The Tolentinos in Singapore 2018

Just in case you missed the 2 dedicated posts on our outings, click on these links.

Gardens by the Bay with the Tolentinos 2018
Wave House @ Sentosa, Esplanade & Merlon with The Tolentinos

This is post is more on the general stuff we did in between. Every moment is precious especially with this lot. We only get to see each other; the little ones are getting bigger and the elders are getting older.

Initially, we were so stressed on the living arrangement because unlike last year, they could sleep in Jhon's room but now with me and Sarah, it would be complicated on who is sleeping in the room or living room. Staying in a chalet for 1 week is not cheap either and I did thought of service apartments but on top of paying the airline tickets for 4 pax, shopping, food and outing finances, it will cost us a bomb.

Silly me, only realized almost 2 month before the estimated travel month, since Abg Jamil was going to Umrah, his room would be empty! With his permission, Jhon, Sarah and I will be sleeping in his room and Jhon's family will be in our room. Problem Solved! Loi and Jayden ended up sleeping in the living room luckily, we had extra pillows, blankets and the comfy thick play mat help too.

Anyways, we roughly planned their 1 week stay by having outings on alternate days so they can rest in between. It does not matter much to them because what they wanted was just bonding time.

Wah.. Jayden has grown a lot since we last saw them and also has been naughty as most toddlers are.

Meanwhile, this girl was at her stranger/ separation anxieties. She was completely fine interacting but once you hold her, panic attack. Occasionally, she would be okay lah so everyone got to hold and cradle her once in while.

Of course, we received plentiful of clothes from the Philippines and I loved them. They were so pretty and Sarah looked so cute in it. I was still in shocked that majority of the clothes were barely 2SGD after conversion.

There was 1 day I was feeling restless so I suggested Jhon to take the family to the park/ exercise/ playground area. It was places like these that we take for granted, you know? It was nice to see everyone enjoying the place. I was tickled how Pa was so into it and watched Ma giggled like a school girl at her husband.

Another thing we took for granted.
Playgrounds that are easily accessible. This was Jayden's first experience at a playground. They don't have it at where they live and probably had to travel somewhere further to enjoy it. Jayden absolutely love the slide and it was funny how awkwardly he played on it when Singaporean kids his age were experts; climbing up and sliding down by themselves.

Of course, we had a shopping day. We went to Changi City Point and ended up at Parkway Parade because we were looking for a specific pan/ pot for Ma. At CCP, Jayden tried the kiddy rides and it was funny when he took the train that goes in circles. In just a few rounds, he complained about being dizzy. haha

Since we were at Parkway, we took a quick detour to East Coast Park. Unfortunately, it was slightly drizzling and Jayden was sleeping so we didn't stay long but I got a shot of a precious moment of father and son. hehe

In a blink of an eye, it was time for the Tolentinos to head home.
It was nice to have them visit and I know Jhon too needed it; to spend more time with this family beyond the video chats.

There were ups and downs especially in finding food to cater to his mom but of course, generally, all of us had a wonderful time. It was indeed a sad goodbye because by the time we meet again, Sarah would be probably almost 2 years old.