Day 4: Sausalito and Downtown Santa Rosa

After a lazy morning, we went back to the room to get ready and left. We opted to go to Sausalito a beautiful city which is quite near the Golden Gate bridge. We took a leisurely stroll along the bay enjoying the cold weather and the view as well as the beautiful houses:

Then it was lunchtime. The whole city was so crowded as it was a Sunday. So we headed back towards our car which was parked quite far and finally came to a shop selling Italian food. It was full inside, so we got a table outside. For once, we tried to park ourselves as directly under the sun as possible as it was very windy and cold. Lunch was a simple meal but the food was very good and hearty.

We left and then headed to the Golden Gate bridge as Ko-ko did not see it on the first day when we arrived. It was a misty day, so not so easy to see, but we managed so beautiful shots, despite the cold, cold wind:

Ah Ma is missing from this shot as it was too cold and she went to hide in the car

Ko-ko's attempt at a selfie

Then we headed back to drive around Santa Rosa. We got a slot to park and walked around until we reached Santa Rosa Plaza. We walked around and while everyone were browsing in the Apple store, you asked me to bring you out for a round on the ride. The horse really shook and I was so afraid that you would slip off the horse while I attempted to take your picture: 

We were so undecided on what to eat for dinner. So in the end we headed to where Safeway is nearby to our hotel and had Five Guys (burger for Evan) and Panda Express as take-away to have in the hotel.

Day 3: Wedding @ Cuffey's Cove

IT was the day of the wedding. So we had a leisurely breakfast then a walk around the hotel compound before heading back to our room to get ready for the wedding. It was to start at 1.00 pm and we planned to reach by 12.30 giving us some time allowance. So we got ready with the plan to leave our hotel by 10.00 am. 

Here we are all dressed up. As daddy did not plan to bring along his camera, we took some pictures of us all dressed up for the occasion before settling into the car for the long and windy 2 hour drive to Cuffey's Cove.  

Here's the beautiful view which i snapped on my phone along the way:

We crossed this river and soon reached the ranch:

We just had to stop for this beautiful view which was 5 minutes from the ranch:

The wind was blowing so strongly when we reached, we quickly ran into the farmhouse. Daryl Ko-ko was there and told us we had to make our way up to "there" which he pointed. Thinking it was the barn which was halfway, we opted to walk only to discover it was very uneven and windy, So ran for shelter in the nice, warm barn and waited for one of the shuttles to drive us to the location where the wedding ceremony was to be held. Daddy on the other hand, opted to continue with the walk and carry Mei-mei along.

The location of the wedding ceremony boasted a beautiful scenery. The wind was very strong and we felt very chilly despite the sun shining brightly. 

Thank goodness, Elizabeth and Will (the bride and groom) planned it very well. There were blankets set out in baskets for the guests to wrap themselves up in, If you look closely you and Mei-mei are all wrapped up. And my hair is blowing in all directions despite it being tied up already:

After the ceremony consisted a little Chinese (tea ceremony for the elders) and Western (saying of wedding oaths) we headed back to the warm barn. This time we all (expect daddy) hopped into the shuttle and reached the barn very quickly. 

The barn was all nicely decorated and we quickly found our seats. The festivities continued here with appetizers and drinks being served. That was later followed by more food and drink.

The simple but beautiful decoration inside the barn

Here's everyone getting ready for the bride and grooms first dance:

We had a group picture taken outside (it was getting colder and the evening approached). And soon had to make our way back to the car parked at the farmhouse as sunset was at 8.30 and we wanted to at least pass the winding section of the journey before dark.

We all dozed in the car while poor daddy had to drive us back with no one accompanying him as he drove.

Went back to the hotel to relax a little before going to sleep. 

Day 2: Dinner @ Cattlemens

We were hungry and decided to go for steaks at Cattlemens which was nearby to our hotel. Apparently there were a few one which was nearer to our hotel, but daddy opted for this as it was a longer drive and we were not really hungry yet. 

Unfortunately, it was a 30 minute wait for us to get a table. But in the end, it looks like we waited no more than 20 minutes before being brought to our table. 

Here are the two of you goofing around in the cold while waiting to be called to our table:

We had already looked at the menu outside and decided on what we wanted. So the moment we sat down, it didn't take too long for us to put in our orders:

Evelyn's nuggets and fries

Mummy's prime rib

Daddy's steaks

We finished dinner and went back to the hotel for more strawberries and beer before calling it a night.

Day 2: Napa Valley - Winery visiting

We started the morning quite early as we all woke up early due to jetlag. Headed to the hotel restaurant for our buffet breakfast. Then headed back to the room to shower etc before piling ourselves into the car to head out for a drive.

First thing we did was to drive past the Keysight office which was very close to the hotel(we partially took this way as daddy had to take an unplanned left as he'd almost turned to the wrong side of the road *grin*). Then we went for a slow and leisurely drive, enjoying the view and finally deciding on going for a drive to the Robert Mondavi Winery.

Here's their wine grapes:

It's a good thing daddy brought along his tripod and we could have our own family picture taken:

Closer-up of the plants:

Our two happy kids. Just love this shot:

Our little family:

Ahh... can you guess what wine the grapes from this plant will make?

And then, we took the shorter and faster route to go back to the hotel. Look at the two tired babies:

Day1: Santa Rosa

The drive to Santa Rosa was another 2-3 hours as the 2 hour drive dragged longer than usual due to the slow crawl out of San Francisco. Of course, we had to drive past the Golden Gate bridge and we decided to take a quick stop. Mei-mei woke up as we stopped and so daddy and I took her down with the intention to snap some pictures. All I got was this, and we quickly ran back to the warmth of the car. It was certainly a cold and windy day:

When we reached the hotel, we just needed a quick check-in and we were set. We stayed on the 3rd floor of the Burgundy block.

After we'd taken some rest, and showered, we headed out to dinner. We's planned for a simply, soupy meal so Vietnamese beef noodles came to mind. We had no idea of where to go to, so relied on the GPS to bring us to a shop listed called "Simply Vietnam". Food was delicious and portions very big (we'd forgotten about the US portions - yet daddy managed to finish all his large noodle).

On the way back, we headed to a Safeway which was very close to our hotel. Here' we were so happy with the many choices of food, fruits and drinks. We bought a large box of strawberries (which cost us only USD5!!). Here are the two of you enjoying the strawberries in Ah Ma's room:

Then by 9.30 we were all sleepy and headed back to our room. By 10 p.m. we were all dead to the world, tired from the long long travel we had to get to the USA.

The Start of Our Holidays

Our holiday started early in the morning as we had a very early flight to catch to Hong Kong. Ko-ko easily woke up but it was not as easy to wake you up. In the end, everyone was ready and by 6.20 a.m.we were already in the Penang International Airport.

Check in was all done and we had a hot drink at the McDonald's before heading into the departure hall to await boarding for the flight to Hong Kong. All went well and you were surprisingly well behaved on the flight and had no problems with the pressure change at all.

In Hong Kong, we went over to the departure terminal and then headed to the food court to look for some lunch. After lunch, we had a little time to wander around the shops. Daddy and Ah Kong had planned to get some whiskey or wine for Uncle Sam, but unfortunately the found out that we could not bring even duty free items into the US. Too bad.

Soon it was time to board. Luckily, we had priority boarding as we were travelling with you (small children) and boarding sure was longer as they had to inspect our bags for any liquids over 100 ml.

Here you both are all happy and excited and looking forward to our holiday:

This was your lunch on the way to SFO:

However, as lunch was served, that was when Ko-ko spilled juice on his pants (due to turbulence) then he started to not feel well. Daddy had to bring him to the toilet multiple trips. In the end, Ah Ma gave him some diarrhea medicine and he managed to sleep. In fact, he slept through breakfast also, preferring to sleep instead of eat.

You on the other hand, slept quite well on the flight. The stewardess on this flight was very nice, giving you both kids pack, kids headphones and even helped to change Ko-ko's meals to adult meal (which somehow was not changed, despite the travel agent saying that they'd already submitted the request). She even gave me a child seat belt which could be attached to my seat belt. It was a blessing as I could carry you and let you cuddle with me in your sleep even during turbulence.

After you had your sleep, you kept busy watching the cartoons on the screen (without the headphones). Not much fuss from you, although you will be a bit grouchy just before falling asleep.

Still, I'd consider that a good start to our holiday.

Scaring Your Teacher

Told you that I needed to see your class teacher:
Mummy: Evan what days would you have Mr. Koh for the last lesson?
Evan: (Suspiciously) Why????
Mummy: None of your business
Evan: (Looking worried)
Mummy: I need to tell him about your missing school.
Evan: (Looking relieved now...)

That night:
Mummy: Evan, did you tell Mr. Koh that I wanted to see him?
Evan: Yes.
Mummy: Did he was you why I wanted to see him?
Evan: Yes.
Mummy: So what did you tell him?
Evan: I told him "我不知道" (I don't know) 

Hahaha... naughty boy. Leave your teacher wondering and worried about the reason I want to see him!!

Mummy Stepped...

Gosh you have an elephant memory. It happened at least over a month ago and yet 2 nights ago I heard you telling daddy (while you were doing a poo poo)
"Mummy STEP (with emphasis on this) on Mei-mei ngk ngk"

Arghhh... I wonder how long it will be before you will let me forget about this incident. 

Penang Hop On Hop Off Bus

As Monday was a replacement holiday for Wesak Day Ah Ma decided to take you for a ride on the Penang Hop-On-Hop-Off bus. You were supposed to leave the house to catch the first bus at 9 from Gurney Drive but seemed like the both of you couldn't wake up so you only left the house at 9.30. Unfortunately, you still missed the 10 am bus and caught the 10.30 bus instead.
You both opted for the city route as you thought the windy road of Batu Feringghi was not so interesting. It was around 2 hours of non-stop journey as you did not want to get off the bus.
Mei-mei did not get to go as she had a doctor's appointment. You certainly had fun as you both even stopped for pizza on the way home.

Mother's Day Flowers

On top of a yummy breakfast, I got this beautiful craft from you. It's the first Mother's Day gift from you as you just started school this year. 

 So lovely that the school makes an effort to give us small tokens from our children. 

Thank you for the lovely flowers. 

Mother's Day Breakfast

My Mother's Day this year began with the yummiest cheese omelette ever. Er... yes I had to help you prepare some parts of the omelette but you did try your best despite your fear of the flame from the stove.
And my breakfast even came complete with coffee:

Thank you, darling for this yummy breakfast.  

Audrey's Birthday

The interesting part of the party (other than the food..) was the egg hunt. Not just any egg. It was a Kinder Surprise egg hunt.
Then again the best part of the egg hunt for you was not the contents of the egg, but the yummy chocolate.  Can't you tell from the way you sat?

Ice-Cream Fun

After lunch at the family day we were also given ice-cream.  Both of you gad a great time. Even Mei-mei had a go at the ice-cream and almost finished the whole thing.

Family Day

It was Labour Day holiday and yet we had to wake up early... in fact earlier than a school day. This is because we had registered for the Family Suka Ria carnival which was being organised by Rajawali along with the church.
We left early for to find traffic was good and so reached the Westland  School rather early. At 8.30 we registered and soon got acquainted with the rest of our "Orange Team" members.
Daddy was somehow selected to be the team leader by the organisers. It was a fun day with all of us getting to gave a go atvthe games. Ko-ko got to play 3 of the games.
After the games we headed to the church cafeteria for a lunch of fried rice and ice-cream. Then it was prize giving and out team managed to come in third. Yay!!!
It was a nice day of meeting new people and spending time together.

All Tied Up

Took us a lot of convincing work before you let me tie up your hair.
You look so different with your hair all tied up. Too bad you only let them be tied up for a grand total of 3 minutes before pulling off the rubber bands. Daddy loves it when your hair is tied up.

Is This The End?

Have been slowly cutting down on your feeding sessions and the last week has been down to once a day, before you go to sleep.
Tonight you went to sleep without asking for a feed. Would this mean it's the end of our breastfeeding journey? *tears in my eyes*

Adventure Time

The last time we were at Adventure Zone, Mei-mei was too young. She only slept in the stroller while you had great fun on the slides.
This time you got to enjoy the slides as well as the  baby section, including the ball pit.
We had decided to surprise you and treat you to some fun since it's been a long time since we last visited. You sat quietly in the car, and get excited as we turned into Golden Sands Hotel and then you spotted the Adventure Zone sign. Tricked you by saying we didn't bring any socks nor long sleeved shirts. But when you discovered that I had indeed packed what you needed you were all smiles.

Daddy's Back fr Sing-Ka-Pour

Daddy came back last night and he gave me this:

Teary Evelyn

You started to cry again almost everyday when you went back to school after the school holidays. No matter what we did, we still could not leave you in school without you crying loudly.

Hopefully today will mark the beginning of good school days. You were a bit teary but at least you did not cry loudly when I passed you to Miss Beh. In fact, you waved happily to me as I headed out and you were both headed to the bathroom to wash hands and wee wee.