Plane trips between Singapore and Jakarta last for just over an hour.

And our 6.5yo Anya managed to keep herself occupied with paper and a pen.

On our way back to Singapore, she quietly scribbled and created something.

Then she showed me what she made.

And apparently, it was her very own computer!

I liked it a lot that I immediately took a shot of her little creation *smile*

[To me, it's the best way to 'keep' what our kids made over the years, without 'keeping the actual things' that will clutter our tiny Singapore home]

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[Cars, vans, trucks and motor cycles were errr ... going everywhere!]

Hi everyone,

I’m writing from Jakarta, and this is the reason why I haven’t been blogging too often lately!

The traffic jam (as usual) is bad here in Jakarta, ie. It still takes us an hour or more to get from A to B, BUT we’re enjoying our get-together with our family here.

And, I’m SO enjoying the range of yummy food here!

[Oh so yummy, siomay bandung!]

To those who are Indonesians and overseas, you’d know these very well: Es Campur, Jus Alpokat, Siomay Bandung, Pempek Palembang, Iga bakar, Mie Bakso, Teh Botol and all other authentic Indonesian food and drinks that we tend to miss so much!

And, I love how manicure, pedicure, hair spa PLUS shoulder&arms massage cost only S$15!

Ah. My much needed once-a-year ‘relaxing treatment’ before my hands and arms get back down to washing the dishes and scrubbing toilet floor. Haha.

I’ll write again soon.

PS: I do share more updates over on my Facebook. Most welcome to add me there, if you haven’t already!

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These days, we’ve been seeing lots of ‘Rapunzel‘ around. On public buses, posters, etc.

And the kids (especially Anya) pointed it out to me each time and went, ‘LOOK! It’s Rapunzel!’

Frankly though, when I saw the posters, I never quite thought about bringing the kids to watch the movie somehow.

I don’t know.

I guess, I somehow assume that it’ll probably be another lovey-dovey movie (you know, one with many kissing scenes between a boy and a girl who’ve just ‘recently met’). And, I’m one parent who’s not too keen on letting my two young kids watch movies/cartoons that focuses on ‘romantic love between teens or young adults’ (My kids are 6.5yo and 4yo).

[If a married couple love and care for one another, like in the movie 'UP', I totally am fine with that]

So. When I was invited and given tickets to catch the movie premiere of ‘Rapunzel: The Tangled Tale‘ before it’s released to the general public, I frankly was a little … unsure.

What if it’s not quite ‘age-appropriate’ for my two kids? What if the storyline focuses more on romantic scenes? What if. What if. What if.

Hoping that the movie ’should be okay’, I told the kids about our ‘movie night outing together’.

And they were like, ‘YAY! We’re going to watch Rapunzel!!!’

And you know what?

The movie was totally NOT like what thought it would be.

It was funny. Cute and lovable characters too!

The storyline was not like the traditional Rapunzel story, and the fact that it’s unpredictable was great, I thought!

[Tips: Do NOT read too much about the plot or what the movie is REALLY about. Just go and watch it, and be nicely surprised, is what I'd personally recommend, hehe]

Oh btw, I love the many visually beautiful scenes in the movie too! (Vai was like, ‘Whoaaaaaaaa!’ when he watched the scene above, hehe)

AND, the hair, gee … I must comment on this one. Rapunzel’s hair really looks nicely life-like! I mean, we all know it’s animation and all, but the strands of hair, the lusciousness of it, look VERY real! I was impressed with the details and the graphics!

[Rapunzel's hair is said to be 70feet long in the story, which btw is a bit longer than the length of a volleyball court. Haha, yeah I know, I googled and checked as I was just curious!]

…

And oh, about my ‘kissing scenes’ concern (read: romantic love that develops too fast between two young people in the movie), here’s what I can share with you: they do kiss and all, but it’s way towards the end.

I personally thought children movies can always do without such scenes, but then again, oh well at least it’s not too bad (And I did casually whisper to the kids at the time how Rapunzel and Flynn, the two main characters, are about to be married there *smile*)

I was glad that the focus is more on their adventure together, and their growing trust and friendship with one another.

[And due to its many 'adventures' and 'actions', I'd personally not recommend this movie to kids below 2.5yo]

Anyway, here’s the official movie synopsis:

When the kingdom’s most wanted—and most charming—bandit Flynn Rider (voice of Zachary Levi) is taken hostage by Rapunzel (voice of Mandy Moore), a feisty teen with 70 feet of golden hair who’s looking for her ticket out of the tower where she’s been locked away for years, the unlikely duo sets off on a hilarious, hair-raising escapade filled with adventure, heart, humor and hair—lots of hair.

…

Here’s the link to check out the official Disney Homepage: www.disney.com.sg/rapunzel

And click HERE to watch the movie trailer on youtube!

NOTE:
The movie is officially released to the public on 25 November (3D only) and on 2 December ISLANDWIDE.

One last thing.

There’s a ‘MAGICAL HAIR’ contest going on!

Basically, you simply need to share whatever tricks / techniques you usually use to craft, sculpt and shape your hair (or your kids’!). Upload a photo of the hairdo and get your friends to ‘LIKE’ it!

That’s it.

And the top ten people with the highest number of ‘likes’ will win exclusive movie premiums!

Go, check out the site!

…

And to end the post, here’s Anya and her ’super braided hair’, hehe.

Here’s how the hairdo was done:

- Start from the middle of the head, start braiding half way down and tie it with something colourful
- Do the same towards the left and the right
- Gather all the ends of the braided hair together and do a final braid.

It does take quite a while! *smile*

…

Have fun with your own (or your kid’s!) hair yeah!

And don’t forget to enter the contest too!

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AH HAH!

Here is the list of some of the Christmas Shows and School Holiday events that your family can check out together this year!

[Thanks to this family who compiled the list below!]

If you know more of others that are not yet on the list, please do share with the rest of us yeah! Thanks!

I’ll keep on adding more to this list whenever I get updates from the media.

Do check the COMMENTS section for updates!
(And feel free to link my blog to yours)

Have fun spending time with your family this Christmas!

…

Yogi Bear Meet & Greet
Downtown East, Event Square
15 - 28 Nov (except Tues)
Weekdays: 3.30pm & 7pm
Weekends: 2pm, 4pm & 7pm

…

Toy Story Chirstmas Galaxy (No Shows)
Meet & Greet Woody & Buzz
Parkway Parade, Basement Atrium
19 - 28 Nov (except Mon)
1pm, 4pm & 7pm
*Spend min. $30 in single receipt for one pass.

…

Strawberry Shortcake Berry Bubblelicious Show
1pm, 4pm & 7pm
Yew Tee Point, 19-21 Nov (Meet & Greet only)
Compass Point, 23-28 Nov
Causeway Point, 30 Nov - 5 Dec
Northpoint, 7-12 Dec
Centrepoint, 14-19 Dec
Anchorpoint, 21-23 Dec (Only 1pm, Meet & Greet only)
Bedok Point, 21-23 Dec (Only 7pm, Meet & Greet only)
Meet-n-Greet for first 40, no purchase required.

…

Dora “The Big Pinata” Live Show
Raffles City, Level 3
19 Nov - 5 Dec (except Mon)
Tue - Fri: 1pm & 7pm
Sat - Sun: 1pm, 4pm & 7pm

…

Dora’s Tea Party
Raffles City, Level 3
4 & 5 Dec, 2.30pm
*Spend min. $30 from 12 Nov - 5 Dec to receive a pass.

…

Yo Gabba Gabba! Musical
Takashimaya Square, B2
22 Nov - 1 Dec, 1pm, 4pm & 7pm daily

…

Barney’s Christmas Surprise!
United Square
24 Nov - 6 Dec (except Tues)
Mon-Fri: 2pm & 7pm
Sat & Sat: 1pm, 4pm & 7pm
*Meet & Greet; min. $30 required.

…

Hi-5 Live Show
Marina Square
26 Nov - 12 Dec (except Mon)
1pm, 4pm & 7pm
*Meet & Greet, limited to first 50 (no min. spend)

…

The Night Before Christmas
&
Mad Hatter’s Christmas Tea Party
Forum Shopping Mall, B1
27 Nov - 12 Dec
1pm & 5pm (Both shows alternate between the 2 showtimes)
*Meet & Greet at 3pm, no min. spend

…

Toy Story Christmas Galaxy
Story-telling Sessions & Games
Parkway Parade, Basement Atrium
30 Nov - 5 Dec
1pm, 4pm & 7pm
*Spend min. $30 in single receipt for one pass.

…

Care Bears Musical Live Show
Downtown East, Event Square
30 Nov - 31 Dec (Weekends & Public Holidays ONLY)
6 - 6.30 pm (extra show on 21 Nov at 12.30pm)

…

Care Bears Nite Parade
Downtown East, Event Square, The Alley & E!hub
1- 26 Dec (Weekends ONLY)
8 - 8.30pm
*Additional Parade on 31 Dec at 3pm

…

The Elves and the Shoemaker retold by Precious Moments™
Jurong Point, JP1 Centrestage
1-12 Dec
*Timings still unknown

…

The Nutcracker - Musical Spectacular
Vivocity, Level 3 Amphitheatre
2-12 Dec (except 6 Dec)
8pm
*Spend $100 between 22 Nov - 12 Dec to redeem a pair of passes.
OCBC Cardmembers need only charge $80.

…

Dora & Boots Meet & Greet
Raffles City, Level 3
7-12 Dec (except Mon)
Tue - Fri: 1pm & 7pm
Sat - Sun: 1pm, 4pm & 7pm
*Admission to first 50 children per session

…

Mr. Men & Little Miss Christmas Musical
Takashimaya Square, B2
3-11 Dec, 1pm, 4pm & 7pm daily
*no show on 6 Dec, Mon.

…

Go Diego Go! - The Iguana Sing-along
United Square
9-20 Dec (except Tues)
Mon-Sun: 12pm, 4.30pm & 7pm
*Meet & Greet; min. $30 required.

…

Spongebob Squarepants MEET & GREET
United Square
9-20 Dec (except Tues)
Mon-Sun: 2.30pm
*Meet & Greet ONLY; min. $30 required.

…

Chirstmas at Changi
Changi Airport
13 Nov- 6 Jan

…

Magical Teapot Gift Sessions
Over 6 metres high, the amazing Magical Teapot comes alive and dispenses surprise treats every hour from 13 Nov 2010 to 6 Jan 2011. No purchase needed.

*Terminal 3, Departure Check-in Hall Level 2 (before Immigration Counters)
*Weekdays: 7pm - 10pm
*Weekends: 1pm - 10pm

…

Bouncy Fun at the Christmas Fantasy Castle
Kids will love spending hours bouncing and sliding at this giant castle from 4 Dec 2010 to 6 Jan 2011. Simply present any shopping or dining receipt (no min. spend) from Changi Airport to enjoy this fantastic treat!

*Terminal 3, Departure Check-in Hall Level 2
*Daily, 12pm - 10pm

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So, do you like your marshmallow with chocolate fondue, Vai?

Well.

Sometimes, words are simply not necessary, when the face can say it all. Heh.

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In today’s era, gadgets and digital technology do seem to have grabbed our young children’s attention and time.

And thus I do find it somewhat heart-warming to see how in a different part of the world, in a place where perhaps most would regard as ‘less civilised’ or ‘far from modern’, children still do find laughter, fun, friendship and togetherness … in life’s simple things.

Really.

I look at these two pictures and thought to myself, perhaps their relationship with one another is stronger than those found in big cities.

Perhaps they somewhat are ‘more content’ with what they (already) have than our modern city kids (ie. kids with endless wants for more of this and more of that, kids who perhaps are generously showered with MORE than what they need).

Hmm.

Food for thought for us modern city people, I guess.

…

Photos: Taken by Wilson during his mission trip to Jayapura (Papua, Indonesia) recently.

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When you talk about Hong Kong, you’d most likely imagine beautiful night shots, the harbour, the trams, the mountain view, etc.

But today, I’d like to share with you shots of what many ‘tourists’ may not see when they only spend a few days there.

Shots of its busy markets!

After we left Hong Kong Disneyland, we went to Hong Kong Island and stayed for two nights at a hotel near Causeway Bay.

And the area was SO happening!

The small alleys were busy with people selling fruits, fresh fish, meat, all kinds of stuff.

And these shots were taken on a Friday, at about 11.30am!

We love how the kids got to see and observe all this, LIVE, for their very first time.

Because this is definitely something that we wouldn’t see back in Singapore!

Btw, we saw STACKS of these crabs at SO many corners of the market.

And I really mean, STACKS!

We couldn’t speak Cantonese, and we obviously couldn’t read what it said, so we did wonder what these crabs are called, and how they’re supposed to be cooked.

If you do know what these are, please share with us?

…

Anyway.

We found a little restaurant by the road side and had our lunch there.

And I love this shot above.

One shot that tells you so many things.

The interior of the eating place.
Daddy who took the shot.
Mommy who’s speaking to the man, trying to order lunch (in English and her broken Mandarin!).
Kids who played with the lunch menus while waiting.

And of course, the waiter at the back who’s busy cleaning the ceiling with his mop! Heh.

…

And the food?

Ah. Let’s just say that I was SO thankful to God that I could enjoy every single bite of our lunch (note:morning sickness magically disappeared during our trip!)

We had simple meals for lunch that day. But they’re all VERY yummy.

Some people told me that it could be due to the weather there, ie. Food tastes yummier when the weather is nice and cool.

Oh well. Whatever it is, we heart HK street food!

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I must say, the highlight of our recent visit to Hong Kong was our first ever trip to Hong Kong Disneyland.

We checked it out over two days, and we had a blast there!

I’ll write a FULL blog post on our Hong Kong Disneyland experience real soon.

[I may even need to split it over two posts. Too many photos to share. Hmm. We'll see.]

Anyway.

For now, I’ll leave you with these two photos.

This is a shot of us in front of the ‘Cinderella Carousel‘.

Wilson took this shot when we’re on our way to the ‘Sleeping Beauty Castle’ to wait for the 7pm Fireworks Show!

And this was when Anya drew ‘Space Mountain’, THE one ride that left a lasting impression on her, heh.

More photos soon!

…

PS: SO grateful that I have a photographer as a husband, hehe. With our two cameras, we both captured more than 1000 precious moments altogether! The above two were taken by Wilson.

…

[added]

Blog posts on Hong Kong Disneyland are up. Here are the links:

Checking Out : Hong Kong Disneyland (Part 1)

Checking Out : Hong Kong Disneyland (Part 2) - Hotel & Dining

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We had a wonderful 4-days-3-nights stay in Hong Kong recently.

We were blessed with GREAT weather during our stay there. AND, the most amazing thing to me was, my morning sickness was 95% GONE during our trip!

I mean, I actually had energy. NO excessive saliva. NO bloated feeling. And I could actually eat, TASTE and ENJOY what I ate!

[I remember closing my eyes as I munched my dinner, tasting every bit of food, and thanking God for it! It was THAT good!]

Anyway.

Wilson and I took TONNES of photos and I have SO much to share about our HK experience with you.

I think I need to blog about it over a few entries, heh.

Will write again soon.

[Kids played 'Where's Wally?' game while overlooking the fresh mountain view from our Hotel at Causeway Bay]

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Our 6.5yo Anya has this love for writing.

Every single day she’d either draw and write a story next to it. Or, she’d simply write. Something.

A little note. A short story. A long story. Anything.

And the other day, she showed me this.

The story of David (from the Bible).

In INDONESIAN.

*smile*

I love how she used ‘every day’ (spoken) words in her story. Words that we actually are not ’supposed’ to use if we were to write a ‘proper essay’ in Indonesian.

And.

To me, what’s more important is her attempt to do something different.

To write something in another language.

To step a little away from her usual comfort zone.

…

Anyway.

To those who’re not familiar with ‘Bahasa Indonesia’, this is what she wrote:

One day there’s a child named David.

He can kill a lion. Also a bear. To look after the sheep.

One day a wolf came to eat sheep.

Sheep is scared.

When he’s big, he would become a king.

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