After Dark at Da-An Park

Never have we've been to Da-An Park after dark. This is the first time. And even though it's cooler comparing to the daytime, it's still damn hot. Mamma could feel the sweat running down her legs.

Austin finally had his second lesson in rollerblading. Since it was cancelled for the past 3 weeks, due to rain, rain, and more rain, we were lucky that the sun came out after the thunderstorm in the afternoon!

He could finally maintain his balance standing on slippery supface instead of just walking on grass...



After the lesson, he wanted to stay and play at the playground where there are fewer people than during the day because it's almost 9pm. Mamma just wants to go home where there's air condition...



This Energizer Bunny just keeps going on and on...



And finally, he could swing himself...


Doesn't the temperature cools down after a thunderstorm? It's going to be a long hot summer...

That's a Wrap!

We've been celebrating Austin's birthday ever since May... Now, everytime he sees a cake, he says "Not again!" Besides, he doesn't eat cake anyway.

But presents he likes and could never get enough of them. So we waited until the last minute to give him our presents, a Thomas and Friends Wooden Railway additions from mamma, a Thomas and Friends Tomy additions from YeYe/NaiNai, plus daddy's Lego Gas Station Set he picked out while we're in Hsin Chu.


He already picked out his present for Christmas. All he needs to do is to learn to write to Santa this year!

Playdate

Mamma hasn't seen Auntie Karin for a long time, ever since school's out.

We finally met up one afternoon and had our little chat while watching the kids play. It was so heart warming that Auntie Karin even got us a birthday cake, gave us a little birthday celebration and offered mamma vodka 7up!

Trading toys... Austin trade his DS with Changton's keyboard...



Goofing around...



"Don't do that Austin!"... Mamma had to stop Austin from pursuing with his new discovery...



A rubber band kept Austin busy for a very long time...



Somehow... they were often together but playing seperately...


Thank you Auntie Karin for inviting us! We love you!

Hsin Chu Leofoo Village

On our second day in Hsin Chu, Austin didn't wake up 'til 11... So we had a late start off to Leofoo Village. Fortunately, it's not as crowded as we expected it. And the amusement park is not very big, therefore very manageable!

Our first stop is the Animal Safari, where we stayed the longest and saw every single animal by bus, steam engine, and air bicycle.

Austin was first afraid to ride the steam engine at first. He just covered his ears and watched the train goes by...



But realizing, after the bus tour, that most animals could only be seen on the steam engine tour, and not on foot, he decided to get on the train...



Austin and the steam engine...



The Monkey Trail...



On the Flying Horses Merry-Go-Round in the Arabian Kingdom by himself...



"Ships Ahoy!"... Riding on the Kid's Katamaran at the South Pacific...



Baby Railroad & Train ride at the Wild West...



Wild Wagon Round-Up (baby Ferris Wheel)... with only 6 carriages...



Looking at the scary rides going up and down was one of his favorite thing to do at the park. Too scared to ride them, but loves to watch them...


Overall, the experience was pleasant... not a lot of loud noises and didn't get on anything too dark, fast, or scary... So unlike Disneyland, there was no anxiety and no crying! Yippee!

Thank Auntie June for recommending the park! If you get us free ticket, we'd go again. Ha~~~~~

Hsin Chu Coastline

For Austin's birthday, daddy took us on a 2-day trip to Hsin Chu.

One of the best part of the trip is the High Speed Rail ride to Hsin Chu. Once we arrived, we checked-in, took a little break, then headed to the coastline.

We rented a bike from the first rental we saw, then paddled our way to see the 17 Kilometers Coastline Scenery...



Nanliao Harbor 南寮 was our first stop. The harbor has a variety of activities including a recreational pier and a sports park, everything in Mediterranean style...



The best part is that all the scenic area are linked together with the coastal bike lane...



The windmill clock tower...



The harbor features Hsin Chu's Direst Sale Center where the first floor is a fish market and a restaurant on the second. Visitors can order from the menu or buy their own seafood from downstairs and ask the restaurant to cook it for them. Unfortunately, our timing was wrong...



A surprise discovery... a mini-bike riding spot...



Full speed ahead...



Trying to operate the vehicle on his own...



Austin happily dancing around the platform...



Curious what's on the other side...



The most beautiful sunset on the beach of Hsin Chu...



Unfortunately, stopping at too many spots, we've only rode less than 2 kilometer out of the 17. Not even sure if we reached the Sea Viewing Park yet...



Time to head on back before getting dark...


The coastline is a must visit when in Hsin Chu. Beautiful!

Austin's Birthday Get Together

Austin's birthday is on 6/30. But the celebration just keeps on going...

... He already had a birthday party in school, in May, with his classmates.

... Mamma then took him to Green Bay on a "Just the Two of Us" birthday getaway.

... Now, the weekend prior to his birthday, we had a little get together with Auntie June, Auntie Jamie, GeGe and DiDi.

... Daddy promised to take him somewhere on his birthday.

... And YeYe NaiNai awaits to celebrate with him after he returns.

....................................................................................................

Toys were all over the living room so mamma assumes everyone is having fun. The girls chatted while the boys are busy playing...



Make a wish and blow...



Due to the thunderstorm the entire afternoon, mamma was late getting stuff and preparing for the party. So the DIY High Speed Rail Cake was a bit rushed and didn't turn out the way it should...



Happy 6th Birthday...

Fulong

Austin has changed from "scared of the beach" to "loving the beach" since last summer. So Fulong is the fourth beach we've visited this month! And there's a Sand Sculpture Festival running from 5/30 to 6/28.

To get to the beach, one has to buy a ticket, pass through the property of Fulong Resort 貝悅酒店 and cross a long bridge...



Checking out the sand sculptures...



A steam engine...



Sponge Bob and Patrick...



Doraemon, and many more...



Austin and mamma...



Surf's up...



Happily playing with his sand toys...



Or just enjoying playing in the sand...



Cleaning up his sandy hands, arms, legs and feet...



Finally had the courage to go in the water...


The day ended with him falling while jumping the waves, choked and drank some salty sea water, cried for his mamma, and headed on home at sunset...

PS. The wind was blowing so harsh that our skin literally hurts from the flying sand. No one dare to take off their shirt unless they're in the water. And just after 15 minutes of laying out, mamma's entire body became covered with sand. That's how hard the wind was blowing...

Chinese Writing

Austin already mastered his bo-po-mo-fo skill after taking class for a year. Now it's time for some Chinese characters... The boy absolutely HATES writing, especially on paper! So the only way to get him to practice is on the white board. Now we're doing it everyday!

Lookin' good!