Tuesday, 15 November 2011
Monday, 14 November 2011
The twenty questions
The twenty birthday questions, just remembered them today a little bit late... You can read last years answers to these same questions here. Actually, many were still the same!
1. What's your name? Linnea (getting prompted) Linnea Marie Watson
2. Where do you live? Here (getting prompted again) In Brunei
3. How old are you? Six
4. Really? *Nodding*
5. Why is it good to be six? I don't know...
6. What do you like to do? Go to my friends house and play; swim at the Yacht Club
7. What do don't like? Go in the jungle because there are tigers and lions
8. Why do you have to sleep at night? So you get more energy in the morning
9. What are you going to be when you grow up? Lots of things; a doctor, a vet
10. What does a police man do? Catch robbers
11. Where does babies come from? Tummies
12. Have I been a baby? *Nodding*
13. Which are your favourite clothes? My red dress
14. What would you like Santa to bring? Lots of presents
15. Where does Santa live? North Pole
16. Who is your best friends? Ben, Gemma and Jamie, Hannah and Oliver and Luca
17. Which is the most beautiful word you know? Beautiful
18. What are you good at? Everything, like riding my bike without training wheels
19. When does mummy and daddy get angry with you? When I do naughty stuff, like hit people and punch people
20. What are you going to do now? Sleep and have a story
Sunday, 13 November 2011
Donut High Tea
This afternoon the kids and I went to the Empire for a real treat - Donut High Tea!
This means you can eat as many donuts as you possibly can, and we sure did, until we nearly felt sick..! But it was just so yummy!
They had mango donuts, strawberry donuts, green tea donuts, milk chocolate donuts, Oreo donuts, mint donuts, coffee donuts, coconut donuts, kaya donuts, tiramisu donuts... you name it!
They also had ice cream donut sandwiches, the donut chocolate fountain you can see above and several savoury donut combinations.
Yes, I wasn't too sure at the beginning, but after trying a few out I must admit they worked, for the most part. The tuna salad and the egg mayo donut combos were actually nice; but the smoked salmon one wasn't really my thing and I must admit I didn't even try the "chicken-burger-donuts"...
Hard to choose...
They really had all kinds, and the display made it all look very appetizing:
Luca was dressed in style, as you should be at a fine establishment like this!
Linnea was sitting pretty too:
Sebbie and Lucas in deep conversation, about chocolate, I'm sure!
Benaal and I.
Kim and I.
After the kids had enjoyed all the donuts they could possibly eat, we had to find another way of amusing them, so the "iToys" all came out!
Jessie and Linnea amused themselves too, in their own little way!
We are already looking forward to the Festive High Tea in December! But we might just do that one without children... :)
This means you can eat as many donuts as you possibly can, and we sure did, until we nearly felt sick..! But it was just so yummy!
They had mango donuts, strawberry donuts, green tea donuts, milk chocolate donuts, Oreo donuts, mint donuts, coffee donuts, coconut donuts, kaya donuts, tiramisu donuts... you name it!
They also had ice cream donut sandwiches, the donut chocolate fountain you can see above and several savoury donut combinations.
Yes, I wasn't too sure at the beginning, but after trying a few out I must admit they worked, for the most part. The tuna salad and the egg mayo donut combos were actually nice; but the smoked salmon one wasn't really my thing and I must admit I didn't even try the "chicken-burger-donuts"...
Hard to choose...
They really had all kinds, and the display made it all look very appetizing:
Luca was dressed in style, as you should be at a fine establishment like this!
Linnea was sitting pretty too:
Sebbie and Lucas in deep conversation, about chocolate, I'm sure!
Benaal and I.
Kim and I.
After the kids had enjoyed all the donuts they could possibly eat, we had to find another way of amusing them, so the "iToys" all came out!
Jessie and Linnea amused themselves too, in their own little way!
We are already looking forward to the Festive High Tea in December! But we might just do that one without children... :)
Home made
Another Sunday.
Another pizza party.
This time the pizza was home made and super fresh - and tasted fantastic! Company was the best too.
Another pizza party.
This time the pizza was home made and super fresh - and tasted fantastic! Company was the best too.
The Nutcracker March
Linnea is the one in a green dress, in the middle between the two girls in purple dresses. (The other one in a green dress to the left is Gemma.)
This was only the first part but the part where these little ones did all their dancing. They came back again in the end but only for a very short bit.
This was only the first part but the part where these little ones did all their dancing. They came back again in the end but only for a very short bit.
Last minute homework
It doesn't seem to matter how well we plan our week and how much we try to get the homework done a little bit each day, we always end up sitting down on Sunday mornings finishing it off.
There is just not enough time... or maybe too much homework!
This week Lucas' maths homework included learning how to tell time, something that isn't that easy when you are only 7 years old.
We took the kitchen clock off the wall to let him have a hands-on approach to it, and it seemed to help; even though I'm not entirely sure it's "clicked" completely just yet.
We are getting there though, slowly...
There is just not enough time... or maybe too much homework!
This week Lucas' maths homework included learning how to tell time, something that isn't that easy when you are only 7 years old.
We took the kitchen clock off the wall to let him have a hands-on approach to it, and it seemed to help; even though I'm not entirely sure it's "clicked" completely just yet.
We are getting there though, slowly...
The International Week Concert
Oh, I'm one proud mama today! The concert last night was beautiful and all the (250!!) performers did so well - especially our little ballerina of course!
You see, I was very, very nervous for her and was holding my breath as their music started, because at the earlier show yesterday morning she had refused to go on last minute! Bless her, I don't know if it was stage fright or what had happened, but she ended up staying at the side of the stage; all in her costume and make-up, crying...
We had a big pep talk in the afternoon and it must have worked, because when the little ballerinas entered the stage last night, there she was! *Phew*
(I just didn't want her to miss out, and then be sad about it... Especially not after all those long hours rehearsing for it...)
She did us so proud, she was so beautiful!
Other performers were f.e several choirs and soloists; the Junior Recorder Group and here, the Suzuki Violin Group:
More dancers, here they are doing "Waterfall":
The Irish Dancers were fab! There was a big group of them in all ages:
These Irish sisters, the little stars of the group, are truly amazing! They were moving so fast across the stage I hardly couldn't get them on photo!
Well done Linnea on your first big dance performance!
You see, I was very, very nervous for her and was holding my breath as their music started, because at the earlier show yesterday morning she had refused to go on last minute! Bless her, I don't know if it was stage fright or what had happened, but she ended up staying at the side of the stage; all in her costume and make-up, crying...
We had a big pep talk in the afternoon and it must have worked, because when the little ballerinas entered the stage last night, there she was! *Phew*
(I just didn't want her to miss out, and then be sad about it... Especially not after all those long hours rehearsing for it...)
She did us so proud, she was so beautiful!
Other performers were f.e several choirs and soloists; the Junior Recorder Group and here, the Suzuki Violin Group:
More dancers, here they are doing "Waterfall":
The Irish Dancers were fab! There was a big group of them in all ages:
These Irish sisters, the little stars of the group, are truly amazing! They were moving so fast across the stage I hardly couldn't get them on photo!
Well done Linnea on your first big dance performance!
Friday, 11 November 2011
The Bieber effect
As Lucas was sitting talking to some of his friends at the parade, I realized that they all looked sort of the same... There was four of them side-by-side (I couldn't get the last one in this photo) with long, swaying fringes that they kept flicking to the side, ha ha! They looked like mini-teenagers.
Is it the Bieber effect spreading? :)
Is it the Bieber effect spreading? :)
International Day 2011
So today was International Day at school, one of my favourite days of the year! This year they had opted to have the Junior School Parade inside the gym, which of course was a good move considering the poor kids have sat in the scorching sun in their costumes previous years, sometimes for over an hour. An air conditioned gym seemed like a much better idea.
Only thing was, they hadn't really practised/thought through (?) the parading itself. They had a "cat walk" down the middle and parents on all three sides of it; but most classes went up and ran down the cat walk, stopped somewhere in the middle all cramped up and only faced one side...
It was really hard to see all the beautiful costumes and outfits, and even harder to get good photos.
I managed to get a few snaps though, both of our kids and their friends before, during and after the parade (Linnea wasn't in the parade as she was performing in the International Day Concert twice this morning) - and of other children with extra beautiful outfits.
We were able to take the kids home after the parade, but first we went to visit the International Food Court to grab something to eat. It's really a fab, fab day (and week) for the kids and they get to experience so many different cultures, traditions and happenings!
Here's a slide show:
Linnea hadn't been all keen during the concert though, I hope she perks up tomorrow. It seemed like the make-up of the "bad guys" during their performance had scared her a bit; or maybe it was just exhausting spending all morning (from 8 to 12 am) at the Auditorium.
Tomorrow she has one show in the morning for the local schools, and then the big one in the evening for all the parents! Can't wait!
Only thing was, they hadn't really practised/thought through (?) the parading itself. They had a "cat walk" down the middle and parents on all three sides of it; but most classes went up and ran down the cat walk, stopped somewhere in the middle all cramped up and only faced one side...
It was really hard to see all the beautiful costumes and outfits, and even harder to get good photos.
I managed to get a few snaps though, both of our kids and their friends before, during and after the parade (Linnea wasn't in the parade as she was performing in the International Day Concert twice this morning) - and of other children with extra beautiful outfits.
We were able to take the kids home after the parade, but first we went to visit the International Food Court to grab something to eat. It's really a fab, fab day (and week) for the kids and they get to experience so many different cultures, traditions and happenings!
Here's a slide show:
Linnea hadn't been all keen during the concert though, I hope she perks up tomorrow. It seemed like the make-up of the "bad guys" during their performance had scared her a bit; or maybe it was just exhausting spending all morning (from 8 to 12 am) at the Auditorium.
Tomorrow she has one show in the morning for the local schools, and then the big one in the evening for all the parents! Can't wait!
Thursday, 10 November 2011
Dress rehearsal
As I have mentioned earlier, this week it's all about the 'International Day Concert' and Linnea's first participation in a major production; which is also - the first ever production in the new Arts Center Auditorium.
They have rehearsed every afternoon after school this week, and today it was time for the dress rehearsal - with the orchestra, and the costumes!
I arrived just in time to watch the last few minutes of it, Linnea is just in the middle in a green dress (and a blond wig!), to the right of the prima ballerina:
I got to come backstage to pick up my little ballerina when the show was over. All I can say is "OAW"... If the Arts Center Auditorium is impressive, so is back stage! It's absolutely massive, which you'll need it to be I guess, when over 250 people are going to perform and have space to get changed etc.
Linnea looked very cute sorting her things out and getting everything ready for tomorrow and the first performances!
Of course I hope that I'll be able to get some better shots on Saturday night. We have tickets on the 3rd row, so we will be nice and close! :)
They have rehearsed every afternoon after school this week, and today it was time for the dress rehearsal - with the orchestra, and the costumes!
I arrived just in time to watch the last few minutes of it, Linnea is just in the middle in a green dress (and a blond wig!), to the right of the prima ballerina:
I got to come backstage to pick up my little ballerina when the show was over. All I can say is "OAW"... If the Arts Center Auditorium is impressive, so is back stage! It's absolutely massive, which you'll need it to be I guess, when over 250 people are going to perform and have space to get changed etc.
Linnea looked very cute sorting her things out and getting everything ready for tomorrow and the first performances!
Of course I hope that I'll be able to get some better shots on Saturday night. We have tickets on the 3rd row, so we will be nice and close! :)
I guess it's rainy season
What a morning...
It started out with a nice, cool walk at Bukit Shabandar with my friend Kim after school drop-off. We could hear the thunder rumble in the far but managed to get out of the jungle before the rain, luckily. Because when it starts to rain, it RAINS!
Today was no exception, full on torrential downpour. So much rain it was hard to see the road in front of me when I was driving!
Just as I left Bukit Shabandar, I got a text from Nathan (who I had just thought about, since I knew Will and him were out riding, somewhere...). They were stuck in the rain at the petrol station, just where I was! Perfect timing!
I could swing in and after a bit of puzzling, we managed to get both bikes in the back of my car and could drive off. Another successful rescue mission!
It took another hour to drive Will home, and get back home, we had to drive really slowly because of the heavy, heavy rain.
It still hasn't stopped, it keeps going. Rather cosy!
I guess we are in rainy season now.
It started out with a nice, cool walk at Bukit Shabandar with my friend Kim after school drop-off. We could hear the thunder rumble in the far but managed to get out of the jungle before the rain, luckily. Because when it starts to rain, it RAINS!
Today was no exception, full on torrential downpour. So much rain it was hard to see the road in front of me when I was driving!
Just as I left Bukit Shabandar, I got a text from Nathan (who I had just thought about, since I knew Will and him were out riding, somewhere...). They were stuck in the rain at the petrol station, just where I was! Perfect timing!
I could swing in and after a bit of puzzling, we managed to get both bikes in the back of my car and could drive off. Another successful rescue mission!
It took another hour to drive Will home, and get back home, we had to drive really slowly because of the heavy, heavy rain.
It still hasn't stopped, it keeps going. Rather cosy!
I guess we are in rainy season now.
Wednesday, 9 November 2011
Something fun
Yesterday was Grandma's last day here for this time. I asked the kids what they thought we should do and Lucas said "something fun". So, while Linnea was at dance rehearsal in the afternoon, Lucas and Grandma baked a chocolate cake.
When it was done, the Roses came over for a chocolate cake feast - Lucas got to do the honours, of course:
It was very tasty, mmm! Looove chocolate!
When it was done, the Roses came over for a chocolate cake feast - Lucas got to do the honours, of course:
It was very tasty, mmm! Looove chocolate!
Sunday, 6 November 2011
No surprises there
We had a party here on Friday night.
As Grandma is sleeping on the ground floor and she wasn't sure how long she was going to last, she told Lucas that he shouldn't be surprised if in the morning he woke up with her in his bed as she might come and sleep with him upstairs (the kids have big queen size beds).
Lucas answered that he wouldn't be surprised at all so Grandma, a bit puzzled, then asked him "Why not?".
-"Because you just told me, Grandma!" he answered.
(*Duh*)
As Grandma is sleeping on the ground floor and she wasn't sure how long she was going to last, she told Lucas that he shouldn't be surprised if in the morning he woke up with her in his bed as she might come and sleep with him upstairs (the kids have big queen size beds).
Lucas answered that he wouldn't be surprised at all so Grandma, a bit puzzled, then asked him "Why not?".
-"Because you just told me, Grandma!" he answered.
(*Duh*)
Saturday, 5 November 2011
Busy ballerina
Next week is International Week at JIS.
The school has informed us that during this week, whenever appropriate, lessons will be focused on international themes; and the students will be encouraged to explore the variety and complexity of other cultures. At lunchtimes, there will be different happenings, dances from around the world and a sample of international films.
On Friday it all culminates with 'International Day' - one of the more anticipated events in the school calendar and always a fantastic day.
As usual all students are encouraged to come to school in National Dress, or in costume as a famous national character. This year Lucas has decided he wants to go as a Kiwi - so I better find a gold medal for him to wear around his neck too! :)
There will be a parade as usual so I'm happy I have my camera back for that, that's always a striking happening.
Also they are hosting their first public event in the new Arts Center Auditorium this weekend - the International Week Concert.
(Poster borrowed from ranoadidas.com)
Linnea is actually going to participate in this concert, as she and her little friends from the Studio Scene Dance Studio are going to perform a piece from the "Nutcracker"! Around 250 students will perform, dance and play music.
She is so, so, SO excited about this bless her!
I tried to steer her away from it after I saw the extensive rehearsal schedule - but there was no way, she wants to do it so badly so of course she should be allowed to.
Although we will have one tired little ballerina come next Sunday...
Check this out:
- Extra rehearsals on Monday (when it's no school because of Public Holiday!) 9-11.30 am.
- Rehearsals after school on Tuesday 2.15-5 pm.
- Rehearsals after school on Wednesday 2.15-3pm.
- Rehearsals after school on Thursday 2.15-5pm.
- Two concerts on Friday for the other students at school, in the morning.
- A morning concert on Saturday 8-11am for local schools.
- The big concert on Saturday night 6.30-9.30pm (which never starts on time, so will probably go on even later...)
Well, it's her first experience being part of a big production like this and it wont be her last. We have got good tickets and we are looking very much forward to it, it'll be fantastic!
The school has informed us that during this week, whenever appropriate, lessons will be focused on international themes; and the students will be encouraged to explore the variety and complexity of other cultures. At lunchtimes, there will be different happenings, dances from around the world and a sample of international films.
On Friday it all culminates with 'International Day' - one of the more anticipated events in the school calendar and always a fantastic day.
As usual all students are encouraged to come to school in National Dress, or in costume as a famous national character. This year Lucas has decided he wants to go as a Kiwi - so I better find a gold medal for him to wear around his neck too! :)
There will be a parade as usual so I'm happy I have my camera back for that, that's always a striking happening.
Also they are hosting their first public event in the new Arts Center Auditorium this weekend - the International Week Concert.
(Poster borrowed from ranoadidas.com)
Linnea is actually going to participate in this concert, as she and her little friends from the Studio Scene Dance Studio are going to perform a piece from the "Nutcracker"! Around 250 students will perform, dance and play music.
She is so, so, SO excited about this bless her!
I tried to steer her away from it after I saw the extensive rehearsal schedule - but there was no way, she wants to do it so badly so of course she should be allowed to.
Although we will have one tired little ballerina come next Sunday...
Check this out:
- Extra rehearsals on Monday (when it's no school because of Public Holiday!) 9-11.30 am.
- Rehearsals after school on Tuesday 2.15-5 pm.
- Rehearsals after school on Wednesday 2.15-3pm.
- Rehearsals after school on Thursday 2.15-5pm.
- Two concerts on Friday for the other students at school, in the morning.
- A morning concert on Saturday 8-11am for local schools.
- The big concert on Saturday night 6.30-9.30pm (which never starts on time, so will probably go on even later...)
Well, it's her first experience being part of a big production like this and it wont be her last. We have got good tickets and we are looking very much forward to it, it'll be fantastic!
Friday, 4 November 2011
Flowers and insects
Linnea and her class mates are currently learning about flowers and insects, just like Lucas did in Year 1. During this unit they are focusing on science, but also finding out some of the similarities and differences in the natural life of the different countries they come from.
They are talking all about where flowers and insects prefer to live and grow; about how and where seeds grow; how to set up tests to discover how plants use water; how to grow lots of different things; about the life cycles of insects and about ants and bees.
As part of the International learning they are also learning about flowers and insects of the host and home countries and how climate and weather patterns affect life around the world.
They began this unit with a visit to the Rimba Plant Nursery where they all bought a plant each that they will then have the responsibility for looking after for the rest of the unit.
Here are some of the children's plants, and Linnea's of course:
They are talking all about where flowers and insects prefer to live and grow; about how and where seeds grow; how to set up tests to discover how plants use water; how to grow lots of different things; about the life cycles of insects and about ants and bees.
As part of the International learning they are also learning about flowers and insects of the host and home countries and how climate and weather patterns affect life around the world.
They began this unit with a visit to the Rimba Plant Nursery where they all bought a plant each that they will then have the responsibility for looking after for the rest of the unit.
Here are some of the children's plants, and Linnea's of course:
Look - Cover - Write - Check
Linnea has been going on all week about the homework they were going to get today, their first spelling homework. She's been all excited all week and very eager to get started with her spelling, she couldn't wait for today.
So this morning we were near total meltdown when she realized she had forgotten her blue book bag at home - because how would Mrs Harris be able to give her the homework if she had nowhere to put it?! What if she wouldn't get any now, that she didn't have her bag to carry it home in?!?
Mrs Harris was able to calm her down though, and promised Linnea would also get her spelling folder sent home today. Phew!
Guess who started as soon as she got home, before she even took her shoes off..? :)
So this morning we were near total meltdown when she realized she had forgotten her blue book bag at home - because how would Mrs Harris be able to give her the homework if she had nowhere to put it?! What if she wouldn't get any now, that she didn't have her bag to carry it home in?!?
Mrs Harris was able to calm her down though, and promised Linnea would also get her spelling folder sent home today. Phew!
Guess who started as soon as she got home, before she even took her shoes off..? :)
Tuesday, 1 November 2011
SEVEN billion - and me!
So, the world has now hit the 7 billion mark. SEVEN BILLION people! That means that the world population has more than doubled in the last 50 years!
I've followed the last days intense reporting about this historical mark in time, and found a few interesting links for you to check out, if you too would like to learn more:
- You can f.e check here what number you are - I'm the 3,962,688,517th!
- You can read more about how this huge number of population will affect you, here.
- And finally, lots of super interesting real time world statistics here.
I've followed the last days intense reporting about this historical mark in time, and found a few interesting links for you to check out, if you too would like to learn more:
- You can f.e check here what number you are - I'm the 3,962,688,517th!
- You can read more about how this huge number of population will affect you, here.
- And finally, lots of super interesting real time world statistics here.
My favourite day
Well, I actually have many favourite days of the week - Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays thanks to Zumba, Saturdays because I can sleep in, Thursdays when the kids finish school on time and come straight home and Sundays because we have pizza night! ;)
But - Tuesday is a strong contender for the best favourite day, because that's the day the 'Creative Crew' meet up!
We are now six people strong, and keep meeting every week over new crafts, new chit-chat and new food! I so enjoy these mornings and spending time with my friends, they energize me so much.
Today we were at mine, one person short unfortunately, but still a lovely morning. We enjoyed some vegetarian dishes I tried for the first time (the Creative Crew have become culinary guinea pigs we've realized, but it's so much fun and actually always very successful and yummy!) - potato rösti, a quinoa salad with cherry tomatoes, feta cheese and parsley and finally a creamy mushroom and sundried tomato risotto. Yum, yum, yum!
We also had some extra treats in the form of these gorgeous little mini cakes, from 'Greets and Treats' (that also did Linnea's rainbow birthday cake), in honour of Misuzu's birthday last week.
These cakes didn't just look good, they tasted ah-mazing! (Pssst, my birthday is in January..!)
But - Tuesday is a strong contender for the best favourite day, because that's the day the 'Creative Crew' meet up!
We are now six people strong, and keep meeting every week over new crafts, new chit-chat and new food! I so enjoy these mornings and spending time with my friends, they energize me so much.
Today we were at mine, one person short unfortunately, but still a lovely morning. We enjoyed some vegetarian dishes I tried for the first time (the Creative Crew have become culinary guinea pigs we've realized, but it's so much fun and actually always very successful and yummy!) - potato rösti, a quinoa salad with cherry tomatoes, feta cheese and parsley and finally a creamy mushroom and sundried tomato risotto. Yum, yum, yum!
We also had some extra treats in the form of these gorgeous little mini cakes, from 'Greets and Treats' (that also did Linnea's rainbow birthday cake), in honour of Misuzu's birthday last week.
These cakes didn't just look good, they tasted ah-mazing! (Pssst, my birthday is in January..!)
Sunday night = Pizza night
Lots and lots of pizza boxes... it must be Sunday!!! (Well, not today obviously...)
This Sunday we had a simpang pizza night together with the Roses and the Saaps, since the latter family had been away all week in Australia and we wanted to catch up before school started again.
They suggested we Halloween-theme it, so the kids reused their costumes one more time:
And the Roses came as spiders, here's the big spider:
And the little spider!
Very cute! Of course he got all the attention from the girls:
"I said, come here!!!" (See how he's pulling them by the hair?)
Pizza night-Sundays, a tradition I like!
This Sunday we had a simpang pizza night together with the Roses and the Saaps, since the latter family had been away all week in Australia and we wanted to catch up before school started again.
They suggested we Halloween-theme it, so the kids reused their costumes one more time:
And the Roses came as spiders, here's the big spider:
And the little spider!
Very cute! Of course he got all the attention from the girls:
"I said, come here!!!" (See how he's pulling them by the hair?)
Pizza night-Sundays, a tradition I like!
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