National Day @ the Ritz

We had a little staycation at the Ritz over the National Day.

I realised that it would be our first break of the year and therefore decided that it was worth it to splurge a bit for a room with a view of the parade and the fireworks. To be honest, I'm not a huge fireworks fan. At least, I'd never brave the crowds, heat, and long waits just to catch fireworks. I do, however, have a soft spot for the National Day Parade. And this time with Noey able to appreciate what was going on, I thought catching the parade would be fun for all of us. (Yes, me included.)

I plumped for the Ritz and was not disappointed. It cost us an arm and a leg, especially with the 2-night minimum, but it was comfortable and the view could not be beat.

Enjoying the unblocked view of the floating platform.

"What are they doing? Where are the soldiers marching to? Why is that boat following that man?"

Various permutations of the questions asked by Noey all day. I think after a while the "Practising for the parade/It's part of the parade" answers probably sunk in.

The kids very quickly making themselves at home.

"Eh, what's this? How about I trade you this cot for that comfy bed?"

The amazing view, by night...

... and by day.
(If it looks early in the morning, it's because it is. Naomi woke up at 7am, waking Noey, and after that no one could sleep.)

"Hey Mummy, you're eating all that nice food for breakfast and all I get is this book?

We invited friends and family over on the 9 Aug to join in the festivities. There were some fears that traffic would be an issue because of the road closures, but happily no one faced any problems. Noey was thrilled to have company, and we all tucked into the crackers and dips and pasta that Sophie and family brought along. This really was the way to watch the parade -- with an unblocked view, in air-conditioned comfort, and plenty to eat and drink!

The 4 kiddos, all ready for the parade.

Noey waving his flag excitedly and YELLING at the top of his voice as the Red Lions came floating down. Easily his favourite part of the show, judging by his reaction.

Here he comes! This was Zoe's favourite as well. "More! More!" she kept saying. 

We all thought at one point that the very first jumper was going to land in the water, but honestly they would never allow that to happen would they?

The fly-past with the flag. It's not apparent from this photo, but the flag is really huge! Noey was very excited about the singing of the National Anthem. They have been teaching the kids how to sing it in school.

The parade all formed up.

We settled down to watch the rest of the drama bits, with the TV on for commentary. In the process, we found out that what you see on TV is about 10 seconds slower than the actual timing. The cool thing about being at the Ritz was that we could throw the kids in the bath and get them ready for bed, and still continue watching the parade, thanks to the picture windows in the toilet! Noey's favourite segment was the one with sea creatures in it. Until the fireworks came on.

"Those fireworks are like sea urchins!" says Noey.

I thought these red ones with the star in the middle were really cool.

Boom, boom, boom!

At that point, I was glad that we were in the room, which muffled the booming of the fireworks, because Noey and Zoe started to get scared after a while. "I don't want the sound!" Noey kept insisting. Sophie enjoyed it thoroughly, and there was not a squeak from Naomi as she watched the whole spectacle. She was probably wondering what was going on!

We also took the opportunity to celebrate the birthdays of the August babies while we were all together.

Happy birthday Zack, DD, Josh & Singapore!

'Twas a good way to spend the break and I'd be lying if I say I'm not thinking about doing it again next year!