Weekend Adventures

This past weekend we were able to explore more of the country that we are living in. First we went to the Chinese and Japanese Gardens which are just on the other side of Jurong Lake. In some of the pictures I have posted in previous blogs you might be able to see the pagodas in the back ground.

I had see part of the gardens but Toby had not. Elyse enjoyed climbing up the steps to the pagodas and running across the bridges. We spent most of our time in the Japanese Gardens which is very peaceful. If it wasn't so hot, I could see myself reading or just hanging out in the gardens often.

In addition to the gardens, we went to Chinatown. When we exited the MRT station we were met by a street full of vendors. The were selling souvenirs, clothes, and food. There were a lot of tailors who would give Toby a good price on a suit as well.

We wandered around the vendors and then went to a Hindu temple and a Chinese temple. As we explored, we were lucky enough to see the Chinese New Year decorations through the streets. We only got to see a small part of the area. We will definitely go back.

Christmas Morning

We had a great Christmas morning. To begin with, Elyse gave us the gift of sleep. She slept an hour later than she normally does, so for that, Toby and I were grateful. When Elyse did wake up and went it to the living room, she was very excited about what she saw. She began to explore her presents. The first things she found was her new table and chairs from Grandma and Grandpa. Next she noticed something hidden under a blanket: her car. She found the horn and kept pushing it, laughing and running away, just to come back a push it some more. Eventually she lifted off the blanket and found Lightning McQueen waiting for her. She loves it. Her other favorite toy is the toy dog Aunt Pat and Uncle Don gave her. She points at it and says "dog" over and over.

Although we weren't around family we were able to talk to them which was wonderful. Overall it was a fantastic Christmas morning.

Merry Christmas!

I Try

Today I tried another food activity: finger painting with pudding. At first Elyse would only touch the pudding with a spoon, but then she got the hang of it. It went better than the cookies, but it still ended with tears. She wanted the camera, and when I wouldn't give it to her, nothing made her happy. Perhaps these projects would go better without me taking pictures of them.

Random Thoughts

Here are just some random things I have being thinking about and noticing. They don't go together and might not make sense, but I thought I would share them with you:

1. Don't Singaporeans work? I was at the mall yesterday (Monday) at 2:30 and the mall was packed! It was like it would be in the States during the Christmas season. I don't understand how there can me that many people out and about on Monday afternoon!

2. I saw a guy with bright orange socks and a matching top. I don't think anyone will miss him as he goes for a run.

3. I've noticed a lot of parents here hold the wrist of their child instead of their hand as they lead them around.

4. The style for Indian men is to have a mustache.

5. I'm reading Exodus right now and I wonder why God is so exact in some areas "Have them make a chest of acacia wood-two and a half cubits long, a cubit and a half wide, and a cubit and a half high. " (Ex. 25:10) and seem so vague in other areas.

6. Elyse doesn't like sand. I wonder what she'll do when we take her to the beach.

7. The other day I read my emails, got Elyse ready for the day, read Elyse at least 10 stories, went for a walk, went to Starbucks, went to the park, returned some library books and it was only 10:30. I feel like I had a full day and I it was still morning. I don't know how to fill my days. I get bored and restless.

....There is Elyse, I guess I better start my day.

New Dress

A friend of ours sent this beautiful Christmas dress for Elyse. Thanks Susan!

This is Fun?

So after seeing all these happy kids making cookies on other people's blogs, I decided it was Elyse's turn to have fun with cookie dough. I had finally gotten a mixer and gathered all the ingredients so we were set. I striped Elyse down so she wouldn't get her clothes dirty as she helped out.

All was going well until I pulled out the mixer. She saw it and started crying. I hadn't even started it yet. When I turned it on, the tears really began to flow. I guess it reminded her of the hairdryer which she is so afraid of.

I kept the mixer on until the butter and eggs were mixed in and then I decided to hand mix the rest. Elyse sort of liked helping with that. When the dough was done I put some in front of her and she did her "all done" sign and looked at me as if to say "you want me to touch this goo?" I did give her a spatula and she liked that for awhile. Needless to say this was not the experience I was hoping for. Oh well, at least the cookies turned out ok.