The reality comes one by one...

2 weeks ago, Xuan brought back a letter from school.

2 tables with a list of dates and percentage coverage highlighted the main agenda of the letter. We saw a list of dates detailing many mini assessments for English, Math and Chinese for Term 1. Although it was informed that the results for term 1 will be ungraded, we would think that it is still important to get a good warm-up before the graded assessments come along in term 2. And so far, Xuan had gone through 1 round English poetry recitation session where Xuan came in top 10 in class. According to Xuan, teacher picked the top 10 children and these children will "perform" another round to select the top 4. Well, mommy questions the need (in her heart) for a 2nd round of screening when it is supposed to be a warm-up session for the children. Nevertheless, we told Xuan to just do her best and enjoy the performance.

There was also mini-task assessment on number bonds, Chinese listening and speaking assessments over the last 2 weeks.

Coming next week, there is a show-and-tell session on "My favourite toy". Xuan wants to talk about her favourite bear, Spongey. Luckily, there is papa who easily (in 5 minutes!!) came up with a short poem for Xuan to work on. And so, we spent Sunday afternoon memorising and rehearsing the poem with props. Not easy....

"Do you have a favourite toy
who you always bring around?
Just like my lovely Spongey bear
Who jumps at my joy
and makes me very proud!

I love her all grey
and not a normal brown
And this is the way I hug her as we dance round and round!

Spongey is my favourite toy
but she is more than just a toy!
She came from a land faraway
to be my friend with whom I play

Do you also have a favourite toy
who brings you so much joy?
One whom you call your favourite
Just like my favourite lovely Spongey bear!"

Courtesy from papa

                      Xuan at wall climbing in school

                Mommy is my chaffeur to and fro from school daily!

Welcoming 2013

Time flies and in a blink, we are already in the 2nd month of 2013! In fact, we are in the 9th day of lunar Chinese New Year 2013!

It has been a busy 2013 for mommy thus far. "Arrows" and ad-hoc projects came shooting at mommy from all directions from work. While mommy is busy coping the 8 hours in office, we are also busy trying to settle down from Xuan's primary 1 school routine. Fortunately, there has not much homework from school apart from the weekly english and chinese spelling.

The most tedious process is getting Xuan into school routine. Teaching her to take care of herself and be aware of the school environment and surrounding. Teaching her how to take care of her own belongings. Reminding her to check time-table and pack bag. Reminding her to pay attention in class and not be talkative.... and many many small reminders such as remembering to go to the toilet after food during recess time! hhahaha.. unbelievable right! The list goes on and on....

Going back to 1st day of school....

Xuan was full of excitement on 1st of school. Even though she was in the afternoon session, she woke up early in the morning. With every hour, she asked whether it was time to change to change into uniform. Needless to say, camera was ready as Xuan changed into her uniform close to noon time. Our little girl looks so grown-up in her pinafore and big school bag. Papa also specially took half a day off to send our dearest girl to school. During recess time, mommy and papa "chomped" a super good fengshui spot to catch Xuan in action. She was well taken care of by her P5 buddy who held her hands and brought her to the different store. Xuan bought a chocolate swiss roll on her 1st day. hahaha... Her kind buddy also brought her around the school compound after food. Both mommy and papa followed closely behind, snapping pictures! hahaha...

The 1st day of school ended at 630 and Kai went along to fetch jiejie! Both of them were so overjoyed to see each other after a day. They ran toward each other for a big hug! hahahah...









We wish our dearest daughter all the best and a good start to her formal education years...!!

2012 graduation and year end concert

Last November, Xuan ended her kindergarten education years with a happy graduation ceremony and concert at Civil Service Club.

We are very happy to see our Xuan, a happy and proud graduate on that day. It is so amazing to see how much she has grown over the 4 years. While we were really touched and excited for Xuan to enter the formal education in primary school, we were equally anxious and kind of sad that she is going to join the rat's race so soon. Well, we will cope whatever it comes and mommy and papa will sure provide the best support we can for our dear Xuan.

The graduation ceremony was made special with a march-in by the K2 graduate and an accompanied parent into the auditorium. The school prepared a special montage for the K2 and each parent delivered a speech and present their child on stage to receive the graduation certificate. Indeed significant isn't it?! Mommy was tasked with the job and was very touched and proud to be on stage to present Xuan to all!

We are very thankful to Ms Nicole, the principal and Ms Valerie, the english teacher who had worked hard for the children to make sure they are ready for P1, not just academically but emotionally and socially. They share information with mommy readily and always made mommy feel assured. We thank them right from our hearts.

Back to the concert! haha.. Xuan performed very well that day! She was very happy and full of smiles when she performed. The excitement, radiance and joys were written all over her face. Mommy felt so touched, proud and happy throughout both Xuan and didi's performances. It feels like some young teens cheering away at their idol's concert! hahaha... Papa can't stop looking for the best angle and clicking the camera throughout! Mommy also caught ah ma wiping tears of joy during the concert. We are indeed very proud and touched of our 2 little darlings!


We managed to get a precious shot before the graduation march-in.


Proudly on stage with our dear girl.


A happy graduate who can't stop waving to ah ma and papa who is tasked to be the official photographer of the day.


Xuan's 1st performance item - Kungfu Dance



Xuan was good!


A courtesy salutation to the audience!


Xuan and her partner introducing the next performance item. A very good chance for the children to boost their confidence on stage


2nd performance item -  lots of sway and twist to a very hip modern song!


Xuan danced very well and most imptly, she was with all smiles as she danced to the music!


So stylo!

Our Best concert for 2012!

October Staycation @ Hard Rock Hotel

Last October, we went for our 2nd staycation for 2012.

We had a short but great getaway at Hard Rock Hotel. There are 2 agenda to the staycation. To celebrate papa and mommy's reunion and mommy's birthday! hehehe...

We had a great time at the hotel's pool and of course the The Port of Lost Wonderland! As it was a weekday, we had a great time splashing away with minimal crowds. Xuan was apprehensive of the long slide and it took a lot of persuasion to convince Xuan to have a go at it! hahaha... And yes Xuan did it eventually! Yay! Both papa and mommy bought their swimwear along and the 4 of us had a great time under the hot sun.


We are all ready for our staycation!


Checking out the pool while waiting for check-in...


I had so much fun!


We love this sunshine-filled picture!


Hearty breakfast. The cafe was decorated with the Halloween theme.


More pictures after breakfast..


The precious 4 of us.


Shopping for my birthday celebration goodies bag


Happy posing everywhere


I love jellybeans!


Ice-cream treat after Candylicious!


We love each other although we bicker a lot too.. hehehe..


Best ice-cream model for 2012!


We are in halloween mood too! hahaha..


Xuan is good at posing recently ya..


Enjoying the sea breeze while waiting for the crane laser dance..