Our first-ever family retreat/chalet was cramazing. We laughed so much and everyone had a great time. I’m definitely for the idea of making this a yearly or biannual thing.

We checked in to the very spacious executive suite at Aranda Country Club on Friday. It’s no hotel, but it wasn’t bad. My only gripe was that the TV did not work. I know people don’t usually hang around a holiday apartment to watch TV, regardless, it was a basic amenity that should have been completely operational. So in that area, epic fail for Aranda. After checking in, we went out to buy groceries for our 3D2N stay, and got ourselves ready for the BBQ. Typically, all the effort that goes into preparing for a BBQ takes half the fun out of it. Not wanting anyone to feel taxed, we hired a BBQ assistant so none of us had to do any of the dirty work. Needless to say, we were more than happy to sit back, enjoy each others company and gorge ourselves with the nicely barbecued food.

After dinner, we indulged in a massive singalong and that got everyone partying and laughing. We were like the von Trapps, singing one song after another. From CCR to Michael Bolton, Christian contemporaries to hymns. We even threw in some Malay community songs cos y’know, we’re a typical Peranakan family who likes nothing more than to be loud and sing when we’re together. :p Amid all that, I remember feeling extremely blessed that my family is as tight as we are, and I wouldn’t change a thing.

Day 2 was spent hanging around E!hub a whole lot. We hit the arcade, bowled and did some KBox-ing at night. In between, I had to run out to attend my weekly Spanish class, during which I totally kicked myself for missing out on the fun, but I also didn’t wanna miss lessons because I love learning the language that much. If only I could’ve split myself… KBox-ing didn’t quite go as well as I would’ve liked, because so many of the key players couldn’t come earlier (I know the older cousins were disappointed they had to work on a Saturday) and because we had to be separated into 2 rooms, we missed out on enjoying the experience together. Nonetheless, everyone had fun and of course, I did all my crazy schtick – including screaming to Aerosmith and rapping along with the Spice Girls. Apparently, mum was very impressed with my ‘Wannabe’ performance. She said that was my best of the night. And no, she was NOT kidding. Heh.

Sunday morning, we did an express check out and dragged our very jaded bodies to church. Despite getting very little sleep over the previous 2 nights, God kept us awake throughout sermon so we didn’t end up dozing off. Yay us! Most of us managed to go about our usual Sunday routines at church and I only caved to the weariness shortly after I got home.

Being an only child, family has always been extremely important to me and I’m very thankful to have this supportive network of relatives, one who is constantly looking out for each other, and one that I know I can always depend on. It’s even more amazing that we share the same love for our one true God, cos then we’re able to share so many experiences together and continue creating wonderful memories for a long time to come.