Fishing Escapades

at Fremantle port - d' first time we went fishing
(it was a cold night and the moon was shining brightly @ d' night sky)

Fishing's our new found weekend recreation. It started more than 3 weekends ago when we (spur of the moment) decided together with some of our friends to go fishing. Unfortunately, on the first weekend we went fishing we were not able to have any valid catch. The ones we've caught were either a blowfish (butete) or an undersized fish (they have a very strict fishing regulations here especially when it comes to the size and kind of fish).

fishing at Fremantle near Austal
(caught not a blowfish but an undersized one...
so, we needed to put it back to the waters)

I realized that fishing isn't that easy at all if you don't have the right mind set to do it and the patience that goes with it. But it's a nice feeling when you're able to catch something out from the sea. Though, it didn't really matter to us that we're not able to have a lot of catch because we were enjoying the process with the company of our friends. And personally, my eyes were busy feasting with the great views around me that somehow made my thoughts wander.

fishing at rocks, North Quay Fremantle

Last weekend, Thomas went fishing with one of our friends. I decided to stay at home since Poch and I were still recuperating from cough and colds as a result of our fishing activities the past weeks. The cold wind triggered my sinusitis which led to a very bad migraine. Maybe when the weather's not that cold anymore I'll join fishing again.

Malou & Rommel, our fishing mates

After fishing, we would then prepare for a small 'sutukil salu-salo' out from the fishes caught. Nothing beats the taste of the fresh seafoods shared over a meal with good friends.

*****

More photos on my Multiply site.

Disco

ready to dance the night away =)

Last Friday, Poch attended for the first time the Disco night sponsored by the parents and faculty association at their school. Initially, I would not have wanted her to join the Disco but I felt guilty for I knew that I have been depriving her of some of her time in school because I was too sick to bring her to school. So, I thought I'll make it up to her by letting her dance the night away.

Poch was so excited that she asked Thomas to hurry up in eating his dinner because she might be late for the Disco. Good thing that she accepted my suggestion of what outfit to wear but she completed it by choosing on her own the foot wear. She said, "I'm not going wear anything with high heels, mommy, because I'm going to dance and it'll make my foot hurt."... hehehe I realized when we get to the venue that she's right. The dance floor was quite big that the kids were able to move freely. And most of them(including Poch), just took off their shoes and dance barefoot on the dance floor.

kids w/ their parents on the dance floor

Thomas and I were amazed to witness Poch really dancing not only with her classmates but also with her other schoolmates. We could feel and see that she was having fun for she performed the requests of the DJ together with the other kids. Shortly before the disco night ended, parents were asked to join their kids on the dance floor. So, I joined Poch on the dance floor while Thomas tried to take some photos and videos. We were made to dance three songs (Hokey Pokey, Macarena, & YMCA) and it was real fun. And I realized that it was a rare bonding moment for us. I was glad that I did not pass this opportunity to be with Poch in this kind of school activity.

all smiles after the disco =)

Poch was all smiles after the Disco. They were all given potato chips as snacks. Though it was just an hour of fun but it was all worth it. It surely made a good start for the weekend. =)

Poch's 5th Birthday

Poch doing her own painting activity =)

My daughter, Cybelle Louise (aka Poch), turned 5 last April 9. Months before her birthday I already informed her that we're not having a big party like what some of her classmates were having on their birthdays. I told her that we're just going to give out lollies to her classmates before the 1st school term ends. She agreed but not without letting me know what she wants. She said, "Ok mommy. But you have to give me a hundreds thousands of millions of gifts... and you and daddy should surprise me on my birthday!".

our surprise for Poch =)

So, we decided to give her 6 story books, 1 story puzzle book , 1 activity wipe-off book and a 2 in 1 magnetic chalkboard set (note: everything were at a discounted price since it's on sale). On the eve of her birthday, I wrapped each book separately to make it seem that we got 'hundreds thousands of millions of gifts' for Poch... hehehehe... Then, Thomas and I arranged the gifts at one corner of her playroom with some balloons for decoration (as seen on the pic above). We were both excited to see what her reaction will be.

her reaction upon seeing the surprise =)

When she woke up at past 8am on her birthday, I greeted her and gave her hugs and kisses. She was in a good mood and I could sense her excitement for her special day. Thomas reminded me the night before to refrain to have some disagreements with her since it's her day which I reluctantly complied heheheh... After I let her do her morning rituals in the bathroom, I showed her our simple surprise presents for her. I was delighted to see her big smile (as seen on the above pic) when she saw the surprise. She even told me after opening all the gifts, "It's the best birthday ever I have, mommy!". Then, she gave me a hug. (I guess it's her way of saying thank you hehehe)

at d' mall's free indoor play area

After having a late breakfast, we hurriedly bathed and prepared ourselves to do some malling together with one of our friend here. At the mall, we bought some more materials (poster paints, water colors, paint brushes, markers, chalks, apron, sketch paper) that Poch will be needing for the painting activity she has in mind (like on the top most pic). I made sure that we got a great deal when it comes to prices of the goods by choosing again the ones on sale hehehehe Then, we had a short lunch break and proceeded to do some grocery shopping for the things we needed for the small get together we planned to have on Easter Sunday. I let Poch played at the mall's free indoor play area and rode some kiddie rides scattered around the mall.

baking yummy choco crinkles =)

While I was preparing dinner that night, Malou (our friend) and Poch had a bonding activity. They baked yummy choco crinkles. Afterwhich, Poch started to do her painting activity in her playroom while the adults were having chit chats over dinner.

birthday cake candle blowing =)

And on Easter Sunday, we had a small get together dinner not only to celebrate Easter as well as Poch's birthday with a few chosen friends of ours. Our friends helped us in the preparation especially in cooking some of the dishes. We're so grateful for all their help and for all the gifts they gave to Poch. It really made her so happy. It was the first time that she interacted with our friends and played with their sons and daughters too. It was already past midnight when all our guests left our place but as what my college barkada J wrote on one of her blog, "...when at the end of the day your body is tired, but your heart is happy", it's exactly how I felt that night. I could say that all the tire was well worth it. Seeing the joy in Poch's eyes was enough to ease the tiredness away.

Happy 5th birthday, Anak! =) We're so proud of you! We love you so much!!!

*****

PS. When Malou asked Poch what her birthday wish was... she blurted out, "I want a baby brother and a baby sister!"... What?!!!!! hehehhe