Families that Grow Up Together

Families that stay together grows stronger. I think that means we spend time experiencing life together, exchanging thoughts and skills. And in a typical Singaporean way, the best thing to build relationships is through food!

So last Sunday we planned a family gathering with some of the families that had known each other for a long time. Some of us are friends for more than 10 years, some are 20 years or more.

Have to say, picnic is so “old school”, right? As we settled down along the pier at Woodlands Waterfront, most of the passer-bys were quite impressed with what we have prepared for dinner. Some families were so excited I kid you not, they almost wanted to join us too.

As a father of 2, I truly want my girls to grow up with the kids of families I know. Not saying that the children in school are bad, but I do not know those kids’ parents, neither do I know what type of values or beliefs the family subscribe to. So for me, the safest is for my girls to grow up with a group of children whose parents are close to us as well. At least we have the same faith and value the same things.

 

A father & daughter pose.

 

Jayne is especially close to Chernise as they are only 1 month apart in age. In fact, our families have been friends for as long as this 2 cuties have been born, 8 years and counting.

Bethany is 6 and our families have known each other even before she was born.

Poor Joey’s friends were not able to make it that day.. so she was acting emo on her own, watching out into the sea.. No worries gal, Papa is looking out for you.

And the conversations and laughter continued well into the night. And we got to enjoyed a beautiful sunset.

 

Till the next gathering!

Family Time

Sometimes we don’t have to plan too much to have family bonding. Family time should be more spontaneous.

The key is when we think of our family, don’t let the thought linger and stay just in your mind. Do something about it.

A walk along the park to enjoy the sunset.

Seriously, with all the stress all around us, the happiest moment for a parent would be to see my child totally enjoying the simple time of fun. I will never trade anything for this.

Thanking God for the family He has given me.

Side note. Woodlands Waterfront really has a nice view during evening times.

A simple post to document my fatherhood journey.

Swinging Day

SMS: We are going to Waterfront for breakfast picnic.
Reply: Okay, buy tau sa pau for me, I’m on the way.

That’s how we started the children’s official June holidays. I can foresee many more abhor decisions to bring the girls out during this period. That is how life should be right? Just be spontaneous and fun.

Thanks to Kless who is always on the lookout for new and fun activities for the family.

Every moment is a photo moment.

The swing has to be the favourite for all 3 ladies.

Jayne has a bit more difficulty getting on the swing, but given the competitive nature between the 2 girls, she won’t give up without a try.

Did I mention 3 ladies? Cos Kless also joined in for the fun.

I have 3 women who really loves the swing. Joey & Jayne trying to follow Mummy’s swing-steps.

Why WW Is Good For Kids?

Woodlands Waterfront is good place in a few ways, especially for families with kids.

For Joey, since she is short-sighted, WW is the best place to bring her for a run and more importantly a chance of her to rest her eyes and view more greens. I asked her to stand on the bench and look out to the fields for at least 3mins before she can start to play at the playgrounds.

Given her active nature, it was not a pleasant experience.

Looking forward to the joy ahead, she endured the present. Good biblical teaching too =)

For Jayne, as the 2nd child she will tend to follow her elder sister most of the time. So at WW it’s a great chance for her to learn how to be independent. Trying out the different things around the park and not be afraid that Joey is not with her.

Climbing the ropes.

Look at how happy she is when she overcame the obstacle.

For Kless, it’s a photo buffet moment.

Swing vs Slides

After a sweaty run around the playground, let’s head over to the jetty for some cooling breeze.

Water parade! No more running until you have taken at least finished half the bottle.

Nice! Now she is ready for more…

It was a fun evening, stay for some sunset shots if you can.  See how the rays bounces off the hair? I really like this shot.

Kuan Family had a great time. This is a rare family photo since July.

Woodlands Waterfront (Revisited)

Playground to Joey is like cheese to a mouse. She will immediately be full of energy, nothing else matters, not even titbits or cartoon.

During Kless’s short family break to Taiwan, I took the chance to bring Joey to Woodlands Waterfront again. The weather was perfect and timing was excellent, not too many kids to crowd around the slides and swings.

See how fast my girl ran, before I can take a clear shot, she was already reaching the end of the pavement.

This is the highlight of the playground, even the old man (me) wants to give it a try.

Joey enjoying the slight breeze on her hair. I just love her smile!

Where is Joey?

A good way to used up her energy (she fell asleep on the way home).

We saw a rainbow too! Small it may be, but the promise of God stays true forever.

We sat on the floor for a good 10mins and talked about everything (why JB is so close to S’pore? why is there a rainbow? can we come back again?) Such moments are priceless!

Woodlands Waterfront is such a relaxing place. Maybe I will bring Joey back for fishing next time..