Sunday Funday - Gem in the West

We were having lunch at the mall near our place and had some time to spare, and so allowed the brothers some time to frolick at the play area next to the foodcourt. Later did we know that we would go on a mini exploration of the rooftop garden - to unravel a few surprises.

There is a kids shower area next to this water play for a quick wash up, how thoughtful!  

 And we found this hidden gem! It's fun not just for children but also for teenagers and the child in us too.

Our only gripe is, we should have worn our sneakers for this.

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 One of my favourite shot ♥♥♥

And seeing the weather was perfect, we ventured further to find this, coupled with a great view. Very nice!

Few shots taken by my camera's creative filter

We Love Choc and Banana!

These days, the Tans seemed to have developed a penchant for sweets after dinner - it was most probably the hubby's (and mine) way of doing a celebratory dance to welcome the weekend. Most kids wouldn't say no to sweet stuff, complete with french toast, waffles, ice-cream, fruits etc., you'll get that right?

Of course, the kids won't get to share one main dessert by themselves.

Chocolate and banana french toast 

We all ♥ the french toast and this has us wanting to come back again!

So I Attended A MacDonald's Party - for Mother's Day

The teachers from the Nursery level were thoughtful to organise a bonding session for the children and their mummies in view of Mother's Day - complete with a cake surprise at the finale. Kudos for the effort! And I now know why MacDonald's a popular choice for kiddie parties - they have a winning formula. When I was a kid, MacDonald's birthday parties were like A Big Deal. Sadly, I have never attended one before, I guess it's not too late now!
From allocating designated personnels to handle our orders, to handing out Happy Meal toys and balloons to the kids - happy kids do make happy parents. You know, anything goes to ease our mealtimes with our little ones - with the exception of "i-gadgets" for this mommy. I'm sure you have done little tricks like, "Can I have the blue spoon because di-di wants one too?" or "Do you mind me buying just an extra biscuit cone because they are bound to argue if there's only one?". So I know there is virtue in sharing, but kids at this age haven't really perfected that one, not even for me till I could claim double digit for my age.
Therefore restaurants that go out of their way to make their little customers happy, win the parents' heart. Enough said. 
[It is also important to eat at food centres and coffeeshops, and not always in restaurants, but that will be another post to be taken up (if I get to it).]

Happy smiles all round!

Kodak Moments Once More

The hubby has decided to take up his old-new hobby again, and I couldn't be more happy about it. While he polishes his skill back to prime condition, I will continue to work with editing programmes with pictures shot from my Samsung Note 3 and Canon S90, being the less talented other half - but that doesn't stop me from being shutter happy.

Jovan has a thing for this Mickey Mouse ride.

But my favourite has got to be this

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Tada!

Hello great pictures! You are finally back with Momma!

What Would I Do Without You?: Daddy Hubby Hero

Okay, the title sounds a little heavy here but I've finally found time to put this down in words. 
Read an article (click to read) on a list of 19 things that a father does in this modern day and my own interpretation of that is, "What would I do without you?". You basically complete the whole list and more, single-handedly.
Of the top things that I love about you (next to accepting me for who I am, the whole deal), I love that you always put your family first. You plan ahead, you progress, all that in the name of love for the family.
You are always there.  I never have to make a big decision by myself because you aren't around. You know what's happening in the kids' lives; their latest words, current muses. You don't miss out.
Thank you for being always around. I can't do motherhood, or parenting without my best friend and partner. Happy Father's Day to you today, on tough days, even on days when you least feel like a hero,  cos' you ARE THE HERO, even when I don't say that enough.

 Of course we all adore you!

This is our latest family photo, taken last December (and we are looking everywhere but the camera). We need a take a new picture!

 

Walking with Style

Let's say that I'm not big on brand names when it comes to getting shoes for the kiddos, but I find it hard to even get a decent pair at most retail shops, with good soles and doesn't compromise on the style factor. A most basic pair would cost me close to $40. So when I hear of a warehouse sale for Pediped (thanks to my sis) that's close to my place, I wasted no time!