Army Museum.....

Artillery team........

It is always nice to be able to spend time with my nephew and niece,  Ryan and Ashley, the two tiny tots who are not just witty and humorous, they can be quite a handful to handle too when out for trips. The one thing I like about them is that they are so carefree ( someone told me that children is the most stress free individual ever walked on this earth! ) and easy going yet inquisitive, adventurous and equally prying. This is the form they are accustomed to and this is the form they will continue "harass" both SLing and me!

Seafarers crew......

We decided to take them to the Army Museum in Port Dickson on Labour's Day and what a fun-filled day we had. Of course, the usual and typical " Why so far?", " Got air-cond or not?" and "Haven't reach, ar? But we drive so long already! " questions kept harassing our ears and only when they arrived that all hands, legs and eyes were fully gleaming and functioning! Children will be children, I guess.  Upon parking at the Army Museum, one is greeted by the sorta B24 cargo plane and the fighter jet. What a sight!

As we walked up the RC staircase, we passed a souvenir stand selling army fatigues and paraphernalia. They do look good but like any other places of interest, the items on sale were pretty expensive. So, we gave it a miss as we proceeded to the artillery section. There was plenty to go around and see especially the special artillery section, tanks, armoured cars, jeeps, cars and even the history itself. Couldn't help but feel that all these stuff had been the tax payers money!

Into the tunnel we go......

I think, what I like the most was that this museum was really nice with all the guns, history and all that but the tunnel walk was great. The things on display were crazy stuff used by insurgents in those days. The sleeping bunker made from dug out walls, medical hall and meeting room were cool indeed. It was not creepy at all but just can;t imagine how one could stay that way during those times.

Ryan & Ashley asked a lot of questions during our visit there and we took turns to explain to them the significance of the events or the artillery, guns, tanks or even the armory. It was fun being with them but tiring as they run fro one corner to another while these 50 year old legs ain't meant for running after these young sprinters! Ryan was the no nonsense type and very "by the book" kinda visitor while Ashley was the "everything can do" spirit-filled adventure kaki! That's the stark contrast between these two tiny tots!

At the canopy walk....so brave of these tiny tots...

After having enveloped all the information contained in the army exhibition rooms, we proceeded to the back section whereby army adventure trail begin. There is this canopy walk which is about 15 feet off the ground, army camp ground models and jungle survival huts plus interesting small stream that runs through the camp ground model.  For once, Ryan and Ashley walked the canopy walk and they were fascinated with it. It was a wonderful feeling for me to see these two young adventurers taking their steps among the trees. They looked happy and excited - their faces says it all, actually. Sweaty, shaky legs and all that , they made it out from the canopy walk safely and they enjoyed it! Yippeeeeeeeeee!  As a reward, we decided to give them a McDonald happy meal.

Overall, the Army Museum was worth the visit. The best part - it is free and no entrance fees at all! Every parent should bring their children to this museum as it is truly a great museum. BTW, we did stop at the special sculptures that were erected with names of the fallen heroes who had defended our country valiantly. Did my patriotic duty of saying a prayer for the fallen heroes and remembering that these men & women who laid down and paid with their lives valiantly so that we could have peace in our land today. I salute you, fallen and gallant men & women of the armed forces!  I guess, it made our visit here much more meaningful, actually.

At the canopy walk.....

From here , we headed out to PD Waterfront to grab something to eat and see the antics of Ryan who did some super "muscular" stuff pose and drew so much laughter from the people around us. Ashley soon follow suit and it was really nice to see these two young ones having a good time. In many ways, I miss spending time with my children,  JWee and SYuen when they were much much younger. Hopefully, I have given them a lifetime of good memories with the places we went and the things we do together as a family. Seeing Ryan and Ashley enjoying themselves were really very fulfilling and happy.

I have grown....muscular........hear me roar!

I remember Ryan on the overhead swing at Lukut Museum playground and he fell from overhead swings. He immediately stood up, dusted himself and said, " My Pa lar......he never teach me! " I remembered we laughed so much that he also joined us in laughing. It was really the most humorous quip I've ever heard and we asked him if he was alright. He just rested at that special shed which was not only nice and breezy but cost as well. Ashley called this place the relaxing museum. I guess, we all had a great time that day. One that I would treasure a lot because I got to spend them with my nephew and niece who are so witty, crazy and definitely humorous!

I love memories like this. They last a lifetime. Wouldn't you agree?