Those were the days

It didn't seem like it was so long ago when Sarah-Marie and Aaron-James were at Tai-gee-poh's house during the annual CNY house-to-house visit , played in the garden, watered the lawn or just ran around. Now, Albert's younger ones are likewise, enjoying the simple things in life (doing almost the same thing). Only difference is that the elder cousins are now the one that is tagging along to watch over them. Recalling the past of how they used to play around and now in different roles, certainly add years to the happy thoughts. Dad who used to be armed with the camera is now taken over by Aaron-James and kueh lapis baking would probably be handed over by the Mum to "you know who" (hint !! hint !!!) .. its a long shot !!! Tai-gee-poh who is now in the mid-80s is still fit and moving around. Kueh lapis baking is now handed down to the grandson, Joseph. (more hint !! hint !!!)

Going for a spin !!!

We can't afford a Merry Go Round ride, so Zachery had to settle for an improvised version of going for a spin. With the large open garden at Tai-gee-poh's house, the two youngest kids took turns to swing around. It sure made us wonder ....what will happen if we just happened to have slippery hands ..... someone maybe sticking out of the neighbour's roof !!!

Official "Suan" Day !!!

The Stage was set the day before. All the sibblings declared that the following day's lunch was to commence at 10:30am. Eldest sister (no names mentioned), quickly corrected that it should be 12:30pm and they very quickly left it as such. That was on 26 Jan 09.

Comes 27 Jan 09 (1st Day of the CNY), side bets were quickly taken to guess what time, BIG SISTER would actually arrive (condition : with BOTH feet firmly in the house). It was big time gambling for the first day of the Lunar New Year. Even the usual possiblity of PLUS/MINUS was eradicated stating that it was IMPOSSIBLE for a MINUS to take place. (This was of course based on past years statistics/track record !!!)

Back home, the children were also making their own prediction on what time Mom would actually leave the house. Aaron-James came up with 12:35pm (Afternote : Not too bad. He was right !!!)

At the Old Airport Road location, anxiety was building up when Sarah-Marie SMS the delay in their arrival. Base on the input, the timings were changed and all awaits her arrival.

When it was finally clear that she has arrived, all activities suddenly came to a standstill, to witness the actual time of arrival (ATA) ... Cameras (with timer in place), snapped the moment Big Sister steps in ... and the winner was JANET who predicted that she will be 55 minutes LATE, arriving at 1:25pm. It sure made her day !!! :p) ..... Might as well, make some money from all the past years of waiting !!!

After lunch, all proceeded to the playground for the traditional FAMILY GROUP PHOTOGRAPH. Only difference this year is that the Photographer is Aaron-James Teo. Instead of the usual "CHEESE" .... it was "TOILET PAPER !!!!" ....
It was another day to remember !!! ... for the "Official Suaning Day".

Family Shot

Unlike the earlier years where "DAD" is the main photographer, the task has been passed down to the "SON". Carefully selecting a venue with natural light, reasonably colourfull and tastefully in order, the balcony area fits the bill. Even the plants had to be aligned and the direction of the stalks of orchid had to be adjuste. Armed with this Canon EOS, Aaron-James happily triggered away some great angle shot to capture the CNY mood. Good effort/outcome for his very first CNY asssignment !!!!

Plus another One

Kong-Kong added another ONE. With all the 8 grandchildren, the birthday song was sung followed by the cake cutting. As usually, kong-kong little helper will assist to blow the cake. Usually, its the youngest who will get to do it but 2nd youngest took the honour role. All the kids ranging from 5-20 then had the traditional snap-shot before the cakes were distributed. Another shot for the album.
Right after the getogether, the 3 younger ones were dropped off at home and it was off to the annual potted (flowering) plant hunting. This year, we headed to SINFLORAL at Farmway 1, Seletar. The plants there seem to be "for free" .... lines of cars waiting to get in whilst those leaving were armed with trolley of plants and flowers. We scouted the entire venue. Only one potted (flowering) plant seem acceptable. Clean pot, still flowering, bright and cheerful green leaves. After having the approval of several others who were there admiring it, it was paid for and home we went (before midnight).

Friday morning drama !!!

The traffic light changed twice but the car in front of me just refused to move, despite the many light flashes and sounding of horn from those behind me. All cars started to veer off from both sides. I did likewise, only to see the driver looking motionless behind the wheel. Pulled aside and went to the car. Knocked on the window but there were no responses. The doors were locked and the car lights were still on. What flashes across my mind was that the driver had a heart attacked. Out came the phone to call for the police and medical assistance. There were still no responses from window knocking. Decided to take a couple of shots for record, before any assistance arrive. It was then, that I thought I saw the driver moved.

Knocked on the window again and to my horror, he woke up, looking very disgusted at me for waking him up. He must have taken the pressure off his brakes, for he started to moved and almost hit the car in front. The moment, the traffic light changed, he zoomed off, leaving me feeling rather SILLY !!! The driver was actually sound asleep for a good 30 minutes.

Plus One

What was meant to be a quiet day, turned out quite eventful. Didn't want any song & dance nor celebration cos started the day on a rather upsetting note. Lots of outstanding issues at hand and the limited time was not helping. Was planning to skip lunch when Yin Mui & Ka Leong popped by to suggest lunch. Was given an option and the first thought that came to mind was AYAM BUAH KELUAK. Off we went to Katong and had our fill of a PERANAKAN meal at "Charlies's Peranakan.

At 4pm, out came a TIRAMUSU Cake and the birthday song (thank goondess "no dances"). A bottle of White Wine, courtesy of the Thai Ambassador was also popped for evryone to have a taste of Thai wine. In the evening, it was off to BRUNO for an Italian Meal. Aaron-James went ahead to arrange for another TIRAMUSU Cake, with the staff of BRUNO singing, yet another Birthday Song. It was then yummy seafood pasta and Pizza. So much for a quiet day !!!