Jhen Ken And Ke Xin

On the weekend of 21 to 23 October 2016, we welcomed Ke Xin into the family. My cousin Jhen Ken exchanged vows with Ke Xin at Janda Baik and the entire Thoo extended family headed there for the celebrations. 

Having witnessed the wedding and tea ceremonies in the morning, the evening reception was where we let our hair down. Typically, the former required us to be at our best behaviour, respectful of the significance of this milestone in life for the newlyweds. The dinner in the evening on the other hand, provided an opportunity for us to be at ease and to celebrate the happy occasion with enthusiasm and free spirit. 

Be it dancing, participating in games or giving a toast, actually three toasts to be exact, we lived up to our reputation of being a happy, united and passionate family. I hear that there may have been some comments from some guests that we were a bit loud. Well, that is a Thoo family trademark that we hold dear to our hearts. After all, the purpose of a wedding celebration is indeed one where love, laughter and merriment bind us all together as one big, happy family.

The newlyweds, Jhen Ken and Ke Xin.

Mun Yee & Honn Ken

My cousin Honn Ken tied-the-knot with my then cousin-to-be Mun Yee on Saturday, 28 June 2014. As with such milestones and occasions of such magnitude, the entire extended family was on hand to celebrate. My cousins even came from as far as London and from across the causeway, Singapore.

 

The days and months leading up to the big day saw family members chip in to assist in whatever way possible, when requested by the couple. There is a fine line between helping and meddling, and all who were involved were reminded of this often, sometimes by yours truly. Managing a large family is never an easy task, and much effort has to be made by each and everyone of us. A close knit family should be able to handle this with aplomb, and this we did.

 

And so, we now officially welcome Mun Yee into the Thoo family. Congrats to the newlyweds.

 

 

The Thoo family, shot at Glad Tidings in Petaling Jaya, Malaysia.

Entourage

Sometimes it is the most unexpected events that create lasting memories. My cousins from my mum's side of the family decided to organise a night out at the movies for the entire extended Thoo family. Somewhat of a Chinese New Year outing to an apt movie - 72 Tenants Of Prosperity.

22 of us headed to GSC in Tropicana City Mall last evening for coffee followed by the show. Imagine an entourage of aunts, uncles and cousins, with ages spanning decades. We were all game which is what made the night so memorable.

Much thanks to my cousins who initiated the outing and who took pains to get tickets and coordinate the evening. Here's to more in the future!

Photo of the extended Thoo family.