Showing posts with label Slideshow. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Slideshow. Show all posts
Saturday, 20 April 2013
Sunday, 17 February 2013
A morning with the CrossFit family
This morning Reebok CrossFit 673 (where I work out) did a special demo workout for the public in Bandar, down at the waterfront. Us members had been asked if we wanted to come along and help out, and afterward do a bit of a demo WOD - and of course we did!
It was a super fun morning together with the crew from the Box, and most of the regulars. We helped setting up the nine different stations, for the workout for the public. We all got assigned a role either at a station or as a team leader taking the different groups through the workout.
Me? Well, I was the photographer..! :)
Quite a big group of locals had turned up, and believe it or not, even though it was only 7.30 am on a Sunday morning, they were all eager to go and full of smiles!
They got started off with a quick warm-up, after that they walked around and got all the stations demoed, and then their workout started. One minute at each station; and one minute in between to rotate and regroup.
They all did really well, and most importantly, they seemed to have lots of fun!
When they were finished it was our turn to take on a quick demo WOD. I so enjoyed when Mike grabbed the microphone to call us up and said: -"Now it's the CrossFitters' turn, come on athletes!" Yeah! A-t-h-l-e-t-e-s! Ha ha!
We did a quick WOD made up of a 400m run, 3 rounds of 15 thrusters @ 35lbs (for the girls, 65lbs for the guys), 15 kettlebell swings at chosen weights (I did 12kg), 30 ledge jumps/step-ups and another 400m run.
Man, it was HOT!
After the WOD we got a bit of an extra workout helping out packing it all up again and carrying it out to the car.
I had so much fun, and what a fantastic backdrop we had with the Water Village and the Istana Nurul Iman! It was great spending a couple of fun hours with the CrossFit family!
As I took so many photos, I had to put them all together in a slide show.
Enjoy!
It was a super fun morning together with the crew from the Box, and most of the regulars. We helped setting up the nine different stations, for the workout for the public. We all got assigned a role either at a station or as a team leader taking the different groups through the workout.
Me? Well, I was the photographer..! :)
Quite a big group of locals had turned up, and believe it or not, even though it was only 7.30 am on a Sunday morning, they were all eager to go and full of smiles!
They got started off with a quick warm-up, after that they walked around and got all the stations demoed, and then their workout started. One minute at each station; and one minute in between to rotate and regroup.
They all did really well, and most importantly, they seemed to have lots of fun!
When they were finished it was our turn to take on a quick demo WOD. I so enjoyed when Mike grabbed the microphone to call us up and said: -"Now it's the CrossFitters' turn, come on athletes!" Yeah! A-t-h-l-e-t-e-s! Ha ha!
We did a quick WOD made up of a 400m run, 3 rounds of 15 thrusters @ 35lbs (for the girls, 65lbs for the guys), 15 kettlebell swings at chosen weights (I did 12kg), 30 ledge jumps/step-ups and another 400m run.
Man, it was HOT!
After the WOD we got a bit of an extra workout helping out packing it all up again and carrying it out to the car.
I had so much fun, and what a fantastic backdrop we had with the Water Village and the Istana Nurul Iman! It was great spending a couple of fun hours with the CrossFit family!
As I took so many photos, I had to put them all together in a slide show.
Enjoy!
Monday, 24 December 2012
Double birthdays
Party season thoroughly kicked off this week. Linnea's little friend Gemma turned 7 and Linnea was invited to celebrate with her both on her actual birthday on Thursday and most of yesterday. Yesterday they all went to have some fun at the new Archery Range in town, and then they had a lovely birthday lunch at Fish & Co.
Gemma's mum Nicole also celebrated her birthday this weekend, with a big party Saturday night.
It's been a long anticipated happening, and both her parents and her brother and his family came up from Australia for the occasion.
She had invited all her friends to an Italian restaurant in town for a nice meal. Jeremy had prepared a few surprises during the evening with the help of some of the friends and family members. We got treated to a slide show of photos from Nicole's life until now, and also she got a greeting from her lovely Year 1 class at school - who all seemed to think she was turning 17..??
Jeremy and the kids had also prepared a bit of a musical performance, they gave a very touching rendition of the Hunters & Collectors song "Throw your arms around me", not a dry eye in the room!
It was such a great night, that we finished off at their house, way, way too late...
Happy Birthday my friend!
Take a peak at the party night here:
Gemma's mum Nicole also celebrated her birthday this weekend, with a big party Saturday night.
It's been a long anticipated happening, and both her parents and her brother and his family came up from Australia for the occasion.
She had invited all her friends to an Italian restaurant in town for a nice meal. Jeremy had prepared a few surprises during the evening with the help of some of the friends and family members. We got treated to a slide show of photos from Nicole's life until now, and also she got a greeting from her lovely Year 1 class at school - who all seemed to think she was turning 17..??
Jeremy and the kids had also prepared a bit of a musical performance, they gave a very touching rendition of the Hunters & Collectors song "Throw your arms around me", not a dry eye in the room!
It was such a great night, that we finished off at their house, way, way too late...
Happy Birthday my friend!
Take a peak at the party night here:
Monday, 22 October 2012
The 'Under the Sea' Birthday Party
So, we had Linnea's birthday party on Saturday. I like doing themed parties as it makes it easier to know what you are looking for. This year we decided on doing an 'Under The Sea'-theme, with mermaids.
As always, I went a bit over the top and this last week has been crazy busy getting everything ready... but I love it! Especially at this age when the birthdays still are so magical and special, Linnea has been counting down ever since we got back from summer holidays!
We had 30 meters of blue netting stapled (yes..!) to the ceiling to create that "under the sea"-feeling, lots of blue balloons, foiled fish balloons, sea shells everywhere and sea weed and fish in the windows. The colour theme on the whole was blue, green and purple.
Linnea and I had had mermaid costumes made and they turned out great if I may say so myself! Glittery hair clips, a bit of colour hair spray and the mermaid look was complete.
I had prepared sea themed decorations, crafts and party games and of course all the food was themed too! (Nathan was in charge of the sushi order and somehow he got lost in translation - and ended up with SIX times as much sushi as we needed..! :) Oups.)
There was only 12 girls, and 2 boys, and it seemed like they all had a good time. At least I hope so..!
When the party was over they each went home with either a mermaid chapter book or a mermaid drawing book, and a Curly Wurly, classic English chocolate bar. They were all very happy!
Ok, so here's the promised slideshow, enjoy!
As always, I went a bit over the top and this last week has been crazy busy getting everything ready... but I love it! Especially at this age when the birthdays still are so magical and special, Linnea has been counting down ever since we got back from summer holidays!
We had 30 meters of blue netting stapled (yes..!) to the ceiling to create that "under the sea"-feeling, lots of blue balloons, foiled fish balloons, sea shells everywhere and sea weed and fish in the windows. The colour theme on the whole was blue, green and purple.
Linnea and I had had mermaid costumes made and they turned out great if I may say so myself! Glittery hair clips, a bit of colour hair spray and the mermaid look was complete.
I had prepared sea themed decorations, crafts and party games and of course all the food was themed too! (Nathan was in charge of the sushi order and somehow he got lost in translation - and ended up with SIX times as much sushi as we needed..! :) Oups.)
There was only 12 girls, and 2 boys, and it seemed like they all had a good time. At least I hope so..!
When the party was over they each went home with either a mermaid chapter book or a mermaid drawing book, and a Curly Wurly, classic English chocolate bar. They were all very happy!
Ok, so here's the promised slideshow, enjoy!
Sunday, 20 May 2012
Turning Japanese!
Oliver is turning 3 next week, but as he hasn't really been spending enough time in Singapore yet to make any new friends, Misuzu came up with the splendid idea to have his birthday party here in Brunei. That way, they would make sure they would catch up with everyone while visiting, and all in one day! :)
I offered to have it at our house, so this morning - it all turned Japanese, Oliver had invited his little friends to a "Sushi Party"!
It was a great morning, and a fabulous party! Misuzu had (as always) thought it all through perfectly and brought over a lot of props, special Japanese items and things from Singapore and Japan.
We had Japanese decorations all over, we all wore our Japanese t-shirts (thank you Misuzu!) and of course, we had sushi for lunch. The children actually all as an activity had to make their own sushi - and boy did they get right into it!
After a bit of free play, Misuzu had another activity planned, a crafty one - make your own take-away sushi set out of felt. Everyone got involved, kids, parents and all, and they all turned out great. Such a fab idea!
The cake was also in the sushi theme - of course! Beenal had outdone herself totally, each child got a little individual piece of "sushi", ha ha, they loved it!
And when they left, they got a party bag with sushi biscuits (again, by Beenal), a make-your-own-sushi-gummy-set and their sushi mats plus little wooden spoons. Totally themed, my kind of party.
Here's a slideshow from today's big event. Enjoy!
I offered to have it at our house, so this morning - it all turned Japanese, Oliver had invited his little friends to a "Sushi Party"!
It was a great morning, and a fabulous party! Misuzu had (as always) thought it all through perfectly and brought over a lot of props, special Japanese items and things from Singapore and Japan.
We had Japanese decorations all over, we all wore our Japanese t-shirts (thank you Misuzu!) and of course, we had sushi for lunch. The children actually all as an activity had to make their own sushi - and boy did they get right into it!
After a bit of free play, Misuzu had another activity planned, a crafty one - make your own take-away sushi set out of felt. Everyone got involved, kids, parents and all, and they all turned out great. Such a fab idea!
The cake was also in the sushi theme - of course! Beenal had outdone herself totally, each child got a little individual piece of "sushi", ha ha, they loved it!
And when they left, they got a party bag with sushi biscuits (again, by Beenal), a make-your-own-sushi-gummy-set and their sushi mats plus little wooden spoons. Totally themed, my kind of party.
Here's a slideshow from today's big event. Enjoy!
Friday, 30 March 2012
A day at Universal Studios
On our second day in Singapore we decided to split up and do different things. Mormor and Morfar had their aim set on the Singapore Botanical Gardens, and the rest of us had decided to spend the day on Sentosa, at Universal Studios!
We had such a fun day, complete with lots of rides, dinosaur lunch, souvenir shopping, a Waterworld show and other cool stuff!
Universal Studios Singapore consists of seven different zones, 'The Lost World' (dinosaur themed), 'Madagascar', 'Far Far Away' (Shrek themed), 'New York', 'Ancient Egypt', 'Sci-Fi City' and 'Hollywood'.
It's not a very, very big theme park; or maybe it was because it wasn't peak season and not many people in the park - but we managed to cover it all in about half a day.
We did all the rides we wanted to go on, some even twice and no queues were longer than 15 minutes! Mostly thanks to the very very efficient staff I would say. There was just no mucking about, people on the ride - people off the ride - people on the ride - people off the ride. Everything done with clear instructions and order.
Compared to Hong Kong Disneyland, there wasn't as many adults (...) taking up space on the rides and in the queues for taking pictures with the characters either. We met both the animals from 'Madagascar', a Transformer, Winnie Woodpecker and Kung Fu Panda. Pretty cool!
There was a few rides we didn't go on, one roller coaster that was all in the dark (wise after our experience with 'Space Mountain' in Hong Kong Disneyland), the new Transformers ride which unfortunately broke down just as we were queuing up and of course not the big roller coasters either! They looked cool though, but no.
Here's a slide show of our day at Universal Studios:
We had such a fun day, complete with lots of rides, dinosaur lunch, souvenir shopping, a Waterworld show and other cool stuff!
Universal Studios Singapore consists of seven different zones, 'The Lost World' (dinosaur themed), 'Madagascar', 'Far Far Away' (Shrek themed), 'New York', 'Ancient Egypt', 'Sci-Fi City' and 'Hollywood'.
It's not a very, very big theme park; or maybe it was because it wasn't peak season and not many people in the park - but we managed to cover it all in about half a day.
We did all the rides we wanted to go on, some even twice and no queues were longer than 15 minutes! Mostly thanks to the very very efficient staff I would say. There was just no mucking about, people on the ride - people off the ride - people on the ride - people off the ride. Everything done with clear instructions and order.
Compared to Hong Kong Disneyland, there wasn't as many adults (...) taking up space on the rides and in the queues for taking pictures with the characters either. We met both the animals from 'Madagascar', a Transformer, Winnie Woodpecker and Kung Fu Panda. Pretty cool!
There was a few rides we didn't go on, one roller coaster that was all in the dark (wise after our experience with 'Space Mountain' in Hong Kong Disneyland), the new Transformers ride which unfortunately broke down just as we were queuing up and of course not the big roller coasters either! They looked cool though, but no.
Here's a slide show of our day at Universal Studios:
Monday, 30 January 2012
A day in the Magic Kingdom
Today we were so lucky to get to spend the afternoon at the Istana, at the little Princess' 4th birthday party.
It was a Disney Princess-themed party, and they had transformed the whole Royal Sports Complex into a magical fairground with life-sized exotic animals, huge butterflies, pretty balloons, bubbles and other glittery decorations. It looked so pretty!
There was a huge play area, a Beauty Tent, lots of games to play, a tent with an Exotic Pet Exhibition and also a big scene where they had several performances throughout the afternoon - all in the Disney Princess-theme.
We all left the party so happy, feeling like we had been to a magical wonderland, what a fabulous day!
Here are some of the photos I took:
It was a Disney Princess-themed party, and they had transformed the whole Royal Sports Complex into a magical fairground with life-sized exotic animals, huge butterflies, pretty balloons, bubbles and other glittery decorations. It looked so pretty!
There was a huge play area, a Beauty Tent, lots of games to play, a tent with an Exotic Pet Exhibition and also a big scene where they had several performances throughout the afternoon - all in the Disney Princess-theme.
We all left the party so happy, feeling like we had been to a magical wonderland, what a fabulous day!
Here are some of the photos I took:
Saturday, 29 October 2011
Halloween Party 2011
Today we went back to the Yacht Club for their Halloween Party. It was such a success last year that I wanted to do it again this year, for the kids.
We reused a couple of costumes, Lucas was a werewolf and Linnea a wicked witch.
The party was a success, once again. The kids had an absolute blast and it was near to impossible to extract them at the end of the night because they had so much fun with all their friends.
They got to throw "angry birds" at milk cartons, they had a costume parade around the pool, they wrapped-a-mummy, had dance competitions and did a big treasure hunt - amongst other things. There was a yummy Halloween buffet, and after the party was officially over they played with their friends, at the beach, in the dark, in the pool... you name it! A very lovely afternoon!
Here's a slide show of this afternoon's events:
We reused a couple of costumes, Lucas was a werewolf and Linnea a wicked witch.
The party was a success, once again. The kids had an absolute blast and it was near to impossible to extract them at the end of the night because they had so much fun with all their friends.
They got to throw "angry birds" at milk cartons, they had a costume parade around the pool, they wrapped-a-mummy, had dance competitions and did a big treasure hunt - amongst other things. There was a yummy Halloween buffet, and after the party was officially over they played with their friends, at the beach, in the dark, in the pool... you name it! A very lovely afternoon!
Here's a slide show of this afternoon's events:
Friday, 28 October 2011
The Rainbow Party (Misuzu's version)
Since I didn't have my good camera for Linnea's party, Misuzu took quite a few photos for me. Here's a slide show with her view of the party! Fab photos, thank you Misuzu!
Sunday, 23 October 2011
Somewhere over the Rainbow
Here's a slideshow from Linnea's Rainbow Party yesterday. I had very daringly opted out of hiring a bouncy water slide this year, and had planned to entertain the little ones with some rainbow craft instead. It worked out really well! They all seemed to love making their own bracelets, beads and door signs.
Also they got sent off on a treasure hunt to find the gold at the end of the rainbow, which was a success! One happy little girl managed to find the treasure chest, and also her beautiful birthday cake!
Also they got sent off on a treasure hunt to find the gold at the end of the rainbow, which was a success! One happy little girl managed to find the treasure chest, and also her beautiful birthday cake!
Thursday, 2 June 2011
Vroom, vroom!
Today we went to the birthday party for Linnea's class mate, Prince Wakeel. This year it was held at the Sports Complex at the Istana (=the Royal Palace) and both kids were very excited to get to go there!
They had set the whole area up completely in the theme of racing.
All decorations were in black, white and red; there was roads to walk on, stop signs and speed signs; the cake was a Ferrari, the 'Stig' was there..!
Plus there was tons of games to play, toys to play on and with and an array of entertainment offered from the big stage, competitions, magic shows, dance performances, you name it...
The kids had an absolute blast - and best of all, little Prince Wakeel had tons of fun too! He has certainly grown up, and was right into it all this year. He and Linnea were playing together in one of the water slides for hours.
Here's the slideshow:
It was a great afternoon, lots of fun had by all. We felt very lucky to get invited to celebrate with the little Prince, we sure had the best time!
They had set the whole area up completely in the theme of racing.
All decorations were in black, white and red; there was roads to walk on, stop signs and speed signs; the cake was a Ferrari, the 'Stig' was there..!
Plus there was tons of games to play, toys to play on and with and an array of entertainment offered from the big stage, competitions, magic shows, dance performances, you name it...
The kids had an absolute blast - and best of all, little Prince Wakeel had tons of fun too! He has certainly grown up, and was right into it all this year. He and Linnea were playing together in one of the water slides for hours.
Here's the slideshow:
It was a great afternoon, lots of fun had by all. We felt very lucky to get invited to celebrate with the little Prince, we sure had the best time!
Wednesday, 1 June 2011
Brunei International Tattoo 2011
The Brunei Armed Forces are having their 50 years Anniversary this year, and there has been a lot of things happening this week to celebrate that.
We bought tickets to go and see the Brunei International Military Tattoo, not really knowing what to expect - but it turned out to be fab, fab, fab!
It was a 3 1/2 h (yes, a bit long...) show, with Military Bands and other cultural performances from 12 different countries: Brunei, Australia, China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Oman, Pakistan, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, UK and the United States of America.
I must say, I was so impressed! The whole event was organized so professionally. It started on time (!) and they didn't miss a beat - it rolled on smoothly through the whole show. The MCs spoke perfect English (which you need when it comes through loudspeakers in a big arena) and there were lots of friendly people on hand to direct you to your seat, to the toilet etc.
Even though it was quite long, the kids were very good, especially Oliver actually - who at times looked nearly frozen! He was so into watching it and taking it all in.
Luckily there was a big variety of entertainment, from the more traditional marching numbers, to some more "freestyle" ones; some acrobats and dancers and even a motorbike show! It was very visual and really well done!
I loved it of course, it took me back to my days in a marching band... We weren't nearly as good though... ha, ha, but I still have lots of good memories!
We took so many photos... here are a few to try and share this experience with you:
Some other fun info: The last military tattoo organized by the Royal Brunei Armed Forces was the Brunei International Tattoo (BIT) 2006 which was held in conjunction with the 60th Birthday Celebrations of His Majesty the Sultan. This event comprised of 13 countries with over 1290 performers and officials. To date BIT 2006 has been officially recorded in the Guinness Book of World Records for most countries participating in a military tattoo!
We bought tickets to go and see the Brunei International Military Tattoo, not really knowing what to expect - but it turned out to be fab, fab, fab!
It was a 3 1/2 h (yes, a bit long...) show, with Military Bands and other cultural performances from 12 different countries: Brunei, Australia, China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Oman, Pakistan, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, UK and the United States of America.
I must say, I was so impressed! The whole event was organized so professionally. It started on time (!) and they didn't miss a beat - it rolled on smoothly through the whole show. The MCs spoke perfect English (which you need when it comes through loudspeakers in a big arena) and there were lots of friendly people on hand to direct you to your seat, to the toilet etc.
Even though it was quite long, the kids were very good, especially Oliver actually - who at times looked nearly frozen! He was so into watching it and taking it all in.
Luckily there was a big variety of entertainment, from the more traditional marching numbers, to some more "freestyle" ones; some acrobats and dancers and even a motorbike show! It was very visual and really well done!
I loved it of course, it took me back to my days in a marching band... We weren't nearly as good though... ha, ha, but I still have lots of good memories!
We took so many photos... here are a few to try and share this experience with you:
Some other fun info: The last military tattoo organized by the Royal Brunei Armed Forces was the Brunei International Tattoo (BIT) 2006 which was held in conjunction with the 60th Birthday Celebrations of His Majesty the Sultan. This event comprised of 13 countries with over 1290 performers and officials. To date BIT 2006 has been officially recorded in the Guinness Book of World Records for most countries participating in a military tattoo!
Friday, 6 May 2011
Swimming Gala 2011
Today it was the yearly Swimming Gala at JIS. An event Lucas has been dreading for the past couple of weeks, and these last few days he has even had trouble falling to sleep at night, being so worried.
He still vividly remembers last year when he came last in his first heat, and then totally refused even trying in the second heat... Since then we have talked a lot about participating, having fun, trying your best etc etc. He wasn't all convinced, and showed up looking a bit worried at first.
Well... I'm happy to tell you he won both of his heats!!
Understanding heats is not easy though, but the fact that he didn't get a medal for being the overall 1,2 or 3 in his year group didn't really bother him luckily - he was on top of the world having swam the fastest! Self-confidence restored!
Linnea started out by crying herself through the first 25m race she did. She got water in her goggles, and I think it all became a bit much since she was in the first heat. After that she was fine, swam nicely, was really happy and even won her backstroke heat!
Well, the Reception kids actually all got ribbons - but she knows she won..!
Here's a slide show of this mornings event:
He still vividly remembers last year when he came last in his first heat, and then totally refused even trying in the second heat... Since then we have talked a lot about participating, having fun, trying your best etc etc. He wasn't all convinced, and showed up looking a bit worried at first.
Well... I'm happy to tell you he won both of his heats!!
Understanding heats is not easy though, but the fact that he didn't get a medal for being the overall 1,2 or 3 in his year group didn't really bother him luckily - he was on top of the world having swam the fastest! Self-confidence restored!
Linnea started out by crying herself through the first 25m race she did. She got water in her goggles, and I think it all became a bit much since she was in the first heat. After that she was fine, swam nicely, was really happy and even won her backstroke heat!
Well, the Reception kids actually all got ribbons - but she knows she won..!
Here's a slide show of this mornings event:
Sunday, 23 January 2011
Party you must
(I'm trying the slide shows made straight in iPhoto. I think it's unfortunately a bit small and hard to see. I hope still you get the feeling of the party!)
Sunday, 2 January 2011
NY Eve 2010
We've celebrated New Year in a few different ways since we've been here in Brunei. The first year I was by myself, and Nathan was flying. The second year we went to one of our neighbours for a big party and last year we hosted a small dinner party at ours.
This year, we went to Miri in Malaysia to celebrate the New Year with the gang - and a big bang!
There was about 30 of us in our group (kids and all), coming down from Brunei. So we were bound to have a good time!
The hotel had put on a 'Beach BBQ' in the evening, but of course we started off as soon as we got there with drinks by the pool - mmmmmojitos, oh yeah!
The kids had their dinner in the room, and then they could run around outside for a bit while we were at the BBQ. It was lovely to be able to share the evening with them for a while before they went back to their room, and the grown-up party continued for us.
It was a great night! It was a real treat to be able to see in the New Year with both family and good friends! Let 2011 be the best year for all!
This year, we went to Miri in Malaysia to celebrate the New Year with the gang - and a big bang!
There was about 30 of us in our group (kids and all), coming down from Brunei. So we were bound to have a good time!
The hotel had put on a 'Beach BBQ' in the evening, but of course we started off as soon as we got there with drinks by the pool - mmmmmojitos, oh yeah!
The kids had their dinner in the room, and then they could run around outside for a bit while we were at the BBQ. It was lovely to be able to share the evening with them for a while before they went back to their room, and the grown-up party continued for us.
It was a great night! It was a real treat to be able to see in the New Year with both family and good friends! Let 2011 be the best year for all!
Sunday, 26 December 2010
Our Christmas Day, 2010
Our Christmas Day was of the quieter kind this year, since it was "just" us - and the Grand Parents of course! I mean, quiet as in we stayed at home instead of heading out somewhere with too many other people, and it was much nicer this way.
We just took it easy most of the day, after the present opening in the morning, the day was mostly spent building Lego (there was a lot, as usual!) and playing with all the other fab, new gifts; eating chocolates and watching TV.
Grandma cooked us a lovely Christmas meal, turkey with all the trimmings, and we just enjoyed the day and each others company. It's not often we are spoiled with family for Christmas, so we're making the most of it!
We just took it easy most of the day, after the present opening in the morning, the day was mostly spent building Lego (there was a lot, as usual!) and playing with all the other fab, new gifts; eating chocolates and watching TV.
Grandma cooked us a lovely Christmas meal, turkey with all the trimmings, and we just enjoyed the day and each others company. It's not often we are spoiled with family for Christmas, so we're making the most of it!
Saturday, 25 December 2010
Santa's visit 2010
After the traditional Julafton lunch, it was time for another tradition: Santa's visit! Last year we had a bit of a knock of the belief in the real Santa when Santa Matt had a beard-failure already when entering the house... but I think this year it all got restored when Santa Pete showed up.
Linnea straight away happily prodded his big tummy and realized there was no padding! Must be the real Santa!
The kids got a lot of presents from Scandinavia, both from Mormor and Morfar but also from Uncle Thomas (guess what..?), they were very spoiled.
While in Sweden, Mormor had also taken the kids out shopping separately, to get presents for Nathan and I, and for each other. They did so well, Lucas got me some Christmas things I had pointed at while walking through a shop earlier; and Linnea got me some pink earrings (although Mormor had told me had been eying up some gift ribbon she thought I'd like..?).
Lucas had carefully chosen a new tie for Nathan, and Linnea had found him some socks with Santa on it.
They were spot on with the presents for each other as well, Lucas got Linnea a 'Hello Kitty Pet Shop' and Linnea got Lucas a "finger-bike".
Mostly I think they enjoyed having secrets - the wrapping and labeling and secret stuff!
Linnea straight away happily prodded his big tummy and realized there was no padding! Must be the real Santa!
The kids got a lot of presents from Scandinavia, both from Mormor and Morfar but also from Uncle Thomas (guess what..?), they were very spoiled.
While in Sweden, Mormor had also taken the kids out shopping separately, to get presents for Nathan and I, and for each other. They did so well, Lucas got me some Christmas things I had pointed at while walking through a shop earlier; and Linnea got me some pink earrings (although Mormor had told me had been eying up some gift ribbon she thought I'd like..?).
Lucas had carefully chosen a new tie for Nathan, and Linnea had found him some socks with Santa on it.
They were spot on with the presents for each other as well, Lucas got Linnea a 'Hello Kitty Pet Shop' and Linnea got Lucas a "finger-bike".
Mostly I think they enjoyed having secrets - the wrapping and labeling and secret stuff!
Swedish Christmas lunch
Our Julafton (=Christmas Eve) was spent with what has become a true Christmas tradition for us here in Brunei - a lovely Swedish Christmas lunch at the Scott's house.
Anna had gone through huge efforts as usual, to cook a great meal for her friends and even buy thoughtful presents for big and small.
It was nice to get Grandma and Granddad to experience a Swedish Christmas meal, even though they weren't brave enough to try the most traditional food..! :)
Anna had gone through huge efforts as usual, to cook a great meal for her friends and even buy thoughtful presents for big and small.
It was nice to get Grandma and Granddad to experience a Swedish Christmas meal, even though they weren't brave enough to try the most traditional food..! :)
Friday, 26 November 2010
YC Christmas Party 2010
After I picked the kids up from school today we went straight to the Yacht Club, to get a good table at the Christmas Party!
As it turns out, I didn't spend much time at that table, as I was busy keeping an eye on the two little rascals...
I must say, it was organized perfectly (we've been once before and they tend to stick to the same programthough); with games according to year group, colouring-in activities and carol singing together with the choir - but (there's always a but...) there was just too many people!
It was absolute madness and total chaos, out of the pure fact there was far too many people there!
I guess they say no to no one, but they just can't cater for so many people, there's not that much space! Gosh, it was so crowded, nearly a bit scary, when you couldn't get up or down the stairs at one point!
Well, the kids had a great time, and that's the main thing, really. Everybody was there, Santa arrived on a speed boat (only in Brunei!) and they got to see him and get some nice presents! (They got a cuddly Proboscis Monkey each, the same as we gave to their Danish friends last week when they left; both Lucas and Linnea have been onto me they wanted one too ever since.)
Here are the photos:
As it turns out, I didn't spend much time at that table, as I was busy keeping an eye on the two little rascals...
I must say, it was organized perfectly (we've been once before and they tend to stick to the same programthough); with games according to year group, colouring-in activities and carol singing together with the choir - but (there's always a but...) there was just too many people!
It was absolute madness and total chaos, out of the pure fact there was far too many people there!
I guess they say no to no one, but they just can't cater for so many people, there's not that much space! Gosh, it was so crowded, nearly a bit scary, when you couldn't get up or down the stairs at one point!
Well, the kids had a great time, and that's the main thing, really. Everybody was there, Santa arrived on a speed boat (only in Brunei!) and they got to see him and get some nice presents! (They got a cuddly Proboscis Monkey each, the same as we gave to their Danish friends last week when they left; both Lucas and Linnea have been onto me they wanted one too ever since.)
Here are the photos:
Wednesday, 17 November 2010
Wild, Wild West - Founders Day 2010
Last night was the yearly big bash at the hash - Founders Day. I've participated in two great Founders Days since I've been a member, the first year the theme was "Hashing in the year 2100" and last year "Hash Mardi Gras".
This year, it was "Wild, Wild West"!
We had a brilliant night!
It was a great theme, lots of fabulous costumes and the committee had put in a lot of effort in decorating the venue (our neighbour's house, nice and close!). It was such an enjoyable night!
There was a bar, games to play and even a jail - where you ended up if you were naughty!
We had lots of fantastic food in the theme of the Wild West and of course got Hash gifts, this year a sports bag and a towel.
Nicole, Misuzu and I won one of the special awards, for "Most Cultural Hash of 2010" - for our Japanese hash! What a nice surprise! I also managed to get a shared win in "Best Costume" which made me really happy of course!
Here are a slide show of our adventures last night:
This year, it was "Wild, Wild West"!
We had a brilliant night!
It was a great theme, lots of fabulous costumes and the committee had put in a lot of effort in decorating the venue (our neighbour's house, nice and close!). It was such an enjoyable night!
There was a bar, games to play and even a jail - where you ended up if you were naughty!
We had lots of fantastic food in the theme of the Wild West and of course got Hash gifts, this year a sports bag and a towel.
Nicole, Misuzu and I won one of the special awards, for "Most Cultural Hash of 2010" - for our Japanese hash! What a nice surprise! I also managed to get a shared win in "Best Costume" which made me really happy of course!
Here are a slide show of our adventures last night:
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