In Remembrance of Great Grandma

Ah Zhor (the boys' great grandmother) passed away peacefully Saturday morning at the age of 83. She was a strong and fiesty lady who single-handedly took care of her 6 children after my grandpa passed away when I was in kindergarten. She worked hard but still took time to travel around the world. She loved the idea of being on the move, going out almost everyday, sometimes driving from the West to the East of Singapore. She never liked the idea of staying at home doing nothing. Every weekday, she would leave before sunrise and drive to her Taichi lessons at the Botanic Gardens. And to keep her mind sharp and active she enjoyed playing mahjong.

Ah Zhor doted Justin and Jonathan a lot. Everytime she went on business trips to Malaysia there would always be something for the kids, be it diapers, clothes, toys or food. I remember once Justin had so many toys he wanted to carry, that in desperation I gave him a big black trash bag to put his toys temporarily. He dragged the whole bag along with him down the stairs, making so much noise that Ah Zhor came to see what was going on. "Eh, Karung guni!" (rag and bone man) she smiled and laughed. If it were someone else making that noise, it would have been a different story.

However, three years ago she suddenly became unconscious, lost her balance and fell to the floor hitting her head. MRI scan showed that she had a tumour in her brain which affected her normal functions. Her health began to deteriorate. I tried to spend more time with her, postponing the time to join Papa in Taiwan for another half year. She loved the cool breeze and walks at East Coast Park, while enjoying her favourite ice cream. She also loved to hear the voices of her great grandchildren. When the kids call her, her eyes would open wide and she would smile and nod her head with joy.

Ah Mah (as I call her) had a great influence on my life without which I would not be who I am today. She will always be in our hearts.

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I would also like to give gratitude to my mum who was the main care giver for the past three years. My mum has done the best job, being the eldest daughter, taking care of Ah Mah's needs, sending her to the hospital for checkups, etc. She was under constant physical and mental stress. It was not easy seeing Ah Mah grow weaker each day, yet she still continued to give the best care at home.

Thank you, Mum.

Sports Day at Work

Soccer Match

Papa's office held a Sports Day event with families at the Toyosu Dome, an indoor stadium next to Lalaport Odaiba. The games included basketball, soocer for adults and dodgeball for the kids. Papa played the parents/kids games with the boys before his soccer game. The boys were good and watched the match at the side while papa was playing.

Taking a break


Before the game


Half time

Jon kicking the ball

After the match ended, everyone proceeded to the nearby cafe for lunch. The entertainment area had a 3D television. The future of television in the living rooms of all households, I suppose.

Watching 3D show


Wearing 3D glasses


Am I cute?

The last photo made me smile.

Happy Birthday, Jonathan!

Jonathan's birthday was during the school term break. Hooray! Papa took a day off to bring the kids to Kodomo-no-Kuni (Children's Kingdom) at Yokohama. Kodomo-no-Kuni is huge park which gives kids and adults plenty of opportunity to roam around. Besides having the feeling of being in the countryside, there are also many play areas where the kids can challenge themselves.

The kids played at the playground before heading for the mini train ride. How can they miss that? After the train ride, they headed for a 110m rolling slide followed by paddling in a Swan boat at the pond. It was pretty hard work for them to paddle the boat for 30 minutes. Good exercise, fresh air, beautiful cool autumn weather.

The kids had fun at the children's zoo where they touched bunnies and guinea pigs. Justin had a ride on a pony while Jon and Papa rode a horse around the field. After that, they went to MooMoo Dome where the kids jumped and bounced on a dome shaped structure.

This is a place definitely worth a visit. Other attractions which the kids didn't go to included the green house, swimming pool (converts to a skating ring in winter), hanging bridge, milk plant and a cycling course. There is also a BBQ site and a camping area, or you can bring your own food and have a picnic at the park.

Whilst the kids were at Yokohama, mummy was at home baking a cake for Jonathan's birthday - Thomas black forest (sans liquer) cherry chocolate fudge cake. I asked him whether he wanted Thomas, Percy or Harold and he chose the first.

Delighted Jon

Last but not least, his ang paos and presents all the way from Singapore. Thank you very much!!

Bedtime Reading

Conversation before bedtime:

Mom: Justin, time to read your school reader book before you go to bed. Jonathan, you too.

Justin: Mommy, I want to read my own books tonight.

Mom: Okay, go and choose your books then.

After a short while, both boys come in with about 20 books in their hands. The books were all beginner ones for Jon.

Mom: Justin, these books are for Jon. Where are yours?

Justin: I want to read to Jon tonight.

Mommy pauses awhile. What a sweet thought to read to his younger brother. Should I let him? He doesn't offer to read to him often and I was quite tired then. So I decided to let him have a go.

Reading "Cheeko and the Green Cap"

The boys had some bonding time together while mommy rested beside them. Justin asked Jon which book he wanted each time and gladly read to him. They enjoyed and laughed together reading "Cheeko and the Green Cap". It was about a monkey who wanted the green cap that a man was wearing, and started throwing stones at him and making funny faces. Justin acted out the part of the monkey which made Jonathan laugh.

Giggling and laughing while sharing a book together

Chinese Steamed Cake

I made some Chinese steamed cake for the kids' afternoon snack, topped with their favourite raisins. Jonathan couldn't wait. He grabbed two of the cakes and put them on his plate. The boys preferred the cocoa flavoured ones.

A day at the beach - Yuigahama, Kamakura

We went to to Yuigahama (由比ヶ浜海岸), a beach near Kamakura, in September. Directions to the beach here . Summer is really hot in Tokyo with temperatures going up to 37 degrees celcius this year. The kids had fun in the water, especially Justin who was busy the whole time trying to cover himself in sand. It was very refreshing to be in the cool water on a hot day.

After the swim, we went for lunch at Grand Blue Ochiai by the marina. The company was great, food was delicious with a beautiful scenery overlooking the Pacific Ocean. After lunch we spent some time walking around before heading for onsen. We were so relaxed after the onsen. Justin came out, lay down at the rest area almost going to z-land. A quick dinner at the onsen and we headed back home.