School Trip #2

26 Jun 2008 – Reception class went to school trip this wednesday. They visited the Butterfly and Wildlife Park in Lincolnshire. The children were first followed a zoologist to “meet the invertebrates”. Some of them were so brave and volunteer to handle reptiles, like snake, large spider and iguana. Adults like us were standing way back.

In the evening, we went to the Dea’s for American BBQ, together with our neighbours/friends. We bought a cake to celebrate Corrina’s 30th birthday in advance. Corrina had prepared delicious Mexican appetizers to celebrate American Independence Day. We also tried S’mor, a traditional campfire treat popular in States and Canada, consisting of a roasted marshmallow and a slab of chocolate sandwiched between two pieces of graham cracker. It was awesome!

Nature – A Poem by Yi Hong

A Day in London

21 Jun 2008 – We parked our car at High Barnet and took a train to central London because driving in London could be a pain. We experienced the first time taking tube (train) in London. Quite different from Singapore. Drinking and eating was allowed, in fact, alcohol was only banned this month. The tube lines and interchange were more complicated. Some girls would put on their make up in train. I witnessed process of a girl apply FULL make up in tube, from shaping eyebrow, putting on Mascara, Foundation, Eye Concealer, Blush, Eye Shadow to Lipstick. Amazing!

In London, there were Sales everywhere. I could spend a day there if I was alone. We had lunch at TGIF, an American restaurant, maybe influenced by our ISE friends. We explored the Covent Garden, famous for its shops, street performers, bars, restaurants, theatres and the Royal Opera House. It was fantastic!

By the way, 21 Jun is the day of the year with the longest hours of daylight in the Northern Hemisphere, from 4.43am to 9.21pm in England. In Spring/Summer, I always has problem getting the children to go to bed, they would say they can’t sleep in the ‘daytime’. Furthermore, they always woke up too early in the morning. Guess when is the shortest day here? 22 Dec.

School Trip #1

19 Jun 2008 – Yi Hong went on school trip to Hunstanton Sea Life Sanctuary. He was so ready even the day before. He got the drink and coat in his bag, £3 to spend in the gift shop, ordered packed lunch he wanted. He and his classmates were so excited and eveybody were at school exceptional early that day. In the Sea Life Centre, the children got to see Otters, Penguins, Sharks, Seals, Seahorses and other amazing sea creatures. They also had a chance to see and touch the Starfish (they named it ‘Patrick’), Mermaid Purse and Crab (very brave!).

Happy Father’s Day

15 Jun 2008 – Danny woke up this morning with a little special treatment. Yi Hong and Yi Xuen had prepared breakfast for him, ie 2 slices of toast, a blackberry muffin, a Alpen cereal bar, raisin and a cup of coffee. They had made Father’s day card in school and brought presents for daddy too. Yi Hong gave daddy a ‘Fab Dad’ beer pint glass and Yi Xuen gave him a ‘Super Dad’ Coffee mug. Very practical and Danny started using them. We had dinner later at Danny’s favourite restaurant, Royal China.

Chinese Cooking Nite

12 June 2008 – I’ve invited some friends over tonight. They are the wonderful American ladies from ISE family and my lovely British neighbour. I got to share with them some of the chinese cooking recipes and ingredients that we normally used. We made sushi, cooked fried rice, spring roll (thanks Becki to show us the correct way of wrapping), satay and ribs. We joke as we cook, we had so much fun. They had given me many positive feedback and make me more confident about my cooking.
If my mum knows, she will be very proud of me ;)

Daddy’s Not So Surprise’s Surprise Birthday Party

3 Jun 2008 – I intended to throw Danny a surprise party on his 41st birthday. Danny normally go to gym on Tuesday and came home after 7pm. My genius plan : While he was in the gym -> I would set up the table and decorations -> get our friends around (the Dea’s, Simon and Sarah) by 7pm -> Danny open the door…. SURPRISE!!!

However, it doesn’t work out as I planned. Danny smell something fishy going on because:
1. Yi Hong kept asking him if he could came back at 7.30pm… he need to do some ‘newspaper’ decorations… what !?!!?
2. Yi Hong told him that Sam would came to our house at night
3. I acted not quite normal as I always did on his birthday, ie no excitement, no planning for dinner, no nothing
4. Yi Hong asked me if children were invited to the party and Danny overheard it
5. When Sarah & Simon at our doorstep… No!… Danny was driving back! BINGO!

My plan failed. But, I thought it was an wonderful birthday party and we enjoyed it very much, especially Danny. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Yi Xuen sang Hannah Montana’s Best of Both World

She sang again.