Dana's Visit!

We've had a very special visit from my cousin Dana!  We all really enjoyed having her company.  Dana was able to find just over 2 weeks this summer to come out to Singapore and visit us.  We tried to do as much as we could in Singapore and we also got to take a little journey to a small island in Indonesia.

Lily and Madeline were in school for the first week of Dana's visit.  With Scott at work (or on a business trip to India) it was mostly Dana, Wyatt and me traveling around Singapore.  We got out quite a bit, but I have to say that 4 year old boys are not the best travel companions.  

On our first day, we headed over to the Singapore Flyer.  I think the view is gorgeous!  After our flight, we walked over to Marina Bay Sands.  Dana's first day was also Wyatt's birthday and Lily's choir and orchestra concert.  Busy!!  On Friday, Dana got to hang out with my playgroup moms and try her hand at batik.  Friday night, we headed over to the Night Safari at Singapore Zoo.  We hadn't checked it out yet.  It was very exciting.  Wyatt fell asleep on Dana (his new favorite place to sleep) and Madeline was sleepy too, so Scott headed home with the little kids and Dana, Lily and I stayed to check out the rest of it.  

On Saturday, Dana and I got out on our own to see Little India and to have our hands painted with henna.  In the afternoon we relaxed by the pool and then left the kids at home to go try the famous Singapore Chili Crab.  I had not yet tried the Chili Crab, so I thought it was a wonderful excuse to check it out.  I liked it okay, but it's pretty messy.  After the dinner we made our way over to Arab Street and Haji Lane.  We tried the Hookah and enjoyed the people watching on a Saturday night.

Sunday morning was Birthday Breakfast with little Wyatt at the Zoo!  It was a full day at the Zoo, we saw the shows and tried to see most of the animals.  We of course had to have a break at the water park and then ride the elephants!

Dana and Lily and Madeline got soaking wet at the Splash show!  Good thing it was a hot day!

We were really close to the kangaroos in the Australia exhibit.  One of the Kangaroos even had a Joey in its pouch!  So cute!!

Dana's first elephant ride!

Sunday evening we had a lovely dinner at my friend's house.  On Monday, the girls were in school and Scott headed off to India.  Dana, Wyatt and I checked out China Town.  On Monday night, Dana and I started our week of fabulous nights out in Singapore.  First up was Forbidden City.  I had heard there was an Ice Bar inside and we had to check it out for ourselves.  Sure enough, they have a little room that is kept at -10 degrees C.  It's pretty cool!  We checked out some of the other places in Clark Quay that night too.  Fun!

Tuesday was a little rainy and Dana needed to catch up on some sleep (the jet lag is pretty serious when you travel half way around the world!).  We stayed close to home and school during the day.  On Tuesday night, Dana and I went to Raffles' Hotel to order the famous Singapore Sling.  We were not disappointed.  The drink was delicious and they even gave us a little card with the recipe.  Too fun!

On Wednesday, we spent the day at the botanic gardens.  It started out as a great adventure.  Wyatt got to show Dana all his favorite spots in the children's garden and even splash a bit in the splash park.  We then walked through the jungle path to the National Orchid Garden.  This is where things fell apart...  Wyatt was very tired and hungry by the end of the orchid garden and it was urgent that we find a taxi and get him home quick! 

Wednesday night is Ladies Night all over Singapore and we had to think carefully how to spend it!  We decided on 1 Altitude and it was a good choice!  Some of the ladies from my condo joined us and we made a night of it.  It was great fun!

Thursday was Madeline's swim carnival, so we hung around home in the morning and then went over to the school to watch Madeline swim.  After, we dropped Wyatt off at home with a babysitter and headed down to Orchard Road for a little shopping.  We were back in time for pick up and then spent the afternoon with the kids.  For dinner, Dana and I got all dolled up and hit the town at Ku De Ta.  It was my first visit there and the food was excellent!  The view was amazing.  I will definitely return!

Friday morning, Scott returned from India.  Friday was the last day of school for Lily and Madeline (mid-year break, 4 weeks off).  We had to get organized and pack for our trip to Nikoi.  

Saturday early morning, we headed out to Indonesia!  I'll post all about Nikoi in a separate blog.  Here are some of my favorite pictures of Dana.

Playing music on the guitar.

Sunset.

Our group.

Yoga on the beach.

Rock climbing.

Painting.

Sunset.

Kissy Face!

And an end to the trip.  Dana left very early this morning.  This is where we said good bye.  I really loved having you stay and getting to know each other better!  I wish you all the best in college and beyond!  I hope it's not too long before I get to see you again!  We love you!  Thanks for the wonderful visit!