t’s our second CNY in Bangkok, and just like last year, hubby’s family members flew from Singapore and M’sia to be here with us. So, it’s another memorable family reunion.

Justin with his cousins from Singapore

We had our reunion dinner at BIL’s house. FIL bought a lot of Thai food, and it’s the first time we had Chinese reunion dinner, ala Thai style. LOL! I thought of eating out, but MIL said, with 7 kids, and 10 adults, it’s best to have the dinner at the comfort of our own home. Thank god BIL’s house is so spacious. The kids had fun playing in the family room and later watching TV like no body’s biz.

Isabelle and the boys.

On the first day of CNY, everyone dropped by BIL’s house again for angpao and gathering. We were going to Hua Hin beach for 3 days, so everyone was pretty excited about it.

Isabelle’s struggling to wish “gong xi fa cai”

As you know, our family is quite a “beach” person. We go to the beach very often.

Off to the beach in Hua Hin

Bikini is a must!

The kids spent most of the time in the pool and on the beach. As for adults, we drunk and ate, besides watching the kids.

Hubby and his princess

Thank god she lost her tan very fast, even if she’s in the sun so often.

House riding is a must!

One of the highlights during our stay in Hua Hin was, the kids found a big jellyfish on the sand.

Justin and his cousin found it.

The papas tried to rescue it, but to no avail. Maybe it’s dead la.

So after 3 days of sun and beach, all of us got really tanned. Nonetheless, we all had great fun, and snapped over 700 photos during this CNY. But after 2 years of CNY in Thailand, all of us planned to celebrate next CNY in M’sia. So, it’s time to book the tickets and fly back to Ipoh next year. I’m not sure how many days can we afford to be away, with the kids skipping school and us skipping work. But I surely need to check out the insurance quotes back home, and make some comparison, and renew my safe deposit and bla bla bla. There are so much to do once we get back home again. But then, it’s always nice to be home.

Hence, see u guys next CNY!

It’s our first trip to Koh Chang island, and we joined BIL’s company staffs on this trip. There are about 40 of us, so we traveled in 4 commuter vans by starting the journey at 5am plus. It’s that EARLY! I’m so glad that the kids didn’t make a fuss when they woke up at 4am, and they were pretty excited about the trip.

At about 1pm, we reached the jetty to catch the ferry to Koh Chang island. It’s really that far from the city!

The ferry reminds me of Penang. But they don’t allow passengers to be in the cars, so most passengers have to get to the top rack after packing the vehicles.

Isabelle on the ferry

It took us about 45 minutes to get to the island, and here is a group photo of all of us.

Sorry, got to put small small.

The roads on this island are very winding and steep. I would advise that you get the local transport or tour vans instead of driving on your own. Oh man, really kiasi lang…

After checking in at the hotel, we went for the first activity of the day: The Tree Top Adventure. The adults had some team building games here, while the kids enjoyed themselves on the high rise net and catching crabs on the beach. Hubby and I watched the kids, with the help of a worker.

My adventurous boy just jumped on the net as soon as he saw it. It was about 10 ft high from the ground. O.o

The kids spent a lot of time on the net, with a worried mommy watching closeby.

Hubby had a lot of fun too.

Some team building games

Catching crabs on the beach

Hubby saw this from the bottom and decided to dump the babysitting job to me and joined in the adult fun.

Ok la, you deserve to have some fun. (Actually, it’s the mommy who’s too afraid of the height. )

Ah, really look like a lot of fun, hanging from one tree to another.

Our city kids enjoyed exploring the nature

But the mommy was almost running out of breathe chasing after them from one spot to another. Justin is SOOOOO adventurous now, and Isabelle follows him everywhere. Faint…

We spent about 3 hours here, and after that, all of us got back to the hotel. It’s been a very long day so all of us were dead exhausted. We went to bed early after a quick dinner, and called it a day.

The next morning, the kids got up bright and early and they were excited for the day’s event: Snorkeling!

Checking out the tadpoles in the pond while waiting for our transport.

The route to the pier was bl*rdy scary. So steep and winding la.

Hubby snapped this for me at the pier.

He said if he’s not holding the camera, the kids won’t know that mommy is there when they see the photos next time. The boat ride took about an hour to reach the snorkeling spot. So, it’s another bumpy ride.

Kids knocked out on the boat. Isabelle refused to let go of the bread for fish feeding. LOL!

Since the kids were napping, we stole some time to snap some photos.

I didn’t snap much on this snorkeling trip as I left my camera on the boat. Watching the kids in the sea is more important! But anyway, we had other cameras around.

Finally got to feed the fish.

Justin and daddy in the sea, with fish flocking towards them.

I found that the corals here are not as pretty as Phuket and Similan Islands, but for some workers, it’s their first snorkeling trip, so they were happy about it. As for Justin, it’s his second trip. He was happy to see the fishes but at the same time, too afraid when they were getting close to him. LOL!

We had a dinner and mini party on the last night in Koh Chang, and the staffs had great fun with the games and gift exchange.

I have a pressie.

On the last day, we dropped by the beach near the hotel. I noticed that there are a lot of foreigners here, mostly Russians.

Beach on Koh Chang island

Enjoying the sand.

That concludes our trip to Koh Chang and more photos are uploaded in FB.

Then this week, we will be going to Hua Hin beach with hubby’s family members. We are going to be very roasted and tanned again.

Hubby came back on Thursday evening, and Isabelle’s been gluing to the daddy like a koala bear. All the while, she needs me to tug her in, but since hubby is back, she wants to sleep with daddy. If hubby leaves the room and she can’t see him, she will cry and look for daddy. This is the first time for our little girl!

Best of all, she has hubby to wash her hair for her again, and I can forget about this “torture” which carried for a week. Don’t get me wrong, I am very gentle with her, but she doesn’t like me to wash her hair!

The only disadvantage that hubby is back is….the kids can’t watch TV on weekdays again. Our Samsung TV can only be switched on weekends, so the kids will need some time to get used to the old routine again.

Anyway, we are all glad that hubby is back! Yippie!

This is another backdated post.

After our tour to Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, we headed home for a good rest as the kids were pretty tired. Hubby was quite anxious about the mini new year’s eve party at BIL’s new house, he urged the kids to take a nap, and checking through the food we had to prepare. When it’s about time, he got the kids ready, and RUSHED to me get in the car with the food. LOL! I was thinking, hey, what’s the big rush? It’s just a barbecue.

We were the first to arrive and the hosts were out to the wet market. So, hubby set up the grill, and Justin helped out too.

The little helper

Hubby’s grilling…

As soon as SIL got back from the market, both of us got busy with preparing the food. I marinated the pork, chicken and got the sausages ready before hand, so it’s just washing and preparing the seafood and veggie bought by SIL. Things were done pretty fast, and by then, some guests had already arrived. BIL only invited some close friends though, so there were not a lot of us.

Barbecue kakis

Hubby and me.

While the adults got busy eating and chatting, the kids kept themselves entertained too.

My little poser.

The boy who refused to join us but rather watched TV all night.

All the kids and babies knocked out before 11pm, and we continued to wait for the new year. It’s kind of fun celebrating the eve in a quiet and discreet way. Unlike my single days, I would prefer to party through the night. LOL! But for the last few hours of 2009, all of us were stuffing ourselves crazy with food and drinks. Frankly, I gained 2 kg after a week of holiday. I probably need skechers shape ups if I keep on eating like this. LOL!

Welcome year 2010!

New Year toast!

In short, happy new to all of u again, and I hope that this year will be a better one for all of us.

We have heard so much about floating market in Thailand, but we have only gone to the one in Pattaya, and it’s not exactly a traditional floating market. Thus, hubby suggested that we checked out Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, which is about 2 hours drive from the city, on the last day of 2009.

The moment we arrived at the market, the kids complained about the smell. LOL! I guess they have all grown to be city kids, so they are not as adventurous as before. We were persuaded to take a boat ride about the market, and it took about an hour ride, including a visit to a coconut sugar farm.

The kids were not interested in the making process, but they love the coconut sweets. I regretted that we didn’t buy more too.

Snapped this at the coconut sugar farm.

After that, we went on a bumpy and faster boat ride to a nearby temple. Justin was so  worried that he didn’t have a life jacket, and he swore that he won’t come to this floating market again. LOL!

Hanging on tight to daddy.

Nonetheless, he was back to himself again when we stepped on the shore at the temple and was told that he could feed the fishes here. The kids love fish feeding, and that’s something we do often in Bangkok.

After that, we headed back to the market for lunch, and the food was prepared on the boats by the canal. I was worried about the cleanliness of the food since none of us have any medical travel insurance. But luckily, the boats are packed by the side of the market, and they use tap water for washing and cleaning the utensils. Frankly, hubby and I haven’t had any food poisoning in Bangkok, but the kids had one pretty bad one, but it’s not due to any tourist spots.

Overall, I think a floating market is a major attraction in Thailand, if you are interested to understand the culture of the local Thais.  But my kids said they won’t go back there again.

We have been pretty busy since Christmas day. SIL#1 were here with her kids, so the kids spent a great time together, and totally worn out by the end of each day. They are on the way to the airport now, and the next meet up will be 2 months from now.

Besides spending time with their cousins, we went to BIL’s house warming party too, but it’s slightly different from those we have attended back home. Over here, it’s like a praying ritual, and then a mini buffet. Anyway, all the photos are uploaded in FB, so family members back home, go take a peep.

Since we don’t have plan for this week holiday, we shall just stay at home, or think of something else to do. BIL suggested camping, but shoppingmum prefers the shopping mall. Let’s see how. If it’s a ski vacation, I will jump on the plane right away. But spending time in the “jungle” counting down to the new year doesn’t seem appealing to a shopaholic like me. Sigh…

Again, let’s see how. Majority wins.

Happy New Year to everyone ya!

Sunday is gai gai day, don’t you agree?

We went to Funarium yesterday because the kids NEED to play and mommy had a dSLR class with Aaron. It’s just a short briefing, but since both of us have kids, Funarium is a great rendezvous. Hey, adults can play too, and by climbing through all the tunnel chasing after your kids, you might get as much work out as running on elliptical.

Papa brought us to Funarium again! Yippie!

We arrived early, so the kids started playing as soon as we got here.

Bye mommy, I’m going in the tunnel slide.

As soon as Aaron got here, we went to the parents room for the class. So, hubby played with the kids, while Aaron’s kids accompanied by their mommy Emily. Occasionally, my kids came to kacau looking for mommy, and when I said that I can’t join them, Isabelle would give me this look…

Moody…

Actually, our kids are very familiar with this place already, so they can basically run and play around wherever they please. The more we visit Funarium, the more FREEDOM hubb and I have. Frankly, we can just sit there and relax because the kids can easily make friends with others. They even know how to order their food, by showing their bar code straps, it’s easy peasy for them la….

My class ended by 1pm, and after a quick lunch, I went to join the kids.

My gal’s begging for sweets. She’s very tired of playing, and needed some sweet booster. LOL!

No sweets are sold at Funarium, so they had to settle with jelly and cupcake.

Hubby said they had already taken a heavy lunch!!! But kids, they get hungry easily when they play a lot. Of course, I got busy trying out different setting with my camera after the briefing. Frankly, I got very blur after the class. LOL! I guess I’m not good at photography, as long as I can shoot whatever I need, it’s good enough for me. Really low standard…:P

So, what happened next after a food attack? Play again loh….

You’ve just got to try the slide!

Isabelle is soooo into sand play.

Mommy’s snapping through the glass so that she could still enjoy the air-conditioning.

While the kids were playing…hubby ZZzz….LOL!

Besides all the regular play, the kids tried something new on Sunday. It’s the first time they tried the roller blades and I’m surprised that Justin picked up rather fast.

Trying to balance himself while holding on to the net.

He refused to let me hold him and wanted to do this on his own.

After 15 minutes or so, he’s confident enough to let go and balance and “walk” in small steps.

Occasionally, he fell…

And got up…

And fell and got up again…

I’d lost count of the number of times he fell, and he rejected my help. He wanted to do this on his own…And about 45 minutes later, our little boy was confidently “gliding” slowly around the track.

Bravo Justin!

He even agreed on mommy leaving the track, but asked me to order him some food. LOL! He said he had no more energy, and he needed to eat. Then, he would come back to practice again.

I love to see my kids eat.

But too bad, the roller blades are only allowed for one and a half hour, before the track is open for bicycles again. So, maybe we should come here soon so that Justin can practice more before we get him his roller blades.

As for Isabelle, hubby helped her a lot, but she only tried for 10 minutes or so.

Isabelle didn’t manage to balance herself, so she gave up.

So, what did we get after a fun day at Funarium? It’s 2 kids who slept all the way back home…

My grandpa passed away on Wednesday night, and he’s in a better place now. When we were back for the holiday in October, my family already discussed about this that if ah gong passed away, I don’t have to go back again as they are worried of me flying back with the kids. Hubby is pretty busy, as usual, but he was back for 2 days and visited ah gong too.

Over the phone, my parents already told me not to fly back. However, hubby was trying his best to check out the airlines, but too bad, only Thai Airways has ONE ticket this evening, and I haven’t got my re-entry permit. Yesterday was a public holiday, so the immigration office only opens today. Time is pretty tight, and the funeral is in the weekend. FYI, I don’t have multiple entry permit to Thailand. Each time I go out, I got to apply again for re-entering. Besides that, I hardly fly out mah…so hubby thought it’s not necessary for the kids and me.

My family back home understands our situation. Even if we are not back “physically”, we will still be praying for ah gong here. When I told Justin that “ah zhor” passed away already, he actually said, “Died already? Where? I want to go (back) and see (him).” He has a vivid memory of his great-grandfather after spending a month back home, turning ah gong’s place upside down. As for Isabelle, she’s still blur about this. I guess she’s too young to understand about death, unless she sees ah zhor now.

Rest In Peace, Ah Gong. No more suffering and pain from your cancer anymore….

P/S: Thanks for the comments and SMS. I just dun feel like talking much. Thanks again.

Hi there! We are back!!! It’s only 3 days away to Phuket and Similan Islands and it’s toooooo short for us. But then, this is a budget trip so we can’t afford to spend sooooo many days on the pearl of Andaman. Nonetheless, we had a great time, and photos are uploaded in FB already, so go take a peep.

Here’s a summary of our trip:

Day 1:

We reached Phuket at about 1pm and rushed to Ramada Resort. Everyone got changed and rushed for a quick bite at Mcd, before going to Marriott for family photo shooting. Yeap, we had some photos taken by Aaron, and I can’t wait to see them.

Of course, we had some hiccups here, like hubby lost his ring, and then his Crocs (but later found by Aaron). After dinner, everyone called it a day as we were all so tired…

Day 2:

Got up very early to Similan Islands. It’s a national park, so I LOVE IT!!! It’s not as commercial as Phi Phi, and if you really like nature and well preserved islands, go to Similan or Surin. Worth the diamonds $$$ and time spent on boat, I tell you!

Don’t ask me where she learned to pose like this….

 

Justin’s first snorkeling trip. He’s so happy to see jellyfish, clown fish, coral reefs and other sea creatures.

 

Day 3:

Spent the day at Karon beach and Ramada Resort only. We didn’t have plan to go for a tour in the town, so the kids spent some time at the Kidz Club.

Justin’s at Karon beach.

 

Isabelle had a great time at Ramada’s Kidz Club.

In short, it’s a nice trip but 3 days is indeed too short. I would love to go there again and my kids can’t agree more.

Hubby planned to celebrate my birthday at Millennium Hilton last weekend, and all of us had a great time there. Isabelle loves the suite so much, she insisted that we should stay in the room most of the time. LOL!

We basically spent the whole time here, and the kids love the pool and the sand. It’s nice to have SAND in the city!

If you are wondering if I get any pressie from hubby, the answer is NO. I got nothing but a great weekend with my family, and it’s more worthy than a nice handbag. LOL! But of course, a nice gift will complete everything, but judging from my many years with hubby, he can’t get the right gift. He might just buy anything that comes in his eyes, or persuaded by the salesperson. Luckily, so far he didn’t get me truck accessories or any funny thing, if not I really have to piak his head jor…

More photos are shared in FB, and I’m getting very lazy in posting photos here. Really no paid post money no mood to blog that much jor. LOL!