Farms and all things F

Continuing from last week, we visited a goat and frog farm. The goat farm was by the way as we were in the area but was very disappointed as we couldn't even get near the goats. We had to look from really AFAR! That's cos the AVA is afraid of transmission of diseases with the close contact - what a shame.

Kimi had more fun at the frog farm although he was a little frightened by the croaking of the mature frogs!

In the end, instead of visiting a vegetable farm or flower nursery as planned, I detoured to Sungei Buloh instead and we had such a wonderful time sniffing out the flora and fauna!

As it was nearing Kimi's nap time, we had to leave rather soon. But most importantly, Kimi didn't have his bug repellant on and I tell you, the mozzies there are like monsters! So, pls if you are going there, pls pls douse yourself and the kids with repellant!

Can't wait to visit again as Kimi really enjoyed the birds, insects and 'animals' we see there! I love bringing Kimi on such outings cos he gets to learn so much in such a short time and in a fun way too! :)

That weekend, I brought Kimi to a flute mini concert at the Esplanade. It was a free musical display of the ancient Japanese flute - Shakuhachi. What beautiful sounds! I was totally mesmerised! Kimi rather enjoyed it too. He sat through 15mins which I feel is an awesome time for such a young tot!

The goats from afar and the milking machine!

Frog Farm - Kimi could visualise the entire life cycle of a frog here. He also made a new friend. :)

Kimi on the boardwalk at Sungei Buloh - running away from mozzies!Unwilling to take a pix here...Kimi taking in the sights of the exhibits of the creatures found in Sungei BulohLearning about the different kinds of bird nestsThen we spotted a sunbathing monitor lizard. It was 'strolling' just at our feet!And some happy, hopping squirrelsKimi bird-watching. It's so serene I can just sleep there!

Waiting patiently for it to start - before it does, Kimi looks through his favourite PlayMobil catalogue

Looking on intently

Fire Station Visit

This little outing is part of our Letter F learning week where we learnt about Fire station, firemen, farms and all things F. Next week we will be visiting some farms like frog farms and hopefully a vegetable or flower nursery.

We both had a really enjoyable time and learning so many things we didn't know and took for granted for too! These guys really give their ALL for the job. Without passion, I don't think anyone can be a fireman, really. It's all so much hard work! We learnt so much too.

I'm sure we will visit again. By the way, Kimi loves his fireman hat. :)

Sitting in the HUGE truck!
Look how huge it is??? Kimi don't even reach the top of its tyres!

Trying on the bike

Smart little fireboy in the Red Rhino

Kimi's favourite part of the trip - using the hose!

Bento #37 - Porcupine

Cake with butter sticks, 'hamburger' chocolate biscuit (can get from Japanese section at supermarket, yummy!), flower cut-out apples

I was teaching Kimi about his 5 senses and used porcupine to describe the 'pokey' touch sensation. I know, I know, this don't really look like a porcupine. But Kimi likes this cake and butter sticks so I put both together.

This will look much better if u shape the porcupine from rice and use fried/toasted white bait to mimic the spikes. But, Kimi recognises it and that is good enough for me. :)

Recently, I've been finding it harder and harder to get good fruits. Perhaps, this is really a sign of economy downturn cos suppliers are not bringing in quality stuff. I hate eating fruits that either taste like cardboard and is a lemon in disguise!

Last week I bought 5 apples and they tasted like lemons!! How can an apple be so sour??? And it was the most expensive of the lot - that's what made me so upset. Those I bought above are a tad more tasty than cardboard (lucky Kimi ate them!). That's why these days you see my bentos rather limited. But, then Kimi is not having a good appetite these days too. So, guess it works out well. :)

Grace

Last night after our short walk about at the pasar malam (night market), I offered Kimi a small banana when we reached home.

Then I went in to the kitchen to throw the skin. As I was making my way out, I heard Kimi (he had climbed on the dining chair, hands clasped round the banana with elbows resting on the dining table) say, "Thank you God ... (mumbles something inaudible in between) ... Amen".

I was so surprised and happy that Kimi remembered to say his Grace even if it was a small snack (in fact, I, myself am guilty of forgetting at times to give Thanks!)! I quickly applauded and praised him and of course Kimi beamed from ear to ear. Praise The Lord! Isn't it wonderful that the Holy Spirit is always guiding and teaching our children so well? Amen.

In the midst of all these celebrations of Easter (whether spiritually or commercially), let us take a short time to give Glory to our God for His Graciousness and Love for us. For dying the painful death on the cross for us so that we may live, live a life that our sins are forgiven and free from all bondage and burden.

Aren't we truly blessed to have Him as our Protector and Saviour? Our Heavenly Father is always there to lend us a shoulder to cry on, a ear to hear our complaints and arms to comfort us no matter how small or big our troubles are! Thanks to God! As Pastor Prince has said, "Without God, we cannot. But without us, God will not".

Happy Resurrection Day! :)

Bento #36 - 3 Little Pigs

Yogurt, 3 slices of vanilla wafer, mini custard buns decorated with pigs cut out from ham & decorated with nori and a drop of ketchup (for their rosy cheeks)

Last week, Kimi's school shared the story of The 3 Little Pigs and my little man has been huffing & puffing the whole week - so cute!

So here's the inspiration for today's breakfast.

Bento #35 - Mini Cakes

Mini cheese cake, mini chiffon cake, yogurt and banana

As I packed today's bento, I can't help stopping my fingers from adding cute details ... my fingers were so itchy and I found the box so naked.

Like hb and some readers have suggested, alternate the contents - pack some cute and some basic ones to keep Kimi's anticipating. Well, with this boring box, he still said, "Wow!". I think it's the banana that made him so excited.

So, to make this post's pix more 'colourful' and cute, I've included the bento box cover, wuhaha!

Bento Tools from Taipei

Animal egg containers & rice moulds/cutter

I was anticipating much more but hb couldn't find those I wanted in my list for him. These were the only ones he could find.