Saturday, May 23, 2015

Time with Grandchildren in Singapore

Sam's wedding in Singapore on 1 May 2015 provided an opportunity for our WHOLE family to meet up again. The whole family last met up in December 2013 in KK. Unfortunately in our latest gathering, we failed to have a complete family photo taken!

I had a really wonderful time spent with my two adorable grandchildren, Nathan and Grace. Nathan's charm is ever so contagious that it is just not possible not to like and love him. Though I know that carrying him is a task that will become more and more strenuous because he is a growing boy, it is my pledge that I would love to carry him because it just seems cruel to carry the younger one and ignore the older one.
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Grace is undoubtedly the cutest and most adorable little girl one would ever wish to have. Her big eyes, occasional giggles and passionate hugs truly lighten up my heart. Her spontaneous desire for grandpa's hugs and affinity to her grandpa will forever be a soft spot in my heart.
Grace, an "avid" food lover is surprisingly dexterous in handling all the eating utensils at her age.
Getting ready for the down hill ride by Luge
Preparing to enter the 4D Cinema, Universal Studio.
Madagascar Carousel, Universal Studio.
With Minion
Inside a Dinosaur Egg at the Jurassic Park
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At the Trick Eye Museum, we had so much fun capturing mind-boggling photos. The place left us with so many beautiful and unforgettable memories.

Monday, May 04, 2015

Sam is Married!

While the rest of the world was celebrating International Labour Day, my son chose to tie the knot with his soul mate, Rachel on 1 May 2015.

This occasion was particularly precious because this would be one of the rarest of the rarest when the whole family could be reunited. I had great time spending with the family of Serene and the grandchildren.
This photo is probably the last picture Sam took with the parents at 8.30am just before he went off to gate-crash the bride's house. In exactly 10 hours' time, he would transit from being a bachelor to becoming a married man. There were moments when I did feel a sense of loss when I was reminded of Genesis 2:24 - A man shall leave his father and mother, and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh. But that thought quickly vaporized when I knew that I would actually be gaining a new "daughter".
 
The wedding was held in an old Gothic-style magnificent chapel built in 1904 now being referred to as CHIMJES.
Photo from Wikimedia Commons
Photo from Wikimedia Commons
Photo with compliment from Elliot Ng
Abstract of wedding speech:

Marriage is the beginning of a new life, the beginning of a journey of togetherness. We are so glad that our son, Samuel has found a lovely lady, his bride, Rachel to hold his hand all his life and make the journey of life together, to discover the mystery and splendour of marriage life. Of course, it would be dishonest if we say that there will not be tough and trying moments. There will definitely be quarrels and disagreements.

When we first met Rachel, we found out what a smart, strong and independent girl Rachel is. But even more so, we find her to be a thoughtful, caring and compassionate woman. We wish to express our appreciation to her parents, Mr. & Mrs. Chong Kam Wah, who have raised her up so well.

Samuel is one of our three children, second child after his older sister. One of the incidents that I could never forget about him is that I forgot to pick him up from school after the school day ended during his primary education period. I think he was in Primary 2 at that time. Normally, I would send him to school in the morning and pick him back after school during lunch time. That particular day, I was so caught up with some work that I totally forgot about picking him up. I also forgot to notify my wife about this. By the time my wife returned home in the late afternoon, she discovered Samuel was not yet home and she called to ask me where Sam was. I said. "Wow, he must be still in school because I forgot to pick him up!". I rushed to the school immediately and to my great amazement, he was lying on the pavement alone by the road side where children were usually picked up. He showed no sign of distress and in spite of his hunger, he did not cry or grumble. His patience indeed was remarkable. I felt really bad and of course got a lecture from his mother.

That quality of his patience and perseverance is probably how he could carry on a long distance relationship (Singapore and England with a time zone difference of 7 hours) and finally won the heart of Rachel.
Photo with compliment from Elliot Ng

Sunday, May 03, 2015

Poignant Moments with Family Members - Sam is Getting Married

Poignant moments captured during the wedding of Samuel and Rachel.
 Nathan with Paul Qiu
 Nathan with Sam Qiu
Groom (Sam Qiu) and Ring Bearer (nephew) and Flower Girl (niece) - Photo by Elliot Ng.
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Birthday celebration of MH was simple but memorable! All eyes were on the camera except Grace who found the cake just too irresistible :)