SKYNI

This is the reason why pappa chose this resort….I like it. but she should play and not keep talking to the lifeguard all the time.

This summer, we spent 8 days in Corfu, Greece. We bought an all inclusive package which means all meals included, and there was free flow of beer, cocktails for adults and soft drinks and ice cream for kids.

They had a pretty good time in the resort with their own swimming slides. Linn and Jon loved that they can pick their favourite food in the hugh line of buffet and have ice cream all the time.

The resort was hugh with 2000 over guests. We did not quite like the food served but it is difficult to expect good quality if they have to cater to 2000 guests for all meals.

Nevertheless, we all enjoyed it and had a really great time.

I have never climbed a tree before in my life. My parents never encouraged me to do that in Singapore. But kids love it. This tree in Sigtuna looks quite easy to climb.

Linn is really looking forward to her 7th birthday next month. She has prepared a list of things she wants… such as a doll’s head that she can apply make up, a boomerang, and also a Tinkerbell movie.

When I asked what she wants from me, she gave me a rather amusing answer. She has been very fascinated with the SPY kids movies and said that she aspire to be a spy when she grows up! Hence, she wants me to get her some ‘spy clothes’. Of course, she did not believe me when i told her that there is no such thing as spy clothes! Spies try to hide their identity and there is no uniform.

Looks like Secret Agent Linn is not going to be a very good spy.

Today marks the 4th year we have been in Stockholm.

Many have asked me how the four years have been and those in Singapore asked when will we come home. My answer has been the same since we moved here. We have no plans to move back to Singapore as much as we miss our family and friends there. It is no longer what Nicke and I want but what is best for the kids.

We have built our modest and simple home in Stockholm and have grown accustomed to the lifestyle here. It is definitely not as convenient and comfortable as Singapore at times and I really experienced a new level of the famous acronym D-I-Y. Waking up at 5 am, getting on the public transport to seek shelter from the cold, eating freshly baked bread from the supermarket, rushing home to get kids out of school, cooking inspired by the Masterchef series, looking at simple home improvements, enjoying the neighbourhood pizza occasionally, doing the housework on autopilot, completely exhausted and sleeping by 10 pm are just part of everyday simple life. Do i crave for my favourite laksa or char kway teow? Of course i still do…only if i think about it. But i do master the courage to invent my own dishes and make Nicke try them.

The children are speaking swedish fluently although I cannot say the same for myself. I see the Swedes’ amused look when i try to speak Swedish and how they try to get me out of my (or their) misery by responding in English. I need to try harder I tell myself everyday.

Jonathan is happy and don’t complain so much about going to school. Linn is growing up so fast and enjoying school.

I am enjoying many new found friendships and also discovering a new culture. Personally, I have gone though different struggles here but there is really no turning back. The world is small, but with internet and facebook, I am consoled that my loved ones and friends are never too far away.

So for now, I am contented to call Sweden our home.

It is the long awaited summer holidays. The children are thrilled.

I never thought it is possible but this summer, the temperature did soar to 28 degrees. The children spent many weeks at Farmor, enjoying being with Farmor and playing outdoors.

Now that they are home, Nicke has been bringing them to the lake for a swim or two every day. I still cannot bring myself to go into the water as it is too cold for me. But i am very proud that Linn and Jonathan managed to swim all the way to the wooden raft. Something that I don’t think i myself can do.

The family visited a great wildlife park yesterday, despite of the cold and rain. It is not quite like the Singapore Zoo where the experience is focussed on the visitors but more on the animals.

Jon has a new hobby….motorcrossing and he is quite enjoying it. I think it is great that he gives him a little more confidence and keeps him physically active.

Go go Jonathan!

The school’s summerholidays are finally here – 10 weeks of pure fun in the swedish summer.

To start the holidays, the family with Farmor drove to Dalarna to join in the traditional Swedish celebration. The kids have lots of fun, watching the ceremony of putting up the midsommerstång (midsummer pole). Linn and Farmor joined many women in wearing their traditional swedish outfits.

Here’s wishing all our Swedish friends a wonderful summer.

Linn lost her favourite teddy bear during the Scotland trip. She must have dropped it when she had a migraine during the trip. She is extremely fond of this bear given to her by a stranger when she was 2 years old. She used to sleep with it every night and brought it everywhere she went. She would not even throw it away when it was broken and asked me to fix it.

I asked her why she likes it so much, she said that it is because i fixed its broken leg for her and hand sewed her name on it.

She even drew a picture of her lost teddy and asked me to take it to the hotel reception, requesting them to look for it. The male receptionist was very ‘understanding’ as i tried to explain with a straight face.

Nichlas says that we have to take a picture for his brother who loves to golf. I have no clue why. This looks like a normal golf course to me and nothing special about this rather small bridge at St Andrew’s.

Jon has never been good at posing. Unlike his sister who loves the camera, he cannot stand still in front of the camera and makes funny faces all the time.

But i managed to get some good shots of him which i am pretty happy with.

We went on a good 6 days holiday to Scotland over Easter. I must say that it was alot better than what I expected. The weather was fantastic and we had sunny blue clear skies for 6 days.

Wish I could say that the children were well behaved but they were fighting all the time and need timeout away from each other.

We spent 6 days looking around the city, enjoying some good Indian food, fish and chips, and just going from castles to castles.

Definitely a great trip!

Hope everyone had a great Easter!

Nicke has taught Linn almost everything. Reading, maths, biking, skating, skiing, swimming, dancing, climbing trees and even playing video games.

I haven’t been able to teach her much…but I am so happy to teach her how to blow bubblegum.

That make me so so proud!!!

We only get to see them once a year. They seem to have grown so quickly.

Juwin is 16 this year. It seems just yesterday that I held him in my arms when he was born in London.

Ki-en has a love hate relationship with Linn but Jonathan loves him dearly.

Evan is so sweet and smart. Linn and Evan get along so well.

Kyle is so special and loves to cuddle up with Jonathan and Nicke.

We will miss you so much.

Linn spent more time with PoPo this holiday. Although they can hardly communicate, they managed to spend some special time together.

It was Chinese New Year 2014. We were passing by Macpherson Road and Linn was intrigued by a traditional Dragon and Lion Dance as part of the Chinese New Year celebration.

She asked me if she can go take look at the dance from the gate of the office building. She then was invited by the office staff to stand closer for a better view. She then asked permission to touch the dragon.

The next thing I know is that she somehow got herself in the company photo!

Definitely not a shy one!

Dear Jonathan

When i look at this picture of you, I see how far you have become. You no longer look like a little boy and you are growing up nicely. That makes me happy and proud.

I know it can be hard to understand many things around you. But daddy and mummy just hope that you will continue to grow big and strong and most important, you are happy.

We love you so very much.

Love you always,
Mummy

Nicke and i thought that it is important for the kids to experience Chinese New Year as it is a very important Chinese tradition. We went back to Singapore for a short holiday and had a wonderful holiday in Bali with the family.

Bali was really great and we had a fantastic time with the family. It truly meant a great deal to me.

Jon and Linn had a great time spending time with Grandma, aunts, uncles, nephews. For us, it was special where we stayed in our old Wilkie 48 apartment, where we started our little family.

I think we should really try to come back every Chinese New Year if we can.

For those family and friends we did not manage to meet up in Singapore, our sincere apologies. We promise to make arrangements next time.