Croquet with the Cowleys

This afternoon we went over to our good friends the Cowleys for a cup of tea and play around the garden. Croquet was set up and the boys took up a challenge! I think I preferred Jack's version of the game. The Cowley Seniors are currently visiting and we were treated to homemade soda bread and jam - nice to have a small taste of Ireland.

Don't mess with my camera!

Hazim and Fatin cannot resist playing with cameras so guys this post is for you. And Ayden's blue eyes were courtesy of Fatin!

More cupcakes

KOJ are involved in a fair this weekend and the KOJ kitchen has been overflowing with boxes and boxes of their signature cupcakes. Catch them at The Mall today and tomorrow!

Miri = Pool

We were in a Miri for a few days last week and spent almost all day everyday by the pool. Iman met up with friends from school and she was off. Jack's swimming came on really well and both him and Ayden also discovered goggles! It was hard work keeping up with them but a great wind down. I was so relaxed that I didn't even mind the kids having a little swim in the rain on the day we left - how times have changed! 

An Irish Day

With St. Patricks's Day last tuesday we had a small gathering of friends to celebrate with us. And while I was occupied in the kitchen that afternoon, Donncha got the children to help him decorate the house in the Irish colours. Thanks Grannie for sending us the banner, bunting and various inflatabes which the children loved especially the little Irish man! Photographs below by Iman.

And KOJ made us these very delicious chocolate cupcakes complete with shamrocks!

Again thanks to Grannie for the rosettes. I never got round to taking photographs of Iman and Jack but here's Ayden - they all wore theirs with pride that evening.

March Kids Hash

It was the long awaited monthly kids hash two sundays ago. This is a huge outing for Iman and Jack who are now on 11 runs and Ayden too has quickly caught on to the idea. It's an afternoon of adventure, play and a license to get dirty which they often do even before the run!

For the first time we went on the long run which we were advised to be 30 mins but with the rains from the night before it was very wet, muddy and slippery making the run to be more like 50 mins which carrying the boys was pretty hard work. And all Jack wanted to do was go into the mud. Oh how I wished I had stopped them wearing the white shorts before we left!

And check out Jack's white boots!

Ayden concentrating during shout-out

And I thought our kids were muddy!

Shadows and interesting shades as the sun went down

Time to take the kids home - they had a blast!

St. Patrick's Day 2009

Happy St Particks Day to all our family and friends.

On another island

Our hash excursion last week took us to an island across from Kota Batu. We were welcomed onto the island by the Ketua Kampong before we proceeded to challenge a steep climb that needed plenty of rope.

The view up the top was worth all the effort. It was nice to see Kota Batu from the other side because we are usually on the Kota Batu ridge looking at this island and the houses below.

After the run the Ketua Kampong invited us to his house for a drink and we were able to enjoy the tranquility of the river and the beautiful sunset that came with it. 

Farewell to Ako and Family

Ako and her family have been in Brunei for nearly 3 years and this month are leaving to go back to their home country Japan. Iman's been in the same class as Ako since Kindy so she will be sad to see her go. We're sorry to see this lovely family go and wish them all the best in settling back in Tokyo.

The tea was held at the Jerudong Park Polo Club. I haven't been here for years and the kids enjoyed the pool but then again we're talking water here!

Jack has recently been practicing swimming without floats in shallow water and that afternoon went for the plunge in normal swimming pool depth. Both him and Zach were really swimming!

Monday walk with families

As it was a public holiday Monday this week, the walking group was larger than usual with children and husbands joining us. Donncha joined us so Jack was able to come. Jack took a huge dislike to the leaves on the ground (so he told us) and quite soon after the start wanted to be carried - as we expected! The walk took us an hour and a half and amazingly both Iman and her friend Nina managed very well. We were at Mentiri which is probably my favourite walk and the last time we walked here, I posted this. 

We didn't see anything exciting this time thought one of the group spotted this baby snake on the ground though we think it was actually dead as it wasn't moving.

And after the walk the more adventurous ones (and Iman) enjoyed  the cool fresh water pool.

 

A Fun Day at Sea

It had been a while since our last boat outing and last weekend the kids were very keen to go. We were joined by our friends Tony, Lian and their son Luke and as Tony is a keen boatman we went out to the Spit, an island just off the coast which is ideal for swimming and water skiing etc. Very exciting as this was a first for us! 

The water on the side of the Spit that we anchor off is not pretty and awashed with plenty of debris but the sea facing side was beautiful with clear waters. Warm with gentle waves, it was perfect for swimming that day.

We were initially helped onto the Spit by a friendly group of campers who were all very welcoming. Thanks to them all and especially to the ladies below who shared drinks, mossie spray etc - no I wasn't very prepared as I didn't anticipate the trip to be more than our usual up the river and back. Thanks again ladies!

After a quick snack of fried rice (from the Yacht club at the last minute) the kids had a ride on Tony's new banana boat which was a huge hit with Iman and Jack. Probably the best boating days we have had. No pressure then for our next trip out!