Happy 2013!

We are still kind of settling into the swing of things. A whole new chapter of our lives has started, our usual routine is changed, as Kieran enters into his formal education years.

This is the 3rd week of January, and there are really many things that I want to record. However, I think I should also sum up 2012 for us. 

{House-less}

We've been "house-less" for 1 year 3 months. We have kind of settled into living out of a small personal area but we are definitely looking forward to getting into our new place. There is news of our new place being ready by the middle of next year. *crossing fingers* 

The development as of Dec 2012.

{Holidays}

We've done a few holidays this year. The unexpected one was the trip we took to Melbourne. It was a fun trip as we had 8 days all to ourselves and again, it was an experience for me, flying alone with the 2 boys. We went on a family (as in more than just the 4 of us family) trip to Hong Kong in June and as usual, the kids were just delighted with Disneyland.

Because we already took 2 trips in the year, we only did a nearby short getaway to Bali. We have not been to Bali before and it was a very refreshing change from the usual city/ theme park holidays that we take. The kids also got to see a culture that is quite different from what they are used to seeing. This will have to come in another post. 

And definitely, our favourite to-go destination of all time, Melaka. We drove into a Melaka about twice in 2012. Once in March, a trip with friends and another time to celebrate all our birthdays. 

{School}

Kieran has finished his preschool education and is now embarking onto his formal education years. He graduated with a bang, what with the post-grad party that the K2 parents threw for them.

Both boys have shown much improvement in their Mandarin speaking skills and well, hopefully, they'll continue with their love for learning.

{What's new with 2013?} 

Biking:

Both of them have learnt to ride 2 wheels on the bike and have gotten brand new bikes.

Swimming:

Kieran can now swim an entire lap unassisted and has passed his Stage 2 swim test. He is now swimming with the bigger boys. Kiefer is also catching up. He does about 1/3 of a lap. 

School:

Kieran has started Primary One at Rosyth School. It is a whole new routine for both him and us. Evenings are a rush as he gets home at about 650pm. He eats his dinner, finishes up whatever homework he has for the day and it is almost bedtime. 

We are happy that he is slowly settling down in school. He still still not eating much at recess. He was ok the first couple of days when he had a buddy but after that, he is not quite willing the brave the queues and thus has been eating just crabsticks, hard boiled eggs and hotdogs. He comes home famished and grouchy. He also gets worried that his work is not finished. We are trying to help him along. We don't really like this whole new school routine currently, but I know we'll come round and find a balance soon.

Weekends:

Since weekdays are a mad rush (actually, Sundays are too as well, now that Kieran's Chinese class is on Sunday afternoons), we try to get out on Saturday mornings. We have been out to ECP to cycle the last 2 weeks. Hopefully we'll keep this family bonding activity up and have a healthy 2013. 

One little word for myself for now: Breathe.