Activity with kids,  Family,  The J-brothers

Our Deepavali Holiday.

How did you spend the mid week pubic holiday last week? We had wanted to bring the boys for some cycling but the clouds were grey and it started pouring even before we reached the park after our lunch. It rained pretty bad and we knew that there is no way we could wait out the rain. As we were driving on the ECP, the next destination that came to my mind was Changi Airport!

I love big spaces where the kids can run, and I especially love changi airport because I used to love watching airplanes take off from the viewing gallery when I was a kid, so I was quite sure that the kids would love it too! Especially now so since the Changi Airport has quite a fair bit of fun discoveries for kids. I honestly am thinking about trying that world’s tallest slide at T3 myself!

Boys amazed by the Kinetic Rain Art Display in Changi Airport Terminal 1
Boys amazed by the Kinetic Rain Art Display in Changi Airport Terminal 1

We popped into Terminal 1 because that’s one of the terminals that we haven’t been to often these days. It’s mostly T3 for both the husband and me, and occasionally, T2 when we travel. The boys weren’t prepped for the cold aircon that greeted us, but I am glad that they were both excited and running all over and their adrenaline kept them warm.

We spend a huge amount of time watching this kinetic rain display. Mesmerizing, isn’t it? Even the husband and me were quite glued to it.

The boys trying to get a closer view of the tear drops.
The boys trying to get a closer view of the tear drops.
Just. cant. get. enough.
Just. cant. get. enough.

We went up to the viewing gallery next and it was filled with loads of families and kids. There is a Canopy Playground at the viewing gallery and it was madness! Totally packed with excited kids and there is barely space to move around.

Jerry looking at the planes moving off to the runway.
Jerry looking at the planes moving off to the runway.

Jerry checking out the planes moving off the the runway, before he got distracted by the screaming kids in the playground and went in to join them. I let the kids run about for a bit before we had some coloring fun at the wood block rubbing station that’s just next to the playground.

They are a little too young for it, so we sat at a corner and did some drawing. Jerome was coloring the paper while I drew some simple pictures and taught him the words at the same time.

Jerome collecting the pieces of drawing paper.
Jerome collecting the pieces of drawing paper.

When it was time to leave, I had a very upset toddler!

Jerome throwing one of this silent tantrum.
Jerome throwing one of this silent tantrum.

Jerome was so upset, he threw a silent tantrum – cupped his hands together in front of him, bow his head and look away. Can I confess that I find it super cute to look at? HE IS SO ADORABLE WHEN HE DOES THIS! Hahaha. It’s really funny because he will make sure he walks away from you while at it.

And when I went closer to scoop him up, he sits down on the floor and not budge.

Tantrum tactic #2.
Tantrum tactic #2.

How can it even be possible that I find it hilarious that my kid is throwing a tantrum? Super cute even! Truth is, he isn’t the loud wailing, kicks thrashing type of tantrum thrower and I absolutely adores him for showing me his displeasure in a way that makes me wants to go close to him and hug him tight. He really does know how to pull my strings.

Tantrum tactic #3.
Tantrum tactic #3.

Find a nook and stand in there, occasionally peeping at parents to see if they are watching. I flashed out my camera to take a picture and the best part is.. he was about to come out but went back to stand when he saw my camera. I think he has some great acting skills can? Super emo too!

I don’t even need to pacify him. He recovered when Jerry starting chasing after him and all is well again.

The 2 brothers, swinging off the handle bar
The 2 brothers, swinging off the handle bar
hey look, I have got 3 kids now!
hey look, I have got 3 kids now!

You probably have realized by now that my 2 boys are pretty much monkeys . They swing all over the place, roll on the floor, crawl all over in the name of fun. And guess what? I’m cool with it. I feel kids should be left to explore and learn on their own. If they fall, they need to learn how to pick themselves up. If you have seen my kids fall, I normally don’t go and assist them unless it is a really bad fall. I think at my generation, we are becoming very helicopter parents that issue a warning at every single instance .

“Don’t touch that! Don’t run! Don’t climb that! Didn’t I tell you not to do it?”

Does that sound very familiar? By restricting their chances of exploring, are we robbing them of their childhood and the ability to learn through experiences?

We left the airport and made a trip to the fish farm to get some fishes. The boys were extremely happy because they both get to catch 2 guppies each to bring home.

Both brothers checking out the fishes.
Both brothers checking out the fishes.

The husband had a hard time because he didn’t want the fishes that Jerry caught (not pretty enough). I had to tell him to put himself into Jerry’s shoes. The fishes he caught would have been the most beautiful ones that afternoon because it was after all, his effort and hardwork.

Jerry showing off his guppies.
Jerry showing off his guppies.

We spent the rest of the afternoon napping and playing with the toys in the playground. Jerry clocked in some art time colouring his Thomas & Friends coloring book, and he made me do it too! It was tedious work can? Kind of tested my patience just sitting down and concentrating on colouring. I was so tired and wanted to go to bed instead!

Jerry showing off his colouring book.
Jerry showing off his colouring book.

His and mine. I must say he have since improved in colouring since the last time I knew he could color. He could color within the lines so much better and his control of the pencils/crayons have improved so much that I feel guilty that I wasn’t constantly aware of his progress.

That happy face made me forget everything and realized that I shouldn’t harp on the what has been or what could it be, but instead, live in the moment and enjoy them as it is. After all, my life’s mantra is all about being happy.

P.s. I haven’t been blogging as often because I am spending more time with the kids and trying to be a more engaged parent. Most days, I fall asleep with along with the kids when I put them to sleep and don’t wake up till someone cries for milk. You guys would still love me and check back soon…. will you? 

Hi there! Thanks for popping by. I'm Cherie, a ftwm (full-time working mum) to 3 lovely kids (2 boys & a princess) and my motto in life is to BE HAPPY. Sure, life isn't all that smooth but it's the mentality that counts, no? This blog documents my life. Or rather, snippets of my life that has passed me by. I love capturing life memories in the blog and being able to read back and laugh at myself (or anyone). I love to eat (A LOT), travel and paint my own nails so the blog is mostly about that. Is that considered lifestyle? Of cos, the family is also very much an integral part of me so there would be loads of memories about the husband and my kids - Jerry (9yo), Jerome (7yo) and Leia (2.5yo) and everyone else that's close to me. I like documenting the kids' milestones, their growing up years, their achievements (and sometimes, mine), and my struggles and battles with motherhood. It sure ain't easy. I love seeking out good food and travelling, is trigger-happy, love new gadgets, love exploring new places and strives to live life to the fullest. I aspire to travel the world as much as I can, to soak in the different sights across the various continents and visit all the Disneylands in the world (almost there!). Have fun reading and do drop me a comment to say hi! Love, Cherie Lim Find me on Instagram.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *