Razzle Dazzle U Picnic 2014 [Media Invite]

Look at the crowd at the picnic venue!

We got an invite to Razzle Dazzle U Picnic that took place on 04 Oct 2014 at West Coast Park, and accepted the invite without hesitation. For we had been to a few activities organized by NTUC already and we were never disappointed. However on the actual day, it rained so heavily that I was having second thoughts. It didn't helped that my wife had to go back office on that day too and I was left to my own devices with the 4 kids!  

One of the very few "family" photos taken at the event because I was simply too tired and wife had to work too!

But I took the chance anyway and even made it out with 4 kids to the Ben & Jerry’s Chunkfest 2014 at The Meadow Gardens By The Bay, before heading to the picnic in the evening. Luckily for me, I had the help of a dear friend Jessie and her mom! There were potholes everywhere at the Chunkfest and every step would potentially turn one’s shoes brown with mud. Luckily I wore sandals but I could see many others who were not so lucky with their mud-caked shoes.

A nice photo of Steffi with the many stilt walkers at the event!

By the time I reached the picnic venue at around 6pm, many families were already there enjoying their picnic with their loved ones and having the snacks provided by the organizers. The picnic basket was really damn heavy lor, with all the goodies such as biscuits, nachos, seaweed and even a bottle of sparkling juice! Leroy had fun going through the basket and picking out his favorites, and even asked to have the picnic basket after use.

The fairy whose forte was making giant bubbles, much to the delight of the kiddos.

I had to be honest, I was already worn out by the time we settled down at the picnic location. Thus I was glad that I had the help of friends like Jessie and her mom who were with us the whole day, and Peigen and wife who happened to be there as well! The kids had fun playing with the “flying saucers” and posing with the many stilt walkers around. Met another fellow Daddy blogger, Collin Chow from Daddychow and the Spunky Kids too, who came over to our little patch purposely just to say hi to me and the kids! I was so tired that I forgot to take a photo!

Lucky for me, I got the help of a friend, Kelly who took care of little Louie!

The picnic was well-organized and orderly and thankfully the picnic ground wasn't muddy despite the heavy downpour in the morning! There were many activity booths at the perimeter of the picnic ground but I didn’t have the energy or the time to queue up for the activities. Missed the popcorns and cotton-candies as a result. I know these tastes better freshly made, but the organizers can consider to issue these with the picnic basket the next time. For people like me with too many kids to handle, hee hee…

Group event, flying the lighted saucers together!

Stilt walkers turned on their lights for even more photo taking after dark!

There were lots of family who were really “on” and were dressed up to the theme and even decorated their picnic spots. They were definitely deserving of the prizes that they won! As with all other events with lucky draws, we could see families moving off after the announcement of the lucky draw prizes but I heard the emcee announce something about a special treat. Hence we stayed back and we were in for a real treat! Those who stayed back were in for a visual treat when the organizers lighted the skies with fireworks!!! That, was a finale many would definitely remember.

For those of you who are looking forward to more fun activities for the family, do not miss the upcoming Mega Dance @ Azzura Beach Club, Siloso Beach, Sentosa on Sat, 22 Nov 2014!  Check out ticketing details here!

eXplorerKid's "Baby & Junior Race 2014" [Media Invite]

Brought the three little rascals to eXplorerKid's "Baby & Junior Race 2014" at D’Marquee Downtown East a couple of weekends back and that was one day after we returned from a family trip to Japan. Surprisingly the kids didn't kick up a fuss when they had to wake up early!

The kiddos enjoying the show put up by Enzo and Kayla!

When I first read about the event, I had thought that it was some obstacle course that I had to take part together with the kiddos. I only realized that the “race” consisted of picking up pieces of some puzzles, and then running to the end and having the kid assemble the pieces according to the design we selected when we got there. Parent interaction were restricted to holding on to the plastic container for the pieces to be thrown in and giving instruction to their kids on how to piece them together.  And I had to go through this 3 times with Steffi, Leroy and Stacci!

Stacci having a go at decorating cookies! One of the few fringe activities at the venue.

Here's Steffi and Stacci with one of their masterpieces!

Knowing how “kiasu” parents can be, I wasn't surprised to see some of them spying on the pictures and giving specific instructions to their kids beforehand. Some even got the kids to try out the models first, which were available at one of the booths there. We were there to have fun only though, and were happy to be able to take part and stand a chance at winning the lucky draw. Hee hee… 

Photo op with Enzo and Kayla, the mascots of eXplorerkids!

Looks like Stacci was really happy to have finished the race!  Well done little one!

Perhaps it was to ensure that the program can progress smoothly and that logistics could be better managed with not too many categories, but personally I felt that lumping age 2.5 – 4 year olds and 5 – 8 year olds together may be a tad unfair for the younger ones within the category. The dexterity of a 2.5 year old and a 4 year old can be very different indeed.

My three winners at the race!

But nevertheless, what mattered most was that the kids got to enjoy the event and they did! The kiddos were treated to a show by Enzo and Kayla, as well as goodies like free ice-cream and candyfloss offered at the various booths, and they also got to play on the Megabounce, with tickets going on a discounted rate on that day only! Although all the 3 kids failed to win anything for the races, they were already winners in my heart!

Safari Boo! A Merry-Not-Scary Kids Event [Media Invite]

Steffi, Leroy and Stacci went for their first ever trick-or-treating yesterday on the invitation from the good folks from WRS. They were excited and yet apprehensive as they didn't know what to expect. To be absolutely honest, so am I for this is my first time as well! Safari Boo is after all, the first ever Halloween Event at River Safari!

The very first ever Safari Boo!

The first time that the kids are in Halloween costumes!

The kids were given props and costumes to get into the theme and with all the staff decked in their Halloween attire as well, getting into the mood was easy. After some light refreshments, we were brought on a guided tour of River Safari by a popular doppelgänger, Cheery Potter!

Our guide for the evening, one named "Cheery Potter".

Is that Count Dracula?  Leroy wasn't too concerned...

Pirates!  Leroy always wanted to be one!

He got his wish, albeit for that few minutes only!

Didn't know there were pretty pirates too and even Stacci wanted to join in the photo!

The tour wasn't about scaring the kids with horror stories but is rather educational, with Potter explaining about the fish and invertebrates along the trail, while injecting a little "dark" humor. The kids were looking forward to meeting Kai Kai and Jia Jia but were told that the pandas were off work and need to rest. So do take note that the Giant Panda Forest, Squirrel Monkey Forest and boat rides will not be open during this special event.

Cheery Potter introducing the various fishes along the trail while the kids listened attentively.  

My little black riding hood complete with horns, posing with a Giant Mekong Catfish.

The kids got up close and personal with some creatures of the night in the River Talk: Myths & Legends animal presentation and also participated in the many Trick or Treat Challenges at the Panda Courtyard. Such as putting their tiny hands into covered boxed filled with animal remains and guessing what they were. They did get their well-deserved treats after trying though!

The place to get acquainted with some of the animals that are somewhat linked to Halloween.

The kiddos with Uncle Frankie and his pet owl.

And here's skeleton with his hedgehog.

And the witch with her dragon, a bearded dragon that is.

Stacci loves all the critters!!!

Some of the animal skulls that were on display.

At the other side of the Safari where the boat ride is, there were many mythical creatures such as unicorns, fairies, wizards and witches waiting to give out little treats to the kids in exchange for fulfilling their small requests, be it a little dance, promising to take care of Mother Nature or even just a smile. Kids would definitely be excited at meeting and taking photos with them.

They didn't get to meet the real deal, but are happy taking photos with the mascot nevertheless!

That's what trick-or-treating is all about isn't it?  Happy kids as usual!

The mystical unicorn with the two kiddos!

Yay, we got a group photo with the big Green Iguana too!

The finale of the trail would have to be Bubble Boo. Get a good seat and settle down with the kiddos in air-con comfort to watch the divers feed the manatees right in front of you. Be awed by their graceful swimming despite their humungous sizes. There are also lots of colorful Arapaimas too! At the end of the show, the divers would also unroll a nice poster for you to take lots of photos with. So get ready the flash, I didn’t… Darn…

Sitting down and watching the manatees and other fishes swimming by is soothing for the senses.  But this marked the end of Safari Boo! Boo hoo...

If you are already planning to go to the River Safari for a visit, I would strongly suggest doing so on the days that that Safari Boo is on. Not only would you get 3 extra hours of visit, the kids would definitely enjoy the experience of trick-or-treating in the park as well! And for someone like myself who has 4 kids, I would probably consider going for just the Safari Boo event at $15/adult as I get to bring all the kids in for FREE! But do note that NO Giant Pandas during the event hor. The dates for Safari Boo are 22, 25, 26 Oct as well as 1 and 2 Nov only! So do hurry and check out the official website for more information now, before it’s too late!

The Perfect Father, Not

I always wanted to be a good daddy, to be the hero in the eyes of my kids, to be the “perfect” father. In fact, many people have asked how I managed to cope so well with 4 kids and have all the energy to bring them out every weekends etc.  The truth is I can’t, at least not that well and I probably would not have this many kids if we do not have family support, especially my mom-in-law who helps with the household chores and the baby.

I have no problem changing diapers, feeding the kids, bathing them and playing the fool with them, but I also have an extremely short fuse, a bad temper.  My wife and kids, unfortunately had to bear the brunt of it when I go crazy.  I am not proud to admit it, but I am trying to change.  I do not show it outwardly, at least not in front of other.  I always try to put on a front, and I try to portray as the “perfect” father, the one that others would approve of.  What irony!  Caring so much about what other think of me, even though they wouldn't give a hoot to my very existence and I ended up hurting the very people I should be protecting and loving.  Change required. 

There was this one day that my wife worked late and I had to take care of all 4 kids myself.  I had just given all of them a bath, and Leroy and Louie needed their milk fix.  I prepared their milk but Leroy demanded I be faster and kept complaining.  Then at the corner of my eyes, I saw Steffi opening the fridge and taking out a packet of cold milk.  I asked who it was for, she said it was for Stacci and I warned her not to let Stacci drink in the bedroom as she walked out.

When I finished bottle feeding Louie, I realized that it was really quiet and when I walked into the room, I found out that Stacci had spilled her milk onto the bed!  I got angry, I scolded Stacci and shouted out to Steffi and questioned her why she allowed Stacci to drink milk on the bed!  She replied that she didn't hear me and when I came out of the bedroom, I saw that Louie had regurgitated his milk onto the floor as well.  Darn another mess to clean and Leroy had to gloat about what the others had just done.  Then, I stepped onto Leroy’s toys that were scattered on the floor.  I could not control it anymore, I snapped, I went crazy, I shouted at my kids and I could see terror in their eyes.

After my outburst, Stacci cried, Leroy cried, and Steffi shed a few tears.  When I cooled down later, I felt extremely ashamed.  I asked Steffi over and I told her these very words, “Jie Jie, I am sorry, I shouldn’t have shouted at you. Can you forgive me?”  Upon hearing this she burst into tears and her reply was heart-wrenching for me.  She said in-between sobs, “Daddy, I know you don’t mean to shout at me.  It was because I was naughty and did the wrong things.  I know you are feeling tired because you worked very hard for us.”  My heart sunk, and I hugged her long and hard, hoping that she would forgive me totally.

Book In The Mail 

By sheer coincidence, I received a book a couple of days after the incident, just as I started writing this post.  The book was aptly named, “How to be a Hero Dad” by Johnny Ong and it couldn't have been timelier.  The book was presented in the form of 70 easy-to-read tips and reading them reinforced what I had been doing right all these while and yet reminded me on what I had forgotten, or could have done better too.  Tips like punishing the behaviour, not the child, and never stop romancing their mom.  I would recommend this book to all daddies out there, as a reference to what being a father entails.

This is not a story book but a “how to” book.  Straight to the point and easy to read.  We can never be the “perfect” dads, but we can surely work towards being the heroes in our kids’ eyes! You can get your hands on this good read directly from Armour Publishing.  

“The Very Hungry Caterpillar” by Eric Carle [Media Invite]

I am going to be absolutely honest that I do not know of any Eric Carle and I haven’t heard of “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” either. But when the invite came from Act 3 International, I knew it must be good. How else would one explain paying good money for the kids’ tickets, as well as the adult’s too, just to watch the some “kid’s play”? Steffi happened to have read the book in her child care before when I asked her about it, and she was really excited when told of the play. So all the more I needed to bring the kids to watch then. 

Happy kids before the start of the program!

Did I mention that Steffi, Leroy and Stacci also got exclusive access to the backstage with a bunch of other parent bloggers and their kids? Yes they did, and they were really delighted to get up close and personal with all the different puppets used for the show, and also learn about how the puppetry worked before even watching the show. The kids even got hands-on lessons on moving the different puppets by the absolutely friendly cast from Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia.

Steffi enjoying her puppetry workshop before the start of the show!

Little Cloud welcomed us, together with Shawn and John.  Little Cloud looked a little bright doesn't he?

Jonny showing how Caterpillar eats his way through the apple. 

I had no idea why the sheep is in that colour until much later during the show.  It was actually Little Cloud in disguise.

A nice photo for the kids to remember their fun times backstage with John and Jonny.

From my own perspective, I was not particularly impressed with the puppets or the gadgets used. In fact, the puppets were rather amateurish and didn’t look that attractive to me. What the puppeteer did to make the caterpillar appear to eat the apple, or for the chameleon to catch the fly with its tongue were also really simple. But nevertheless, the kids were easily fascinated. I did not have high expectations for the play and thought that it would just be, well, another child's play.

The caterpillar at rest before being molested by lots of little hands.

Of course Steffi needed to try out moving the big caterpillar too!

Leroy and Steffi with one of the 3 caterpillars used in the play.  This is the little one. 

Leroy having a go with the green chameleon puppet.

Even Staci loved it and wouldn't let go of red chameleon after taking the photo!

But I was wrong, very wrong. The moment the lights went off, the set came to life with burst of bright florescent colors and the crowd simply went wow.  I wish I could have taken some photos or even video for you, but I can't.  Watching the show was almost magical to say the least, with the puppets seemingly moving as if they were alive, while shining under black light in their glorious phosphorous paints. The story lines were really simple (meant for kids wat) and all my kids were captivated.  Thumbs up to the cast for putting up such a great show!

The kiddos waiting rather impatiently for the show to start.  It doesn't matter where one is seated, for the action is visible from all angles (with the help of booster seat of course).

I also overheard another parent exclaiming on how the puppets looked exactly the same as the characters in the books and that the story lines were faithfully followed and that it was actually the second time they had watched the show as a family. The only regret I had, was bringing the kids to the play only last Friday, and not having time to write about and introduce this great play to all you readers out there. If the show is being brought back into Singapore again, trust me, do NOT miss it. Your little one will surely love it!

Kindsville Party [Media Invite]

One of the fears for me as a daddy, is for my kids to grow up to horrible, selfish persons. That is why whenever I am presented the chance to explain and show them how one is expected to behave, I would.

As we always travel by bus or MRT, we are fortunate to be offered seats by friendly commuters on many occasions.  There would also be the extremely friendly commuters who offer to hold on to the kiddos or help them get on or off the buses or trains.  I will always make sure that the kids say thanks to the person who offered them seats or helped them in any ways.

But that's not all, I also ensure that they say thanks to the person who holds the lift for them or even when they were being complimented. I want my kids to understand from young, that these kind folks are not obliged to treat them the way they did.  I hope I am doing well so far.

We spotted the Kindness Cubbies from afar.

Stacci is usually quite scared of mascots but was really comfy with Sher!

Stacci with her cutie pose after meeting Sher!

Just last month, the wonderful folks from Singapore Kindness Movement threw a Kindsville party for school-aged children, and their families, who have written letters to Singa and the Kindness Cubbies and our family were kindly invited too. Who would say no to a party, especially one that's at Port Of the Lost Wonder in Sentosa? A place the family haven't been to yet, then. 

Steffi, Leroy and Stacci enjoying the slides and thrills at POLW, the water theme park. 

The kids of course enjoyed the water play but they were also treated to a series of fun-filled activities meant to foster friendship and to inculcate the idea of sharing. The kids were given two pieces of round paper to decorate and these were later made into badges. But the kids cannot have both badges and would have to drop one of them into a "Friendship Jar" to be given to a new friend. This simple act was meant to teach the kids to care and share. 

The fun activities awaiting the kiddos.

Leroy with his works of art before they were being made into badges!

Steffi with her very own personalized badge!

The "Friendship Jar" where all the badges meant for all the kid's new friends are kept.

There was also an activity that required them to go around the premise to search for answers to complete a quiz. But they also needed to make new friends so that they can write down the names and the strengths of their new found pals! Not exactly easy for my kids but I was glad that Steffi managed to overcome her shyness and even got a "Certificate of Friendship" after completion of the challenge!

What's a Kindsville party without a photo with Singa?

The "Certificate of Friendship" awarded to Steffi for completing the challenge.

COTTON CANDIES!!! Judging from the queue, it was everyone's favorite!!!

Our family enjoyed ourselves so much that we were the very last family to leave the place that day. But that's not before Steffi and Leroy completed their last activity for the day by making their own loom bands together with the staff from POLW and SKM.  I am absolutely sure that the kids are looking forward to the next Kindsville party!

The staff were still really patient with the kids even though we were the last to leave the party!  Here's a looming Steffi!

Even Leroy tried his hands on looming!