Taipei for Kids

Posted by: Sharmila Rajah Post(s) by this blogger

We spent a recent weekend in Taipei and found it to be incredibly kid –friendly. We are already planning a second (longer) trip to the city.

The city has many outdoor parks with playgrounds scattered all around and indoor playgrounds for those raining days. The well-integrated monorail system connects you to most of the city’s attractions. All stations are equipped with ramps and elevators, offering convenient navigation for parents with strollers. There are special seats marked for the disabled, elderly and travelling parents on the trains. Taipei commuters faithfully follow the rules and will most certainly give up their seats when the need arises.

Most if not all restaurants happily accommodate kids even the ones atop Taipei 101. You’ll also find well-equipped nursing rooms in metro stations and in malls.

Taipei Zoo

Growl...says the Tiger..

The Taipei Zoo is a well-planned and landscaped zoo. The main attraction here is the pandas. Kids will be enthralled by all their favourite animals. There are cafes and a McDonalds at the entrance; plus well-equipped toilet facilities which includes a special kid’s toilet with miniature potty seats.
The entrance fee is about NTD60 (about RM6), which we found to be very reasonable.

Take the MRT and get on the Wenshan-Neihu line; the Zoo will be your last stop.

Da’an Forest Park

The main attraction here is the large children’s playground, which also comes with a sand pit. It is great for kids of all ages. Walk along the park’s shaded trails and admire the flora and fauna.

Happy New Year Everyone!

Posted by: Sharmila Rajah Post(s) by this blogger

We’re getting back to our routine of school and classes. Ayanna is in her second week of school and enjoying the company of her friends. She’s gearing up for an exciting year ahead. Shamindra is cruising into his second year with much fervor.

While the kids play with their new toys and games from last year’s Christmas, there’s one that's rather special. These are their new softies from Trapos e Monstros. These handcrafted softies are unlike any other; Trapos e Monstros gives life to children’s drawings, turning them into one-of –a – kind dolls.

Ayanna drew her little princess and prince (for Shamindra) and these were expertly converted to adorable softies. The kids love their toys; Ayanna is especially proud of her ‘masterpiece’.

Check them out at www.traposemonstros.com/homein.html

Goodbye 2012... Hello 2013!

Posted by: Sharmila Rajah Post(s) by this blogger

As we gear up for 2013, let’s take a quick look back at 2012.

Ayanna has had a great year and she’s adjusted well to her changes at her new school. She’s got an exciting year ahead of her. In Sept she will be entering Year 2, so this coming year is going to be filled with more exciting challenges.

Shamindra has had a significant year as well. From learning to walk to fracturing his leg and being weaned, he has experienced several challenges this past year.

We hope 2012 turned out to be just as exciting for you and your little ones as it was for us.

Thank you for your support in 2012 and we hope you will continue to follow the adventures of the little ones through 2013. We have several interesting projects lined up for 2013 to keep little hands and minds busy. Stay Tuned!

Happy New Year!

Seasons Greetings...

Posted by: Sharmila Rajah Post(s) by this blogger

 

Merry Christmas everyone!

Hope your Christmas is coming along great! Hope you've got your stockings filled with everything you wanted this season.

 

 

The Days Leading up to Christmas....

Posted by: Sharmila Rajah Post(s) by this blogger

Decorating the tree...

The kids have been having loads of fun with their activity tree – they’ve been keeping busy decorating the tree, playing Christmas games, reading Christmas stories, making X'mas cards and baking cookies.

Finger art on Xmas cards

How are you spending your Christmas holidays?

Beach Update

Posted by: Sharmila Rajah Post(s) by this blogger

We’re home and getting into the Xmas spirit.

Swim, Swim, Swim...

The beach holiday was great – the kids had a fabulous time.

 

Happy Birthday to Shamindra...

Shamindra celebrated his second birthday on the beach with a cake and a splash.

 

To The Beach We Go...

Posted by: Sharmila Rajah Post(s) by this blogger

Ayanna’s on her year-end break and so we’re all gearing up for our beach trip. The kids are excited and are eagerly looking forward to their time in the sun, sea and sand. 

Our essentials are packed- sunblock, books, beach toys, swimmers.

See you in a week’s time.

P/S – This beach holiday is extra special for us as Shamindra turns two tomorrow.

The Tooth Fairy Pays Us a Visit...

Posted by: Sharmila Rajah Post(s) by this blogger

Ayanna lost her first tooth over the weekend. And this is what she found when she woke up the following day- a letter from the tooth fairy.

Dear Ayanna 

Congratulations! You lost your first tooth! And what a great tooth it is! I can tell that you’ve been doing a good job brushing.

Because you’ve done such a good job taking care of your teeth, I left you a little something under your pillow in place of your tooth. I hope you like it.
 
I’ll be back again when you lose another tooth!

Keep up the good brushing!
 
Love,

The Tooth Fairy

Twelve Activities of Christmas

Posted by: Sharmila Rajah Post(s) by this blogger

The Christmas activity tree is up. Ayanna and Shamindra have 12 different activities to partake in leading up to Christmas. Each bauble represents a date(s) with a corresponding activity. All activities remain a surprise until the respective date (s).

Activities include making Christmas cards for family and friends, putting up the tree, baking Christmas cookies, playing Christmas games, collecting clothes and toys to deliver to children’s homes.

Christmas cards made entirely using palm and finger prints.

Ayanna has already begun making her Christmas cards.

A whole month of Christmas fun awaits the little ones.

Our Five Year Old

Posted by: Sharmila Rajah Post(s) by this blogger

Ayanna is bursting with energy; loves the countless dips down the slide and swings high in the playground. Chase games and running are some of the most fun games we play together. She can also retrieve to her room with a good read or an activity book. This contrast amazes me.

Ayanna is loving school.

Silliness seems to be a norm at five. Ayanna is goofy, making jokes and laughing at the smallest of things. She also has an insatiable need to know ‘why’. We offer clear explanations at most times or we research together by reading on a particular subject. The Cat in the Hat series has many titles on interesting subjects that provide young readers with fun and detailed explanations.

She’s even attempted to take a bath on her own with Mummy close by. And can dress herself quite well.

Our little princess is growing up fast.