Hubby's Birthday

It's Benedict's birthday in early April. We shouted him out for a nice dinner, of course - so that we all can eat too.....Muahahahah........

On his actual day, we went to buy 2 really small piece of cakes......mainly to entertain Val. She actually overtook Benedict's birthday boy position. She stood onto the chair and get ready to blow the candles.

She told me: Mummy, one candle daddy and one candle for Valerie. She even requested 2 knifes.

Time really flies and she will be turning 2.5 years old in May. She has been talking non stop and she is trying to form sentences. She is capable in speaking English and Mandarin. Her 'ke po' attitude hasn't changed at all......being bossy in daycare....but the teachers just love her. Today, the center manager told me she would transfer her to the older centre as she's fully toilet trained and she knows when to go to toilet without anyone reminding her.

One teacher told me previously that one child was crying for mummy and the other child's mum came in and he went to hug her. That mum tries to calm him down by giving him a cuddle. Val went over and said: She is not your mummy. (in very serious tone) =D

Few days ago, I knocked her milk bottle down and I asked who did it? She replied: Mummy and I said: No. She gave me a smack on my leg and said: Mummy, 'bu yao jiang pien hua' [do not lie, mummy].

If she doesn't know a thing she will say: Qiqi bu hui.

It's so cute to see all these words coming out from her mouth. We are trying to teach her to pray. The way she speaks Mandarin is just like 'ang mo' speaks Mandarin and make me and Benedict laughed. =)

Thomas The Train

These are the 'gadgets' we borrowed from Toys Library together with the other 4 toys.

Val loves Thomas The Train for some reason. However, this toy actually entertained Benedict more than Val. He had waited for an opportunity to borrow it home from Toys Library. He told me once and I told him it's not something suitable for Val's age. So he waited, and waited....till the day I didn't go with him....he came back with this big box!

Val is having fun in destroying it and he is having fun in putting them back together. What can I say? Maybe this is another kind of 'family activity'. =D

Royal Easter Show 2008

This year, we decided to go to Easter Show. The show is on every year. Basically, it's like a fun fair. The main reason that I wanted to go is because they are having a live stage show for Shrek 3. Val is crazy about Shrek and I think she would be thrilled to see Shrek in person! After all, we have nothing do, might as well do something together as a family!

She went onto the pony rides 3 times, that's her favourite even though she's a bit scared! We actually brought her onto the 'Pom Pom' Car. She was terrified. Hahahah........but I had a lot of fun. ehheheheh.......

We went to watch the Shrek 3 and she was so happy. Every now and then that we passed the showground, she would say Shrek? Besides Shrek, there were few other kiddies live shows on, but we didn't have time for that.

Easter Show had a market too where everyone selling the crafts. M&M was having and small indoor theme park for younger kids. She went onto the train and I made Benedict to go with her. You can guess how bored was Benedict. But the most important thing is Val is having a good time. Police department was out to promote their services too. Benedict was so happy to get onto the police car. hahahaha.......He brought Val together so that he doesn't look too....mmm....'ding dong'....hahahaha.....

Then they had farms animals, animals competitions, cats exhibition etc.

We went there early in the morning and was in the market, farm and exhibitions. By the time we came out, Wow.....basically anywhere were packed of crowds.

It's a sunny day and far too hot for us. Well, better than sleeping at home, I guess.

Mum's Birthday

It's my mum-in-law birthday in February.

We went to a Thai restaurant in Dominion Road. My in laws really enjoyed the dinner very much. On top of that, Val had done her part to entertain everyone. She kept singing Happy Birthday songs over and over again......Honestly, can't remember how many times she sang! After dinner, we went to Mt Eden for a short walk. It's very windy, but everyone had enjoyed that day.

On the actual day, we thought it would be nice to have a birthday cake. So, we went to buy a small cake and i think the happiest person is Valerie. She gets to sing and blow candle. But am sure my in laws are happy too. =)

Piha

After we came back from Malaysia, our friends, Grace and Scott, had suggested to go to Piha in West Auckland for a day trip. They would like to bring my in laws around. It was a sunny day and Sharon joined us too. We had a picnic before the bush walk to the water fall. It was a pain to bring Valerie there.......the bushwalk part......she wanted us to carry.....and man, I couldn't even 'gao tim' myself....heheh....so poor Benedict and my father in law.....

Val was afraid of the water initially and refuse to get into it.....Later, she actually refused to come out. We have to drag her out as we need to take off to Cockle Bay to pick cockles.

By law, each person is entitled to pick 50 cockles. We didn't over picked, but can see a lot of people really really having their cockles picnic there. The fisheries department arrived later and gave them instant fine of $250.

After that day, we actually sick of cockles!!!!!

Trip to Malaysia 2007

Overall, we had a great trip to Malaysia. The memorable part would definitely be spending our precious times with our families, and of course friends. Besides, the eating part was good.....durian, laksa, prawns, crabs, stir fry oyster etc......really need to loose some weight now!!!!

After we left, I'm pretty sure my families re-gain their normal peace, without little Valerie there caused some situation. hehehe......But I'm pretty happy as during this trip, we manage to toilet train Valerie. She is now out of nappies except during nap time. Man....save us lots of $$ on nappies!!!!!!!

In addition to that, her mandarin has dramatically improved! The little one misses those in Malaysia too. She remembers who got her what etc. Well......we had quite a bit of luggage on the way back to Auckland. Who to blame? Of course not me. It's Valerie!!!!! heheheheh......

Unfortunately, we didn't spend too much time with friends. I managed to go out once with them to a Korean Restaurant in 3rd Mile. It's always good to see all the old friends. Everyone still the same, still cheerful, like to joke and talk rubbish, of course...ehhehe....we had a memorable dinner, I would say. At that time, I really feel times really fly by. We are all...mm...not old....mature!!!!

And worth to mention that few couples are getting married this year. Loon Kien couple is getting married in February, Han Boon couple is getting married in June and 2 more couples will be getting married this year. Well, everyone.....start saving!!!!!!!! Even though it might be a bit late for ah kien's wedding..........heheheh.....

Please do not forget to email me the wedding photos. Even an invitation card to me in NZ would be nice. hehehe.........=)

Farewell Dinner for Benedict

We have just sent Benedict off to Airport. He is flying back to Miri, then Auckland.

My parents have booked a private room in Lok Thian for his farewell. Val enjoyed the food and the most important she enjoyed everyone's company. After she finished her dinner, while we are still eating ours (seafood), she walked around in the room saying Hi, Hello, Cheers, Hi 5, Cuddle please etc to everyone.

During the dinner, I show her something very quickly and she gave us a big yell: Hold On please~~~~ That shocked everyone...hahahah.......don't know how much things she know eh........

I am not too sure how she will cope without Benedict for a month. I've just put her to sleep and she has already asked for Daddy. =)