Sydney Aquarium

FISH really isn't my thing.

Neither is it Z's. After one tank we were kinda tanked.

Zzzz

Ferry to Manly

THE moon was still high in the sky even though it was noon.

After an inexplicable 40 degree fever the night before, we decided on an easy day.

A ferry ride to Manly for lunch. Half an hour of beautiful views.


Sweetie came along for the ride.


Z got a little sand time as we waited for the ferry back.

Coogee Beach

ONE of Z's most favourite activities is "dig dig".

Unfortunately, we didn't have the right tools with us this morning during an impromptu visit to the beach.

After dragging her off the sand, we went for some super Yum Cha in Randwick. Here is Z with some cha siew pao in her mouth next to Tai Yee Poh, Z's grandauntie (#1 out of 8 kids) on her father's maternal side.


Earlier that morning, Z picked up a new pet. Meet "Sweetie".

Aussie Cousins

Z RELISHED the company of her cousins after having been stuck with the oldies for so many days.

And Natasha and Stefan seemed to enjoy her as well. Natasha dressing her up in quite a few outfits.


My favvvv Aussie dessert.

A Sunny Saturday in Sydney

WE took a long walk through the Royal Botanical Gardens, where Z had a great time feeding the ducks - and some rather disgusting slithery eels at the main pond.



Then heading over to the markets at The Rocks, via two of Sydney's icons.

Zoe's house

THERE was a pseudo construction site for budding builders at The Powerhouse Museum that Z really enjoyed.

Especially the fact that it was called Zoe's House.

Sydney by night

Accomodation

WE decided a hotel room just wouldn't cut it for a week so we got a one bedroom serviced apartment.

Views from the 37th floor we nice, though we didn't quite get a harbour view.



But space was of the essence. It was nice to be able to spread out and relax. Not to mention, having the necessary elbow space to colour in.

Portrait by Uncle Wei

First Haircut

THIS is the before photo:


Yesterday afternoon, Z and S had a girlie afternoon.

They went to get their hair done. Both for the first time!


Yes, it took me almost three years before I could get Z's very precious (little) hair cut.


They were so well behaved and got lollipops after. But of course, the moms didn't let the girls eat them. Haha.

And.... after!

Hong Kong

A QUICK trip to HK for D to run the half marathon and for Z and I to catch up some some great friends and to do a little shopping.

So I'm not sure how we ended up spending so much time on the water.

The first ride was on the SCB junk on a beautiful sunny Saturday morning around the harbour.

Z got tossed around a little.


And she tasted her first Cheetos... which she didn't really like.


Late afternoon Sunday, after an amazing lunch, we hopped on a friend's friend's poshie 50ft yacht, but unlike the day before, it was rough and cold at sea. *puke*

Still, Z seemed to have a good time.


But the best part of the ride was getting off! And playing at an amazing playroom at the yacht club.



NB: D made it under two hours in the half! On ya' PaPa!

Since X'mas...

IT has been crazy around here.

New year and Chinese New Year: lot of time with family and friends. Also, D and I celebrated our 10th year anniversary.

We thought we'd go to a fancy restaurant but in the end, we decided to have little Z along so it couldn't have been all that fancy.

Still, she got all dressed up for the occasion.

Little cowgirl

WHILE it may look like Z is the birthday girl, it was actually R's birthday.

It was a fun party with great sangria. Yum.

Z borrowed Julian's hat for the night and she looked like a little cowgirl with her pink dolphin swimming towel/poncho.

Giant turtle monster

THE things we make our children do for a good photo - despite them being terrified!

Bad mommy....

Merry Christmas!!

OUR first Christmas at 236...

...with home made Christmas (carrot) Cake.

The kid dashed

SPOT the runners!


Z was super proud of her medal. Photo courtesy of Aunty KT.

Happy Birthday Poh Poh!

Z AND I made Poh Poh three boxes of cupcakes for her three birthday parties!!

The base was a lovely light coconut butter cake and it was topped with a coconut marshmallow icing.

How cute is this picture!!!

Happy Birthday Uncle Kennedy!!!

And then the kids got to work decorating some dairy free cupcakes (if you ignore the cream cheese icing!) for Uncle K to take home. Most of the icing ended up on their faces...