Day 2: Adventure in Cameron Highlands

First stop after dropping Ah Ma and Chim Poh off was the strawberry farm. The last time we went was with Sue Kor-kor and we had dropped by the Strawberry Park Resort, thinking that the farm was on the way there, daddy drove us up there only to discover we remembered wrongly. So down we went that steep, narrow hill road again.

We had spotted a strawberry farm at the bottom of this hill but it turned out to be the wrong one. Oops.. u-turn and off we went again. Finally we headed towards the sign which said "Healthy Strawberry Farm". Again, we drove up a windy and narrow road before reaching our destination. And yay, it was the same as the one we went to last time.

So we parked along the road (nope there was no proper parking) and headed into the farm. There were soem tourists around and we spotted the sign which said "strawberry picking, 1 box for RM25 with entry for 2 person". So I paid for 1 box and we headed in the direction the shop worker pointed out to us. We waited a while before the farm worker came. He was kind enough to let us all go in (his bosses were busy at the shop). So daddy took pictures of Ko-ko picking strawberries.

While waiting, he chatted with us and even picked a strawberry for you. Of course, you immediately started to eat your favourite fruit:

Even had time for you to take some selfies:

Ko-ko picked a grand total of 8 strawberries when he declared he was done. The worker kept asking him to pick more, but he said he was done. In the end, the nice man filled up our box. We went back to the shop for him to seal the box and put it into a plastic bag for us.

We walked around a bite more, admiring the strawberries and many other plants before leaving.

Next stop was the Boh tea plantation. We had spotted the Sungai Palas road which leads to the Boh Tea Plantation. It was rather sttep, but we decided to try it out. As we approached the Kea Farm the traffic was really heavy. So we decided to turn back. We were trying to decide between going home or to go to Habu where the other Boh Tea Plantation was. Phew.. it was a long drive, but at least you got to nap.

As we drove into the intersection it said 6 km to the plantation. We were initially quite happy that the road was quite wide. Unfortunately, it got narrower and narrower as we approached the plantation. It became from two lane to single lane road. Soon your Ko-ko was getting nervous. He even said to daddy "I think you should u-turn back home". Haha. The view was spectacular:

But we continued on until we finally reached the plantation. It sure wasn't easy to park our car. There were many visitors there. First stop was the factory tour. We waited for around 5 minutes before the tour began. Unfortunately, it was in BM and Ko-ko could not understand the lady.

Unfortunately it was raining by the time the tour was over. We wanted to look at the shop and maybe have a cup of tea. But the shop was too crowded. So we gave up and headed back to the car and back to Tanah Rata.

A long day, but we all had fun. I'll load more pictures of the strawberry farm when I get the pictures from daddy's camera.

Playing Foosball

What happens when I play foosball and you have Evelyn as a partner?

I end up losing because my goalie keeps mysteriously giving open goals to Ko-ko. 

Day 2: Breakfast in Cameron Highlands

Daddy decided that since we were in a cold weathered place, it would be nice to have a "Western Breakfast". The choice was between Ye Old Smokehouse or Cameron Highlands Resort. In the end, we headed to Cameron Highlands Resort and had a yummy breakfast.

Happiness as we were served warm bread at our table and you are enjoying your cereal with cold milk.

Natalie Kor-kor said mummy only posted pictures of Evelyn on Facebook, so took this one with Chim Poh to be posted there. I'm a fair mummy.. *grin*

Here is naughty Evelyn who did not want to eat anything we gave her. In the end she only ate the fresh fruits. Surprisingly, she wasn't even interested in the yogurt which she usually shares with you at home..

We left after a yummy and late breakfast. Dropped Ah Ma and Chim Poh at the Tanah Rata township as they wanted to buy some things before going home. If you are wondering where Ah Kong and Chek Kong were... where else, but the golf course.. just across the road from us. (We even spotted then when we arrived at the hotel!!)

Hello Cameron Highlands

We were in Ipoh on Saturday as there was a ceremony for daddy's second Ah Ma where they moved her grave to a crematorium instead. So after the ceremony and dinner on Sunday, we continued our journey to Cameron Highlands for a short holiday on Monday.

5th Chek Kong and Chim Poh joined us (we stayed at their apartment). After a leisurely brunch we packed and off we went to Cameron Highlands. It would be a first for Evelyn while your last trip there was very long ago. The drive up was easy and traffic was OK, with the exception of the usual crawl at the Kea Farm while the holiday makers making a last stop before they left Cameron Highlands.  

The first thing we needed to do upon arrival (after climbing the 4 flight of staircase) was to clean up. The last time Chim Poh were up there was almost a year ago! So imagine the dust and dirt in the house. While Ah Kong kept Evelyn occupied, the rest of us set to cleaning up the house, sweeping, mopping, washing and many more things. Even you helped out. I'm so proud of my useful little boy.

After around 2 hours of cleaning, we sat down to enjoy some of the food we packed up there and also when we looked out, it was misty and very cool outside.

Soon it was almost dinner time. Evelyn decided to take a nap so we let her nap for around 45 minutes before I woke her up to go for dinner. Dinner was at the usual restaurant in Brinchang and while waiting for our table, daddy took Evelyn out for a walk and that was when she saw it...

The "bor-bor" (ball-ball). Yup, our ball crazy little girl spotted many shops selling balls. So as we were leaving we spotted a shop selling souvenirs and Chim Poh decided to get her a strawberry ball. Happiness for the little girl...

Balloon Addicts

The moment we reached Gurney Plaza today, you spotted someone carrying a balloon.  Immediately you told daddy "bor-bor" (ball ball).
So after buying a new pair of school shoes for Ko-ko, we went in search for a balloon for you.  Unfortunately, we walked to both the new and old wing but there wasn't any one giving out balloons.  We even tried our luck with the Bobbi Brown shop where you got your balloon on Saturday.  But no luck.
As we walked around in search for the illusive balloon, you kept turning to daddy and asking him in your really sad voice "bor-bor? ".
In the end, just before we left, I tried my luck at the Baskin Robbins booth. I saw that they had balloons on the way down but wasn't sure if they'd give me one if we didn't buy anything from them.  But the guy was really nice. We got not 1 but 2 balloons as Ko-ko also wanted one.
Look at the two happy faces:

Happy Mother's Day

Our Mother's Day celebration began on Saturday with a home cooked steak dinner by daddy for everyone.

 On Sunday morning, you cooked me scrambled eggs.  It came complete with a label "Evan's McMummy  Meal"

Evelyn on the other hand started to give me lots of kisses when she noticed Ko-ko giving me kisses. 

After our late breakfast, you even helped to wash up. 

I was thinking that I missed the little cards you used to bring home from kindy for these special occasions but hey, you decided on this special idea without anyone making the suggestion.  I'm so proud and happy.

Thank you my 3 darling for this wonderful Mother's Day weekend. 

2 Kiddies and Selfies

Looks like you are both also into selfies.. especially since Evelyn discovered which button to press when the camera on my phone is turned on.

Playground Day

You have been bugging daddy to bring you to the playground nearby as it has a cement patch where you can try skateboarding.
So today we all changed to comfy clothes and the 4 of us headed to the playground.  While daddy gave you tips on how to skateboard, Evelyn and I checked out the rather sad playground.  There was only 1 slide, a rather antique see-saw (which you didn't like possibly because you played alone) and another antique monkey bar (from daddy's time!!). In the end she spent most of the times on the slide. And she was fearless as she even pushed herself forward to go down the slide without mummy's help. 

After just 30 minutes both of you were sweaty and it was time to go home for a cool drink and a shower.

Swollen Eye

Came upstairs to find a very cheerful little girl. Then you told me that you wanted to go to wee-wee. And as expected you changed your mind when you noticed the toothbrush.  You wanted to brush your teeth... or more like to play with water.
That was when I noticed your swollen eye. Looks like you were bitten by the mosquito while you were asleep.  Poor thing...

Evan's Italian Night Party

The theme for this year's party was "Italian night". On top of serving Italian food, the kids were also given a party pack complete with an apron, a rolling pin and a chef's hat. Why? Because you were all going to be the chefs for the night. Annabelle was at the house sinc ethe afternoon. The both of you played together (also fought together) until it was dinner and party time. Boh-boh Poh was also around,so she also helped to watch Evelyn while mummy and daddy were busy preparing the food and pizza dough. Thank goodness for the Kitchen Aid daddy got me a few years back. I don't think it's ever worked so hard before.. *grin*

I put up a simple decoration which was pictures of you through the years as you enjoyed foor.. both eating and making them. This year our guests had a simple token with a picture of you. And of course our little guests had the party pack where even the 2 littlest kids had a Barney DVD each.

Here's the happy birthday boy:

As Abigail and Ian were in KL till the afternoon they got caught in heavy traffic heading back to Penang. So we started the pizza making for you and Annabelle first. Here's the 2 chefs for the night:

Other than the pizza's you guys made, there was pesto pasta as well as lasagna:

Of course, Evelyn did not want to be left out. I had a spare hat for her but she didn't want to put it on:

And here's the Slugterra themed birthday cake you requested for. The poor guy at the shop was very patient as you requested for all the slugs of your choice He had to write it down and probably do some research to get the slugs you wanted. I'm glad to say, he did a good job and you were certainly one happy customer:

And finally, the best part of the party: the birthday song and the cake. Everyone got a pick of the slugs they wanted after the song.

As Annabelle had to leave earlier daddy promised that you'd not open the present until the next day. Anyhow we were too tired from the long day preparing so the presents were opened the next day.

Happy 8th Birthday Evan

May you always be happy and be blessed with the best things there is in life. We all love you.
Big hugs and sloppy kisses to you on this special day.

Haircut Day for E and E

As both you hair was getting longer we decided to bring you to Uncle Austin's for a haircut. Ko-ko requested for a hairwash, just like how mummy and daddy get ours washed before we get our haircut.

So while waiting for Ko-ko, Mei-mei had hers cut. As usual, we had to give you my phone to keep you preoccupied while Uncle Austin cut your hair. You were a good girl throughtout the haircut. Here's your before and after shot:

As for Ko-ko, here he is with his hairwash and then haircut:

First Birthday Cake

It's nice to see that the school even has a mini celebration for the children celebrating their birthdays each month. As you celebrate yours this month, this is what you got:

Ko-ko Loves to Play with Evelyn

This is the both of you playing with Ko-ko's trains early in the morning:

I'm So Proud of Evan

Daddy was supposed to go to KL yesterday for his US visa interview. But his flight got cancelled. Then when you woke up in the morning this was our conversation:
Evan: Daddy is already on the plane, right?
Mummy: No. Daddy plane had some problems
Evan: (Looking worried). Then is he ok?
Mummy: Yes.. don't worry. They cancelled his flight. He didn't get on the plane.

I do know that you are aware of the missing plane (MH370). Which was probably why you looked so worried when I told you about the plane troubles.

But of course, when daddy asked if you were worried, you denied (probably forgotten about how you felt). My macho boy ma. Cannot show that you're worried?

Lonely Evelyn

Ko-ko had another playmate on Sunday.  So I had to play by myself:

Who is Enjoying Barney More?

Look at the both of you so focused on the TV. I wonder who is enjoying the show more...

Poor Evan

When you walked into your room where Mei-mei and I were waiting for you, she decided to take a nip at your tummy.  You see her mouth reaches your tummy, right at the meatiest part. Easy for her to take a bite. Caught you by surprise so you shouted in shock and cried. Sigh...
And this isn't the first time either. When we got back from school a while back you knelt down thinking she would give you a hug. Instead, she walked to you and gave you a slap on the face!!
Anyway, you are still sore about being bitten and keep calling Evelyn "naughty girl".

Evelyn Checking Out the Piggies

Ashley Kor-kor could not resist taking these pictures of you checking out the 3 money banks in her house.
You'd wander around and see them (2 piggies and 1 doggy) then you'd sit on them one by one.  I guess to check out which is more comfy.
You'd sometimes try to lift them up too...

Daddy's Whiskers

As you were both still awake even though it was past your bedtime, daddy decided to play a little with the both of you. 
He rubbed his chin on Mei-mei's cheek and she giggled. You heard her laughing non - stop and peeked at what we were doing on the bed. Daddy asked if you wanted to know what he did to Evelyn.  You said yes. So he also tickled you with his whiskers when you closed your eyes.
When asked if you knew what it was, you replied "I know.... it's daddy's whiskers" ... then added "Daddy's got whiskers because he drinks whiskey".
Hahaha.... I wonder how you figured that out.

Craft Day

Since Mei-mei was having a nap today and we were too lazy to walk to the nearby playground,  we looked at the craft books we had at home and decided on doing some origami.
I had loads of coloured papers.  Only problem was the instructions were in Chinese.  So with some guess works, we managed to come out with these doggies.
Obviously the blue one is yours while mine is the pink doggy in a skirt.  I love yours which is wearing shorts and a cape. Daddy suggested an underwear but you laughed and opted for the modest shorts instead.

Grampy's Birthday Celebration

We planned to have a Chinese New Year dinner with the Yeoh's on the 3rd day of CNY but cancelled because Grampy went fishing/camping with his friends.  So we postponed it to yesterday.  Too bad Alex Ku-ku and Ah Kim had already left for KL by then.
In the end we had a CNY and birthday celebration.  Of course, we had seh jit mee (birthday noodles) followed by cake.
It was layer cake which was requested by Grampy.

Here's Ko-ko helping Grampy to blow off the candle: 

And here Ee-ee's trying to help Mei-mei blow off the candle. You tried several times but in the end needed Ko-ko's help:

Dumpling Feast

Last Saturday,  8th Poh-Tou was at Uncle Sin Jeow's house to cook up a feast for the family.  This was a special do by the couple most times when they come back to Malaysia.
We originally could not make it for dinner.  So when we stopped by after going to the market, Poh Tou offered me first taste of the dumplings. I also got to see them in action.  This time, Tou-tou was also in action to make the shui kau.
It sure was yummy.  Also I got to have a second round as we ended up at their house for dinner that evening.

Happy Chinese New Year 2014

"Gong Xi Fa Cai" from us all in Ipoh:

2014 Chinese New Year Eve

We headed back to Ipoh on the eve of Chinese New Year. As with last year we went back in 2 cars. We left Penang first as Ah Ma had to go to the temple to pray for Tou-tou as coincidentally it was the 100th day of this death.

The car was fully loaded and the traffic to Ipoh was heavy but not crawling. We just had to slow down at certain parts of the highway especially where there was a slope and some cars had to slow down.

We arrived in Ipoh just on time for lunch. It was Penang Hokkien Mee. Yummy..

Later more of the family began to arrive and it was a lovely gathering. It's been quite a while since we've been back to the Ipoh house.

Ah Kong and Ah Ma arrived soon. Rooms had to be sorted out and then it was soon dinner time. Dinner was pohpiah. It sure was a lot of hard work. Daddy and Jack Chek-chek were the assistant chef that day as they helped to stir thoroughly the ingredients.

Look at the yummy pohpiah..

School CNY Celebration

Today is the last day before you break for Chinese New Year.  As with last year, there was no lessons.  Instead there were singing and performances for the Pesta Ang Pow. Children were told to come in their home clothing, or better yet CNY costume.
You initially wanted to wear home clothes but then decided to wear your Chinese costume which Ee-ee had bought for you from China.
I'm glad we got to pick you up from school as I didn't get to see you in the costume before school. I was wondering how I'd be able to spot you among the children in their colorful clothing.  But luckily, you were waiting at the gate so you spotted me first.
Here's a shot of my handsome man:

Evan Helps Evelyn

To undress so that you can play in the garden before you have a shower

Evelyn's 1st Visit to the Market

Today was the replacement class for Ko-ko. As I was already awake and daddu had a very late night, I decided to follow Ah Ma to the market.  It's a very good time to visit the market because it's the final weekend before Chinese New Year.  So the market was crowded with many people selling things.
You were very interested in the colorful things being sold. Then we followed Ah Ma to buy fish. Took this picture of you watching the man remove the fish scales:

We went to many places to run some errands and so you fell asleep by the time we got home.

Kisses and Hugs Makes My Day

I'm so glad that you are still at the age where you don't mind giving me kisses and hugs still. Of course, if I'm dressed up for work which means I've got lipstick on you won't allow me to kiss you for fear of having a lipstick mark on your cheek. Then again, naughty you will always wipe your cheek after receiving a juicy kiss.
Evelyn on the other hand still doesn't know how to give kisses.  Sometimes when she's in the mood, she'll put her mouth over my nose and say "muahh". Just like how she gives her "flying kisses". For now I'm contented with the big hugs and smiles I get from her.
MUAHHH to my two precious "RotiBans".

Evelyn's Pearly Whites

Tried really hard to get you to smile.  You were ok before I took out my phone to take a picture.  But once I whip out my phone... you refuse to cooperate!!

Evan Cooks

Mummy and daddy are on leave today so no lunch today. So I had to cook my own lunch...

... just kidding. Mummy and daddy are both standing around watching me like a hawk!!

Hurricane Evelyn

This is what I do when mummy and daddy are not looking...

That's for not paying any attention to me!!

Snack Monster

One of your current favourite word is "mummum". So we'll give you a bowl with snacks and you'll sit on the staircase to enjoy your snacks.
When you're done you'll look for Kakak to give her your bowl after we ask you to.
But tonight, you decided that we didn't give you enough.  You kept asking for more "mummum". After one too many rounds, Kakak had to take the bowl  away from you. Of course, you screamed and cried when she took the bowl.. then forgot about the bowl 5 seconds later.��

Late to Pick Up Evan

We've been busy at work the past 2 days so we left work rather late and were late to pick you up. I'm proud to say that you are ok with us being late.  The first day you stood at the usual spot waiting for me. Poor thing, you were all sweaty and carrying your heave school bag. In the car you asked for permission to wait at the benches instead of near the gates.
So yesterday when we were late again, I found you waiting for me at the benches (not carrying your bag) and happily chatting with your friends.
My have you grown up. I remember clearly when we were late for the first time last year I found you sobbing and all sweaty while waiting for me. And we were only 5 minutes late then. The school had more kids waiting for their ride home then than there were yesterday. 

Evelyn Makes Everyone's Day

On our way home from dinner tonight you were playing peek-a-boo with daddy when he asked you to call him and you repeated what he asked you to say: Da-da.
Next Ko-ko asked you to repeat after him:
Evan: Say "Ma-ma"
Evelyn: Ma-ma
*big grin on my face*

Evan: Say "Ah Ma"
Evelyn: Ma

Evan: Say "Ah Kong"
Evelyn: Kong Kong

Evan: Say "Ko-ko"
Evelyn: Ko ko ko ko ko

So everyone's happy as you decided to call us all. Ko-ko is especially happy. He says you called him so many times which means you love him the most.