The flight - stepping back for a moment.

I don't know how I overlooked it (perhaps it was getting used to a new country at the time) but I didn't post anything about Rosie's first airborne journey - an important and historic moment in her tiny life. Here we are en route to the UK from Malaysia. The photos are taken with my Ipod, so the quality is not great, but they are still very sweet, and document that, yet again, Rosie astounded us and took the whole thing in her stride. Months of fretting about a screaming child and being trapped for 14 hours on a plane melted away soon after take off, as Rosie took to flying like she had been doing it for years.
First job - check the movie channels...and yes! Finding Nemo is showing!! That's the first two hours taken care of.
Some hours later. Rosie pretending not to be tired. This time it's 'A bugs life' on the telly. Not quite Nemo, but still worth trying to stay awake for.

The entire 14 hours, (and the connection in Dubai) were a joy-thanks Rosie! The world is now truly your oyster.

Wild wild Wadi

Heaven for Rosie - A water theme park. We visited Wild Wadi recently, and Rosie spent five hours shrieking her way through various pools and fountains.

Aqua girl with Mummy, heading for a breather after an hour in the wave pool.

Daddy wishes he had a hat as cool as Rosie to wear in the 45 degree sun.

Pipkin loves the waves. If it had not been getting close to bedtime, I am fairly sure she would have stayed in the water until darkness fell and the park closed.

Here's hoping that the next visit to Wild Wadi wont be too far in the future!!

Rosie hits the gulf

I finished work at five today, came home and we whizzed off down the beach. The heat during the day - 47 degrees today (116.6 Fahrenheit) makes it impossible to visit earlier.
This was our first little trip, to allow Rosie to get her feet wet in the Arabian Gulf for the first time, and to check it out. Big waves, water almost too hot to swim in....perhaps a new daily event for the family!

Rosie, shells in hand, totters down the beach.

Toot-Toot!

A train ride for me and Rosie in the Marina mall. I had expected to be driving around in a Mercedes by now, but I suppose a tiny train will have to do. I think Rosie would take the train over the Mercedes anyway.

First views

The view from our new flat is stunning. The air-con problems are sorted, and we finally have the new fridge..so hopefully now we can enjoy it! Dubai Marina is laid out below us, and the view by night is amazing. Being at the far end of the marina means we are not totally surrounded by skyscrapers either. We are very lucky to have found this place, and it will take some time to get used to the opulence!
Slightly to the left of the marina is the sea. The beach looks fantastic, but we have not been brave enough to face the 50 degree heat yet. The beach can wait until winter...

Birthday trip to Dubai aqarium

Rosie's first birthday treat was to visit KL aquarium, and in keeping with tradition her second was spent at Dubai aquarium and underwater zoo.

As usual, Rosie was delighted by the fish. It is a seriously impressive aquarium in fact, and as Rosie is becoming something of a connoisseur, we were extremely relieved that it met with her approval.

Following the fishes, it was time for a quick disco dance on the floor of Dubai mall,


before heading outside for dinner in the shadow of the world's tallest building and the musical fountains of the Dubai mall lake. All in all, a delightful second birthday.

The first week..

The first week in Dubai included a very special date....Rosie's second birthday!

Although we were still staying in a hotel apartment, and despite having to fight her jet-lag, Rosie was up early to unwrap her presents.

What can it be????
Hurry up Mummy!!!
Hurray!! It's a mini kitchen!

Getting ready for the Middle East

Rosie caught in the shower, making herself beautiful before her big trip to a new country! Got to look after the hair!

Rosie in the UK

Prior to jetting off to Berlin, Rosie enjoyed a delightful weekend in the country with her Grandparents and Aunt
.
She quickly took control of the living room, making herself at home

and taking care of William (whether he liked it or not)

A wonderful week for all..especially Rosie, who had no objection to be being the centre of attention for the entire time!

Rosie in Europe!

Mummy and Rosie hit the sun filled streets of Berlin.

The waiting is finally over, and Rosie has arrived in Europe, and is liking it very much.
The biggest worry, after we finally cleared immigration in Malaysia, was that she would be a terror for the fourteen hour journey. Once again, she proved us wrong, and was the perfect mini-traveller. Headphones clamped to her head, she was happy to browse the Disney channel for much of the journey.
We have all had a fantastic two weeks in Britain and Germany. The next few posts will document some of her fun filled outings.
We are preparing to leave Europe again (all too soon) and head off on our next adventure in the desert next week.
The Middle East is waiting for you Rosie!

Off for Ice-cream! Hurray!

German playgrounds are cool!

Chilling with Uncle Robin

Bubble time with Daddy

I love Europe!!!!! (and Uncle Lars' cooking!!)

Rosie's farewell party

The weather was good to us, everybody came, and more presents than expected appeared for Rosie. Certainly, a good time was had by the guest of honour at her leaving party yesterday, as she said farewell to the friends, both big and small, that she has made over the past two years.

Hannah presenting a much appreciated gift to her royal highness.

Always time for food. Sharing a plate of Indian with Mum and Auntie Diana.

Uncle Alan. Clearly not in swimming mood.

Anita, doing the only sensible thing at a pool party.

Yet more food with Mama Entertaining guests is hungry work...

Uncle Paul and Benji, awaiting second helpings. Hope fully Rosie will leave enough for them.

No party of Rosie's would be complete without her God parents. They whizzed back from Ipoh to give her a kiss and wish her farewell.

A last cuddle with Auntie Taranjit

Amme and Sophie exchanging vital baby talk.

The Cleere clan taking full advantage of the pool (twice)

No sign of Rosie. Must be busy eating somewhere.

A final present inspection, whilst Mummy is busy in conversation with Uncle Tom. Then it's probably time for tea...