Month: January 2009

The following morning after early Christmas celebration with Sia family, my mom, youngest sis, 3rd sis and family, me and Jonathan boy (Darling couldn’t take leave) travelled down to Hatyai in a fully-loaded Avanza. 3rd BIL’s sister stay in Hatyai so we got ourselves free accomodation, free food, free transport and free translator 😛 .

We enjoyed sitting on the uncovered pick-up truck.

 

If it wasn’t for 3rd BIL’s nieces (on the left and right, center is my youngest sis) who can converse in Thai, we will be talking cats and dogs, pointing and showing signs.

Purpose of the trip was not for a last minute Christmas shopping but targeted shopping for bags, shoes and pyjammas. That was our target but only 1 out of 3 targets achieved…BAGS.  I got my handbag at RM50 and I think it is not really cheap as compared to branded bags on 50% – 70% sales over here. It’s either we are not good in bargaining or the prices really gone up. Zebra’s cookware cost so much more compared to few years ago. Pyjammas selling at pasar malam here is cheaper than those selling in Hatyai. Youngest sis got a travel suitcase at RM110 which I think is a good buy. We didn’t go for much Thai authentic food as 3rd BIL’s sis rarely eat out.

   

None of us dare to try the well-known fried insects or worms.

 

Mom found home made ice lolli which she used to enjoy when she was a kid. They pour carbonated drink into the iron rod and soak it in salted ice water. Within few minutes, you got the ice lolli at just 30 cents.

 

We have seen this bottle before in KL but just didn’t know why we got attracted to it and start camwhoring with it. Silly us… 😛

We went to hypermarkets like Tesco and Makro. Milk powders there are few dollars cheaper but I wonder if it is of the same formula so ended up not buying as I rather not take any risk. The diet of Malaysian babies maybe different from Thai babies. We bought a trolley of Lay’s potato chips. They are real cheap. I saw a Malaysian tourist bought a trolley full of it.

Mom not forgetting to bring home some Thai fragrant rice for Dad. I’m not a picky eater so I can’t differentiate local and Thai rice. We changed for around 4000 baht and all gone after spending 3D 2N there. Nothing much we have bought but mostly spent on the food.  Food there are not cheap though. All broke and so time to go to Penang to replenish our vitamin “M”.

Last but not least……

Jonathan sitting happily on his car seat at the back of the Avanza stuffed with lots of things.

C r A z Y…when the Ling Family get together, especially the 6 of us.

The family is always complete on Christmas unlike 1st day of CNY, some of us have to be with the in-laws. The tradition has always be that we have makan-makan on the eve of Christmas with some self-organised performance and caroling then followed by presents time. On the morning of Christmas day, we will be at church to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ with other fellow Christians.

We take turn to host each year’s Christmas. This time is 2nd sis turn and that is the reason why we were in Penang last Christmas.  Here are the photos……

 

Each year we did our own caroling but this year, 2nd sis invited 5 young and sweet carolers.

 

 

 

The kids put up some dances. Ideas and creation all came from my talented 11 years old eldest niece. We were so impressed with them. Even the youngest grandchild were part of the performance as “Baby Jesus” in a “manger”.

 

Who is the Santa this year? The host of course…my 2nd BIL. This is a naughty Santa cause he tried to throw the kids into the pool. Jonathan boy is afraid of him too. 😛

 

The eve of Christmas is bring to close with a prayer from my Dad. Dad always prayed very meaningful prayers and he never forgets to bless his children, son-in-laws and grandchildren.

 

So, this is the Ling family. The family pic gets outdated every year with new addition in the family.  3rd sis will be expecting a baby in June.

 

And Dad is waiting for his youngest daughter to find a soulmate and get married! Ahem…

 

 

Last but not least…Presents time. The kids can’t wait to find out what’s inside all the pretty wrapped boxes and so were their mommies. 😛

 

We forgot to take the pics of the food (except the sushi) but never forget to mention the yummy food we had.  Laksa, sushi, pandan chicken, sponge cake and soya jelly. Yummy, all homemade.  Eldest sis very pro in making sushi with lots of fish caviar and mayo.