Smile....We're Wide Awake!

Donncha's missing the boys but I'm sure not the bedtime battle that we have most evenings. During my first pregnancy I read "The Contented Baby" book at least twice to try and "master" the art of making your babies sleep when you want them to. Nearly 5 years on my kids - especially Jack - have mastered the exact opposite sometimes putting me to sleep first.

By quarter to 9 this evening Jack and Ayden still had no intentions of going to bed still bouncing around the room. I was starting to loose it and made them both lie down in front of the tv in an attempt to wind them down and they looked very cute together. Probably not the best thing to do but I grabbed the camera and took these pictures. 

Mr. & Mrs. Rawson

This afternoon we went over to the Ibrahim family home to witness the Nikah of Sarah and Nick Rawson. I have known Sarah most of my life and it was great to see her very beautiful and radiant. It was a lovely nikah ceremony and not like any I have been to before - not that I have witnessed too many. 

It brought me back to our own Nikah in 2000. Donncha said our vows and the talak in english (and he did them very well) and the ceremony to an extent was conducted in english. The difference today was that the sermon was also conducted in english which I found very helpful - and I am sure most of the guests there did too.

It was also very nice that it was a small intimate gathering which one almost craves in Bruneian weddings. I think there's an extra special feel to it when it's a small venue with just your close family and friends witnessing your vows.

The bride with her mother Datin Ludwine, her mother-in-law and niece Nadiya.

Congratulations to the happy couple

Splash Afternoon II

Apologies for the recurring theme but this holiday the paddling pool has become a big part of the kids' afternoons. Today Jack was not interested in joining the girls lying down for the picture but he quickly spotted something else he could do!

Our Racetrack

And that was what it felt like this afternoon. It was raining outside and the kids were bored of the tv so they turned to the cars. 

This was Ayden's birthday present from Hanna and family except Jack has claimed it as his. Most of the time they are fighting over it but this afternoon Ayden was kind enough to let Jack ride with him. Thankfully they are both still small enough to fit (but just).

Jack then thought it was a good idea to help push Iman round and round on the tractor going as fast as his little legs could take him.

Ayden was all along following them from behind and when Jack got bored thought he would have a go as well.

Splash Afternoons

It has been very hot here in the afternoons giving the boys excuses to go for the garden hose. Ayden makes a break for it every time he's out the front door and Jack Mr. Cuci-Cuci (washing up man) does not need to be encouraged. The pictures of Ayden and Jack were taken yesterday afternoon.

The theme this afternoon was hujan (rain). They initially wanted umbrellas but I was by the front door to stop them and Fatin had the idea of using the buckets which we had used to empty the paddle pool of rainwater from last night. And this was all after a swim at the pool.

A Special Request

This is my niece Zahra who on several occasions has expressed wishes to be featured on this blog. Zahra is 5 years old and will turn 6 in February. Her favourite food is pasta and her favourite drink in this house is milk from a special glass. 

This is for you Zar. I hope you have a nice day. 

Hazel and Lim

Today I went to a wedding with my sisters and friends Tina and Hani. I am not usually a keen wedding goer but I enjoyed this one especially as I caught up with some old friends. The bride Hazel looked lovely. A friend of a friend, we are also related - her Dad and my Dad are cousins.

Off with the trainer wheels

For a couple of weeks now Iman has been cycling with only one trainer wheel. On Saturday she insisted that Donncha take it off. Donncha spent about half an hour holding on to her before he eventually let go and she cycled off. We had one very excited little girl. She started practicing first thing this morning and very soon was able to get on herself and cycle away!

Another Barbeque

The plan was to have a quiet early evening barbeque with the kids but with 16 of them altogether it was far from it. We were joined by my sisters and their children, our good friend Tina and her children, Roy & Santhi and their girls and lastly David. Donncha has aced on the barbeque and in addition to the skewers and sausages we also had chicken which was barbequed perfectly. This week to go with the lamb and chicken skewers I also made tabouleh which turned out quite well. But Jasmine once again stole the show for dessert with her fantastic profiteroles and chocolate sauce. 

The kids had a hoot playing together.

Jack with his new friend Alani, Tina's youngest. Jack also discovered that she has sharp teeth.

End Of Term!

There is always a buzz in the air when its the last day of school especially during the festive season. Iman's class year had their party with plenty of food and games. Ayden, Jack and I turned up in time for the games. There was also a lot of dancing involved and I can say that it's probably Iman's first disco. I took the picture as she bopped to "Dancing Queen".

We now look forward to four weeks of no school though I will most probably be looking forward to it again in the new year. It was a big surprise for Iman, Jack and Ayden when Donncha turned up just arriving from Chennai. Unfortunately he goes again Sunday but in a week it will be no travel till first week of January - apart from our holiday to Bangkok.

Another Party

Two birthday parties in a week?! I wouldn't mind but tomorrow is the end of term and no guesses as to what is happening in the morning. At least with Iman still in Reception siblings get to come so it will be an outing for all of us.

It was Timotee's birthday party this afternoon. Iman and Timotee are in the same class. It was a lovely little party but inevitably with boys' parties it does get a bit rowdy. I guess it's what happens in the playground everyday except us parents are not around to say "... careful", "... share" or the famous last words "... be gentle dear".

 

Jack's Chores

Jack is now very keen to "help" with chores around the house. Top of his list is the washing up. Lots of soap and water and an hour later he is soaked. I'm delighted to say after a week of indulging him, he has not been too keen to sit at the kitchen sink this week.

 

Both himself and Ayden are also keen on the ironing. Below is Jack trying to show Ayden how to iron properly.

Happy Birthday Dad

Happy Birthday to my Dad who today celebrates his birthday in Medina, Saudi Arabia. I am not sure if they have internet access at the moment to read this but hopefully they will at some stage.

We did celebrate the birthday before they left and Dad shared a fantastic birthday cake with Fatin. Jasmine's chocolate cakes are always very good but that particular one was so mmmm..... that I will do a Jack and say "I want....I want...". Dad was of course flanked by the usual suspects that hang around birthday cakes in the compound.

 

A Birthday Party

Happy Birthday to Caitlan who turned 6 today. It was a great birthday party. The kids swam and played lots of entertaining games directed by a fab games master. Iman for the first time at a party won a game and was very pleased with herself! 

Barbeque Training

Yesterday evening we had our good friend Mr. David Abberton join us for an early dinner. I took a couple of recipes from the Lebanese book (I did it!!!) and we had a barbeque of marinated lamb and chicken kebabs. I prepared everything on Saturday afternoon so all that was left on Sunday was to skewer the meat and barbeque away! I also made a wicked garlic sauce and coriander chilli sauce to go with the meats. It wasn't exactly Beirut Restaurant in Bangkok but we were close to it. Just to make sure that Donncha's barbequeing skills are up to Australian standards (and that I can reproduce the same meal twice) we shall be doing this again next weekend.

The kids always love barbeques and we had Hariz join us. Iman was feeling festive and donned on her Santa outfit. We later put up the Christmas tree and Iman put down the presents from the Cowleys. I will take a picture once the tree is completely decorated.

Jack was more interested in my new toy. Donncha surprised me with a macbook this weekend. I am learning and it can be a little frustrating but I love it. What's great is I don't have to wait for the kids to go to sleep before I can use the computer so Jack is watching Bananas as I am writing.

Happy Birthday Fatin

Happy Birthday to my not so little niece Fatin who turns 12 today!

Ballet Concert

Here are the photos from Iman's ballet school concert. We managed the above photo before too many people arrived.  
 

I am not too good with Iman's hair and with Sitty sick that day I managed a bun which fell apart just before the show started. Luckily we were seated behind Santhi who had all the accessories and she kindly made Iman up quickly.

 

Pilgrimage

Aplogies for not posting for a week but Ayden has not been very well and to be honest I have just been exhausted by the end of the day. We did have Iman's ballet school concert in the weekend and I yet have to post the pictures - Suisse Maman, I need your technical expertise!

Today was a big day for the Taib family with my parents and my nephew Amin leaving for the pilgrimage to Mecca. Amin looked very smart in matching outfits with my Dad. It's a big trip for him being his first Hajj. Aside from the religious experience it will also be the experience of being amongst 2 million other pilgrims from all over the world and all walks of life. My parents are familiar with both Mecca and Medina having performed the Umrah on several ocassions but this will only be their second Hajj. Insyaallah they will all perform the Hajj comfortably and trouble-free.

Both Mecca and Meddina are now fairly modern cities. I think both have Starbucks. Amin is looking forward to having Movenpick icecream in Mecca. I also gather that shopping is fantastic and can rival most western cities. I think they now have a Next and a Debenhams! I am fortunate to have gone on Umrah on 3 ocassions. On my last trip in 1999 I enjoyed shopping at the traditional Arab markets - not that shopping is a priority when visiting a holy city. But with so many shops around what can you do! Our hotel overlooked the Holy Mosque. I had a view of the Holy Kaabah and I was fascinated that that the city never slept with people contantly streaming in and out of the mosque. I managed to take some pictures of the mosque - will have a root around for them.

Ayden having a hug from my Dad at the airport waiting room. (Note the location - we do not have that lovely wallpaper in our house). They will be away for a whole month and will be missed by all the grandchildren especially by Ayden and Jack.

Making a trip to Mecca, especially the Hajj has always been an emotional one for our family. Pictured below is my paternal Grandfather, Dato Haji Mohamed Taib who made his pilgrimage around this time 33 years ago. Tragically for us he had an illness and very sadly passed away in the holy city and was buried there.

Afternoon Outing

We live so far out of town that I don't normally go out after four in the afternoon as not to interupt dinner and our evening routine. But this afternoon I had the office opening of prestigious law firm Cheok Sankaran Halim to attend. Their new premises was ideal for the event with the reception held in the foyer of the building. They had the JIS orchestra for entertainment and Sheraton catering with very yummy eclairs. What struck me about the afternoon was how very refreshing to go to such an event and not to have the presence of the Brunei paparazzi. They even had a proper photographer just like pre-blogger days!

The picture above is Hanna with our friends Shanti and Pat. I am not putting this note anywhere near it because on this short post I have managed to delete the picture four times so it is staying where it is. Guess serves me right for showing off to Shanti how simple and easy this is!

Happy Birthday Liz

Birthday wishes to Grannie Liz McCarthy celebrating her birthday today. We hope you have a lovely day.

Barney's Out

At bedtime this evening Iman announced that she doesn't like Barney anymore because it's for babies. And she also said that Hanny Manny doesn't really fix things and is just a moaner! I don't really know what the Hanny Manny thing is about but Barney!!! I guess what do I expect she has been watching Barney for over three years. We know all the songs (well Donncha and I think we do - pizza...pizza...everybody loves pizza....- we get it wrong all the time).

Iman now prefers to watch Higgleytown Heroes, Little Einsteins and whatever else appears on Nick Jr and PlayhouseDisney. She also said that she likes "High School Musical" a bit! I guess this is when the real fun starts.

At least Ayden and Jack are a few years away from moving on to more educational shows like Spongebob and PowerRangers. So in the meantime we will still enjoy the favorites Barney, Dora, Thomas, Noddy. And even that we will probably never get the words to those songs!