Day 2 - Bennett's Bday and Botanical Gardens

Day 2 in Singapore, we woke to a newly turned 5 year old. Beau was just as excited for Bennett's special day as the birthday boy himself. We spent most of the day at the Botanical Gardens and it was beautiful. There is an entire section designed especially for children called the Jacob Ballas Gardens. From giant treehouses, to amazing tree tunnels, waterfalls, rope bridges, and even turtles in the pond, the boys were exploring it all. The black swans were also a hit. The boys were super interested while the swans were in the water, but they retreated behind Daddy once on dry land. We celebrated Bennett's official birthday with dinner and gelato in Clarke Quay and made it just in time for the nightly bubble display. Bennett has been asking for snow for a month now, so this was a great substitute.

Day 1 in Singapore

We took the red-eye to Singapore, so we arrived there around 6:30 am. Lucky for us, we were able to go ahead and check into our hotel when we got there about 8:30. We showered, changed clothes, and headed out to explore the area. Our first day, we spent the morning walking around Clarke Quay taking a riverboat tour along the river to get a better view of the skyline and historical sites. It was a great way to start our trip. We had lunch, an afternoon nap, a swim in the pool, then headed back out to Fort Canning Park which was walking distance from our hotel. It was beautiful with trails throughout. Fletcher's highlight was taking the Battle Box tour which took us back to the surrender of the British to Japan during WWII. We finished up our day taking in the Christmas lights on Orchard Street. That place is a shopper's dream with every store imaginable. We ended our first day with dinner there and headed back to the hotel to rest up for our next adventure.

Sister Time

Jade and I got to sneak away for a quiet dinner at one of my favorite teppanyaki places, Jam. It's been months (and months) since I've had dinner without the boys, so to be able to enjoy a mai tai and delicious food was such a treat. Exploring Kokusai Street is never dull hence the picture of the frog purses. And the Peace Memorial was especially beautiful with the Eisa performance. Exploring this island never gets old.

Bennett's Bowling Bash

Since we're going to be in Singapore on Bennett's actual birthday (that and the fact that it's SO close to Jesus' birthday), we had his party this weekend. Bennett's Bowling Bash was a hit! His buddies came to play and enjoy cupcakes. We're so thankful to have a great group of friends here willing to come out and love on our boys. Everyone was bowled and played out as you can see from Bennett's face when he was opening his gifts.....a little tired.

DCC in Okinawa

When I got an email saying the girls were coming to Okinawa, I knew the boys had to meet them. Bennett and Beau were smitten with these Texas beauties.

Forest Adventure

Jade's birthday present from us was to go ziplining at Forest Adventure. She loved it and we got to go too......strategic gift-giving. :)

Gingerbread Houses

Nothing says Christmas like gingerbread houses. Thank goodness Aunt Jadie got the creative gene.

Siteseeing with Aunt Jade

Jade has been here for about a week and we've covered the island top to bottom. We started our adventure at the Churaumi Aquarium. The boys showed Aunt Jadie the whale sharks, the sea cucumbers, the dolphins, and more. She even got her first taste of an Orion beer. It's been a busy week and we're enjoying every minute.