What a difference a year makes… Last year, we had lil X at our birthdays for the first time. But he wasn’t very aware of what was going on and couldn’t grasp the fuss of a birthday celebrations. 

But this year, Axl is one and a half year old and knows how to appreciate the event so much more. He can sing and clap when we sing the birthday song, bow his head really low as his way of ‘making a wish’ and not forgetting his favorite part.. blowing out the candles!!! 

So we spared no effort and pulled out all the stops for our Dar-dy’s birthday  (my Darling, his Daddy geddit?!)! We planned and prepped from the night before… with this year’s theme being ‘Ocean Of Love’! Haha… 

 WASHABLE PAINT ALL READY FOR AXL IN THE SHOWER... NO WORRIES FOR MESS!
WASHABLE PAINT ALL READY FOR AXL IN THE SHOWER… NO WORRIES FOR MESS!
 ALMOST PERFECT BUT NOT QUITE! SHORT OF AXL
ALMOST PERFECT BUT NOT QUITE! SHORT OF AXL’S FINISHING TOUCHES…

We handmade a birthday card as a surprise and Axl contributed too by painting a fish all by himself for the 1st time. He took his role very seriously and did such a great job! That is, until he got distracted and decided that he would make a much better canvas instead. Haha! See the master in action…  

 VERY SERIOUS AT WORK AND MAKING SURE EVERYTHING IS IN ITS PLACE.
VERY SERIOUS AT WORK AND MAKING SURE EVERYTHING IS IN ITS PLACE.

Dardy was obviously surprised and delighted when we presented the card to him that morning. He couldn’t stop grinning ear to ear… yay!

We then proceeded to lunch at the aquarium at Ocean Restaurant by Cat Cora.  With a floor to ceiling view of the sea creatures, I must say it was really lovely and therapeutic. Axl was, of course, blown away. It was here that he said 2 new words for the 1st time – ‘Giant’ and ‘wow’. He kept jibbering and pointing to the fishes too. But the most pleased of all was definitely Dardy! His constant nods of approval and admiration of the view was telling… Double yay!

For food – I had the Crispy Skin Kuhlbarra Barramundi (read: fish), which was fresh but nothing particularly outstanding. Though Ken’s Braised-Seared Beef Short Rib and the appetizer(Sous Vide Scottish Salmon) was perfectly done and really tasty! I must warn you that the portion for the Beef was quite small though.

I didn’t really appreciate my 3xCitrus desert much which was a mix of Hazelnut Praline, Anise-Orange Confit and Grapefruit Jelly Marcarpone-Lime Sorbet. But maybe its coz I’ve in a sour aversion phase recently. But the whole meal ended in a very thoughtful gesture by the staff surprising us with a complimentary birthday cake! And this time, Axl got to blow the candle to his heart’s content… 

Overall, I felt it was a really great experience and it was definitely worth it! Would I go again? Sure, if the occasion calls for it and if lil X still loves the sea creatures!

Well… HAPPY Happy Birthday Dardy once again!! Please always remember that our love for you is as deep and as wide as the ocean! Here’s to many more beautiful experiences together as a family. 🎂

 

 

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