Family day out at the National Stadium – Suzuki Cup 2014

We have been wanting to visit the new National Stadium for awhile now so when we found out that the Suzuki Cup Group match between Singapore and Thailand was on over the weekend, we had to grab tickets. We also made it a big family outing with The ‘Village’ aka JahBella’s uncles and aunties.

All set Bella?

Even though we had purchased pre-sold parking at S$10 per entry and it guaranteed us a parking space. We still decided to head down earlier to avoid any traffic jams and to grab some dinner. I think this is especially useful if you are heading for a big/ sold out match.

View of the festivities

While there were tons of food options at the Kallang Wave Mall and Leisure Park Kallang, finding a seat was extremely difficult. That said, there was no shortage of open spaces around the stadium so we did takeaway and found ourselves a big open space to take in the view. Jah and Bella were so happy with the open space that they were running around and grooving to the live band music coming from the Suzuki Cup fringe activities area. Absolutely hilarious to watch!

Enjoying their food in the open space

Dancing for a good half hour!

Village pic!

We headed into the stadium at about 715pm. Getting in was a breeze, everything was clearly marked and nicely spread out. Tons of concession stands inside so we were not stuck in major queues. Every seat had a little vent near its leg so the place was nicely ventilated with cool air. My sister told me that the seats higher up have vents closer to the butt area. 🙂

Jah – 1st half!

Stuffing her face all night!

Jah – 2nd half!

Bella ready to KO!

Even though we had to leave after the first half because it was way past the kids bedtime by then. The kids really had an awesome time in fact Jah was fussing all the way to the carpark that he wanted to go back in. He was still very much in the mood and banging his little ‘clappers’ (not sure what you call them). Take note that no re-entry is allowed so please don’t step out if you are not intending to leave.

Leaving the stadium – not really wanting to leave

Seeing the kids all ‘grown up’ and enjoying the ambience so much, makes me wish I could get tickets to next year’s SG50 National Day Parade. Maybe if I wish hard enough, some balloting luck will come my way!! :p

Definitely a tiring end to a Sunday but we all know Sunday’s with family is always the best!

Jahbella’s mummy

27Nov2014

What would you do if you spotted a strange bruise on your child?

Posted in Our Thoughts, Parenting decisions, School Issues by jahbella

As we were sending Jah to school this morning, Joel spotted that Jah had a really bad bruise-like mark on the tip of one of his ear lobes. He pointed it out to me and we couldn’t exactly pin point how he might have gotten it. An insect bite? (Too big to be from an insect) From a classmate? (Too ‘precise’ to be from a young child) From a knock? (When?) From a teacher? (Can’t imagine who) From himself? (How?)

I also remembered spotting a similar bruise a few weeks back over his birthday weekend. I decided not to remind Joel as I could tell that our imaginations were starting to run a little wild.

What would you do in that same position?

I think most parents who leave their kids with their domestic helper or a childcare would have immediately started questioning the caretaker. I would probably have done the same if not for the fact that we had no reason to doubt our childcare and the teachers have been splendid so far but yes I admit that fleeting thought did cross my mind.

Instead I told Joel to relax and that there was no point making assumptions, and I would try to have out what happened from Jah tonight.

So this was our conversation tonight

Me: Jah, can I ask u a question? There is a bruise on your ear over here. Is it painful?
Jah: no.
Me: oh but it looks quite bad. Did you hurt yourself? Someone pull your ear or did someone ask u to pull ur ear?
Jah: yes someone ask me to pull my ear.
Me: Oic..who asked u to do that? *starting to worry but tried to remain calm*
Jah: teacher xxx
Me: oh really *i was starting to be alittle skeptical because I couldn’t imagine that this particular teacher would ask him to pull his ears as punishment*
Jah: yes! Teacher xxx says “if you’re happy and you know you pull your ears!” *giggles*
Me: ohhhhhh so that’s why u pulled ur ears!
*wanting to be extra sure*
Me: can you show me how u did it?

And yes he pulls at the exact spot where the bruise is, with his tiny little fingers! (And by the way he claims that it doesn’t hurt and that it is ‘just nice’)

The reason I am sharing this is because I learnt a few things through this experience

1) we are often quick to assume, judge and imagine the worst. (We imagined all the different scenarios and almost arrived at what we thought was the most convenient or plausible one. I also assume that pulling ears meant that it was a punishment and could have jumped to the wrong conclusion)

2) sometimes we don’t even believe what our kids are telling us and often it’s because we never wait for the full story or we don’t ask the right questions of them

3) we have to give our kids more credit for it (The bruise was not bothering him the least bit, it was all part of play. We should also have faith that they would be able to tell us if something wasn’t right. Or at least it is our job to educate them to do so).

Something that could have seriously been blown out of proportion, was at the end of the day, quite a funny and enlightening conversation between me and my boy.

Jahbella’s Mummy

27Nov2014

Christmas Live Shows/ Meet & Greets 2014 – United Square

Posted in Weekend activities with kids by jahbella

Its that time of the year again – Christmas! and Meet and Greets Galore for the children. I am strangely happy that Jah is finally old enough to enjoy some of these ‘Christmas festivities’ which will of course also involve me having to scout out for his favourite characters.

This mummy is very excited to learn the United Square will organizing a Move It, Shake It Christmas Live Shows/ Meet & Greet with Barney & Friends, Fireman Sam and Angelina Ballerina this year! Jah will get to meet his favourite Fireman Sam while Bella will get to dance-off with Barney.

So if your little one is as crazy about the Little Big Club members as my kids are then here’s what you need to know.

Catch Barney & Friends, Fireman Sam and Angelina Ballerina “LIVE” Musical Shows!

Meet & Greet Barney & Friends / Fireman Sam / Angelina Ballerina after the shows!

Oh and fret not if they prefer Dora the Explorer instead because Dora will be on a musical adventure at United Square as well. 🙂

Join Dora as she embarks on a new adventure and learn all about little animals & friendships!

Catch Dora The Explorer Animalito Adventure ‘Live’!

Meet and Greet Dora & friends after the show!

Terms & Conditions:

Spend $50 (in a single receipt) at any retail outlets at United Square to have your photo taken with Dora and her friends (20 Nov – 8 Dec) or Barney & Friends / Fireman Sam / Angelina Ballerina (11 Dec – 18 Dec) after each show. EZ Link holders are limited to the first 25 Meet & Greet passes per session from 20 Nov – 8 Dec, while stocks last. Obtain a Meet & Greet photo queue number next to the stage one hour before the show. Bring along your own camera. Meet & Greet is limited to the first 40 families per session.

So join us for a Tremendously Goodieful Christmas @ United Square this Christmas!

JahBella’s Mummy

26Nov2014

Adventure World – Perth (March 2014)

Posted in Holidays, Perth, Travel with Kids by jahbella

Before I start on this post, I have to apologise for the lack of photos as our camera’s battery went dead on us and well handphones and theme park/ water theme park don’t agree. :p

Adventure World is a giant theme park that has a big water park area and a nice rides area suited for the young ones. The place also has huge empty grass patches throughout the park where families can set up shop. I seriously have no idea why we never came to this place in all our years of holidaying in Perth!

Adventure World is really a place for people of all ages. I would recommend coming early so that you can find a good spot especially if you are coming during the weekends. A lot of local families bring their own ice cooler box, little camping chairs etc, but a picnic map, towels and a change of clothing is all you need if you want to travel light.

We parked ourselves in front of the big water play area which was relatively shaded. That area is also closed by to the toilets, lockers and some food kiosk. We attempted the big water play area a few times but chickened out everytime some water hit us as it was simply too cold. Yes our photos seem to suggest that it was warm and sunny but I remember it was approximately 23 degrees or so. The kiddy/ toddler water play area was 100m away and the kids spent some time there but yes it got cold after a while too. I’m guessing all these will be perfect and very popular in summer.

From the kiddy waterplay area, you could see some of the rides available – Old school Viking ship, rickety roller coaster and a spinning tea cup ride to name a few. I will always remember Adventure World as the place where Jah experienced his first roller-coaster ride. I really don’t know what got into him but he wanted to try it and he also wanted to try the Viking Ship. I was petrified during the rides, petrified for him and that he would freak out in the midst of it. He took it well though and endured the rides till the end, but when asked if he wanted to repeat it, he gave politely or not so politely declined ;). The only ride that Jah wanted to go on repeatedly was a ride that took us around the park and it gave us a bird’s eye view of everything from above. The only downside for me and Joel was the fact that we had to pedal it ourselves!!! It was a 2 seater which meant that I had no help from the one sitting next to me (he couldn’t even reach the pedals!). It also doesn’t help if you have someone/ two teenagers in the ‘car’ behind you, going extremely fast and chasing you down. Come on! No fair!

For those after a thrill, the park also has humongous slides and it was very very popular with the teenagers. I really wanted to give it a shot but I doubt Jah would have allowed me. Ok I asked him for permission but he said no. :p

Adventure World will definitely be back on our itinerary again the next time we return to Perth. And while we have never been to Perth in summer, this might be a tempting and good enough reason to.

Next Up – Final post from our Perth Series – Hilary’s

Go to this link for all links to our Perth, Western Australia Trip (March 2014)

Also check out our Perth/ Margaret River, Western Australia Trip (Auguest 2016)

JahBella’s Mummy

24Nov2014

Hungry Heroes -Review (Dinner with Superheroes)

Posted in Eating Out with Kids, Reviews by jahbella

I was super excited when I found out about Hungry Heroes – a restaurant that serves tons of meat dishes (perfect for Joel and I) and it is also superhero themed (perfect for Jah).

When I say superhero themed, I’m not just talking about the marvel or justice league posters on the wall. I’m talking about the full works! Yes posters on the wall, mini superhero figurines in display cases mounted on the wall, life sized superhero statues as well as customized lamps with superheros figurines. Jah’s reaction when we stepped in? “Oh my goodness!” said in a totally in awe tone. Nuff said! Mission accomplished for me :p

But I still have to tell you about the food. We ordered a sausage trio with fries and corn, a portion of beef stew, a pulled pork sandwich, a 300gm tenderloin steak, truffle mash and their craft beer. A lot for 3 adults and 2 kid I have to say and if I had to summarize my review, I would say good hearty food/ meat at a very decent price point.

I liked that we could top up Jah’s order on a per piece basis because he loved the cheese sausage and wanted more. Though I wished I could have had more time to review their beer list which was pretty interesting but eating with kids always means quick decisive orders for me

Definitely a nice place to hang out with meat lover friends who will share a platter with you or your other half over some steak and beers.
Kids or anyone who is superhero crazy will love the ambience too..a lot to take in. 🙂

Just something to note, they currently do not have any high chairs yet so just make sure that your kid is ok on an adult chair (Jah was ok on their ‘sofa’ seats) or bring your own portable booster (which is what we used for Bella thus the ability to put her feet on the table tsk!)

Oh yes and do make a reservation if you intend to come right smack at lunch or dinner time. We had to make do with a 530pm dinner slot as we booked only a day ahead but I have to say the service is prompt and fantastic! 🙂

Address: 33 Tessensohn Road
Website: http://www.hungryheroes.sg

Happy eating!

JahBella’s mummy