Kimichua-ism about Growing and Marriage

For us kids grow way too fast and I always commented to my babies that they are growing way too fast

One day, Kimi suddenly decided to voice out her feelings

Kimi: Mommy?
Mommy: Yes?
Kimi: It's been 7 days already and Kenzo is still a baby, he doesn't grow AT ALL!

* * * * *

Kimi: Mommy, when I grow up who is going to be my other mommy and daddy?

I figured she was asking about the ìn-laws`...

Mommy: What do you mean?

Kimi: Just like Nana and Kong Kong

Mommy:  it depends, if you marry Justin (referring to her play mate), you have Auntie Glenda and Uncle Warren as your new parents
Kimi thought for awhile
Kimi: Who am I going to marry?
Mommy: You marry someone who will make you happy...
Kimi:  Ooooh! Daddy makes me happy.
That settles it then we will have the same in laws in the future LOL!

* * * * *

** Thanks to my mom who always listen to me about even the tiniest stuff and never told me that any of my concern then (...and now), was irrelevant...

Listen earnestly to anything your children want to tell you, no matter what.

If you don`t listen eagerly to the little stuff  when they are little,

they won`t tell you the big stuff when they are big, because to them all of it has been big stuff.

-Catherine M. Wallace

Zumba Fitness

Last week, I attempted to try the Zumba drop in class at Bonsor. I got greeted by this sign...

* SOLD OUT!?

I guess the class is really that popular... or maybe I wasn't ready for a workout that week.

I realized that I thrown all my workout shoes when I was cleaning up my closet a few years back. Just goes to show just how much exercise I've been getting from then till now.

I decided to treat myself to a new shoes just to get me revved up and committed to this new me

* Nike Free- Not Free at all...

It is quite comfortable and with fingers crossed, I hoped that this new shoes will actually improve my performance.

I arrived early this time and made sure I got my bracelet tag to ensure that I have a spot. They can only take so much people (110), and I was surprised that even before the class started, the slots were already full.

Classes started earlier than the 5:15pm schedule. The instructor do an early lesson on the steps that will be used for the class so that when the time starts, we just dance the time away. There is no way that the instructor will wait for you to learn the steps, it is up to you to catch up as each music requires a certain step and before you absorb the steps, the next music requires another set of steps. It was certainly not boring because I was so busy trying to catch up.

It was an hour worth the driving  (of alone time) and I love the music plus it was fun trying to do something for my health and body for a change. I am actually looking forward to next week already...but, for now, I am starving from all the workout, I hope I don't get more into my body than what I just worked hard for.

* Mommies and now, Zumba Buddies 

* * * * *

ZUMBA FITNESS DROP IN

BONSOR COMMUNITY CENTRE

Burnaby, B.C.

Kerrisdale Play Palace

I've heard of Kerrisdale Play Palace last year but didn't had that chance to go and look at it until this Monday. 

I saw Mommy Sarah accidentally on Sunday during lunch time. Great stomachs, think alike... we just had the same craving and she asked when Kimi is free which happened to be the next day. She got a coupon from Warren apparently via email for a $2 off for Kerrisdale Play Palace. I decided to join in because I am quite positive that the kids will be so happy with playing there than spending that free day at home.

* Kerrisdale Play Palace 

It was just a typical gymnasium/ big space that they converted to make a play area for the kids.

Pre Season started April 16-25, followed by Regular season from April 30th to August.

Socks were required and supervising adults were free. $4 for kids 2-6 yo plus a coupon is a total of $4 for  the 2 kids. It was a cheap alternative to a safe and fun-filled day for them.

We started with the little cars. I had Kenzo wore a helmet just to be on the safe side. Good thing, my baby relented without a big fuss (He hates hat or anything put on his head).

* Little Racer ready for his little adventure

* Getting the hang of it

* Changing cars...

* Little Kenzo in action...

Sorry for my voice-over... he he!

There is a couple of bouncy castles, inflatable slides and obstacle course which the kids can enjoy.

* Pirate inspired inflatable slides

* Kenzo started with this low slide

....while Kimi and Samantha enjoyed the higher slide 

* Slide High

eventually, Kenzo decided to join in on this one as well

* Three kids in a slide

...this other one is just for the bigger kids.Kenzo tried but his leg was just too short to go up the slide and he finally gave up in frustration over this inflatable

* Inflatable/ Obstacle Course

* Little Military(s) in Training

* Kenzo trying his luck but....

* Taking a breather

There's a Pre School/Toddler Area as well for the smaller kids which should actually be the place for Kenzo...

* Samantha and Kimi enjoying the smaller inflatable

* Drummer Sam

After a couple of hours, the kids were still moving but it was time to call it a day...

* Sweaty Kenzo

* Disposable Socks? Rough play = Holes in socks

A promise for a snack together was the bait to get them to agree in finishing up the fun inside the play place...

* Alternate Bathroom Breaks

* Fun snack together...

...and a real goodbye this time...

Plenty of people miss their share of happiness,

not because they never found it,

but because they didn't stop to enjoy it.

- William Feather

* * * * *

KERRISDALE PLAY PALACE

Vancouver, B.C.

To pee or not to pee

How do you potty a boy? It was easy for me to do Kimi because I am a girl but for boys? I have absolutely no idea and I had to hit the books and fellow mommies of boys to get answers on where to start.

I read that you can start around 18 months on the average. So I tried on month 18, he was thrashing when I tried to sit hin on the potty, I waited then I tried then waited.

At 2 years and 4 months I decided to try again and do it step by step. Sit down on the potty every morning just to get him used to the idea of the throne- then, I introduced the step stool and had him stand up and let him stand. The first few times he cried and when I turned to help out Kimi with something I find him beside me with a puddle- away from the potty. It took a few more tries to get him to stay near the potty and not follow me around when he was supposed to be doing his thing.

* Finally, a success!

Now, he is not that scared of the potty seat anymore and I realized that he likes to stand and do the potty instead of doing it sitting down. I was so happy that he doesn't think of the potty as the enemy anymore and decided to show hubby his progress. I asked Kenzo to go to the potty and he relented, stood on the potty. I was surprised when I heard a swiisssh.... Was that a pee? Then after a few seconds- swiiish. An unmistakable pee right into the bowl! I know it's was a small progress but I was happy that Kenzo decided to do his first pee in the potty with us two in there to witness it.

I guess you can't force everything to conform to what you want should happen. It will happen when the kid is ready for that milestone... Just wanted to share this little privy information. Pardon me for sharing a bathroom story ;)

In Bloom...

Coming from a country wherein Cherry Blossoms can only be seen in Koreanovela (korean television series) and calendars. I am still amazed every Spring when the cherry blossom makes it appearance once again to signal the end of a cold Winter here. 

I haven't got the chance to see the Cherry Blossom Festival yet but hopefully I will make my way and fully experience them soon.

For now, I would like to share the latest art from Kimi's class...

* Crepe Paper for Cherry Blossom and paint for the branches

* * * * *

In the cherry blossom's shade

there is no such thing as a stranger

- Kobayashi Issa

Treasured MOM: Glenda

Being a mom has it's up and downs... I should say a lot of ups and a bit of downs and with a friend to be there to listen to the rants with an open heart and rave with me when there is something to be happy about makes being a mom much more of a great adventure than something scary and unknown.

Thanks to one of my Treasured MOM, Glenda. She is the first of the mom that I met way back when I was just a visitor and I am so glad that with my persistent stalking (joke!), she finally relented and decided to make me a part of her life as a friend. It is one of the greatest friendship I am enjoying right now, and I wish and pray that our friendship will be one that would surpass time and trials.

* Photo Grab from Charlie Ng

I am in awe of this super mom. She is one of those person that doesn't realize just how great she is. She goes back and forth all over the place just to bring her kids to different activities and when you see her there is always a ready smile in her face. She is always ready with a full bag of everything you may think of that a kid does and doesn't need. I sometimes wonder how she managed to put everything into that bag and everything matches from the clothing to the sibling's clothing. The kids always looks like they are walking on runways instead of just going to an ice skating lesson, a swimming lesson, art lesson, gymnastic.... you got my drift. I thought she was ready for the everyday stuff but I realized that she is just as ready when we had a 2 night stay at Great Wolf Lodge. I should have known that she is well-prepared but I wasn't aware just how prepared. I just saw her pushing a stroller that looks like a short luggage which turned out to be one of those cooler bags and she had plates, utensils and I wouldn't be surprised if there was a place mat inside but I wasn't able to confirm since she stayed in a different room. She packed food in for at least for one day I guess and if some emergency happened and there is a shortage, I know whose door I am going to knock he he!

Not just a great mom, she is a great wife to Papa W. It's pretty obvious with the shout outs of endearment from W whenever there is/ or without an occasion. They also had regular dates which just goes to show how Mommy G is good at balancing being a mommy and a wife. She is a great daughter and sister to her family which I am a witness of. She makes time to chat and call just to keep in touch and it's nice that even from afar she still got that in her priorities as well. As for a friend, she is great as well, that is why I am making this post just to let her know just how much she is being appreciated.

Friendship doubles our joy

and divides our grief .

- Swedish proverbs quote

* * * * *

I LOVE YOU MOMMY G

...as Charlie said

HAPPY 26th BIRTHDAY....

Maplewood Farm

The sun is out and it's nice outside, perfect for a little visit to the farm once again.

Once again, thanks to the Entertainment book, I am saving  a bit more than what I should have if I didn't have the coupon. 2 for 1 admission fee which totaled to $15+ for us 4. Kimi and Kenzo got an entrance fee of around $4-5 each and adult at around $7+.

* Entrance to to Farm

We just got in time for the Cow Milk Demonstration...

* Little Cowgirl

* Kenzo can't wait to get away from the confine of his stroller

They love the part where they can actually go inside the pen and touch the animals and feed them...

* Kenzo can't figure that well where the mouth of the bunnies are located

* Kenzo doing the feeding, not getting fed ;)

Unlike the pygmy goat at Beacon Hill Children's Farm, Victoria, B.C., the goat here are much larger than Kenzo and he freaks out a bit when the goats turned around to look at him face to face. It is so funny seeing him try to run after the goat and turn the other way around when the goat decides to accommodate him with a game of catch.

* Kenzo playing catch with a goat

* Kimi pretending to be Humpty Dumpty...?!

* Petting the goat from behind...

Kimi, on the other hand, wanted to pet the goat but does it from behind. She gets scared and freaks out a but when the goat tries to come towards her....

* Miniature Donkey

* All done....

* With Karl's Jr...

* My Family...

* * * * *

When you look at life, 

the greatest happiness 

are

family happiness

- Joyce Brothers

* * * * *

MAPLEWOOD FARM

North Vancouver, B.C.

Pizza Delivery

Cut cut

Snip snip

Paste paste...

Alas! It's done!

Fresh from the oven...

* Pizza Art

* * * * *

BURNABY MONTESSORI

Burnaby, B.C.

Great Wolf Experience

Last year, I was so happy that we were able to squeeze in a Mommy's Overnight  Trip to Seattle, U.S.A. This year, we were able to go as group all the way to Grand Mound, WA kids and hubbies included. We were a huge group and it was FUN! FUN! FUN! I guess we are improving as the year goes by ;) I wonder what will be next now that we did the border crossing vacation as a family...

Note: Picture heavy and long post... Don't say I didn't warn you :)

We got a great deal from a 48 hour sale online and despite the dates that were required, we booked the 2- nights vacation months before and with fingers crossed hope that everything will work out and everyone will be able to join...

It was really nice that everything work out and everyone was on board. Although some stayed for a night, some 2, and some for 3 nights. We were able to come together for a night wherein everyone was there to enjoy each others company.

We all saw each other at Tukwila, WA on our way to Great Wolf Lodge grabbing a quick lunch at our favorite stop- Jollibee etc. then going around Seafood City for some snacks we can bring into our room.

* The "GREAT" Wolf Lodge Experience

* Registration Area is well decorated

There is a swinging raccoon that greets you as you wait to be registered and a big bear near the door that you will surely see on your way out.

* Big Brown Bear

It was a bit of a wait before we were able to get our room and we had to go through the lines to follow up before we finally got one. The kids were so excited and exasperated for the wait while they watched the action at the other side of the glass.

* Wallet in a Wrist

One of the inconveniences of swimming is that you are hungry and wet afterwards and this special bracelet solved all that by putting in your card information on your wrist and serves as a room key as well. Pretty convenient eh? Wise invention if I can say so myself. It served its purpose well and quite a relief to just put your wrist out and open your room or pay for something without the need to rummage through your bags or pocket for a key or a credit card.

It is a must to go and try out the water park when you come here. It is the highlight of the place and not experiencing the water is like going to an ice cream place and just drinking a glass of water. The cherry on top for this is the slides.... Long lines, worth the wait.

* Water Paradise


Finally, our room was ready for occupation.

* Room 2902

I was a bit disappointed at first that we got a 2nd floor bedroom but it vanished right away when I saw that it was a good distance to the spa and Bear Paw (Sweet Bar) as well as the Bear Landing (2nd floor access to the pool). 

* Family Suite Room


The events in the water park is endless and it kept us occupied for our stay and kept the kids really excited every time they wake up in the morning.

* Scooops Kids Spa

I was impressed with the concept of this kids spa but more astounded on the price. Scooops caters to the sweet side of a little girl and treats them as a princess for their services with a tiara for each service and giant banana split as your chair, delicious ice cream flavored manicures or pedicures to choose from or if you'd rather do a facial. Each service comes with a side of ice cream to keep that experience as sweet as it's name. I'd probably do this when Kimi is a bit older with bigger nails to make me more agreeable to the price they are asking for :) I actually did a home mani-pedi for Little Kimi as I've promised.

Activities:

* Story Time and Clock Tower Show

Story Time and Clock Tower Show was a delightful end to a very tiring, but fun, adventure. 

I was reminded me of Pocahontas in a way but it was nice to see that there was a real effort in making a production out of a short show. The props and the mechanisms to make each characters move and make the kids sit upright in awe as they try to catch up with the message of the show. Even the youngest would enjoy this short show.

* Wolf Walk

In the mornings, kids gathered for a wolf tour to learned a bit more about different animals and ends with an origami demonstration of- what else, a Wolf!

* Little Listener

Story Time is accompanied by Mascot Violet and the kids were excited to take a picture with the said mascot after the story.

* Inseparables

* Kenzo!

...and for those who are restless with nothing to do

* Big Coloring Pad to keep the most restless hands busy...

* Mac and Kenzo starting to reconnect...

*...Time to get some more activities- ALL DONE!

...more activities on the 2nd floor

The Cub Club is an arts area that has a list of activities that you may choose from (price ranges depending on the craft), but there is a table for free crafts. Parent Participation is required in this area. This is not a drop off area so parents still needs to be there to spend precious time making creative things with their kids.

* Little Puppeteers in the making

* Nice Backdrop and Rest Area for these kids

* Playing House


Of course, we decided on the free crafts and just relied on our imaginations to make it fun and made use of the coloring pages that are available in the area and had the kids color them. Afterwards, we got some free construction papers and created a hat for each kid to showcase their art work.

* We made this!

....for the late nights, we did arcades,

* $ 0.25 per token: it does add up... 

* Prizes we got after we had our share of games

Food:

Food choices here is good too. We got to try Pizza Hut for our first day. Camp Critter's Bar and Grille for our 2nd Day and Loose Moose Cottage for our 3rd Day Brunch. The guys had beers at Grizzly Rob's Bar and they claimed to like the Blue Moon which has a fruity taste to it.

* Camp Critter Cuties

Kid's Meals are $7.99 with these ears included in the package...

* Mommies at Moose Loose Cottage after a full meal

* Bear Paw Sweets and Eats for the Sweet Tooth Cravings

...It is more fun to travel in groups especially if that group's company is someone you genuinely enjoy

Such is the case in this so it was a dream vacation

* Wolf Pack- Cheers to more group-vacation!

Friendship isn't about whom you've known the longest...

it's about who came and never left your side

- Anonymous

* * * 

Thank you mommies for the gift and warmth of your friendship... 

...and before we leave for Vancouver

* Chua Family :)

"If our children feels friendship within the family, with each other, and with parents, they will not be desperate for acceptance outside the family.

I think no finer compliment can be paid to parents than to have children say that their parents are among their best friends.

- Martin K. Jensen, 1999 (Friendship: A Gospel Principle)

* * *

To my mom, my dad and siblings

I hope you know that YOU are one, if not my Best(est) Friend...

I LOVE YOU GUYS...and I MISS YOU GUYS A LOT

* * *

Since my youth, God, you have taught me,

and to this day I declare your marvelous deeds.

Even when I am old and gray,

do not forsake me, God,

till I declare your power to the next generation,

your mighty acts to all who are to come.

Psalm 71:17-18 (NIV)

* * * 

To my babies,

I know that we are not perfect as parents but we strive to be the best we can for you guys,

Remember that mommy and daddy loves you very much.

* * * * *

GREAT WOLF LODGE

April 8 - 10, 2012

Grand Mounds, WA

U.S.A.