Turning Five

Dhamia has officially turned five. And to make her birthday celebration even more memorable, we decided to throw a surprise birthday party at her kindergarten. It was even a more memorable celebration for her as we engaged the services of McDonald's to handle and organise the birthday party. Infact it was something that we had planned for a while.

Like any other birthday party, the celebration started off with the singing of "Happy Birthday' followed by cake cutting. Then it was off to the compound of the kindergarten when a game and sing-along was held. It might have been a simple affair but one thing is for sure, it was certainly one memorable affair.

A Professional Lady?

How about a photo before I start my company training? So how do I look? Do I look like a professional lady? Looks like she even had some trouble carrying the big and heavy organiser with her small hands. But that did not prevent her from giving on of those cute poses.

Round And Round In A Carousel

This was Dhamia's first ride on the carousel. The moment is saw the carousel during our visit to Paradigm Mall I decided to let Dhamia have her first ride. This was after I saw a carousel in Melaka which I did not have the opportunity to let her ride on. 

I certainly did not expect her to be frightened the moment she stepped onto the carousel. Looking at her I do not think she enjoyed the ride. Well, that is to be expected since this was her first ride.

CNY Fashion Statement

So how's this for a Chinese New Year outfit? This is the first time Dhamia is donning a cheongsam. I have had the idea of getting her one of these outfits for Chinese New Year although it I have to admit that it was kind of tough looking for it. I find it hard to believe that I could not find any shop selling this cheongsam at two of the major shopping centres in Melaka, namely Mahkota Parade and Dataran Pahlawan. I guess wearing cheongsam for Chinese New Year is no longer the in-thing...well, at least judging from what I have discovered.

Luckily I was able to find this at Madam King. Looks like it's time for the apiau girl to show off her cheongsam.

Year Of The Ram

It's the Chinese New Year decoration again, and this time around, at the newly-opened shopping centre in Melaka, The Shore. As this is still a rather new shopping centre, the place seemed to be attracting quite a large crowd as people want to see what the shopping has to offer. One look at it one would not be wrong to say that this place can be considered as Melaka's answer to KL's Lot 10 or Pavilion.

I guess one of the main attractions here is the beautifully lighted fountains both at the front and the rear of the shopping complex. The fountain really brightened up the entire place at night. No wonder so many visitors are taking advantage of it to have their photos taken around the fountain...Dhamia included.

The Hijabi Girl

Hi there. Recognise me? 

Dhamia trying out her sister's tudung. And I must say that she really look cute in it...especially with that smile. 

Free Balloon In Batu Pahat

A free balloon for Dhamia courtesy of an old man who has nothing else better to do than to play around with balloons and creating all sorts of shapes. Knowing Dhamia, balloon is her favourite and like always, a balloon for her can only last a few minutes. What to expect from someone as hyperactive as her.

CNY In The Air Again

Chinese New Year is in the air again and as always, shopping complexes in Melaka seem to be competing with one another in coming up with the most interesting and creative CNY decorations. Of course, these shopping complexes will go to the ends of the world just to show off their creativity.

One thing is for sure. This is perhaps one of the best time for shutter bugs as there are virtually endless possibilities. How about the mangkuk siah and beaded nyonya shoes for decoration? Not directly linked with CNY but still very much linked with Melaka as they are considered as icons for the Nyonya community in Melaka.

So thumbs up for the decoration?

Master Chef In Action

She completely ignored the food just to play with the toy kitchen set. From afar she looks just like a master chef in her kitchen. Too much television? Perhaps. Guess we need to visit this place again since she really enjoyed herself with the toy

Dhamia & The Pandas

Dhamia and panda...? Well this was not taken in Chengdu but at the AmBank building in KL. What does AmBank has anything to do with pandas? Now that is a good question. Your guess is just as good as mine.

When I found out about this panda poster, I made it a point to get Dhamia to pose in front of the poster together with the pandas. Of course taking her photos was by far more challenging than taking photos of the actual pandas. But after a few failed attempts, I managed to snap a few of her photos, although not really in the position that I actually wanted.

Now that I have managed to snap her photos, it brings me to the question, "Who is cuter? Dhamia or the pandas?" I guess both of them are cute in their own ways.

Minding My Own Business

Where Dhamia is concern, she will do just about what she wants and when she wants it, regardless of where she is. These photos are evident enough of what she is capable of doing. She just enjoyed herself doing what she does best while I sat there enjoying my cup of Pacific Coffee and watching her strut her stuff. As long as she is happy...

White Christmas

When it comes to Christmas, what is better than having your photos taken next to a Christmas tree. Luckily we managed to Dhamia to stand quietly by the tree to have her photos taken. Knowing her, taking photos is never an easy task. But thankfully, this time around, she was rather quiet and this made the entire process easier. Just Christmas trees. No Santas around this time around.

Adult or child, a christmas tree is always a best place to have your photos taken. Looks like Paradigm Mall was beautifully decorated with all sorts of christmas decorations, most of all christmas trees, This was our first visit to Paradigm Mall and what a perfect timing with all these decorations. 

Although I must say it was quite tiring walking around the shopping complex due to its sheer size.

A Train Ride

Back in Shah Alam...and since there is nothing else better to do, I decided to take the entire family on a commuter ride from Shah Alam to Klang. Other than to waste some time, this was also to give Dhamia her first taste of taking a ride on the KTM Komuter train. Well, not only Dhamia. Actually riding on trains is also one of my favourites.

I guess she did not know what to expect since her first ride on a KTM Komuter train was many months ago when she was still a baby. However, Dhamia being Dhamia, it was difficult to determine if she was excited or not as being quiet is something quite foreign to her.

At least the KTM Komuter service nowadays is better than what it used to be back in those days when I was still in Shah Alam. Even then, you still have to wait for sometime for the train to show up. KTM being KTM sometimes you can expect the schedule to be thrown out the window...especially when you are rushing to reach somewhere.

This is the only way to keep Dhamia quiet while in the train...keep her sandwiched between both her brother and sister. We have no other choice as she just has the uncanny ability to turn the place upside down...even in a train. A train without many passenger like this can be one heck of a big play room for her.

And of course, any place is always a good place for photo...including a KTM Komuter coach. What else is there to be done while waiting for the train to depart Port Klang. Furthermore, we had the entire coach all to ourselves. So might as well make full use of it.

Overall, I bet it was a fun ride for Dhamia...and for myself. Perhaps we should do this more often. Anyone for another KTM Komuter ride...?

An Outing In Port Dickson

Port Dickson - one of my favourite places to visit. Come to think of it, I have even lost track of how many times we have visited Port Dickson over the years. Although there is nothing special about this place, except for the beach, we have never grown tired of Port Dickson. Over the years, Port Dickson may have become a little hectic and chaotic on weekends. But it is still a place worth visiting if you are thinking of relaxing and letting your hair down.

Looks like even little Mia is enjoying her coconut juice by the beach. She seemed to be the one who really enjoyed every moment of it whenever we are out travelling...provided of course she does not throw a tantrum. 

Well, looking forward to another outing at Port Dickson, hopefully soon. About time to relax and forget about work for awhile.

Fun In The Pool

Time for a little dip in the swimming pool. Somehow you just can't separate a swimming pool from a holiday outing. Infact, this is what makes a holiday outing even more memorable and fun. After her first introduction to a swimming pool in Pangkor several months ago, I thought that Dhamia would be more open to the idea of taking a dip in the pool. Boy. Was I wrong.

She still freaked out when we took her into the pool. So much so she did not want to let go of us in the pool. Guess that it will take quite some getting used to before she can truly enjoy herself in the pool.

Mickey Mouse Look-Alike

 Hi there. How do I look? Dhamia with the Mickey Mouse look-alike cap. The cap some how looked perfect on her.

Check Up

It is time for Dhamia's medical check up. And as usual, everything seems to be play thing to her. Even the weighing apparatus was something worth checking out...where Dhamia is concern at least. At least it was easy when it comes to medical check up. Unlike other kids, Dhamia do not seem to mind each of the visit to the clinic.

Makan Time

 Okay. She finally got her nuggets and that was probably why she stopped crying. Hehehe. Look at how she is enjoying her meal. When it comes to makan, Dhamia is always the champ.

Many Faces Of Dhamia

 Waiting...

 Still waiting...

 Now she's really pissed off...

Nu Sentral

 This was my first visit to Nu Sentral and my first expression when I saw the place was 'wow'. This was certainly a huge shopping complex, with numerous outlets of branded goods. Looks like this place will give Pavillion a run for its money. 

Even Dhamia found the place wonderful as she was running all over the place and enjoying herself. The wide open space was certainly perfect for something like this. 

Guess I will need to come back to this place again soon to check out the entire shopping complex.