautiful moments with my two lovely daughters are fading away, that makes me want to blog. Those sweet moments are so brief and precious and easily forgotten that I want to remember them forever. Also thanks to my hubby for setting up the wireless connection, it makes it easier for me to blog as and when I have the time. (Right now, preparing lunch and blogging from kitchen counter with Audrey on my waist and Jieh piggy-backing Sydney)

Here is flower girl Audrey at 2 1/2 years old

Here is flower girl Sydney at 5 years old