Tuesday, January 15, 2008

Mornington Peninsula, Day 1

We planned a one-night stay at Mornington Peninsula on 5 Nov 2007. After which we would meet up with other friends and their families on the following day.

As usual, we had the morning preparation rush (bit of screaming at Rachel to brush teeth, bathe, etc). But after the first trip experience, we were veterans at what to prepare and how to keep Rachel occupied during the journey. It was a much smoother journey, I must say.

There are two main routes to Mornington Peninsula. One is a coastal drive which is very scenic but longer, the other is by the freeway. It was breath-taking! See the expense of the skies and the 'endless stretch of the coastal shoreline. Drool!


(linked from Wikipedia)

(photo mine)

Along the coastal drive, you will pass by not only the main towns but also the smaller ones. Of course, we took this route as missus really liked the scenic drive.

Once we reached Mornington town, we headed straight to the Rain, Hayne & Shine farmyard to let the noisy 'animal' in the car out. Boy, was she as impatient as a piglet (just like the picture below) looking for food and squealing about when we approached.


Rachel had a very fantastic time at the farm which included pony riding, animals petting and feeding.


Rachel the Rodeo star

She is really brave for a going to five years old kid. One of her strongest character is that she is willing to try anything. Even chilli and hot stuff (which she incidentally likes to eat).

Here is missus trying to 'push' Rachel towards the hungry goat. Not sure why but the goat had problems trying to eat the vegetables from the fence. So it started using its head instead. Like we humans use our heads. Hilarious!


Dad and Rachel, then Mum and Rachel having a moment together

We stayed in a chalet for the night. How much different from the Singapore NTUC chalet in Pasir Ris? More quieter, less rowdy.

Here in Australia, people generally respect your privacy. Noise is considered a pollution.

More photos to come for Day 2...

Monday, January 14, 2008

More pictures, more family fun

Blessed New Year!

Yes it is going to be a wonderfully blessed year because Jesus has already prepared the year ahead of us. He is the pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night.

I've tried painting the house. BIG house. Not that I could not make it but I was only ONE man! And from the looks of it - it might take >1 month. Too slow... we finally called professional painters to complete the work.

Bah, lazy Singaporeans. *grins*

Rachel had just celebrated her 5th birthday on 6 Jan! I have just changed job. I will be starting at the new place on 21 Jan.

See? January alone is already wrought with wonderful changes. How much more will the rest of the year bring in more harvest and goodness as His favour shines upon me and my family!

But what about the bad knocks in life, you might ask?

To that I will ask: what about the heroes of faith in Hebrews? Was Samson perfect? Did not Abraham lie? Yet in spite of their 'wrongs', the Holy Spirit recorded none of them in the Hebrews Hall of Heroic Faith!

The reason is simple. God sees the good, man focuses on the bad. God keeps no record of our wrong-doings because He always sees the best of us in Christ Jesus.

Thus I can be assured that whatever lemon life throws at us, God turns it into lemonade.

It will definitely be a blessed year ahead for us. Simply because my God is a good god. And He loves me.

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More settled down now and I had just managed to peruse the past photos I've transferred from camera to PC. Enjoy!

School Excursion (17 Oct 2007)

See how Rachel has grown. She's a big girl now!


(above right) Rachel and good friend Gabe
(below) Rachel with her classmates