Clarisse finally completed her kindergarten years last week. She’d been with the school for 3 years, starting from pre-nursery through to K2. The end of this chapter in her young life was, as with all things, a bitter-sweet experience for her no doubt. She doesn’t really show it outwardly, but I’m sure the thought of not being able to see her school friends everyday will bug her once in a while. On the other hand, I think the challenge of a new school and new friends does excite her (I hope!). We made cards with her contact that she gave out to her friends at school, so hopefully they’ll be able to keep in touch .

Coincidentally, Celeste’s school graduation was held on the same day. Fortunately for us, it was in the evening whilst jie jie’s was in the morning – so we actually got to attend both! It was such a joy seeing the kids perform, albeit at different levels. Clarisse’s class performance was a lot more polished, given that they’ve been doing this since pre-nursery! Celeste’s, on the other hand, was so adorable as she sang and danced on stage, without a hint of stage fright – but that’s really her – the gungho little girl . I didn’t manage to get many pictures – given the schools’ “No Photography” policy at the performance venues. Now that I photograph weddings for a living, I respect these companies’ need to protect their business interests. So I just sat back and enjoyed myself at the 2 performances (and expect to pay a lot for the 5R images heh).

There are more low-res images of Celeste’s concert which the wife downloaded from the school’s website. She’s blogged about it here.

I wanna be like Jie Jie too when I grow up

The face says it all – Too many photos already…stop!

That’s Claudia, Clarisse’s best friend at school – they’ve been together since pre-nursery!

Clarisse’s turn to be in the audience

Five Little Ducks went out one day…I felt so proud for this little 2-year-old!

Celeste received an award for being the most improved in her class – but she’s obviously more interested in something else!

Still more interested in something else than her own trophy

Check out naughty Celeste on the far right

This registration thing will hit you sooner or later if kids are part of the plan. So if you have girls and happen to be from an all-boys school (eg moi), your primary school no longer exists, you don’t have faith that all schools are made equal etc – better start getting prepared – to move, to volunteer, or both .

I’m hanging around, waiting for the cab to pick me up to the airport. As I was packing my bag earlier, this drawing fell out. I think it was something Clarisse (the older one) did a while back. She loves to doodle and this is one of her MANY pieces of art . She makes this daddy proud most of the time

When I first decided to leave the hustle and bustle of the corporate world, it never occured to me that a photographer’s job could be so hectic. I don’t think I ever worked so hard in the decade plus that I was “working”. It’s difficult on the family not to be seen very often on weekends since I’m usually out shooting.

But as with everything, there are plus and minuses. I appreciate the times this job allows me where I can wake the kids up at 9, watch TV with them or just hang around to play with whatever little energy I have left.

Kids grow up really quick – Clarisse goes to P1 next year, and the times of waking up at 9 and just hanging around will be a thing of the past.

I can only wish that they grow up a little slower.

Oh, if you ever need someone to produce works like this, you know who to look for!