Giggles

I *know* how many times I have blogged before about dress ups but my girls love to dive into the dress up box at least once a week.  I'm not sure who has the most fan, but I would put my money on Monet who loves to dress up her younger sister.  

Part of Lily's birthday parent from MrL's parents was a Dora dress up outfit.  Lily was not too sure at first but lately it has been getting a good run.  I laugh when I see her wear the Dora wig as I imagine that's what she would look like as a brunette. 

Monet does like to get involved too.  However she's growing up so much and those legs of hers are getting longer and longer.  It's getting harder to find outfits to fit such a tall girl...

I am pretty sure that's part of the reason why Monet likes to play 'schools' with her younger sister.  Meet Monet's alter-ego, Miss Lulu.  (A glimpse of the future I imagine...)

And here's a giggle for you all.  My Hawaiian hula girls, cross with a clown...

Dress Up Fun

As I was busy in our family wardrobe room (yes, we have one whole room which houses all our clothes in free-standing wardrobes), organising stuff before we head off, the girls were busy in Lily's room, trying to keep out of trouble. I could hear squeaks of delight coming from the youngest and Monet giggling away.

"Mum, where are you?"
"In the wardrobe room...."
"Okay, well here comes Lily..."

This is how Lily presented herself to me.

Cute eh?  Lily the Fairy.

Well, then it wasn't long until I was given a 'dressing up' fashion parade...

I was visited by a Mermaid and Hula Girl...

A couple of Pumpkin Fairies...

And Snow White with her Wicked Step Mother.

(Check out the shoes on that above photo will you!?!)

Fun, funny times.

Hello? Hello?

Mmmmm, who to call?

What's Dad-da's number, mum?

Okay, let me ring.

Hello, Dad-da....

Yeah, just been playing with my baby dolls.....I've been practicing saying biscuit really clear.....

 ...okay Dad-Da.  BYE....

Well, I imagine if Lily could actually ring and talk on the phone, that's probably spot on what she'd say to her dad.

Truth be told, she doesn't need a (unplugged) phone to ring, she'll happily speak to you on her fake phone or the television remote or a banana.  She's easy pleased.

Sally?

This post may freak my big sister out. Why? Cause it kinda freaks me out.

My big sister and I played a lot with this doll...

If memory serves me correct, I'm pretty sure her name is Sally. And now I have my youngest playing with her all. the. time.

But she's one of those dolls that are really fustrating, as when you want her to sit in your toy stroller, her legs do not behave.

Breaks your heart doesn't it?

Time for a Catch-Up on...not much really!

The title says it all.

...In the past week I have secured Monet's place a the Nursery School with the registration fee, only to have another Nursery School ring up on the same day to tell me they had a position available for Monet!  (Isn't that *always* the way.  Tried for months to get her into somewhere and then it rains offers!)

...I went grocery shopping with out Lyndon for the first time since being here.  I'll tell you what, having my UAE driver's license has been a God-send.  

...We went to the Le Meridian Hotel on Friday for lunch.  My lunch was delightful. (I swear they were the best wedges I have ever had!)

Lyndon had a couple of pints and I drove home, late Friday afternoon, through city traffic.  Lyndon thought that was wonderful.  (Don't blame him!)

...Spent the last few days  having a swim at the pool.  The water has been rather refreshing and Monet has been enjoying herself swimming around.  

...Took Monet into a Park in the cit yesterday for a bit of a play.  Was rather pretty in there, after finally finding the gate to enter the park.

...Have an old girlfriend from High School and her husband coming here tomorrow for an early lunch.  Both come from my hometown and I haven't seen them both for at least 15 years.  He is a chef who works in Dubai and she is a nurse and is nursing in Al Ain (both in the UAE).  Will be interesting to see them both.

...And finally I will leave you with a drawing Monet did yesterday of her mum and dad.  She was so proud!  Isn't Monet adorable in this photo?  Well I think so, but I am biased. 

Hope you've all had a good week.

Children's Park

If anyone is rapt with me being able to drive over here, it is Monet.  I took her today to a Children's Park we've been eyeing off for quite sometime.  

Playground after playground after playground.  And she was the only child around.  A well maintained park there was plenty of gardeners and maintenance guys around making sure that the park was looking nearest its best.  

We went mid-morning and were there for a good hour or so, but it started to heat up and left when I began to feel too hot.  

(The Big Pineapple, UAE style)

To see more photos of the Park, click here to see my Flickr photos.  (If you wish to be invited as a friend please let me know so I can invite you to see more photos than you would if I haven't invited you!)

From there I drove to the Carrefour Hypermarket which is located quite close to the playground.  Bit strange to be there without Lyndon, I must admit.  

Leaving the Hypermarket and to get home a little quicker I took a short cut, which (unfortunatley) you have to go right around one of the largest round-abouts located in Abu Dhabi.  And as luck would have it, I encounted the lunch-time traffic.  I got around, with two cars beeping me (nothing unusual for cars to beep over here, trust me, everyone does it!)  We made it home safely in one piece...

In other news, it was with sadness yesterday that we learnt that Lyndon's beloved Grandpa died after a long battle with an illness.  He has been in our thoughts since we moved over here and was hanging on for so very long.  We feel a very long way from home this week....   Rest in Peace Normie, you'll be missed. xx

Street Par-tay

Yesterday we attended a 'street party' in the honour of nothing or no one.  Surprisingly, we all enjoyed ourselves.  

Our 'street' in the compound, is a 'dead-end' one with 26 villas lining it, 13 on either side.  The eight villas, up the end, have been occupied by the tenants (most people have the rent assistance as included in their work contracts and it seems the only owners of villas in this compound are owned by Nationals), for about 8 or so months.  The remaining villas (of which there are 6 vacant ones - we have no one living directly on either side of us) are occupied by people who all work for the same company Lyndon does.  We all arrived around the same time, from September to December.  It is a case of the street being split in too - that end and 'our end'.

It was someone from one of the tenants of 8 months+ who decided it would be a nice idea to get everyone together from the street and meet the ones they wave to.  (ie - likes like me)  We know quite well the people from 'our end' of the street, mainly because we all come from the 'southern hemisphere' and our husbands all work for the same company.  

I learnt yesterday that our street has residents from France, Spain, Belgium, Scotland, England, New Zealand, USA, Australia (hel-lo!), Jordan, Norway, Sweden, Canada, India.  We are multicultural are we not?

I befriended an older French couple, mainly because the woman produced some wonderful salads and desserts for our BBQ late lunch/early dinner.  Oh my.  How one does love french cooking.  The lady gave me the recipe for these fabulous vegetables she produced onto the table to eat.  So very tasty.  Mmmm....  (Hopefully I can remember it when I decide to make it.)Her crepes were to die for too!  *heehee*  They were a lovely couple (he was a French Seaman after all) and it is now nice to know who I am waving at when they drive past my front door (if I happen to be outside!)

Monet had a good time, mainly playing with her little friend Holly from down the street.  

Someone had organised a clown to attend to play some games which got all the kidlets involved.  I have to say, she was rather a bossy clown, but dam it was hot yesterday so I am thinking that running about and trying to organise kids, whilst wearing a big clown suit would have been 'horrid'.  Glad it was her and not I. 

 

We had chats with neighbours, met a few new ones, enjoyed the ABBA dancing from some 'European' dads and the children from the street (very humorous, let me tell you!)  

I think everyone is keen for the next street-do, but with the heat being turned up over the past week, I don't think it will be happening for quite some time.  

Sixth of Sixth...

(Post 450!)

I have been tagged by my lovely UK mate Bob-Kat.  The idea is to go to the sixth photo in your sixth folder of photos.  Then you are to explain the photo and say why you took it and why you've kept it.  

I know why I took this photo.  It is because I am trigger happy when it comes to taking photographs.  When I feel like taking photos I do have my own model to take photos of, not so much these days, but back in 2007 I did have a model.  

I love the way Monet is peering out from behind her 'fairy pillow'.  It kind of makes me melt this photo.  I didn't edit the photo, I took it in Black & White.  Look at those once chubby legs.  And that cute little hand....  I am baised of course...

I am now meant to tag 6 people, which I will.  If you choose to do it, go right ahead, if not - no worries.  

I am tagging the following;

• Tracey from Peppermint Patcher
• Kikimiss from All About Kiki & Co
• Stacey from Sheeps Clothing
• Kim from Kimbofo
• Ms Mac from Ms Mac
• Lani from Me & Boo

Want A Slice?

As my home city of Melbourne sweats at 43 degrees today, we are experiencing some lovely winter days here in the UAE.  

Yesterday I sat in our little backyard flicking through cookbooks whilst I let Monet loose with the hose.  We can do that here.  Be free with a hose and use as much water as we like.  (It is not uncommon to water out one's carport for example.)  The villas here have their own desalination plant, so I am lead to believe, so yeah Monet, go for your life...

She cleaned her cubby, sorry, I mean her 'shed' (trying to be like her Poppy and his shed!) then proceeded to wash her trike...

(It is a pity the kids in Melbourne can't be doing that today, without being 'dobbed in' by a neighbour!)

As I flicked through the cookbooks I found a sudden urge to bake a Pavlova so inside I went and whipped up one.  

Now, I grew up with a mother who always insisted that she could not bake a Pav.  She always blamed her oven.  She has had a few ovens over the years and never once did I see her even attempt to make a Pav, so I know it had nothing to do with one's oven.  When I stayed at my parent's back in November I made them a Pavlova to indulge in, in her year old oven, and it turned out lovely.  I wanted to show her that her oven could bake one .  

So I have this thing about baking a Pavlova to test out your oven.  All I can say is my new oven works a treat....

(I used this recipe)

Fun & Games

Abu Dhabi is known around these parts as being more 'green' (as in gardens), more 'casual' and more 'family orientated' than its cousin down the road (Dubai).  Now, I have not yet gone to Dubai but if Abu Dhabi is noted as those three things then I do tend to believe them.  (Not sure who 'them' is though!)

On Sunday, the beginning of the working week over here, my sister, Monet and I ventured into the 'Family Park' area of Abu Dhabi City.  Monet was in playground heaven...

She had a blast playing on all the little playgrounds situated in this park area, which was quite large.  The park caters for families with little kids, right through to your skateboarding teenagers.  And for one of those child's aunt and mother, an opportunity to take some photos of the city building surrounding the park.  

After a good wander around and Monet running from play equipment to play equipment we made our way to 'Marks and Spencers' in the city.  (Yes, Abu Dhabi has the British store, M&S.  Of course it does, this is the UAE and nothing, absolutely nothing should surprise you!)  

On the way we got to take some photos of the fantastic murals which line the underpasses.  They were good for a giggle!

We all made purchases at M&S and then walked back to the family park area along the 'Corniche'.  The 'Corniche' is a road that surrounds basically the whole island of Abu Dhabi, (because Abu Dhabi is an island).  It has been wonderfully thought out with walkways and parkland, looking out across the Arabian Gulf.  

The underpasses are like little architectural masterpieces with water fountains and mosaics.  They really were something else.

Lyndon met us and drove us home, as I am not quite yet confident to hail a taxi by the road side!  All in due time...

When The Neighbours Are Away it is a Good Time to Play...

When growing up, if you ever went away, or the people next door went away, you would look after each others pets.  It was just something you did.  I used to love that job, feeding neighbour's pets, because usually their would be a cash fee involved.  *heehee*  

The family next door to my parents have gone away 'caravan-ing' for a few days (being an extra long weekend in this state).  Much to Monet's delight, Grandma has had the chore of feeding their pet bunny, Cottontail, in their absence.  

Also, much to Monet's delight, the family next door have four children, so there is plenty of activities to do over in their yard...

Much to my own delight, there were opportunities to take photos of a different garden.  *heehee*

(BTW, guess who backed the horse who came 2nd in the Melb Cup?  Thanks for the hot tip Lyndon!)

Busy Bee

Monet has been having a lovely time since arriving in Victoria.  And *spolit* too.  

She's been having a lovely time with her cousins, who all found Monet's 'Lace & Trace' good fun to do.  Nice, when you need a bit of quiet time yourself! (Isn't that right Nanna?) *smirk*

At her Nanna and Poppy's she loves riding their little old trike around the backyard.  (Monet has practically worn that jacket, hood and all, since we arrived!)

At her Grandma and Grandad's it is art/craft time.  Beading has been a hit here.  I'm scoring some lovely jewelry off her.

And painting, of course!

It has been a case of whatever Monet wants, she's basically getting.  (Is that a good or bad thing?)  Easy to justify as it may be sometime before she gets to spend such quality time with her Grandfolks again.

Sometimes I Prefer A Cool Beer

Is there anything better than swimming in a pool on a warm day?

Monet thinks not.

I love to watch her enjoying herself in there.

She's getting quite good; we are slowly teaching her ourselves.

She likes showing off and floating on her back.

The worst thing for her is getting out.  She *never* wants to get out...unless she's bribed with the offer of an icy pole.

I wonder what I will have to offer her to get out of the pool once we're in Abu Dhabi.  She will never, ever want to get out!

Sometimes It Can Be Such A Small World...

Yesterday, whilst over at the park, Monet and I met a couple and their five year old daughter, who hailed from Southend-On-Sea in the UK.  You may remember that Monet and I visited the beach side city back in May.  It was very strange to meet and chat to people, who you have a lot in common with, even though they hail from the other side of the world.  And how shocked they were to hear that we had visited their hometown. 

(Yeah, I asked if they were interested in renting our abode, but alas, they are only out on holidays! *heehee*)

Not only did they hail from a place we had recently visited, the parents only got married, after 14 years together, a week after Lyndon and I got hitched.  

She was 35, like me.  Her husband though, wasn't 29 like mine.  

Monet and their daughter got along like a house on fire and played (& played & played).  

They wanted to know if Cairns weather was like 'this' all the time.  I could have lied through my teeth and said 'oh yeah', but I'm an honest person and said 'ummm, no!  Not ALL the time'.   They didn't sound too keen about the rain (they get enough of that at home apparently), so maybe I can't sell ice to Eskimos.  (I always thought I could.)

We exchanged email addresses.  I want to keep in touch.  Never know when we might visit the home of the Longest Pleasure Pier in the world again.

Blue Skies, Nothin' But Blue Skies...

Because I know it has been cool in parts of this great country of ours, I thought I would show off with the Far North Queensland, gorgeous weather we had over the weekend.  

Saturday was a pearler of a day.

Monet and I spent a while at our local park.  She was desperate to ride her bike after a week of rainy weather...

Nothing like keeping your child happy.  (And letting her wear what she wants from her wardrobe.  I hope you like what she was wearing as she wears similar clothing each day.  As soon as she gets up she's in her wardrobe choosing clothes and dressing herself.  Sometimes I just have to smile at her - she says she likes being colourful.  You're telling me!)

We spent a good while feeding the fish in the pond in the park.  There are some huge suckers in that water and hundreds of tiny little fish who enjoy the bread we break up and throw in the water.  Obviously this was to the displeasure of the group of four teenagers (two couples) who were probably wishing we'd disappear so they could snuggle up to each other!  *snigger snigger*  They left the pond before we did, after being rather destructive by throwing loose cobblestones into the water.  *Urgh*

With the clear blue skies and sun shining it made me grateful that the day was like it was.  Sometimes you tend to forget that the weather up here in Cairns CAN be gorgeous as you tend to forget when all you can see is grey.

What a Doll...

Ever since Monet taught herself to dress properly, she has also (at long last) worked out how to dress all her dolls, including Barbies. We've been seeing a lot of this lately...

Monet sitting there dressing and undressing her Barbies (after dressing herself in her fairy/ballerina outfit!) It keeps her occupied. I don't complain. The concentration (and sometimes frustration) is amazing.

Lyndon and I came in from having a couple of 'sippers' (*ahem* Saturday afternoon beers) on the balcony the other night, to discover Monet had set up a picnic for all her dolls in the lounge. All complete with a new packet of bibs I had bought many moons ago but had never opened. We wondered why she wasn't outside annoying us. *snigger. snigger*

Monet was quite thrilled earlier this afternoon when I suggested to her to take along her doll, Lulu, in 'her' stroller for a walk up to the local shops. Oh my, was she excited. She dressed Lulu in her little tracksuit and matching shoes, she then packed her little bag and slung it over the stroller handles and away we went. Happy as Larry was my Monet.

You can only imagine the smiles and grins we got as Monet stopped and showed Lulu certain things in the shop windows. It was honestly too cute for words. Too cute!

I always wondered when this would happen. I don't have to wonder any more.