Time to Trim the Tree!

A Filling Thanksgiving

Our Thanksgiving (in Singapore) normally consists of Dani slaving away in a tiny kitchen with limited counter space and no ventilation. It's all worth it to share the tradition and put on a “good show” to the 10-12 non-American guests.
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This year however, there was no way we could hold a candle to the production put on by the Mayo family (Americans originally hailing from the southern and eastern states of the US.) Sarah and her husband Walter (+ three lovely girls) have lived all over the world, most recently situated in Singapore.

It was a slight relief this year to not put on Thanksgiving (being in the third trimester and too much on the calendar). But little did we know we would be invited to Thanksgiving on steroids!

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Walter smoked three 20lbs turkeys; Sarah made endless side dishes consisting of some southern family favorites: corn soufflé, al dente green beans, oyster stuffing, cornbread stuffing, four different types of cranberry sauce, creamed onions, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes and the list goes on. Then for the finale, three “cold box” pies were presented, all amazing. Ross loved the classic pumpkin, we both enjoyed the caramel and Dani had to restrain herself from having a second slice of pecan.

Sarah, being the founder of The Local Nose, wouldn’t let us bring anything but a bottle of light red wine to match the turkey. We brought some Pinot Noir from New Zealand, which worked well and a Zinfandel from California (which was not so light and just didn’t taste the same as it did back in Dry Creek Valley).

Needless to say, Sarah had plenty of delicious wines on offer at each table where we could swap and sip to our curiosity and heart’s content. (Dani mostly sipped and drank water throughout the night, but still got to taste a lot of gorgeous wines.)

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The night was complete with a full house of around 40 people. The old footage of the Macy’s Day Parade projected to a back wall near the pool, followed by scenes of Pavarotti singing with other Opera cohorts really made for a homey, “American” holiday.

It was a great night and one that we were both very thankful to be a part of. Here’s to the Mayos for an amazing and delicious spread of food, wine, company and plenty of leftover smoked turkey for sandwiches the next day. Nothing like Thanksgiving leftovers! Cheers!

Elle's First Day at (Play) School!

Uhhh. I post this blog with mixed feelings. One being of happiness that our little girl has started playschool and will interact with a variety of kids in the morning (from 9-12 on Monday through Thursday). She'll be exposed to Mandarin Chinese language three of those four days and will partake in new activities that will enrich her experiences during a time when her brain is in hyper-absorption mode.
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The other is a feeling of slight sorrow for time has slipped from our hands like sand. It seems like yesterday that Ross and I made our way to Singapore as an eager couple looking to embark on the adventure of living in Southeast Asia. That we did (and are still doing) with all the travels around Asia Pacific and to ‘exotic’ destinations only hours from our home base. We've had a gorgeous little girl who is growing up before our eyes and will soon have a second child in less than three months time!

All this reflection makes one sit for a moment and realize how precious and fast this life moves along. There's really no time to get emotional about it (unless you're pregnant!). J

With that, I move along on a lighter note to post some photos of Elle’s FIRST day at her new school, Cherie Hearts @ Holland. Cherie Cheers to All! X

Before we head out, Miss E wants to use Mommy’s toothbrush to get her teeth clean. Good habits start young. (Maybe not the part about using someone else’s brush.)

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We still have some time, “Let’s give Dora a little push around.”

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Probably should collect a few things to take with me.

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A couple of soft balls are always fun.

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Okay, I’ve got the essentials: a change of clothes, couple of nappies, water and some snacks.

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This way to the door...

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Ha ha, Dad, You look pretty funny with that big camera hanging off your shoulder.

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Mom and I posing at the bottom of the stairs. Those suckers are steeper than they look!

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And we are here. Less than a 5 minute walk from our condo. No carbon footprint on this commute.

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Greeted at the gate by a fellow “Chearian.”

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Making myself at home with the front yard play equipment.

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A few shots that the teacher emailed to show that Elle didn’t cry the whole time she was there!

Tomorrow is another day... we'll see how everyone gets the hang of this new schedule. Until then, "cherio"!

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