Carmen Marié Dearden

Mummy & Daddy took me to Loudoun Castle today, what a fun filled day out it was!
My favourite ride of the day was Daddy taking me out in the Go Karts – it was sooo good he took me twice! (we won both times – the second time we lapped people and got extra laps too)!!
They told me we were going to a park for a Picnic, so we made Ham / Tomato / Mayo sandwiches/rolls, put tea in Mummy’s Contigo Travel mug, and Orange Juice in Daddy’s (along with OJ in my Contigo too)

We arrived at the gates to a ruined Castle at around 11am, and Mummy (luckily) had 2 free passes for the park… (woooohoooo)
So coupled with Carmen (me) getting in for free – it was free entry all round – that’s the best kind of day out!

I met Rory at the gates – and went past a “slow car” ride, however it was really busy so we decided to move on, we went past a food place (there was loads) – I also spotted Ice Cream, but decided it was early days, and we cracked on… I then saw the Go Karts – wow – they looked really cool.. Then you could see what looked like a big farmhouse in the distance, however Mum and Dad decided to turn left into what they called “Pirate” land… I was a wee bit annoyed… right up until the point that I saw the Carousel… WOW – IT WAS AMAZING!

Mary Poppins eat your Heart Out!

Then I saw rollercoaster after rollercoaster, and a HUGE ship that went upside down – omg – “Are we going on that Daddy? Can we? Can We?”
Daddy – “erm… no..”

Daddy decided that we should go on the “pirate coaster ride” so Daddy and I climbed on board – I would have a photo here – but Mummy was figuring out the Camera and couldn’t press the button in time for us passing each time!

We then went on the Barrel in the water ride – we all went on this which was really fun, and Daddy kept spinning us around, we didn’t get splashed which was good!

Then we went on the Caterpillar Rollercoaster – Just Daddy and I, and I let go of the rails when we were going down the drop! wooooooweeeeeeeeee it was really cool fun.
Then it was the turn of the Carousel, this was made for Mummy’s that’s for sure – with a seat on the back, and I could sit on the front, we had to sit on the inside circle, which was a bit poo because Daddy couldn’t get a good photo of us! After the superb Carousel, Mummy and I went on Aeroplanes which we controlled ourselves! so we kept going up and down all the way round, it was fun! After that it was the turn of the Baby Pirate ship – and I was the only one on it – it wasn’t that good – but I did sit right at the top of the ship – ahoy! – Then it was the turn of the Go Karting, I was JUST over the minimum height so Daddy was well pleased! He raced into the first corner, caught up with the people in front after one lap, then overtook them in the corners it was great fun and we could smell the racing cars smell too! Daddy said he didn’t use the brakes once! eek! it was superfast! (mummy was again too slow with the Camera)…!
It was then off for our picnic, and Mummy sneaked off and got a portion of chips too – yummy!
Then we went to see the High Divers – these were clowns, and they were really funny – oh – and they had water pistols which inevitably were shot out towards us – I got it in the face!!!
There was people down near the front of the pool that got absolutely soaked! We don’t have any pictures as Daddy was scared of getting the Camera wet! the show finished with one of the people climbing all the way to the top of the tower and then doing a hand stand and jumping off all 80foot! wow!

We then went along to the far end of the park, went to the petting zoo, where I tried my hand at milking a cow… alas it wasn’t real!
Mummy and I then went on the Racehorses – giddy up! Mummy enjoyed! After the excitement of the racehorses, I was allowed free (yes free) on the Dodgems! HOW SUPER COOL WAS I? it was brilliant, I kept turning round and round and trying to dodge all the other boys and girls, but I bumped quite a few in the process!

Mummy then suggested that I get my face painted… so yup – they allowed me – and what a bargain – only £3 – Mummy & Daddy were expecting more like £10, however it was really quick and well worth it..! see the pix!

After all that excitement I was allowed an Ice Cream, which was really refreshing – then we all went on the Carousel – this time I went on with Daddy, and Mummy was on the horse beside us, it was just like Mary Poppins…! Mum was brave enough to go on the Caterpillar rollercoaster after that, and then Daddy wanted another go on the go karts – so how could I resist?! (we won again)

To finish up we had a nice wee laze on the slow car ride… oh and one more thing – I forgot – I drove the Tractor round a track too!

Thank you mummy & daddy for a cracking day out..

I was asleep in the car before I had even left the Loudoun Castle Car park!

Mummy,

I love you, even though I’m not there to wake you up this morning, I’m sure Daddy took care of you, I told him to make Breakfast in bed… I hope he’s been true to his word…
I will see you soon…
I’ve also got you a card, but I’ll put my scribbles on it later today.

ps – hope you’ve finished decorating my room…
Love you mummy.

Well, what a week, it’s been a while since Daddy (or Mummy) for that matter have taken the time to write me a wee blog..
I had my “Swine Flu” Jag last week, and I’ve been feeling crappy since, runny nose, and now I’ve got a cough again – I only got rid of the last one a couple of weeks ago!
My Dad says I now snore as loud as my Grannies and Grandads (and Aunties) – I don’t think so – they are way way louder than little me..

So anyways – after a nice weekend at Granny Friedas, my Mummy and Daddy took me to see The Sound of Music at the Edinburgh Playhouse.
Alas Connie Fisher was NOT the Maria, but her stand in, how annoying (by Dad/Mummy).
I didn’t know any difference, so it didn’t bother me – I just went along to hear Doe a Deer… a female deer… etc etc etc.. And BOY was I blown away I was clapping and dancing all the way through, it really was superb… Thank you Mummy and Daddy…
They also took me to La Tasca beforehand, I had a *ahem* traditional spanish dish called – Macaroni Cheese!! and a few nibbles of Daddy’s Chorizo, Fish, and Mummy’s Chicken and Mushrooms, and even some potatos too.. scrummy…!
I had a fantastic time, although I was a wee bitty moany when we arrived home really late at night, I kept saying I had a sore tummy, however it was pointed out that I had loads of sweets and treats from Granny and Grandad during the show!

It’s been a while since I posted last, however I’ve been away most of the time…! I was at Granny Frieda’s for a few days, then I was off to my Granny Lyn’s too!
My Mummy and Daddy had to go to some “works do” or something like that – from what I heard they missed a day on Thursday as they were both Hungover! Pah – Parents – who’d have ‘em!??!

I’ve had a good few days at home catching up now, I’ve also being going for a walk every night round the block after dinner, – However, tonight Daddy decided to take the Wii Fit out… he was going to see if I could do the step class…! It turned out that Daddy didn’t have enough batteries for the 2 controllers, AND the Wii Fit Balance Board!!! so I just stood on the board instead! (see photo). I did though, get to play my first ever game of Baseball, Daddy beat me though – he got a home run… I then went onto Ten Pin Bowling, but seriously, this was so boring, the baseball was much better fun – I even managed to launch the controller across the room (missing the TV) – Mummy then decided to find the clips to hold it on your wrist (party pooper)…..! (I think Daddy was hoping it would go through the TV)!

That’s pretty much it really, I’ve helped mum cooking, I made some Ginger Bread men, (and other shapes) and I’ve even painted a T-Shirt AND made a Sock Puppet, which I get to play with tomorrow once it dries – so until next time peeps – have fun!

Carmen
x

Well, this weekend I’ve been away at my Granny Frieda’s house, and now I’m home, I thought I would set about helping my daddy.. First up was me holding the screws for Daddy to build my “Kitchen” unit which I got from Santa at my Grannies, it’s now fully complete and working.. now I’m playing with some paper in the living room… cheap is always best says Daddy!!! When Daddy shouted for Agent Carmen to come and help again I sprinted through, eager to help! This time he was changing a Light Bulb, with ladders, and a torch and everything! I held the torch for him, pointing it up to the ceiling where the new bulb went in… and weeeeeee – it worked! When Daddy was heading up the stairs to put the Ladders back he shouted “Thank you Agent Carmen” – to which I replied – “You’re welcome Agent Daddy” (Daddy edit – “How Cool”)

I’ve had such a cool day – I even got a shot on the Show Rides at The Fort in Glasgow, which was really fun, Dad even found time to get his hands out his pockets to take a photo! After I said goodbye to Granny and Grandad, Mummy and Daddy took me to a place called Nando’s, which serves spicy chicken food, it was really really good, I didn’t get spicy though – I just had my Chicken plain, Daddies was HOT, and Mummy’s Medium, we even got a wee set of “Peri Peri Nuts” to start with… yummy scrummy! Then it was time to head home, and I don’t think I was in the car for longer than 2 minutes and I fell asleep, apparently my Mummy had turned round to me in the car to tell me to take my hat off, however – I was out for the count, and we weren’t even on the Motorway! – I slept all the way home…. No doubt I won’t go to sleep tonight now..

Anyways – that’s my day – I’m yawning again now, and it’s only 6.30pm!

Yesterday I went to Granny Lyn’s house to visit and even stay the night. Also there was Grandad Barry and Uncle Iain. It just so happens that Santa Clause had left presents here too! How COOL is that? – That’s THREE places he left me toys, that guy is just super magical… I even managed to squeeze a trip to Great Granny Betty and Auntie Sheena and Uncle Jim, where I played with a construction set – much like Lego/Magnetrix, but Daddy can’t remember the name of it at all, anyways – the point of the story was I played with this all night!!! – I even managed a wee dance with Auntie Sheena, which you can see the picture of – on this page..

So today I returned home with the promise that Daddy would play with my new Playdoh, so I was straight in the door, demanding to play with it… but apparently I had to wait until after we’d had some lunch… Turned out it wasn’t too bad either, a loverly bowl of Tomato Soup – made by someone called Heinz my mummy said! Thankfully Daddy obliged, whilst he was organising the Playdoh, my Mummy was busy putting me in my Thomas the Tank Apron, this (supposedly) kept my clothes clean, (whatever that means). Daddy kept telling me to keep the colours apart, but knowing me I didn’t listen… so yes.. I loved mixing them all together – blimey Daddy – I only had 3 colours! – You’ll need to buy me more… (edit by Daddy – “aye right”). Dad made a cool Green Snake, I made a Mickey Mouse, and there was also a makeshift rabbit somewhere at one point too! You can see my creations in the pic!

Tonight after tea I learned to swing the Skipping rope around too, and I was even dancing to Daddy’s dodgy music, some band called U2… anyway – I’d better go – my loverly warm bath with bubbles is a calling… Night Night everyone…

Today we’ve been out to Silverburn – my Daddy even treated Mummy and Me an early afternoon dinner in La Tasca, I had fish fingers, Mum had Patatas Bravas, Chicken in a white wine sauce with Chorizo, and something else that she can’t remember – I seem to remember asking what her drink was too – I’m sure it was a massive glass of Red Wine…! Daddy had Rump Steak with mushrooms and potatoes, White fish with a Garlic Mayo sauce, Chorizo in a red wine sauce and Mummy’s Patatas Bravas too! – I was surprised when I was allowed to have a bowl of Ice Cream at the end, (whilst Daddy paid the bill).

We then had a wander around Silverburn, I sat and watched the water/fountain for I don’t know how long, then walked the full length of the shopping centre back to where Mummy was shopping – some monstrosity of a shop called Marks and Spencer..

When we got home I decided to play with my new pens… on the Sofa in Daddy’s room.. they were none too happy. I had to sit on the naughty step for a long time.

This is a post by Dad,

Carmen is now 3 year old, and she’s just had her 4th visit from Santa Claus. (So this is written from Dad’s point of view, or Carmen’s view)!! lol

My my what a lucky lady.. A rocking horse, loads of lego, a FiFi game, an Elephant game (which is well cool), a fully fledged kitchen from Granny Frieda, a beautiful “Furreal” Biscuit Dog, which is just amazing, Chocolate Buttons, loads of Tinkerbell toys, and loads loads more…

I wonder where we are going to put them all…!

On the plus side we managed to get a Turkey, we also missed the presence of Grandad John, Granny Frieda, Great Grandad Tommy, and Great Granny Marie, who sadly had to stay across in Edinburgh, 1. due to bad weather, and Grandad Tommy being in hospital.  Carmen enjoyed the Christmas Turkey, although didn’t so much like the Cranberry sauce, there’s always next year!!!

On Boxing Day we went through to see Great Grandad Tommy in hospital, Mummy even remembered the directions, I was well impressed. Even better was Dad driving in the snow – he’s a star!

Tomorrow I’ll be adding more pictures, then trying to explain to Mummy how to work this wordpress malarky, and get her to add some stories in too, thankfully I’m all tucked up in bed just now…