holidays – May Lee Homes

December 2018

We try to have an annual family photo shoot. Honestly, I don’t know how long this would last. Maybe one day the kids will be like too cool for such things. Ohwells, I will take what I have for now. Lol.

We went Club Med Sahoro in December. Due to the lack of snow on the mountains, we decided to take a 2 day trip to Sapporo. Getting a family photo shoot in kimono was also planned and sponsored by Eugene’s aunt. (Thank you Aunt Gigi.)

Unfortunately, Megan was fairly ill for the 2 days in Sapporo. Hence, having taken some medication, she looked real drowsy in the photos. Suffice to say, Gillian and I were the ones who were more excited for the shoot since we got the chance to dress up and get make up and hair done. Ryan was grouchy that he had to wear a ‘dress’. E was okay. Just busy coaxing Megan since she only wanted him to carry her.

****

Mituki Sakura is a kimono salon where you get to select a kimono of your choice(of various price range), get yourself dressed up by professionals and have your hair/make-up done as well. There is photography service provided for an additional fee.

Here’s Gillian, looking super adorable in her kimono. I wanted something red and cute-sy with a red butterfly bow at the back but E told me to tone it down since I am already a mother of three. (-_-)

*****

The photographer gave us 3 options to choose from for the location shoot and we decided on the temple shoot because it was partially indoor(therefore heated and would be more bearable for Megan who was feeling poorly). Interestingly enough, our children, at that point in time were age 3, 5 and 7. Apparently, in Japan, Shichi-Go-San (七五三, lit. “Seven-Five-Three”) is a traditional rite of passage marker to celebrate the growth and well-being of children. Also, the ages 3, 5 and 7 are consistent with East Asian numerology, which holds that odd numbers are lucky.

Anyways, my point is that we could have some ‘ceremonial’ option for a small fee for the children when we were at the temple, which we did. Even though the religious part is different, that does not dilute our thankful hearts for all our 3 children.

The children had quite an experience, playing and running around in the kimonos.

The photographer also got E and I to pose for some couple shots which had quite hilarious BTS(behind the scenes). I suppose we are no longer as romantic as we were 9/10 years ago. It is odd considering how much we went through over the years(which is alot, btw). We, or maybe I should speak for myself, I am not giddy in love or head over heels with E. I am in a familiar and comfortable stage with E, where I know we have our backs for each other.

Towards the end of the shoot, it got much more chilly and the little ones were uncomfortable. We ended the 2 hour shoot quickly and went off to change back into our normal wear before heading to the Shiroi Koibito Park. We could have worn these traditional clothes for the entire day since we rented them. Honestly, it is not feasible when travelling with these little munchkins.

Overall, it was a memorable experience for all of us. Glad that it came along with some beautiful photos to print for our house.

*****

December 2018

When E told me that he booked a holiday package at Club Med Sahoro, I was like, ‘No… ski holidays are too expensive! And shopping for the ski clothes and equipment feels like a huge job already. And why am I spending money to put my kids in a club away from me? Shouldn’t a holiday means family bonding time?’

We did spend a couple of November weekend afternoons just to check out and purchase the items at Decathlon. It was so crowded and competitive shopping in the ski/snowboarding aisle. Felt like half of Singapore population were travelling off to do some sport in the snowy regions. *cue anxiety about packing*

The mess in the living room, along with prep for ski holiday.

*****

I am not sure about others but wow! E and I were blown away by how awesome Club Med Sahoro was. Service was impeccable and the hosts were warm and welcoming. For once ever, I felt recharged during a holiday with the kids. Like I am not spending half the time, mothering everyone, feeling high strung and mentally exhausted. Erhm…maybe it is just because for all our previous holidays, they sort of involved a semi-drama. Not even kidding- along the lines of missing passports, lost luggage, almost missing transport, a ‘semi-ghostly’ encounter… Incredibly stressful. I mean, looking back, we do get lots of laughs about it but not when it was happening. Like. No.

First day at Club Med- the kids were whisked off to their Mini Clubs. Because there was not enough snow to start our snowboarding classes, E and I just lounged around the resort, went for a snow hike, dipped in the Canadian bath, drank some more at the bar….ya’know. Just idling around. I almost felt like it was a mini honeymoon for us, since we mostly hung out and took photos of each other or together. Lol.

The first day was like,

‘OMG Eugene! I realise that I have much nothing to say to you when the kids are not around.’

‘What are we going to do now? What do you think the kids are doing? Do you think we are bad parents? Why are we neglecting them? Do you think Megan is crying?’

‘I am bored. Okayyy…let’s do the snow hiking thing together. Okay…let’s go for the Canadian bath. Let’s play table tennis.’

The thing is, it is not that bad to have some couple time with E during the trip when you know the kids are at some super children’s club, being taken care by very enthusiastic carers(who look like they like kids). Helps when there is an open bar. Haha. Anyone’s mood would be improved with some drinks.

The kids presumably had fun with their peers and being well-taken care of by their carers. Mainly, we met up for breakfasts, dinners, post dinner shows. They eat their lunch with the friends in a dedicated area at the restaurant.

The first hour after the kids left for the clubs.

Soaking in the hot tub in the cold- Daebak!

Having a tea break with the little ones.

Another round of evening drinks with the kids.

Macarons! I must have eaten like 8-9 of them every time they have it for dinner.

Food wise, everything is decent. The kids enjoyed the food- basic tomato pasta, soft serve which were served daily kept all three sated. The restaurant does make an effort to jazz it up a little for dinner daily with Waygu beef, Taraba crabs and all. Nobody is counting calories here.

******

In between our Club Med trip, we decided to take a short 2 day trip to Sapporo because there was not enough snow to start any lessons. On hindsight, that was a wise decision as we managed to get a family photography done wearing kimonos, visit a Shiroi Koibito Park, checked out a Pokemon store, ate at the Sapporo Ramen Yokocho. All these posts will be for another day tho’.

****

The snowboarding classes at Club Med were superb, like the instructors we had were professional. This is important as we were introduced to the activity in an enjoyable and safe manner. I heard of a number of negative reviews of snow sports activities and sometimes I almost feel the instructors/environment would make/break the experience. Our classmates whom we had for our lessons were mostly Singaporeans and just as friendly. I am absolutely thankful because everything felt positive.

Ryan, prepping for his ski trip. Did not take any photos of them in class since we were busy with our class as well.

Gillian, enjoying some snacks and chocolate milk shake after her ski class.

Celebrated E’s birthday. Thank you so much for being there in all our lives! Ilu!

And we brought all the little ones for a dip in the Canadian bath! So much laughter and screaming involved! Haha!

E and I managed to block out some time for snow play with the kids. It could have been longer though. Maybe the next time? Ryan loved the snowball fights with E. Megan liked being pulled on the mini sleigh.

I believe the kids had a ball of time at Club Med as well as they are begging to revisit the place. I wouldn’t mind a second time as well. What do you say, Mister E?

*****

Category: holidays

Mituki Sakura 美月桜

Club Med Sahoro