U.S.A Day 8 - 11

San Francisco

If you're going to San Francisco,Be sure to wear some flowers in your hair. If you're going to San Francisco, You're gonna meet some gentle people there....."

So there was a song that goes like this. And indeed SFO was such a scenic and serene place, a vast difference from the rowdy and loud Las Vegas.

We transported like 6 hours from Vegas to San Frans to get to National Yosemite Park. Perhaps it was the long journey that raised our expectations of this scenic place. It tured out to be your every day Yogi bear park - we weren't very impressed.

On to other photos....

Of course, having been to SFO, we had to do all the touristy visits - we went to Stanford University which was regarded with highest accolades in California, saw the majestic Golden Gate bridge which was really just a highway bridge, went to Fisherman Wharf and sailed passed the Alcatraz also known as "The Rock" aka the unescapable prison, took photos with the 7 famous Victorian houses, visited a Danish village and ate a "ahem" danish pie.

And we were done with San Francisco!!! All that in a span of 3 days and it's back to LA!

I apologise for the extremely delayed post. I am suffering from what is called post travel syndrome.

U.S.A. Day 5-7

Las Vegas

The advantage of not following a package tour is that we get to choose what we eat. I had enough of hard and cold bread in budget hotels.

We tried their McDonald's version of Egg Mcmuffin. Only difference is their bread is replaced by biscuit and it was yummylicious!!!

It was a long journey from LA to Las Vegas. Bless the numerous Factory Outlets around to satisfy our shopping craves. I think the hub did a better job than I. We finally arrived at Las Vegas around 4-ish. We were looking forward to meet up with Liv's mom to bring us around but little did we know that this is only the start of our 'misfortunes'.

Of all the 365 days at this particularly small strip, they decided to hold a marathon and closed the roads! The only way to commute was by foot! It took us 3 hours to walk from our hotel to the Venetian! -_-"

 

Imagine 6 hours in total of walking! I think our dinner with pizza and fries are justified. We went back to the hotel and slept like a baby that night.

Woke up at 4am to head to Grand Canyon - one of the 7 wonders of the world. Of course, after 6 hours of walking and less than 6 hours of sleep = very cranky people. The breath-taking sunrise, the captivating view from above, made every deprived hours worth it!

 

 

Las Vegas is like your aveage town in the day and the streets are pretty much empty. The entire city comes alive only at night. We saw the fire fountain at Mirage, witnessed the captivating water fountain show at the Bellagio, people wearing all sorts of costumes on the streets and the amazing architecture of the various 6 star hotels along the strip.

Next stop, San Francisco!

 

U.S.A Day 1 - 4

A friend of mine recently asked "Do you still blog?" And I answered her sheepishly "Nowadays very busy ah. Also don't know what I'm busy with."

Indeed. I have lost the momentum to blog. My kid doesn't need a timeline for me to track his development anymore. I can't put a funny hat on him and make a joke out of it. And so today, I mustered every living energy cell and decided, this is it. I MUST at least blog about USA right?

HAWAII, HONOLULU

Months and months of research finally paid off. I would say this is the best budgetted trip I've planned. We even have enough to do a pit-stop at Hawaii before heading to California.

We arrived in Hawaii around 7am. The weather was heavenly! It was too early to check-in but having been on a flight for the past 22 hours, we really needed to freshen up abit. Thankfully, there was the shower room.

No time was wasted. I quickly ushered Dylan onto their bus trolley and headed off to one of their biggest shopping mall. It took us awhile to get used to their money - they had dimes, pennies, quarters, dollar. Why can't it be more simple?!

And this is me very randomly taking a shot of the renowed Victoria's Secret. Their changing room were so pretty! Everything was pink, fluff, ribbons and lace. Of course must buy something to remember right?

I won't go into details of the shopping. Taxes were relatively lower in Hawaii and hence we unleashed our shopping bugs but at the same time have to practice self constraint as it's only Day 1! How miserable. :(

So after all the shopping, one must also do some sight-seeing right?

First stop - The Polynesian Cultural Centre. This is where we learnt about the various Hawaiian tribes and do the Hawaii dance!

Day 3 - How can one forget about Pearl Harbor especially with all the gruelling we had in our History lessons?!?

It was a very solemn experience. We watched videos, interviews with the survivors and even went on-board on one of the sunken ships. If you asked me, Mr Yamamoto was a very brilliant man, despite being labelled as the cruel man who caused the war. Who would have thought of such a well executed attack plan? He had to do what he was instructed to do and he did it well.

Enough of sight-seeing. We need to explore the food of Hawaii. We discovered The Cheesecake Factory and of course have to try their Hard Rock as well.

One of my MUST DO list was to go diving in Hawaii. It has been 7 years since I took my last dive. After having heard of the raves of Waikiki, I told the hub that I HAVE to do it ONCE. I can only say, I have no regrets. 2 dives - One to a ship wreck 30m down and another was a leisure one. I didn't get to see any phenomenal underwater creatures but it was good to re-live the underwater experience again.

And that sums up Hawaii! :D

The road trip - Part 2

Kuantan was 2 years ago. How time flies. The kids have grown and so did the adults - horizontally.

We almost could not make it as the hub crashed the car for the 2nd time this year. I fear the day I receive the insurance letter premium renewal next year.*shudder*

With a timely stroke of luck and blessings from my parents, we took their car and head off to Malacca with the usual suspects - The Lims and this time, the Tans joined as well.

We stopped over at JB for the famous bak kut teh for breakkie before the long drive.

Arrived around 1-ish and we were famished! Nancy's Kitchen was highly recommended by one of my colleague who frequently visited Malacca.

 

 

  

 

The kids of course enjoyed each other's company. Jayden is a water kid, he needs to at least have a dip in the pool, despite the rainy season.

I can so understand why we can complete Malacca in 3D2N. There weren't much tourist attractions to begin with. But the beauty of travelling with a group is that we get to explore the places together, unravelling hidden food gems - every meal is a fiesta!

Thanks for the awesome company Lims and Tans! Let's do Part 3, 4 & 5 soon! ;)

In less than 100 hours

When I was young, the ideal beach vacation as distorted by the media was Hawaii. The land of "Aloha" and super chio dancing ladies in straw skirts. Of course now, we all know that there are other ideal beachs around the world.

However, it is still one's dream to visit the beautiful island - at least one of your top 100 places to visit before you die. 不是吗?

And so, we decided to go on this escapade to end 2012 on a sweet note. I want to be like the lady below, soaking in clear blue water, sipping what it looks like pineapple juice. To top off the cherry, if I can have her body as well. Just kidding.

Can't wait!

That time of the year

Jayden's 5th Birthday

For the past 4 years, I will block my office calender and make time for the kid, on this day - rain or shine.

This year proved to challenge my limits as I was told to go on a work trip 16 - 19 Oct. 为何啊？！

Anyhow, the kid will still get his celebration, his goodie bags for his friends, his cake, his presents. And he was pleased to receive them earlier too!

Jayden was excited and helped out to pack the goodie bags. He even made suggestions who he thinks will like what. It is very endearing to witness the child being such an observer with his friends.

What's in the bag - pencil case + color pencils + snacks
 

 

Jake and the Neverland pirates cupcakes

 

 

 

 

The Son very blessed with presents from everyone. Thank you all!

 

Happy 5th Birthday my dearest boy!
You have grown to be such a vocal and sensitive child. Teachers in school mentioned that you enjoy interaction and plays a big brother role to your pre-nursery sleeping buddy. Something we don't get to witness at home!

You always show a keen interest in school performances and we truely enjoy watching how you shine on stage. You love the sand, sun and sea - that's why we put you in swimming classes, hoping that this skill will bring you further.

Your inquisitive mind never stops you from asking, sometime incessantly but curiousity for a young mind is good! Never stop learning my child!

We're so proud to have you as our son and hope you continue to nurture to be a fine young man. Stay healthy and happy always!
XOXO Mom + Dad

Big Uncle's wedding on 20-Oct

At the age of 5, Jayden had to wear many hats for his 1st Uncle wedding. Imagine being the page boy cum 'bed jumper' cum ring bearer all in a day! And the kid did not once whine or suffered a meltdown.

I am truely proud that he performed all the tasks dutifully and delivered the ring pillow with no glitch!

Of course, the day is also important to me as my younger brother upgraded himself to a married man and we welcome another family member. Coincidentally, the wife shares the same surname as Dylan. We sniggered at the thought that the Tans and Yips are fated together. Here's wishing Mel and Von everlasting marital bliss!

 

 

Guilty as charged

I have the iPad to blame. Every since I bought the unconniving device to catch up on my K-dramas, I have abandoned the laptop. Blogging has taken the back seat, correction, it is out of the window.

I am almost appalled to discover the amount of "undownloaded" photos in the SD card.

So once again, what has been going around?

There has been a few "First" for us.

Formula One

We watched F1 after it's 4th consecutive run thinking that it will be the last - until the government decided that noise pollution wasn't enough yet.

Singapore Flyer

It was a "First" alone with the Son - complimentary of Auntie Leng. I don't think the kid remembered taking the Flyer when he was only 2. So it was a good refresher for us.

1) He discovered that he could see the world from the Flyer.

2) He discovered there's a water fountain at the bottom of the Flyer.

3) I also discovered that Belgian choc ice-cream has liquor when the Son commented that it was so delicious. -_-""
 

 

 

Hobby + Collection



 

Knowing that Jayden has never inherited my 'artistic' interest, I bought some 'peel and paste' artwork for him to try.


Verdict: Kept him busy for a while before he decides that his "Cars" collection are more interesting that deciding what color a peacock should look like.

 

 

 

His 1st Sports Day
 

Being an athletic person myself, I was excited about the Son's 1st sports day. Especially I was told that he would be part of the cheerleading group! Who says cheerleading are for gu niang only?

So proud of the little one when he performed in front of the entire stadium! Definitely another first for us too. I really have to give credit to the Japanese coach who can make my restless boy remember ever move and cheer.


 

 

1st encounter with Lego

 

I know he's slower than some. Only recently, he took an interest in Lego. But it has to be Cars Disney related or vehicles. Will show some of his small model fix-up another time.

 

Now back to my iPad.