Our New Year Holiday in Bandung

Bandung has become our favorite weekend destination for so long. The city is not too far from home, only takes about three hours drive. However, it's been awhile since the last time we went there and never brought Evan too. This year we thought it is time for him to know about his mom and dad's favorite place. 

Since we were very familiar with the place, we didn't make any hotel reservation. After randomly checked several hotels once we got there, we decided to stay at Hotel Cemerlang. Their rate was surprisingly low considering it was a peak season.

He loved the Christmas tree at the lobby

Two giant puppets

One of the "must do things" in Bandung is SHOPPING! Now you know why it became our favorite city :). There were so many Factory Outlets to be checked on, as if each one of them was calling your name to come in, and the most important thing is they're cheap! So we stopped by at not as many as I wanted to several FOs and started an early year shop. While mommy was busy shopping, the boy got bored. Lucky for him we found a big chair so he could sit down while waiting.

Trying to amuse himself while mommy was shopping

There is a small city nearby Bandung named Garut, which is famous for its natural hot springs. We took time to go there too and let Evan played at Sabda Alam resort. The resort used hot springs for their pools' water so they were quite warm. Evan loves swimming, he can stay in the pool for hours.

He wasn't too happy had to leave the pool

We also went to other places and will post the pictures later.

I'm Going To School!

“I’m going to school!”

After months of searching and comparing several pre-schools nearby for Evan, yesterday we registered him to a two-day trial program on one of the schools. This morning was his first trial day started at 8 AM, he looked so excited. But it seems all the adults in the house have forgotten about being a pre-schooler, they put many things in Evan’s school bag. They forgot that Evan was the one who would carry it, not his nanny, so…

"Help, this bag is too heavy!"

Joining the Independence Day 2008

Yesterday was Independence Day, and little Evan started to get involved with this yearly celebration. He joined a parade on his tricycle.

From the file: Trip to Mutiara Carita - Oct 2007

During the Lebaran 2007 holiday, Evan and family took a vacation to Carita Beach, West Java. They stayed at Mutiara Carita Cottages. It was the first trip to the beach for the 2 year-old boy and he enjoyed it. The beach by the resort itself could not be used for swimming; however, there was a big swimming pool there where Evan spent most of his time playing water.

From the file: In Memorial of Opa Edi

On February 23, 2007, little Evan had to say good bye to his grandpa, Opa Edi, for good. It was probably difficult for him to understand why every body was crying on that day. However, a simple, yet truthful, explanation was given to the 17-month old boy that his grandpa had gone to a new house. God bless Opa's soul.

From the file: The First Birthday Party

Evan’s first birthday happened to be on the first week of Ramadhan 2006 when most of the neighbors were fasting. However, a small fellowship was still being held at the house. Some relatives and guests came to join the fellowship while others showed up in the evening after their “break the fast” time. A professional photographer was hired to document the event and here are the results.

From the file: The First Christmas

December 25, 2005 was the first Christmas celebration for Evan. He was only 3 months. In the morning, the whole house gathered by the Christmas tree to make our traditional “by the Christmas tree” family photo session. There was no camera on that day, so pictures were taken from a cell-phone.

Little Evan was curious about the lights coming from the Christmas tree. He was quite cooperative during the photo sessions. However, when a Santa’s hat was put on him, he immediately cried, hence only his Oma and Opa ended up wearing it.

The dress code for that day was red. There was a picture of train on Evan’s outfit as if it was the initiation of his fondness toward Thomas the train.

Christmas 2005 Photos