Marina Bay Sands and Gardens by the Bay

Wednesday we took Kathy and Bryan to Marina Bay Sands Hotel and Gardens by the Bay. We love both these places so it was fun to go again. This time we wandered a little through the lobby of the hotel which was a lot of fun and then found a walk way across that went above the road. The views up there were spectacular and it was so fun to see all the skyline of Singapore that we love. 

We wandered through the gardens and little and of course ended up at the splash pad for the kids to play. We thought these little kids with their lunches were so cute and every single one of them had rice, of course. There was a huge downpour so Kathy and I ended up taking Hannah and Hyrum back to the apartment. Bryan tried to wait it out with the boys so they could go on the high walk ways between the solar trees but the rain never stopped enough for them to open again. 

Singapore Night Safari

On Tuesday night we went to the Night Safari. It's a huge attraction in Singapore, everyone says a must see. Only it doesn't open until 7 pm so it's a late night outing. The fire show before was really cool and Hyrum loved it, as did all of the kids. Was very stinky though with all the gas they were using. 

The zoo was pretty cool and it was really fun at first to be wandering around at night and seeing all the animals in the dark. Everyone got a little tired by the time we walked through everything though so Taylor took Hyrum home. Kathy, Bryan, the kids and I went to one of the shows which was interesting and fun to see the animals. Then we rode the short train ride, about 20 minutes. By then the kids were so tired and we were all ready to go home. It was fun though and definitely glad we went!

Botanical Gardens and Orchids

Monday evening we headed to the Botanical Gardens. It was a public holiday this day...Hari Raya, so we had Taylor all day. The Botanical Gardens are so beautiful and so close to our flat I can't believe this was the first and only time we made it there. The grounds are extensive with several different gardens. Most are free, but there is a orchid garden so of course we paid to go into that one since we love orchids. Did not disappoint--there were so many different, beautiful varieties we had never seen. Orchids are such a cool, delicate, bright flower. 

Then we let the kids run around in the field near the pond and wandered back towards home. It was a wonderful, peaceful trip.  

Little India with Kathy and Brian

Monday morning we went to Little India with Kathy and Brian. My 3rd visit here during our trip and I really love this area. The food is incredible and the shopping is fun. I love the streets here with all their stalls. After shopping a bit and eating, Hyrum and I headed home for his nap while everyone else went over to Mustafa...a giant, giant famous store. Unfortunately I forgot to get the key from Taylor so Hyrum didn't get down for a nap and they all had to cut their trip short. 

We still had a great morning/afternoon though and Hyrum and I enjoyed riding the mrt home and looking at all the cool mosiac tiles at the Doby Ghaut station. 

Australia Some More

After coming back from lunch/chocolate, we went with Kim's family to Freemantle prison near their house. Since Australia was basically settled by prisoners this was a good history tour as well as very interesting. Somewhat creepy with all the information about the former prisoners and how they were kept but an interesting tour. 

That night Kim and I looked through all her quilts and talked about sewing projects. Plus of course ate more pavlova. =] 

Sunday I went to church with Brian and the older girls since Mei was sick Kim stayed home with her. And Brian is in the bishopric so I got to sit with the girls. As well as play the piano in Sacrament Mtg. Ha. It was fun to attend church there though.

Afterwards Kim and I went down to the beach for an hour or so since it was the only clear/sunny day I was there. The beach was really pretty and with the sun shining it wasn't too freezing. We just walked along and chatted but got a little to close to the water at one point and got a freezing wave. So my pants were wet up until my flight left.

It was a really fun visit and very relaxing. I slept so well both nights I was there. Even the airport was nice Sunday evening, getting dinner and wandering through the shops. Then back home to meet up with all my crazies and Taylor's parents who arrived the night before. 

Australia, The Beginning

My flight to Australia was 5 am to 10 am but it was lovely because I was ALONE. So I was able to sleep for 3 hours and then read half a book. Plus only 5 hours? Totally doable. 

Kim picked me up at the airport and we headed back to her place for lunch and then a friend of hers came over to teach us how to make this yummy Aussie dessert called pavlova. It was delish and we snacked on it all weekend. 

After her kids got home from school we headed to a local cemetery (because I love them) where wild kangaroos live (double bonus). They were really interesting to watch and we saw several babies in their moms' pouches. We had pizza on the pier for dinner and saw a ukulele band playing. 

Sadly the whole weekend I was in Perth it was freezing...like in the 60s which is a full 30 degrees cooler than Singapore and I had no clothes for it. Brrr. So I borrowed a jacket from Kim but I had to wear my flip flops since I had no closed shoes and her feet are smaller than mine.

Saturday morning Kim and I ran to the temple. Then we met some of her friends (one I knew from Houston) for lunch and chocolate. It was perfect because a) I love excellent food, b) she took me to a Jamie Oliver restaurant, and c) we had amazing chocolate afterwards. The dessert place is called Koko Black and it was there that I ate the best dessert I have ever had in my life. Seriously. Mmm. Also I spent $36 on chocolate to take home to Taylor and the kids. Good thing Kim paid for both my lunch and dessert as a birthday present. 

Excellent first half of my Australia trip.