Early New Year's Gift

Just 2 days after returning from our Pangkor trip, Ethan presented himself with an early new year's 'present'...... a scratch, bruises and several big bumps on his head (one on the forehead & two behind).

Ethan loves to reach for things that are high up on shelves and the like, and although we've warned him time and again about the dangers of doing so, it falls on deaf ears. He is after all only 3++. So, we are constantly watching out for him.

This time, we had just turned our attention away for a split second and it happened. He'd reached for something on the rack by stepping and placing his entire body's weight onto the last rung of the rack. Naturally, his additional body weight tipped the rack over.......right on top of his small frame.

A 1.5 inch scratch along his forearm

A big 'bungalow' on his forehead.

2 more behind which he won't let us touch at all.

A bruise on his back that looks like the ONE digit.

The 'culprit'

Because he had fallen backwards and 2 bumps were evident that he'd received knocks on the back portion of his head, we were concerned. He was shakened but other than that he looked pretty alert.....no drowsiness, vomiting....etc. But then again, that could happen later. So, to be safe, we took him to the doctor, had some x-rays done (no CT scan as that was way too costly) to ensure that no bones were broken. The doctor told us to observe him for the next 24 hours just in case he showed symptoms of hematoma.

It's been 24 hours and thank goodness, no such symptoms. He's his usual boisterous and active self. He's keeping away from the rack for now. Let's see how long before he forgets and starts his 'activities' again. Like I mentioned, he is after all only 3 going on 4. :)

Family Getaway to Pangkor Island (Dec 26-28)

It's been a while since the whole family had gone on a holiday together. And by 'whole family' I mean my family, my parents, my brother's family and my mom-in-law. In fact, come to think of it, this configuration of people have not been on a holiday together before.

Every year, my brother and sis-in-law organise a 'family' trip for his agents and peers from Public Mutual. This year we decided to join him on the trip to Pangkor Island. I'd not been there for possibly over 7 years.

My parents joined my brother, Tuck Heng, on the bus with 36 others. They had games and activities throughout the journey and my mom thoroughly enjoyed the trip. I'm glad.

On the bus

Meanwhile, we made our journey there by MPV, all 7 of us (Allan & I, my 3 boys, the maid & my mom-in-law). Whatever remaining space there was was taken up by bags, bags & bags.

As we were making good time, we stopped by Bidor for breakfast. We also stopped by Sitiawan

for lunch with the entire group to sample the local fare.

At the Lumut jetty

A ferry similar to the one we boarded, 'NAIK SELALU'

Ethan enjoying his first ride on a ferry

All settled in and waiting for ferry to depart the jetty

A fly trap. Poor fellas.

Once the ferry started, most people headed up to the open deck

to enjoy the sea breeze and view

Catching the cameraman in action

'I'm king of the world!' (my brother)

Arrival at the Teluk Dalam jetty

The boys having some sand play time.

The seniors relaxing under the shade

One of the events lined up for our 3D2N stay:

'telematch'

This is the GIANT SLIPPER

(headed by Tuck Heng with Brandon supporting the end)

Victory cheer.....

'HO WONG AH!!!' YELLOW YELLOW, SUPERHERO!!

(yup, that's the cry they came up with)

Magic Carpet.

The team had to transport all the members across on the squares

without any foot being placed on the grass.

Dinner time

One of the indoor games: ELECTRIC CIRCUIT

Group photo

Another indoor game: UNTANGLE

Trying to untangle themselves

'Oh what a tangled web we weave....'

Oi! watch who you're squashing!

Ouch! my hand!

Hornbills spotted

Beach volleyball

Ethan enjoying himself in the pool with Dad

Trying out the sea for the very first time in his life!

(He refers to the sea as 'boat water')

On the final night, we were all treated to several performances by the members themselves. A very impressive magic show by 'Uncle Magic', a titled coined by Ethan :); another equally impressive performance by his son on the Er Hu; several songs and finally the line dance showcase by members who had been taking lessons from me over the past weeks. They did a showcase of COME DANCE WITH ME & WHAT U WAITING FOR (which they asked me to lead). And finally closing the night with GO GREASED LIGHTNING! For beginners, they did extremely well and I was bursting with pride!

At the end, most of the members stayed back for an impromptu teach by me. The result: they want to start another line dance class for their agents! lol.

On the final day, we took a short trip to a seafood factory outlet and had lunch at the only halal seafood restaurant. The soft shell crab dish was my favourite. You can imagine that the crabs vanished as soon as the dish touched the table!

At the seafood restaurant

Heading home

Bye for now.....

(Ethan didn't want to leave.....guess he had the most fun :) )

Another fun holiday concludes. We will surely be back one day. Hopefully not too far in the future. :)

Year End Break With The Family

Over the November and December months of 2010 which was the year-end school break, the 2 older boys went on some camps on their own; we took the youngest out for some mini excursions, and also went on a family trip to Pangkor Island, grandpa and grandmas included. :) Unfortunately, not every trip/activity has accompanying photos.

In no particular order:

• Brandon's Senior BB trip to Gua Tempurung & Pangkor Island (Dec 18-22)

• Dinosaur Expo at the Science Centre, Mont Kiara

• Brandon's BUBS (Bandar Utama Buddhist Society) Youth Camp (Dec 3-7)

• Justin's Junior Boys Brigade Camp (no photos available. Justin was too busy enjoying himself :))

• Picnic at TTDI Recreation Park

• Trip to The Mines Shopping centre

• Trip to 1 Utama to see their Christmas decor