46 years of friendship

We first met as Scouts in 1973 @ the 1st Asia Pacific Regional Jamboree in Mt Makiling, Manila. We stayed in touch as we went our separate ways. We met from time-to-time whenever we could align our schedules. (with our families)  in Chicago, Singapore, London, New York and now after 46 years,  at Sydney. Though we do not say much to each other, the meet-up remains priceless. Cheers for the 46 years of Scouting Friendship to the group that is still in touch !!! (You know who you are !!!)

Sent from my Samsung Galaxy smartphone.

These two little ones at the 10th month, have indeed grown. One with lots of hair and huge "puppy-eye" look can be rather demanding in seeking attention, whilst the elder of the two (by one minute) is more calm and less demanding, unless FOOD is involved, adopting the "feed me first" doctrine. Getting heavier and a little noisier too. Certainly a bundle of noise .... I mean joy !!!

Co-ordinated outing

When 2 elderly and 2 infants are on an  outing at the same time, a major logistics support requirement plan had to be in place to address all contingencies. Sunday morning outing to SEA Aquarium at Sentosa saw the execution of the deployment of all available to support the intent. On the whole, it worked out well.

Sent from my Samsung Galaxy smartphone.

Happy Deepavali !!

This is the closest that I am getting to, dressing up for Deepavali. Sureto fail airport security !! This is the only item that was purchased from the last Pakistan trip. Happy holidays !!

Sent from my Samsung Galaxy smartphone.

Grandparents with the twins

They are old enough to have baby seats and demand to be fed. One will express his displeasure when the next spoonful is delayed whilst the other will simply bang away on the table. Food seem to be their main motivation of the day !!! How they have grown.

Sent from my Samsung Galaxy smartphone.

4 Generations

Sunday after lunch saw a surprise "drop-in" by the twins to meet their great grand parents. Had a quick order as it was already "last order" by the time we assembled at the "Kopitiam" at Raffles City.

Over coffee and some cakes, we managed a snap-shot with Great Grandpa, Grandpa, Son and Grandson. One of the rare moments where all were facing the camera (at the same time !!!). Looks like "son" has the most hair at this point in time !!

Its BLACK !! It's WHITE !!

Whilst the raving for Chai-Tow-Kuey (CTK) is strong, the decision for BLACK or WHITE version started an eternal debate whilst waiting in line. Both are equally good and decision to have one or the other remains ???? When in such conflicting situation, compromise is the other of the day. Have BOTH !!! Can't be spoilt for choice, ya !!!

E & E (but one E is for Elmo !!!)

One of the cuter part of their growing up. Here Elmo emulated Elly's sleeping style .... or is that the other way around. In any case, its a peaceful moment where there's some silence in the room ..... for a little while.

Eldest girl of 4 generations

A rare occasion where the 4 eldest girl from each of the 4 generations got together to celebrate the 103rd day of the twins arrival. One is still wondering what's going on (Guess who !!!)

Ex-CNVs' CNY Reception

It's an annual event, where all the Ex Chief of Navy (CNV)s would host a CNY reception for ex naval officers and senior specialists. Had the privilege to be invited for the past years. Met former bosses and shipmates. Among the many was former CNV, Teo Chee Hean, DS(Navy) Robin Wong and former CO MIDS Simon Hoon, HNTs Peter Ho and Peter Chen, Fleet Commander, Lee Seng Kong and many, many more. The Navy family has grown over the years but memories are still fresh of the "Good old days".

Great to meet up with my former COs and Head of Departments / previous bosses.

Most are happily retired, sharing tales of their days at sea and their current roles as grandfathers. The gathering was honoured by the present of MAJ(Ret) RV Simon and MAJ(Ret) Leong See Keong who were among the pioneers way before the Maritime Command.

How time had flew by. Many had 2 to 3 decades of the lives in the service. How we each had fade, fade away but still closely knitted by the Navy Family.

Chinese New Year 2019

This CNY, the family is blessed with two additions, Ezekiel (Eze) & Elizebeth (Elly). Both arrived on 9 Jan 2019 with Eze, a minute in the lead. Arriving at the tail end of the Year of the Dog but just in time to join-in the First Day of the lunar new year in the Year of the Pig. Guess its 2 puppies vs 2 piglets. Also, we welcome another Elizebeth to the family. Hmmmm !! That makes 4 Es in the family.

Enlarged family in CNY 2019

The arrival of Ezekiel & Elizebeth (E&E) certainly added much joy and differences to the Tjoeng Family as well as to our Godparents, the Lau Family. The Tjoeng Family started with Kong-Kong & Por-Por in 1958.  It grew to six with Elsie, Allen, Irene & Albert. 2 sons-in-law & 2 daughters-in-law enlarged the family to 10. By 2016, there were 8 grandchildren + 1 grand son-in-law. The latest 2 great grandchildren in 2019 makes it to 21 (Black Jack !!!). It will be 22 by mid year with a grand daughter-in-law.

Likewise, the joy was also extended to the Lau Family. Over the years, we have seen it grow. Both E&E received lots of attention that evening, as the 1st day of CNY concluded.

Guess the 2 little ones, Ezekiel & Elizebeth (E&E) will have lots of photographic record as they grow up.

The “Es “ have arrived

Today, marked the official end of 3 decades of "Just Dad" status. Ezekiel Evan (Eze) & Elizabeth Clair (Elly) has finally arrived (a minute apart). Bundled in Blue & Pink, the two bundle of joy joined the family on 9 Jan 19, on their parents anniversary. Gonna get use to the "Grand" prefix henceforth. Their mom is well !! (Hoo-yah !!!) 🙏🏾😁

Sixty + One

Guess today will be my last birthday as "Just Dad". Enjoyed 3 decades of that status from "just another day", routine to surprise birthdays. In two days time, sharing the same horoscope will be Eze & Elly elevating to a new status, prefixed with "Grand".(OMG !! Grand Dad). It's sinking in !!!

Started the day - Breakfast with daughter #2 @ Kovan Market. She couldn’t convince the “Chye Tow Kueh” (Carrot Cake) auntie to provide candles so Google Pixel 3 technology was activated to provide virtual candles on her phone. Thank god for daughter, auntie for the CTK and google pixel 3 for the candles !!! :p) — 

After a day of "quiet time",  had a Bara Chirashi for lunch, enjoying the meal, reflecting on all the drama that had taken place over the span of the working life. Joined the family for a French Dinner at the Racinnes @ Sofitel in the evening. ) Almost had the whole restaurant to ourselves !!!)

The day ended with a piece of cheese cake  (with a real single candle) to mark the last birthday as "Just Dad" !!!

The journey begins for 2019

Whilst the world celebrates the new year, individual charts their path forward. It maybe just another day from yesterday, the new year sees new challenges. New members arriving (soon) to enlarge the family, wedding plans in the pipeline, a step closer to retirement, new job awaits .... lots of anticipation, some with added anxieties. Taking a step forward, hoping for the better as 2019 unfolds.