edlina & the lynns
The floorballers were all geared up. After the many hours of intense training and selection...this was IT - Asia Pacific Floorball Championship in Singapore. The Penang team has risen to a certain level over the few years since its debut here. This year, many younger players were given the opportunity to prove their skill and sportsmanship as they were roped into the national team. Malaysia Boleh! And they did well as reported though Malaysia didn't get into the finals. They played well as a team and showed great improvement.
Edward, being the President of the Penang Floorball Association and State Coach has been diligently developing this new sport and players locally. He's passionate about it. His passion is contagiuos. Chrisa talks and "plays" floorball too. She even has her own stick, ball and t-shirt printed, "floorball". So she longed to be part of this floorball trip. How unfortunate this trip we were staying home and waited for daddy to come home...
But 10 days was long. The Lynns missed daddy. We thought how good it would be if we could plan a surprise trip to Singapore and cheer them. It was just a wishful thinking.
But he's back now! Chrisa awoke this morning to find dad sleeping next to her. She smiled widely and covered her mouth in surprise...and gave a slap on dad's bum to wake him up. That was not violence. It was Chrisa's cheeky way of welcoming him home :)
edlina & the lynns
For the whole of the last week of November, the Lynns were off to the "ranch" at RGBC. The kids' camp theme was just the right one for the Lynns as their craze over horses hasn't ended. They were treated the whole week with songs, dance, games and stories pertaining to the theme wrapped up with bible truths. Little Chrisa wasn't keen to go but finally enjoyed herself as the organizers kindly allowed her to be in Nat's team. That was an assurance for the little one.
"...saddle up your horses..." the song kept ringing in our home as they kids danced to their favourite song of the week. Daddy told them a good news - saying we have this song in our CD collection. How surprising! Little did they know the song is already 15 years old from Steve Curtis Chapman's collection. They had thought it was a new release from the camp :) Hmm...old is gold.
Oh well, they really wished they could saddle up their horses once more, as they did in Melbourne. Unfortunately, this "ranch" didn't have any horses. They were hoping there would be a pony ride (at least) throughout the camp even if there were no horses. Anyway, they savoured a little satisfaction later on...when Kong Kong took them to Pesta for a pony ride. Nothing compared to the trail ride in Peninsula Mornington, Melbourne but...it was enough to satisfy the desire of children.
edlina & the lynns
Bright and colourful Christmas at Orchard Road.
With Princess Ballerina at the miniature palace where Prince Noel falls in love with her.
With A
h Ma and
Kong Kong outside a shopping mall along Orchard Road.
The "Giant Red M&M" beside the "M&M House".
Ee ee enjoying a "ride" at Images Of Singapore at Sentosa Island.
After an enjoyable Luge Ride at Sentosa Island.
Shopping spree?? Nope...they are the Pet Protection paperbags with sourvenirs. At the entrance of Marriot Hotel. Oops! Our lil' adorable family 'pet' got stuck. She's trying to balance the super heavy bag for her age.
Food, Glorios Food!
(Comments on photos by Ash)
First tour of Singapore,
Too little time to to explore.
Looking forward to go again,
Make it fast to board the plane.
(by Nat)
edlina & the lynns
The months away and missing training didn't dampen the spirit of these little gymnasts. They were so enthusiastic and diligent the moment they were informed that they would be taking their first grading test. These girls have always been very active, agile, creative and driven in the area of dance and movement. Ash wanted to do ballet since 3. However, we didn't send any of them for classes till a year ago. All these years they had their "classes" at home - exploring and experimenting their body movement and conditioning themselves for greater days :)
Here...Ash gettting ready for her routine. They were tested in free hand, rope and ball routine.
Practising their rope routine - in the get ready pose.
Nat exploring her body movement while waiting for the test to begin.
Ash with her faithful make-up artiste, Ee Ee.
Some of the little gymnasts after a long tiring day...with Coach Lee Ann.
The Lynns just wanted to pass the test but they received a bonus - Ash was ranked 2nd place in her class while Nat at the 3rd placing. Well done, girls! And special thanks to the ever faithful and creative personal seamstress, Ah Ma for sewing their competition leotards. She braved through the challenges of sewing leotards for the first time with limited resources and days. And she got them both a complete gear - hair scrunchies, leotards and half shoes.
edlina & the lynns
AYA!!
Nope. Not "aiya!"
AYA is a good thing. It's stands for Asian Youth Ambassador. Came as a nice surprise when we were notified that Contactsports Enterprise had been nominated as the Youth Friendly Company of the Year. The crew from KL arrived soon to interview Edward and Penny. Contactsports was contested against 30 other companies/organizations of which some were already established and known.
The next really nice surprise was Contactsports was shortlisted to be one of the 6 for the award presentation night on 4 Nov. Voting began soon via sms. The special night arrived and we made our way to KL Performing Arts Centre right away we flew back from Sabah. The formal evening was ushered in with a nice refreshment and followed by a night of some outstanding entertainment. The two categories of awards -
Most Outstanding Youth and
Youth Friendly Company serve to encourage
"emerging individuals and responsible institutions to preserve in their dreams of improving the quality of life for themselves and those around them in spite of the difficulties and obstacles they encounter." It's all about our future in pursuing a dream Malaysia. What made it extra special this year is it is our 50th Independence!
Contactsports is honoured to be one of the shortlisted nominee though she didn't receive the
Durian. Why
durian? (Check it out at
http://www.ayaawards.com) The experience itself was an opportunity and exposure to what others are doing in the nation. As I sat through the night, I felt patriotic. The sharing, the efforts, the people - they made me even prouder to be a Malaysian. I have always love Malaysia. I know I have purpose in this glorious land. Together with Ed, we know we are called to stay home and be part of the reshaping of our generation.
Kami anak Malaysia. Sehati sejiwa menuju impian negara tercinta.For more of Contactsports check it out at:
http://321-contact.blogspot.com
edlina & the lynns
November was just as interesting but more Lynns-centred. They were buzzing around with many events and life was on the fast go...
They've been learning so much from the world around them and certainly enriched them in so many ways. The sky is the limit when children learn through life's real experiences. The highlights - gymnastic grading test, holiday in Singapore with the Khoos, and Kids's Camp.
The girls all ready to sweat it out. Ash and Nat attired in WAGA jerseys (marketed by Contactsports). Very hard to get nice jerseys in kids' size locally. Now even Chrisa has her own.
Homeschoolers with Coach Edward after the final game of the day.
Having a go for the first time.
Some mummies enjoying themselves watching the kids.
Basic routine been introduced.
We're ready for the game! Coach Penny refereeing.
A short debrief by Coach Edward while Coach Penny giving the kids a treat for the great trial.
