Saturday, March 31, 2012

Fun in Dubai with my Grandparents

This afternoon, Mummy and I waved bye bye to my Nanny and Grandad. I was really sad to see them leave as we have had such a great time together over the last 2 weeks. We went to the beach or the pool almost everyday and whilst Daddy and Grandad were at work, we did a little bit of shopping! I had some new dresses and new shoes to wear to Aunty Carolines wedding in Thailand next week and couldn't wait to wear them so put them on when we were on our way home from the mall! Grandad had to go to Qatar on Tuesday for a couple of days so I slept at nannies hotel with her on Tuesday night. Mummy and Daddy had a night in together and watched a film undisturbed by me!

 
Jumping the waves!

When Grandad came back to Dubai on Thursday, we had arranged to have dinner at the Hilton hotel along JBR and had organised a birthday cake to come out after we had eaten. It was very funny to hear the waiters sing 'Happy Birthday Grandad'! He's my Grandad, not theirs! I played on the slide and did lots of climbing in the playground which frightens my Nanny as she thinks I will fall! The birthday cake was yummy and I had a big piece before it was time to go home to bed!

Cheese! 
Showing Grandad and Nanny my films on the iPad

On Friday we went to Wild Wadi waterpark. I loved it there so much! I played in a pool that had a wave machine which was very funny! I also liked the big bucket of water that spilled out in the children's area and ran away from it screaming just like the bigger children there! Mummy and Daddy got to play on the big slides whilst I had lunch with Nanny and Grandad. Then Nanny and Grandad went off to play whilst I swam with my parents. Mummy was mean and told Nanny to go on a big scary ride! We all had a great time! After we had finished there, I went back to Nanny and Grandads for the night. We went on a dhow on the sea and then had dinner on the marina. I was a really good girl and behaved all night. Mummy and Daddy went to the cinema and saw friends whilst they had the chance.

This morning was sad as it was the last one with Nanny and Grandad. I don't know when we will see them next but I think it won't be before the summer. I wish I could see my family everyday! Daddy is also working in Saudi today and I haven't seen him yet. I hope he comes home before I go to bed as I miss him! Mummy and I are having a lazy day today, we need to go food shopping soon though which we both hate! I hope you are all having a lovely weekend and that the weather has stayed nice. Mummy has shown me photos on Facebook and it looks like you are all enjoying paddling pools and BBQs!

Lots of love

Ella xxx

Monday, March 26, 2012

Nanny & Grandad

My Grandparents arrived last Sunday night and we drove out to their hotel on Monday morning so that Mummy and I could have breakfast with them before Grandad had to fly on to India. We brought Nanny back to stay at our house until he came back on Friday. I enjoyed having Nanny to stay, she took me to the beach and babysat for me so that Mummy and Daddy could have a night out. I took Nanny to a couple of my classes and she really enjoyed watching me dancing and singing along with the group.

We met Grandad at his hotel on Friday afternoon but he wasn't very well.  We went for dinner together at the Sheraton which was lovely, I love Chinese food and then arranged for me to spend Saturday with Nanny and Grandad as Mummy had to go and get her dresses altered for Thailand. When I arrived at their hotel on Saturday morning, poor Grandad was in bed as he still felt poorly. Nanny took me to the pool and then decided she wanted to go shopping. I hate shopping, I screamed and protested but it didn't work so I fell asleep! Mummy and Daddy were waiting for me when we got back to the hotel. We went home so we could change before we went for dinner along JBR on Saturday night.

Yesterday Daddy had to work and it was a very long day as he left at 6am and didn't get home until 9pm. I spent some of the day at the beach with Mummy, Nanny and Grandad and then went home for a nap in the afternoon as I get very tired from running around on the sand and splashing in the sea. My Grandparents came over in the evening to say goodnight to me before they went out on their own for the evening. I made sure I stayed up so that I got to see Daddy too last night.

Today I am off to my music class with Mummy and Nanny is coming over at lunch time to play. Daddy and Grandad both have to work today though. Tomorrow is Grandads birthday so Mummy and I are off to get him a present and a cake ready for this evening. Grandad will be flying to Doha for two days tomorrow. We are planning to celebrate his birthday properly when he gets back. We are taking him out on a boat, having a lovely dinner and spending Friday at a water park called Wild Wadi! I can't wait!

I hope you all enjoyed the weekend!

Lots of love

Ella xxx

PS- yesterday was my cousin Rose's first birthday!Happy Birthday Rosie, I wish we had been able to fly back for your party! Hope you ate lots and lots of cake xxxxx

Sunday, March 18, 2012

Happy Mothers Day

In the UK today, people will be celebrating their mummies! It will be on the 21st March that my Arabic friends will be celebrating their mummies. I decided to do something very different and celebrate my Mummy yesterday. Daddy has to work on a Sunday and I needed his help to give Mummy the special day she deserves. We woke up early and Daddy and I tidied up the mess I had left in the living room the evening before! Daddy washed the dishes and we made Mummy a cup of tea to have in bed. I gave her her first present. It was a spa voucher and she will have a manicure, pedicure, facial, shoulder, neck and back massage and have her eyebrows threaded (Mummy always complains that her eyebrows take over her face!)

We told Mummy to get showered and dressed ready for her next present. Daddy and I treated her to her favourite breakfast at Pauls along JBR. It was lovely and we all ate far too much! I got to eat lots of Mummies food and drink Daddies juice as they ordered more than they could really manage. It was delicious and I want to go again when my nanna and grandad get here. After breakfast we headed to the mall and took Mummy for a little retail therapy at the supermarket! I didn't like it there but Daddy had made a promise to take Mummy and I somewhere very special afterwards.

I napped after shopping so Mummy and Daddy did some real shopping and stopped at Starbucks for a coffee until I woke up. They took me to Peekaboo! I was very excited as I love the indoor play areas and it was even better with Daddy there as he never gets to go with me during the week. I made a little friend who insisted on us dressing up. She as a lion, me as a monkey! I laughed so much and so did Mummy and Daddy! I loved going up and down the big slide into the ball pit but after scaring my parents one too many times by putting my feet down half way down the slide and almost going head first, they insisted I go down on their lap or holding their hands! Silly Mummy, silly Daddy!




Last night, Daddy and Mummy went to The Address at Dubai Marina to meet a friend of Daddies from the UK and his wife. They had a chat over drinks and then showed Daddies friends the area that we live in. I spent the evening at my friend Adriana's and had so much fun! Her mummy and daddy took us for a walk along JBR and we came across a motor show that had lots of bouncy castles for us to jump on! Adriana and I love jumping! I didn't want to go home last night but was so tired by the time my parents came to get me that I feel straight to sleep!

Today, Mummy and I are poorly. We have sore throats and a cough so need to spend the day getting better! Nanny and Grandad are flying to Dubai tonight and as they won't be in until very late, Mummy and I have arranged to meet them in the morning for breakfast. i cannot wait to see them both! I hope that they have a safe flioght over and have lots of cool clothes as it's getting much warmer here now!

I hope you are all having a lovely weekend and a special Mothers Day! Make sure you all spoil your mummies!

Lots of love

Tinkerbell xxx

Saturday, March 17, 2012

Goodbye Nanny, Grandad and Aunty Nicola

On Thursday we went to see nanny, grandad and Nicola at their hotel for the last time. I played jumping off the window step whilst everyone packed up around me. Grandad checked out and I had a photo taken with my nanny on the steps of the hotel lobby. Daddy, Mummy and I then drove to the airport so we could meet my grandparents there for lunch before they had to get on the plane to go. After lunch, we walked with nanny, grandad and Nicola to the security check and said our goodbyes. Mummy spotted how sad I looked as we waved to them and watched them walk through the gate. Mummy said it made her very sad to see me like that because it means I am beginning to understand when people are leaving. I think that makes it even harder for Mummy and Daddy to live so far away from our family.


I will miss my grandparents and aunty very much. I had such a lovely 6 days with them and just wish we had more time. Yesterday Mummy and Daddy took me to the playground and out on to the plaza for a walk so that I wouldn't be too sad or bored. Mummy went out with her friends on Thursday night so I think she was feeling a little bit poorly yesterday! Today we are celebrating Mothers Day (a day early because Daddy has to work tomorrow) and after making Mummy a cup of tea and giving her a spa voucher, we are taking her for her favourite breakfast this morning at Pauls. We also have a fun afternoon planned but I'll tell you all about it tomorrow.

In 2 days my Nanna and Grandad will be here to visit me and I cannot wait! I have lots of plans for the next 2 weeks. I hope you all have a lovely weekend, I'm sure I will!

Lots of love

Tinkerbell xxx

Thursday, March 15, 2012

Mall of the Emirates

Whilst Granda and Daddy went to meet someone at Sharjah Port yesterday afternoon, Mummy and I took Nanny and Nicola to Mall of the Emirates to show them Ski Dubai and the shops. Whilst they spent some time looking around the shops, I had a sleep- shopping is just far too boring. When I woke up they were having coffee and as I was hungry, decided we would go and have some lunch. We went to a lovely restaurant called St Maxim's which mostly serves steak. Mummy liked it there as she and Nanny were able to have a glass of wine!Mummy ordered risotto for me which I managed to make a great mess of! We headed back to my house afterwards so that I could run around and play whilst we waited for Daddy and grandad.

Daddy came home without grandad. Grandad was very poorly and had to go to bed. We think he has flu! We all went to nannies hotel but grandad didn't wake up as he felt very poorly. We had dinner and I played a little bit before we left so that I could go to bed- I was very tired and fell asleep in the car. It wasn't the way we had planned to spend our last night together but poor grandad couldn't do anything! I really hope he is feeling better this morning as he has to fly home! We are going around in a couple of hours to make sure he is ok and take them to the airport. I'm really going to miss my family!

Ella xx

Wednesday, March 14, 2012

The Dubai Mall Visit

I took nanny and Aunty Nicola to my Mini Miracles class yesterday. I always have a lot of fun there and yesterday I painted a picture for my Mummy as it is Mothers Day on Sunday (I've had to remind Daddy too!) I spent time playing with Nay in the sandpit afterwards and we covered each other in sand and had fun going up and down the slide. Nanny and Nicola had gone before my class finished and when they came back they had a big box for me but I wasn't allowed to open it until we got back to their hotel. We had lunch at the hotel and I was given a Build a Bear dog on rollerskates. She is lovely, I patted her on the head and gave her a big kiss before I pulled her around the hotel apartment.

Mummy and Nanny took me for a walk afterwards and I fell asleep. I woke up a little bit later and Mummy put me in a pretty dress so I knew we were off somewhere! We met Daddy at the Dubai Mall and he took everyone up to the top of the Burj Khalifa whilst Mummy and I wandered around the shops. We saw a gorgeous rug in Pottery Barn for my bedroom but I think it'll take a lot of convincing Daddy to get it! I played with a lovely kitchen and dolls house there too. I think i know what I might like for my next birthday now!

The view from 'At The Top'

We met back up after Daddy had finished in the Burj Khalifa and went to the aquarium. I think everyone liked the Burj Khalifa but it wasn't the clearest day unfortunately.  I always enjoy the aquarium but yesterday I had more fun trying to jump on and off things than looking at the fish! I did stop to wave at the penguins as I normally do but I think they were sleeping as they didn't show off in the water this time!


We only had an hour to spend in the aquarium before we went for dinner by the dancing fountains- one of my favourite things to do in Dubai! We ate at a lovely Lebanese restaurant and discovered that my family had never eaten Lebanese food before! Daddy and Mummy ordered lots of Mezze for them to try as we love it! The fountains entertained us every half an hour and we were lucky that we got to watch them in daylight and after sunset. I prefer the night display as it lights up and looks so pretty!


We went back to Nanny and Grandads hotel for a little while before we came home. I was so tired I fell asleep in the car and don't even remember Mummy and Daddy putting my pyjamas on or putting me to bed! A very exciting day! Today I am spending the morning with Mummy, nanny and Nicola as we are having a girlie shopping trip. Daddy is taking grandad to Sharjah Port to meet someone my Grandad knows through work. We are spending the afternoon and evening together as it is our last one before my family go home tomorrow. I'm going to be sad when they leave!

Lots of love

Ella xxx

Tuesday, March 13, 2012

Afternoon Tea at the Burj Al Arab

Lucky Mummy was treated to afternoon tea at the Burj Al Arab by Nanny yesterday.  After Mummy had taken me to my music class and to a play area with my friend Eleanor, I came home for a sleep. I woke up to find Mummy gone and Grandad, Daddy and Aunty Nicola here instead! Sneaky Mummy! I think she had a wonderful time there and ate far too much! She told me that it isn't possible to get inside the 7 star hotel unless you are a guest or have booked to eat there. Security was very tight and Mummy said she could see why on arrival, it was apparently magnificent! She took some photos of inside the hotel before they were sent up in a lift to the 27th floor and greeted by their waitress.



Nanny and Mummy were very pleased with the glass of champagne on arrival but once Mummy spotted that any additional glasses would cost 150dhs each (about £26) they decided to stick to tea and coffee! The first course was a mix of berries and fresh cream, which Mummy said went well with the champagne! I'm sure it did! They then had beef wellington with mashed potato and mustard sauce. Mummy and Nanny said it was delicious but were surprised that it was included in afternoon tea! They were given lots of sandwiches and were free to have as many more as they wanted. The waitress brought over a cake stand in the shape of the hotel with lots of cakes and puddings and eventually they were given little chocolates. I was very envious but there is a strict over 21s policy in the Sky Bar so I couldn't have gone anyway!
The View From Their Table
Afternoon Tea Selection
Nanny Got Carried Away and Bought a RR! (Joking Grandad!)

I went out for lunch and for a walk with Grandad and Nicola instead. I had lots of fun too! We had takeaway once Daddy got home from work and then it was bedtime as we have a very busy day planned today. Mummy and I are meeting Nanny & Nicola at the Marina Mall so that they can join me at Mini Miracles.  We are having lunch at Nanny and Grandads hotel before we go to the Dubai Mall so that Daddy can take them up to the top of the Burj Khalifa and then I will take them to the Aquarium. We are also having dinner by the dancing fountains this evening which is one of my favourite things to do. It's such a shame that my family have to leave on Thursday, we are having so much fun!

I hope you are all enjoying your week!

Lots of love,

Tinkerbell xx

Sunday, March 11, 2012

Dubai Museum

We took Nanny, Grandad and Nicola for a brunch on Friday and then decided it was best to get an early night before we did some sight seeing in Old Dubai on Saturday. I loved the Dubai museum and I think my Daddy and Grandad enjoyed it there too. They liked to read all about the history of where we are living where as I was fascinated by the models, televisions, camels and sand! Mummy really loved walking through a mock up of an Old Dubai Souk as she said it reminded her of Aladdin- silly old Mummy! The museum was located in Al Fahidi Fort which is more than 200 years old and is the oldest building still standing in Dubai now.

Outside an old Dubai house with Mummy

After running around the museum, we looked around the fabric souk and then headed to the creek marina for a walk. It was warm yesterday and reached 27 degrees. I decided that the marina walk was going to be boring so I went to sleep in my pushchair! We took a look at the dhows, floating restaurants and water taxi's and the marina there is much busier than the little one behind our home. It did get too hot to stay out- Mummy, Nanny and Aunty Nicola all had red chests by the end of the day! We decided to head to our Marina Mall for lunch and so that Nanny could get some food from Waitrose to take back to their apartment.

The Creek Marina with Nanny & Grandad (the sun was too bright to look at the camera!)

We went swimming at the hotel pool in the afternoon but the water was very cold and so we couldn't stay there too long! I showed Nanny and Nicola how I can swim without any help from Mummy now though. I think they were impressed! We had dinner at the hotel before Mummy, Daddy and I came home to sleep.

Today, Daddy had to go to Abu Dhabi for the morning as he has a meeting there. Nanny, Grandad and Nicola are going to use the metro to come and see Mummy and I this morning. I'm not sure what we'll do but I hope it involves some swimming and food! We are considering taking them to Global Village this evening as there is a fun fair, shops, food and fireworks. I'm really looking forward to it! I hope you are all enjoying your weekend. I got up early this morning as I'm very excite about having visitors to stay! So I should probably have a little nap before we go out!

Lots of love

Ella xxx

Friday, March 9, 2012

Nanny, Grandad & Aunty Nicola

Are here! We had to get up at 5:30am this morning to pick them up from the airport! We took them back to their hotel and Nanny gave me some new toys! I had an Iggle Piggle teddy and lots of In The Night Garden books and DVDs! I was very excited. It was very tiring so I came home and slept again at 9:30am! Mummy had booked a brunch for us which was lovely. I got to play in the children's area and eat lots of yummy food! I think everyone had a great time! We came home at 4:30pm and put Nanny, Grandad and Nicola in a taxi back to their hotel. Everyone is tired and so needs an early night before our trip to Dubai Creek tomorrow! We want to show them what Dubai looked like before all the big towers were built here!

Waiting at the airport!

I'm so looking forward to the rest of our week!

Ella xx

Thursday, March 8, 2012

One More Sleep...

Tonight my Nanny, Grandad and Aunty Nicola are flying to Dubai to visit us! I can't wait and I think Mummy and Daddy are looking forward to seeing them too! We have so many plans, I just hope there is time for everything. We are going to the airport very early in the morning to collect them and take them to their hotel. I really hope they get some sleep on the plane as I want to play with them tomorrow when we go to brunch!

I've had another busy week as usual! Yesterday I met my friends Dhani and Lily at the playground and had lots of fun running around and going up and down the slide. It was very hot though and I got a bit sweaty! We had to go indoors at 11am to get away from the sun so spent some time playing in Lily's bedroom with all of her toys before Mummy and I came home for my nap and lunch. Mummy, Daddy and I went for a walk in the evening which was lots of fun as they let me walk rather than strap me into my pushchair all the time now! It also means I can climb everything!

I have Boogie Babies this morning and soft play. Mummy plans to go to the spa this afternoon so I get to see Adriana for a little while before we meet Toby, Eleanor, Elodi and their mummies at the Hilton. There is a park and a bar on the beach so we are all happy! Daddy will be home earlier today too as he is working in Abu Dhabi this morning. I can't wait to see him!

I hope you are all having a lovely week. I might not be able to get on and blog for a little while now but will tell you all about my adventures with my family soon!

Lots of love

Ella xxx

PS- I've given my Facebook page a new look. Hope you like it http://www.facebook.com/EllaInDubai http://www.facebook.com/EllaInDubai  

Tuesday, March 6, 2012

2 More Days

The weather on Sunday wasn't very nice at all! We could hear the wind howling outside through the night and it was just as loud when we woke in the morning. After Daddy had left for work, he came back to tell us it was best we didn't go outside today as it was very windy! Mummy and I had planned to go and do some food shopping at Waitrose but decided it was better to go to the mini market in our building instead. It was very good as I got to ride in the trolley and eat cheese, and the shop brought the shopping bags to our door for us! After lunch we went to see Adriana so that I could play for a while as being stuck indoors is really boring! Daddy came home early but had to go to the airport as he was working in Qatar. I don't like Daddy going away.

Yesterday I went to my music class and had lots of fun singing and dancing! I particularly like the song about sleeping bunnies! I love hopping around! I got into trouble though after the class when we went to play in the play area. I hit a few people because they were trying to get on my slide and I didn't want them to!  I made mummy very cross and so cried lots when she told me off. We had to leave because of it so I don't think I'll do it again. We went to a cafe with some friends afterwards and I had a late breakfast whilst the Mummies chatted. The waitress played with me too, she liked to tickle my feet! I fell asleep afterwards and when I woke up, Mummy and Liz were shopping for clothes and shoes as always! When Eleanor woke up we went to Pauls for lunch but were very unimpressed with how long we had to wait. Eleanor and I don't have a lot of patience when it comes to filling our tummies! After we said goodbye to Nellie and her mummy, Mummy took me to the playground for a little while. I had so much fun and Mummy raced me down the double slide which I found very funny!

Daddy came back very late so I didn't see him until this morning. I had my Mini Miracles class which was fun as always! I slept after we had been in the play area so Mummy took advantage and went to the shops. She was very pleased to see an Adams shop as they don't have them in the UK anymore. She bought me a very pretty skirt which was very cheap! I love it and can't wait to wear it in Thailand! We came home and went to see Adriana again. I love spending time with her. Mummy says we play together nicely most of the time. Daddy came home to have dinner with us and gave me a bath before he went out for his run. Mummy and I are now watching Kipper and having some popcorn, my favourite way to spend the end of the day!

In 2 days my grandparents and aunty will be on their way to visit us for a week! Mummy has made a list of things that we are going to do. On Friday we are going for a brunch which I love! I'm looking forward to seeing my family even though it's not for very long. I hope that you are having a nice week. I hear you had some snow again! The UK really does have barmy weather!

Lots of love

Ella xxxx



Saturday, March 3, 2012

Weekends Never Last

Daddy goes back to work tomorrow and he has a very busy week ahead. He has to do a lot of travelling too. Poor Daddy, the weekends are never long enough! We didn't do much today, Mummy and I didn't even leave the apartment! I feel so much better and my teeth have started to hurt less. It's been a nice lazy day but we didn't have much choice as a sand storm hit us again! It's getting ridiculous now. I've played with my toys most of the day and Mummy and I had a crafty afternoon drawing pictures and sticking things on to our pictures. I made something special for when my Nanny & Granda arrive but I can't show you until they see it on Friday! I spoke to Nanny White on Skype after lunch and showed her how to roar like a lion and oink like a pig! I'll have to show her all the other animals on Friday when I pick her, Grandad and Aunty Nicola up from the airport!

Mummy and I did our exercise video this evening and I had a bubble bath which is always a lot of fun! Daddy is crazy and has gone out for a run in the storm! Mummy and I are having milk and biscuits and now she is going to read me my funny monkey story before I go to bed. We have a busy week ahead so we need lots of rest! I have playgroup tomorrow morning which I love! Hopefully the storm will have gone so that we can actually go!

I hope you are having a lovely weekend! I hear you are having some nice weather too!

Lots of love

Ella xx

Friday, March 2, 2012

The Weekend is Here!

It's been a little dusty out again today so our pool trip was cancelled! Maybe tomorrow! We had a lazy morning today before we headed to Ikea. Luckily we knew exactly what to get so we didn't spend too long there! We were buying a new bed for my Nanny to sleep on when she comes to stay later this month! We also had to go to the supermarket to get a lightbulb which was so boring, I made sure to put up a fuss. Mummy was very unhappy with me but at least we left quite quickly! I had a nap once we got home and woke up in pain again because of my teeth. Mummy suggested a trip to the park until Daddy reminded her we were waiting for the Ikea man to bring us the new sofa bed. Instead we got the paddling pool out and I had a great time splashing around outside! Daddy also got the bubble gun out for me, it was lots of fun!


Yesterday I went to Boogie Babies but didn't play as much as I normally do. I was feeling very sorry for myself with these naughty teeth. I only stayed in the play area afterwards for 10 minutes too because every time another child came near me, I'd cry. I just felt miserable. I went home and had a little nap before Halle's birthday party. I didn't feel much like celebrating there though either. Pesky teeth! I woke up a lot last night but Daddy made me feel better with medicine and cuddles. Mummy and I told Daddy to stay in bed this morning to catch up on his sleep. I hope I can sleep properly tonight!

I hope you are all having a lovely day and have a great weekend!

Lots of love

Tinkerbella xx

Thursday, March 1, 2012

Happy St. Davids Day!

I'm not sure Daddy will like this post!


As my Mummy was born in Wales, I'm half Welsh and very proud of it! Today is St. Davids Day. I'm not entirely sure what it is all about but I do know that 1st March marks the death of St. David, The Patron Saint of Wales and was declared a national day of celebration around 300 years ago! When Mummy was little, she used to dress up in traditional Welsh costume like those worn by working women in Wales during the 18th and 19th Centuries. At her school they would hold an Eisteddfod and all the children would compete in singing, arts, music, etc competitions. Mummy loved them because they meant a day off school work! Naughty mummy! People in Wales also wear a daffodil to mark the occasion. I'm a little bit sad that we haven't been able to get one for me to wear over here!

A Traditional Welsh Costume

Mummy also ate Welsh cakes that my Great Grandma would make. We had some last year that Aoife's mummy Lara sent over to us! They were delicious. Mummy had said that she would make them this year but she is on a big diet so decided it wasn't such a good idea. I wasn't impressed at all! I was even less impressed when I went on Facebook this morning and saw that my Uncle Matthew had made them. They looked so tasty!

Uncle Matthew's Yummy Welsh Cakes!

So whether you celebrate it or not, I hope you all have a very happy St. Davids Day today!

Lots of love

Ella xxx