3rd Day of school

The kids have been very excited and coming home with various tales to tell. They have all got their friends. Shelby has to be approached, Sandra is neutral while Leonard is more bold. He actually asked the boys whether he could join in the games. A boy quietly whispered 'No' but then later asked Leonard if he is 'brand new'? and accepted him to join. Thought that is brave of Leonard.

2nd day, Leonard was hit by a ball in school and he was so proud as many friends gathered around him asking 'how is he' and whether he is alright. He seems to have playmates in the morning when he is in school.

3rd day - Both Sandra and Leonard are in Red Faction and today they chose Faction captain (from Yr 7) and vice captain (from Yr 6). Sandra voted herself in and has to give a speech to all so that the friends will vote for you. She was shocked and wanted to chicken out. Nevertheless she said something but another girl got chosen, but she still had some votes ... from her little brother, brother's friends and some others. Bravo Sandra as other children had their speeches all prepared way before hand.

Shelby enjoyed her music class and guitar lesson at school.

School runs from 8.45am to 3.05pm.

So they must go to bed early and wake up by 7am. Poor mummy of course have to get up half hour earlier than that to prepare their breakfast, drinks and food for school. They need to pack food for recess 10.30am and food for lunch 12.30pm.

New Schools

Shelby started Year 10 in Como Secondary School while Sandra and Leonard in Year 7 and Year 4 respectively in Manning Primary School. First day of school was worrying for Shelby as she was concerned what is she going to do all the time since she does not know anyone there, she is worried having lunch on her own. Despite her having Uncle Victor who goes to the same school and who has been in that school for a year already.

Sandra has a new teacher in the school, Mrs Barrett while Leonard's teacher is Mrs France. It is getting very hot these days and I must ensure that they use their hats and sunscreen before going to school.

Moving to Perth Western Australia

After all these years, we finally made it to Perth and for good this time. There were many good byes from friends, colleagues and brothers and sisters in Bethel Bandar. So many so that it feels hard for me to take a trip back to Brunei so soon. Anyway we are yet to get our visas renewed but don't foresee that as a problem as all the kids are all settled in school and this land is for us to live.

Melbourne June 2010

Catching up with old friends while in transit at Singapore.

Steven and Pauline's apartment at La Trobe St we stayed in the first night. Was so tired since arriving in Melbourne very early morning and started walking and venturing through out the day. Anyway we had a good dinner at a chinese restaurant in the city.



The Royal Botanical Garden, Shrine of Remembrance commerating memories of soldiers who have fought in the war to protect Australia.

Alf's home at Benalla with a big nice and warm fire place.

Walking and surveying the farm, enjoying the fresh and cool air, also admiring the parrots that help themselves to the persimmon fruits of the tree.

Dinner at the chinese restaurant in Benalla to celebrate Alf's 80th birthday.

Apple farm along the way home to Melbourne city from Benalla, they sell nice fresh juices too. Also saw some nice cactus along the road.

Tiffany kindly brought us to Mt Dandenong, enjoyed the lunch and scones.




Meeting up Jonathan and Sharon, we stayed with them for a few nights. Sharon makes beautiful cake.







National Art Gallery.








St Paul's Cathedral.

School Holiday to SINGAPORE

Stayed over at Auntie Jennifer's home in Miri the night before, transit in McDonald Kuala Lumpur waiting for KL Spore flight.

Rain rain go away, come again another day.

Having fun with the animals.

Day 2 - Universal Studio meeting up with some familiar characters - Po in Kungfu Panda, Shrek, Madagscar characters, monsters etc and enjoyed the rides.

Sentosa by night.

The Singapore President's home.

Meeting up with cousin at the wrong station, ate at Lau Pas Sat and banking errands.

We had a short trip to Singapore over the 1st term school holiday. The Airasia flight from Miri to Singapore has been booked since Oct last year, it was very cheap which works out S$100 per person. Unfortunately with these budget airlines, 3 days before travelling they tell you that the flights both ways are cancelled. What if they only do refunds? How are we gonna get tkts for 5 people at this time when the hol. has started and we have paid for our hotels and the tkts to Universal Studio Singapore. Arghhh ... luckily we were re-routed by Airasia to travel Miri KL Singapore. It took more time transitting, nevertheless we had a blessed trip. It was also Shelby's 14th birthday on the left we left.

Stayed at Furama City Centre in Chinatown, extremely busy place but convenient with lots of eating places. We only had 3 full days in Spore which we covered the Singapore Zoo, Universal Studio Singapore and some shopping. Also had the opportunity to savour the delicious chilli crab at Mellben AMK and steamed chicken at Soup Restaurant.

Sandra's 11th Bithday 23 Jan 2010

Sandra had some of her classmates over to celebrate her 11th birthday. They played with water balloons downstairs before settling down for the cake and food.

George's Birthday

We were honoured to have Auntie Lucy back from the UK to be with us. Daddy's birthday was celebrated during our bible study night. We had a good meal together with good company.