School Excursion to the Zoo

Greg was so excited about his zoo trip on Wednesday morning. This wasn't his first time going to the zoo, but it's definitely his first time with his friends and teachers there. Kengyong was supposed to accompany him for the trip but unfortunately he had to leave for Malaysia on a business trip till this weekend. Hence, I had to follow Greg along. Anyway, Greg usually doesn't care about me when I go on such school excursions with him. Unfortunately not all his friends went this time. Only 4 of his classmates (Rayhan, Kenghow, Saachi and Maevis) signed up for the trip. Nevertheless, he still looked forward to having fun with his teachers and friends there. He was always on a lookout for Teacher Roze that morning in case he was left behind at school. Even when I told him I needed to go to the toilet before we left, he kept hurrying me and was worried that everyone might leave for the zoo without us. I could really sense his excitement and anxiety. (Above pictures: Top - Greg took a picture with Saachi at the front door of his childcare centre when he spotted her. He held her hands and told her to hurry up because she arrived late. Middle - Greg, KengHow and Rayhan were waiting patiently at TTSH level 1 for the bus to pick them up. Below - Greg and Rayhan met Maevis at the zoo entrance and they decided to pose for a picture. )

One of the highlights of the trip was the mini workshop, in which the children could learn about some small animals and go really up close and personal with these animals. Greg was not keen on touching the chinchilla at first but upon witnessing Rayhan do it, he decided to give it a try. He was so excited after a stroke on the animal and told me that the 'chin chin' is so soft and furry. See picture below.

The heat yesterday morning was unbearable. I was perspiring profusely while dragging my feet along. We went to watch the elephant show (I think it's Greg's fifth time watching it). He remained excited about it, because he told his friend Saachi enthusiastically what to expect next in the show. Greg loves watching the elephants use their trunk to carry the long, heavy logs.
Greg: Mummy, you see, the elephants are so strong...
Me: Ya. Do you know why elephants are so strong?
Greg: Why?
Me: They eat lots of vegetables and fruits you know..
Greg: I also eat vegetables and fruits Mummy. Am I strong, like the elephants?
Me: It'd be nice if you can eat more vegetables Greggie..
Greg: Mummy, if I eat a lot a lot of vegetables, will my nose grow so long and strong, like the elephants?
Me: Of course not, silly boy.
Saachi's mum was laughing away while I was trying to explain why his nose wouldn't grow longer even if he consumes more vegetables.

We had our kfc lunch after watching the elephant show. Above photos: Left - Greg and Saachi were pretending to be prisoners behind bars while waiting for their lunch. Right - Rayhan, Greg and Saachi were holding hands and running about after their lunch. The kids were generally full of energy and we went on to look at some other animals (e.g., baboon, tiger, hippo). Soon it was time we had to head back to the childcare centre. Most kids were so tired that they napped in the bus. Greg remained very awake throughout the journey back, and took his nap at school whereas I had to return to work for the other half of the day. Picture below - Greg was waving goodbye as we were waiting for our turn to board the bus.

It was a tiring day for me but an enjoyable one for Greg I believe..