Gianangelo (and family) visit Singapore

Earlier this month (January), my cousin from Italy, Gianangelo, and his wife and three kids spent a few days in Singapore with us on their way back from Australia. His "kids" are 16, 14, and 12 so much older than Noah but I think Noah really enjoyed having them stay with us and being around "big boys". Although they were here for only a very short time (three days), we were able to see a lot: CBD, the quays and the colonial area, the marina bay area and the gardens, Chinatown, little India, the botanical gardens, Sentosa and the night safari - below are a few pics from their trip (I did not feel like lugging our camera so thanks Gianangelo and family for the pics).

the boys and their mom (with Seth and Noah in the background)

at the top of the Marina Bay Sands Hotel

Boat trip down the river - Noah studying the map (again)

Big Noah (and family) visit Singapore: Can we keep baby Emma?

Our friend from Yale, Noah (now called "Big Noah" to differentiate from our little guy) came to Singapore with his family at the end of November. Below, Big Noah, Vivian, Emma, Jacob and Little Noah at the gardens by the bay.  

It was amazing seeing Big Noah again and getting to meet his kids, 4.5 year old Jacob and 2 month old Emma (at the time). Jacob was an amazing big brother to little Emma, affectionate and caring and attentive so hopefully Noah took some valuable cues from him! Below, Jacob and Noah at the zoo. Noah loves studying maps whenever possible and telling us where we are and where we are going. He has gotten pretty good at finding the "you are here" star on the board maps and following the zoo map which has little animal drawings on it to help one find ones way.

Jacob wanted to ride the elephant so he, Noah and Vivian did an elephant tour.... 

Noah had already been on an elephant a long time ago in Bali (see picture below - making the elephant sign) but seemed a bit apprehensive at first about going without me but then got excited and had a good time. 

One of the highlights of the zoo trip (I would add unfortunately but that is up for discussion) was the car ride... below Noah and Jacob driving.

That evening, we met some of Big Noah's friends for crab at a nearby restaurant. The kids had a blast with the serving cart...

One morning, we headed to Sentosa for brunch at Coastes and some beach time for the kids.

The weather held long enough for a nice brunch but we then headed inside to the aquarium.

And to see the dolphin show. Jacob wanted to pet the pink dolphins at the end of the show so Noah got to do so too... because he was over a meter tall he had to go on his own but our fearless animal lover had no fear and was very excited to meet the dolphin. 

Dolphin approaching...

Noah petting the pink dolphin...

A happy and wet Noah...

Big Noah was actually here on business so he and his family stayed with us for a few days/nights and then went to a hotel. Little Noah seemed very sad to see them leave and kept asking "can we keep baby Emma?". So I explained to him that we could not keep baby Emma as she was still drinking her maman's milk and we could not provide that for her but that we would keep seeing them while they were in Singapore and that soon he would have his own baby at home... that seemed to reassure him a bit. It was great seeing him take to her and kiss her and try to feed her (see below). Hopefully, he will act the same way with little Mango...

On another day, we went to the bird park where they were premiering a new bird show. The next day, in the newspaper... was the pic below.... can you spot us? 

Christmas with Elena and Little Guy's First Bug

I was waiting to receive various pictures from friends and hence got a bit late in the postings... so going back to Christmas... a few days before Christmas, the local HDB (Housing Development Board) Complex nearby hosted an Xmas block party with food and games and music... a bunch of us from our condo headed over there. Below Noah and Matthias on the blow-up castle/slide.

Our friend Elena arrived on the 24th in the morning and we took her on a bumboat ride along the Singapore river and marina and then to the Singapore flyer for a view of the city and some street food and fish massage and then drinks at the Marina Bay Sands Hotel and visit of the Gardens by the bay... the next day, we went to a friend's house to celebrate Xmas. Delicious French food and great company! Although Noah seemed very happy and had a great time, something seemed a bit off with him. He did not eat as joyfully as usual, repeatedly left food on his plate  and seemed a bit lethargic at times. You would not really be able to tell from the pics below - he and his friend Alex definitely enjoy each other's company.

After the Xmas lunch and playdate, we headed to the botanical gardens. Noah complained about walking (which he usually does not do) and about his tummy hurting but then it seemed to get better. 

We went for dim sum for dinner and Noah refused to eat - now we knew something was terribly wrong. He just slept through dinner. Sure enough, on the way home, he slept on dad in the subway and suddenly without much warning got sick all over the place... our little guy's first stomach bug. Luckily we were just pulling into a station and got out of there. The next day he was a bit off and not eating much but did not get sick again. I was feeling a bit off too just as Elena headed to Malaysia for a few days at the beach. 

When she got back, we were all back to our normal selves and headed to the MacRitchie Reservoir Park for a 5k walk around the lake. But before the walk, Noah tried out the jungle gym...

A little snack break during the walk....

After MacRitchie, we headed to East Coast Park for a late crab lunch and walk along the seashore (and of course, watching the water skiiers on the water skiing pond).

Noah and Elena on the jetty. 

GG and Grandpa in Singapore (12-13.10.12)

Back from Vietnam, we went for a yummy Thai dinner in Singapore with GG and Grandpa and then headed to the highest bar in Singapore for a drink and a view - unfortunately, we could not go with Noah but they had a smaller indoor bar the floor below - from there we watched the water and light show on the bay. 

Next morning, we headed to Coastes, a brunch place on the beach on Sentosa island. Noah played in the sand and water (after eating his own meal of course) while we had a nice leisurely breakfast. 

We then walked around Sentosa. Noah insisted on holding the birds (it is free - photographers take pictures and if you like the pics you can buy them). He was completely unafraid.

Even of the biggest of the birds... In fact the biggest was his favorite and now whenever we go to Sentosa he asks whether he can hold the big bird. 

This little one was on his back - very cute.

And one last one...

After some bird holding, GG, Noah and Seth we luging. Below, Noah climbing on to the luge with GG.

And they are off.

Coming back up in style.

Almost there!

They made it with a smile.

Then Noah and Grandpa rode the "elevator tour" up up up and around.

View from the top.

Noah looking down.

That afternoon, we went to the gardens by the bay. Below, Noah, GG and Grandpa on the skywalk with the Marina Bay Sands Hotel in the background. 

So cute together.

Short break at the new bar/restaurant at the top of one of the "trees" in the Gardens by the Bay. Noah was getting a bit impatient by that point so we played taking pictures - here he is taking a picture with his "camera".

Our little Noah.

The flower dome, it turns out, changes based on the season in Europe/US - so they had their fall/halloween flowers out. Noah playing in the closest thing he will get to a pumpkin patch this year.

After a good dim sum dinner, we walked along the bay - the view there in the evening is just stunning - this photo does not quite capture it.

Late that night, GG and Grandpa headed back home. Goodbye GG and Grandpa - we miss you and look forward to seeing you out here soon.