New year, new wardrobe

Welcoming the year of the rooster, most of us also take the opportunity to spring clean our homes, the kid's wardrobes.

Staying true to bringing in quality, unique designs in comfortable material for your kids, we launched many new brands including Sea Apple, a home grown brand carrying organic cotton and designs for the festive season, Kate Quinn, a renowned US brand for their range of refreshing prints and organic cotton material, and Little XO Kings, a street wear brand from the US. 

With increasing demand for twinning amongst siblings, we have put together a few looks for you.

For this look, we went for pastel shades for both Aiden and Ava. Ava is dressed in Sea Apple modern cheongsam with our new pompom hair clip, while Aiden is dressed in a Blue Gradient Shirt and jogger pants. 

For this look, we have both Aiden and Ava dressed in Little XO Kings newly launched camouflage top and dress. More designs available here.

 

Here are some looks from Sea Apple, with accessories we curated for you.

Hello 2017!

The Year of the Rooster arrived so soon in January, we went right from 'Jingle bells jingle bells' to 'Gongxi gongxi gongxi ni'. In fact, Ava was still belting out christmas carols, and getting teased by Aiden.

This will be the final year Aiden and Ava attends the same preschool, with Aiden in Primary One next year. I strive to spend more quality time with each of them, coaching each of them and being stricter when disciplining them.

We began spring cleaning and preparations for the lunar new year, less than a month after the christmas celebrations and countdown to the new year 2017. We roped in the kids to clean the house and they really surprise me. Aiden could help with vacuuming the floor, and tidying his room, light mopping of the floor and folding the laundry. I found out how meticulous Ava was, when she arranged the drinks in the refrigerator. She was really pleased with her accomplishment and requested for more tasks to do. Hope this is a good start to regular housekeeping with the two of them.

For their CNY celebration in school, the dress code was oriental. Spoilt for choice this year as we introduced a few new brands including Sea Apple, Pocket Pig Diary and Glitter Glam in our stores, we picked out this Clear River Shirt for Aiden, a mandarin collar short sleeved shirt with cute chinese knots as buttons. Ava picked out a red cheongsam, in very comfortable cotton material.

Love how these outfits can be worn for other occasions, and with the material great for our weather, lesser complaints and more cooperative kids.

We have had positive feedback on the lightweight material of these outfits, and have a wider variety available in stores. Looking forward to welcome you to our stores, as we reopen on Mon 30 Jan 2017. 

The Yangs go to Sydney 2016 (Video)

Our family holiday in Sydney, Australia in November 2016!

I was there for a work conference so I took the opportunity to bring the kids along too. Ava celebrated her 3rd birthday there and it was hilarious how we just couldn't find candles and lighters after buying the birthday cake(s). The weather was wonderful and the sights were beautiful. The locals were very friendly too!

Day 1: Sea Life Sydney Aquarium, Darling Harbour.
Day 2: Sydney Tower, Sydney Fish Market, Madame Tussauds, Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney Opera House, Circular Quay.
Day 3: Cockatoo Island, Australian Museum, Hyde Park.
Day 4: Bondi Beach, Wildlife Sydney Zoo.
Day 5: Taronga Zoo, Luna Park.
Day 6: Manly Beach, Circular Quay.
Day 7: Home sweet home.

Aiden at JSSL-Arsenal on 13 August

Aiden (number 88 and green boots) at JSSL-Arsenal on 13 August. Crazy hot day and sick Aiden ended the morning by vomiting in the car. 😱 Today's team doesn't really pass the ball so it was tough to play properly. Loved the way he used his pace for his second goal though! Good finish. ⚽️⚽️

Aiden at JSSL-Arsenal on 6 August

Aiden (number 88 and green boots) at JSSL-Arsenal on 6 August. Not much time on the ball as Aiden was either the goalkeeper or the defender. Got so bored I asked him to play upfront towards the end. He's more suited as an attacking player for now. Scored the only goal of the game.⚽️

Aiden at JSSL-Arsenal on 30 July

Aiden (number 88 and green boots) at JSSL-Arsenal on 30 July. Finally had some free game time after two weeks of training sessions with positional coaching. Not easy for kids to understand at their age! Aiden have not been practising much and kept passing the ball even when unnecessary. The Arsenal way?? 😂 Eventually scored the only goals of the game after a slow start. ⚽️⚽️

Skyhigh Trampoline Park

It was a dreary Monday for me, so I rounded up the family after work and hopped over (pun intended) to the nearest trampoline park I could find - Skyhigh Trampoline Park. Our first time doing this! There used to be one in Tanjong Katong (in the old TKSS campus where I studied!), but the government lease didn't get extended. So to Serangoon Gardens we went!

The name of the place was a hint of what was to come, although it didn't tell us Mummy Cher was going to hurt her ankle less than one minute into the jumping. If I had known, I would ask her to observe from the viewing gallery instead haha.

Anyway, the lady boss was there and was super nice. It was pretty quiet too when we arrived at 7.15pm, so I'm guessing weekdays are completely kids friendly at Skyhigh Trampoline Park. Aiden was so certain he could jump around for at least two hours (they close at 9pm), but I had to concede defeat after just one hour. One recommendation would be to wear rubber grip socks as it can be quite difficult to jump forward or backward with normal socks.

Skyhigh Trampoline Park may be one of the smallest trampoline parks in Singapore, but the prices are reasonable, and you get exactly the same workout as you get from the bigger ones. The children are already asking when we are jumping back there again!

Charges: $12-$15 per hour per pax. Free for an adult accompanying a child below 3 years old!
Website: www.skyhigh.com.sg
Address: #01-05/06, 45 Burghley Drive, Burghley Lifestyle Hub, Singapore 559022

Visiting Coney Island Singapore

Today, we finally brought the kids out to Coney Island (or Pulau Serangoon), a small island in north eastern Singapore.

Thought it's a good idea to try out the new camera there (we bought the Canon 80D + 18-135mm STM for videos, which complements the Canon 6D + 24-105mm L for photos). We were delayed by the rain but eventually made our way to the West entrance (next to the Punggol Settlement) to Coney Island and spent about an hour roaming around. Must go back soon to see the rest of the island!

Winning in life

A photo posted by Darren Yang (@darrenshyang) on Jul 10, 2016 at 1:26am PDT

Today was a good opportunity to bring the old trophies and medals (from Primary 5 to my SAFSA days in the Army!) out from storage for some story telling. Aiden always wanted to know more about my past races and competitions, and I wanted to reinforce values that I've taught him since young - trying your best and never giving up. Hopefully he will be inspired to do better. 

The trigger for all this was actually his bad attitude during soccer training yesterday. He was not his usual self and didn't seem to be trying his best. Usually, I would only comment on his efforts but other parents and the coach do praise him for being one of the best players in the group. He knows this and would think highly of himself. I thought he was being complacent and too proud.

Anyway, as I recalled and went through the little stories behind each and every trophy and medal, I was a little bit surprised by how I managed to learn something from each triumph and defeat. In the past, I think it was more about winning than the life lessons, the destination rather than the journey. All the nostalgia almost made me feel like putting on spikes and doing some sprints there and then. Luckily, I have already thrown away my spikes and my sizeable tummy was hindering movement anyway.

Sometimes I forget that Aiden is only 5, and is already showing more maturity and sensibility than many of his age. A timely reminder for myself that he will learn things his way.

Aiden at JSSL-Arsenal on 9 July

Aiden (blue bib and green boots) at JSSL-Arsenal on 9 July. Massive pile up with a 7-a-side game this week. Aiden can't find a way past all the legs and was moving too slowly. Team won 1-0 but I wasn't happy with his lack of effort. Try your best Aiden like how I always taught you!

Aiden at JSSL-Arsenal on 2 July

Aiden (green bib and green boots) at JSSL-Arsenal on 2 July. Just like what Wales showed us last night, good team work wins you games. Aiden and this Japanese kid Kotaro combining well. ⚽️⚽️⚽️⚽️

Aiden at JSSL-Arsenal on 18 June

Aiden (yellow bib and green boots) at JSSL-Arsenal on 18 June. Kept going even after being kicked a few times haha. 👍🏼 Good job with his passing and footwork too although his shooting and dribbling could be better! 加油！ ⚽️⚽️⚽️⚽️

My son the troll

My son the troll. We were having an intense kickabout ⚽️ at home when he stopped abruptly to make a card. Well ok, it is Father's Day after all 😍. I thought wrong. "Sorry Daddy you have a red card because you don't listen to the rules".

A photo posted by Darren Yang (@darrenshyang) on Jun 19, 2016 at 9:08pm PDT

What have I done to deserve such a son?! LOL!

Aiden at JSSL-Arsenal on 11 June

Aiden (green bib and green boots) at JSSL-Arsenal on 11 June. Mummy Cher and Ah Gong brought him to the training as I was away. Hilarious seeing how his team celebrated the goals together! 😁

Great team work among all his team mates. Made everything seem super fun although game time was much shorter than usual. Aiden contributed a fine goal and an assist to help the team win. ⚽️

Aiden at JSSL-Arsenal on 4 June

Aiden (number 88 and green boots) at JSSL-Arsenal on 4 June. Slowly getting used to playing with the older and tougher kids. Still in sloth mode though. His team didn't win but showed good team work. Continue to work hard! ⚽️⚽️

Aiden at JSSL-Arsenal on 28 May

Aiden (pink bib and green boots) at JSSL-Arsenal on 28 May. He seemed to be interested in only two things - defending and passing to his teammates. Not his usual self I thought. No goals from him today, played poorly and his team lost. You gotta try your best Aiden!

The Yangs go to Hong Kong 2016 (Video)

The Yangs go to Hong Kong! Ava's first time there. We usually stay in the Mong Kok area for the shopping and to soak in the energy of the city. This time is different as I planned kids-friendly places to go and tried to do new activities. Had to ditch the original plan to go to Japan due to the April earthquakes. The kids obviously didn't mind though! They had lots of fun!

Aiden at JSSL-Arsenal on 21 May

Aiden (number 88 and green boots) at JSSL-Arsenal on 21 May. He got promoted to the next age group so it's more difficult to dribble past the older kids now. Watched too much football on TV that's why his falls are so dramatic!? Good 2-1 comeback win. Never give up! ⚽️⚽️

Aiden at JSSL-Arsenal on 14 May

Aiden (wearing blue bib and green boots) at JSSL-Arsenal on 14 May. 3 teams playing all at once means massive pile-ups! Aiden was abit yaya papaya today cos of the goals he scored. Football is a team game my dear boy. 👬👬⚽️👬👬

Aiden at JSSL-Arsenal on 7 May

Aiden (wearing green bib and green boots) at JSSL-Arsenal on 7 May. No training last week as the older kids and coaches were at the JSSL International tournament. Rusty Aiden switching on his sloth mode again! Not much playing time as the kids were split into 3 teams. He seems to be in a good mood though!