I felt happy today when the two boys offered to help me with the chores. They have been folding and keeping their clothes in the cupboards, putting their laundry in the laundry basket, keeping their toys and so on all these while but today seems special. After dinner today, the eldest asked if he can help me with any chores. I told him I am left with mopping of the kitchen floor and he offered to help me. I was a little apprehensive as I was not sure if he will end up messing things up rather than helping, but I said ok. I was amused that he was all ready to help, having his sleeves and trousers folded up. He actually did a good job, although the floor was quite wet because he was not quite able to wring the floor mop. He followed up by turning on the fan to blow it dry. The younger one was also eager to help. He washed some dishes today. A few days ago, he folded all my clothes and kept them in the cupboard for me. I was pleasantly surprised.
This 4-week long holiday is the first holiday that we spent together, basically 24 hours a day. We did many things, at home and sometimes out. The eldest learnt to play the badminton during this period. He was motivated to play badminton because his classmates were able to play the sport. I got a pair of rackets for him to practise. He did not give up even though he couldn't quite hit the shuttle cock in the first 2 weeks. Now, he can serve quite well, and could play with his dad! The younger one took this 4 weeks to learn to read, and has made great improvement.
We started having holiday activities even before the June holidays. On 19-20 May, we went for an overnight camp at Sentosa's Underwater World. It was a very interesting experience, and for the first time, the kids experienced camping, and sleeping in a sleeping bag. It was also very interesting for me, to be sleeping with the fishes swimming overhead.
We went for farm visits, as well as Night Safari and Zoo. The first day of the holiday was spent at Botanic Garden picnicking. We went to Night Safari after a one year break. The visit to the zoo was also rather different this time. The children brought along their sketch pad, and they sketched animals as we went along the routes. It is meaningful and engaging.
Most times were spent at home, doing some reading, and revision work. The boys played a lot, and they have definitely built on their friendship with each other in this one month. They played so happily that I am pretty much left on my own at those times.
I am gonna miss them when the term starts again. While it can be tiring, these are moments to be treasured!
