Istana Open House 2012


Istana Open House 2012 | © SweetMemoirs.Com  
After Kyla was done participating in all the art activities at the Istana Art Event, we proceeded to see the rest of the sights at the Istana grounds.

Istana Open House 2012 | © SweetMemoirs.Com  
Of course, our family outdoor adventure on a beautiful sunny day won't be complete without taking a family portrait. The last time we visited the Istana grounds, it rained so we didn't get to stay longer.

Istana Open House 2012 | © SweetMemoirs.Com  
The sky threatened to cast a downpour but thank God it didn't. Baby Gian (who just recovered from cough and colds) always enjoys staying outdoors. His eyes wander everywhere and when you put him down on the carpet grass, he navigates too fast to pick some dried leaves on the ground.

Istana Open House 2012 | © SweetMemoirs.Com  
We brought him to a playground perfect for his age (most people mistakenly guess he is around 2 years old but he just turned one year old) and oh boy, he had so much fun sliding and er, climbing.

Istana Open House 2012 | © SweetMemoirs.Com  
He likes being independent but we make sure to watch out and stay close just in case he accidentally loses his balance. In days to come, we will be running after him!

Istana Open House 2012 | © SweetMemoirs.Com  
For now, daddy lets him fly. Haha! At home, he shuts his eyes and clench his teeth when daddy throws him high in the air. Daddy always gets a scolding from the overprotective momMe when he does that. This time around, Gian seem to really love outdoors based on his facial expression. :D

Istana Open House 2012 | © SweetMemoirs.Com  
Since the playground is too teeny tiny for Kyla, I entertained her by requesting to take a jump shot on my behalf (too embarrassed to jump because there are many eyes rolling around, hehehe) She jumped without hesitation, a kid will always be a kid. Haha! Luckily I was able to capture a decent shot on the first attempt otherwise I won't be able to stop her from jumping. 

Istana Open House 2012 | © SweetMemoirs.Com  
We didn't bring the tripod so hubby and I took turns to take outdoor shots. Ain't too obvious our family love outdoors, eh? It is always refreshing to stay outdoors, parents with kids (and even grown ups) should make it a habit to bring their family out and take a break from the mind exhausting world of modern technology (read: PC, iPhone, iPad, Nintendo, PSP, etc).

Istana Open House 2012 | © SweetMemoirs.Com  
This was our favourite spot at the Istana grounds. Kyla always had fun climbing walking on this tree as its branches lie parallel to the ground.  

Istana Open House 2012 | © SweetMemoirs.Com  
Meet my monkey family. Haha! Couldn't bear to leave the place without taking a family shot. My aunt took several shots and this is the only decent shot we got. LOL! Note to self: Always bring a tripod for photo opps. Yes, we are self-proclaimed photo addicts in case you are wondering. LOL!

beautiful macro shot of a flower
Istana Open House 2012 | © SweetMemoirs.Com  
Alright, I hear yeah! Lemme give you a break from too many photo of ourselves. LOL! Whenever we are outdoors, we never fail to revel on the beauty of flora and fauna around us.

blue dragonfly
Istana Open House 2012 | © SweetMemoirs.Com  
I knew hubby will be eyeing for the winged beauties so I brought the zoom lens. He took the above photo at a pond full of dragonflies. 

Istana Open House 2012 | © SweetMemoirs.Com  
Moving on, we went to rest on the front lawn of the Istana building and we let Baby Gian sit and crawl on the bermuda grass. Fortunately, there were no dried leaves for him to pick up and attempt to eat. 

Istana Open House 2012 | © SweetMemoirs.Com  
Many people found this space a great place for resting their tired feet. If we leave Gian by himself, he will most probably roam around the fountain and figure out how to get hold of the water. LOL!

Istana Open House 2012 | SweetMemoirs.Com  
Not a bad family shot courtesy of my aunt. Kahit tabingi, pwede na. Hehehe! We decided not to go in the Istana main building as we already checked it out last time. Entrace fee of $2 is required for all visitors and no photography is allowed.


Victoria Pond at Istana
Istana Open House 2012 | SweetMemoirs.Com  
Before we left, Kyla demanded that we go down to check out the Victoria pond because we missed it during our first visit. There are 3 flights of stairs before you reach the pond.


Istana Open House 2012 | © SweetMemoirs.Com  
That wraps up our pleasant and perfectly ordinary day at the Istana grounds. We left around 4pm and as seen on the photo above, there's still a long queue at the entrance gate.

6 comments:

  1. Oh, all beautiful and joyful photos Che, i cant chhose a favorite for i enjoyed all of them. Haha, i am like Kyla, would jump even if too many peole watching :) ictures of Gian are so cute! And kyla is charming and pretty as always. Mond's shot of the dragonfly is awesome, alll your pics. Typing from CP here, if there are typo, i apologize in advance.

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  2. You must have had tons of fum on that very day... Nice sharing !

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  3. A fun and gymnastic journey through the event. Lots of happening there. That tent certainly looked airy and elegant.

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  4. You are a queen for a day in the Istana.

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  5. this is an awesome place... so relaxing indeed.

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  6. what a happy event it was! ^0^
    i must admit that i rarely do outdoors with family.
    let's just say, we love to stay more at home. homebody daw. ^0^
    but yes, s.g's atmosphere is always filled with this gr8 energy that even a tired couch potato like me, would love to wander around.
    best of all, you can just take any hassle free metro, safe taxi and not worry where to park your car etc...

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