That Mom Of Four

What would be the toughest part of this near month-long holiday to see their dad in the USA? Apart from handling the kids alone while flying and transiting....it really was when we had to say goodbye to the man who took such good care of us these past few weeks and pampered us like we were princesses (and a queen).    From the moment I knew we were making this trip to visit their dad in the United States, I already started to worry about how I would manage the four kids alone. Yes a lot of prep work had to be done especially in enrolling the older girls to help with the baby and the luggages. And it's really no joke having to collect our checked-in luggages upon arrival at LA, going through customs, finding our way to the domestic terminal from the international terminal in order to check-in these luggages again and then catching another domestic flight to Idaho. The trip back to Singapore is much of a hassle too but this is was all so worth it considering the memories and exp...

This is the third year that International Yoga Day will be celebrated since its inception in 2015. This day was declared by the United Nations General Assembly and what's so significant about the 21st of June which was chosen as Yoga Day is the fact that it's the longest day of the year. This special signifies Global Peace, Harmony and Health, and celebrates the practice of yoga as well as spreading the awareness and benefits of the practice. It's doesn't matter what physical limitations we have, what age we're at and what style of the practice speaks more to us. Everyone can can benefit from incorporating Yoga into their lifestyle, even if it's just starting off with a small component of it. It doesn't have to be all or nothing :) And what better way to start off International Yoga Day than a practice with my girl army? Yes, puppy included! ❤      

Back home in Singapore I always make the time to recharge myself at some of my favorite spots at the beach. Sinking my feet in the sand and letting the waves lap at my legs..... breathing in the sea spray or just standing on the cool grass just beyond the shoreline, all these make me feel more alive and rejuvenated and I always leave the beach with a smile on my face and my heart ❤️. For the past week while we drove to Las Vegas and Los Angeles and spent time in the theme parks and the city..... I didn't have much of a chance to get that recharging that I needed, so it felt extremely satisfying this afternoon when we got to stop by the Parganagat National Wildlife Refuge.  I shared with my kids about how taking the time to just be quiet and alone in nature brings about such a positive effect on me and I can only hope they appreciate it as much as I do.     

I remember when I came to Disneyland the first time when I was a kid, the second time just after getting married, the third time after having 2 kids and now this fourth time we're back here again with 4 kids. And it never gets old ❤ Disneyland is for kids and the inner child in all adults.  This time though the older kids are definitely enjoying the rides more and although the lines can sometimes put our bladders to the test..... seeing the faces of our kiddos light up makes it totally worth it.  And I'm so grateful that the hubs booked a hotel for us that's just a short walk away from Disneyland and Adventure Land so we can easily walk over to the theme parks for the next 3 days. Thank you Daddyman! Xoxo         

I've lost count how many times the hubs and I have been to Las Vegas, but over the years since 2001 after we got married till now, we've travelled here numerous times as a couple, with two very young children, while I was pregnant with Number 3 and now with 4 kids. And each time the experience is a little different.  Timing pee stops is definitely something we have to do while on this sort of road trip 😂 and obviously managing our shopping because otherwise we would just go stark crazy and end up not having leg room left in the MPV (yes it's happened before).  One thing I appreciate about #thatdadoffour is how he would make sure the kids have entertainment in the car during the long drives. Games, music, riddles...... Yes it's way better than in-flight entertainment. Ha! Visiting Vegas with babies does limit what we can do and the types of shows we can watch for sure. And it also means we often walk around with a sleeping child or in our current case..... sleeping chil...

So it's been almost 6 years since the hubs and I embarked on a road trip with the kids. The last time we drove across the different states was when we only had two kids and a baby in my belly. Now there's four of them aged between 10 and 1 so it's definitely a very different experience. Well for one thing, the number of bags we have to pack along and the size of the cooler box have to be upsized! Spending hours on the road also means keeping entertained in the car. And I must say the older kids have been nothing but helpful when it comes to the caring of the baby and being amazing travel companions.      Though we've been to several of the pit stops below multiple times, the kids have obviously forgotten many of them and are seeing these places with a fresh set of eyes again. And it makes my heart sing to see them being so happy looking at snow capped mountains...... herds of cows grazing and canyons. Can't wait till we get to Vegas and bring them to see the Grand C...

As I'm typing this, were still on the airplane and just an hour from arriving at Los Angeles. And I must say I'm very impressed with the girls and how the 3 older ones helped me make this 18 hours commute from Singapore to Tokyo Narita and finally to LA such a smooth one.  From my 10 years old helping me escort Number 3 to the bathroom to everyone helping with the luggages..... and even number 2 and 3 helping me sing to the baby and tap her to sleep..... I couldn't be more grateful. Yes there were moments when I struggled to keep my limbs and my butt alive while my 18 months old slept peacefully, or when I had to clean her up after she produce a smelly surprise in her diaper. In fact I think it was a feat that food didn't end up flying in the air when I tried to eat with the baby on my lap 😂 And moments like these are still precious. I know I keep saying this, but thank you Universe for letting me be the mother of these girls ❤