Joys of Jet Lag

There is nothing like jet lag with 2 small children, in a small hotel room trying to have intentional, productive time! But it sure makes for some great family bonding. With only a 6 hour time change, it was agonizing to pull ourselves out of bed in the morning since our bodies felt like it was 2 a.m. And then we had little 12 p.m.-2 a.m. play times, since our bodies didn't feel like it was quite time for bed.

Yet regardless of what time it was, if Elli was tired, she would conk out. One time standing up. Austin then laid her down. Life still going around her, she was out of it!

In one of these late night play times, Ethan and Elli were playing cars. The younger sister of a very interactive older brother, Elli already knows how to play cars; including the car noises (see facial expression) and the necessary crashing (see overturned van!)

It was really quite cold in London but our rooms radiator was broken. There was no temperature control. When things got really hot, we opened the window and took clothes off. This is how Elli slept several nights we were there.

Where our stuff is stored

It was a search for the beloved trains that Ethan has been asking about ever since we left home on the 13th of December. Even though I didn't want to unpack anything more than necessary; the normalcy that the trains would offer was definitely worth it.

And this doesn't even give do the room justice. I stood on top of several trunks to take the picture, and only got a portion of the room. This is the stuff of all our transient co-workers. If that doesn't give you a glimpse at how uncertain life is here.

It was only 2 trunks and we were able to find the trains and track on the third one we opened!

And the joy was worth it! We found Percy and Thomas and the others were soon to follow. Life's starting to feel normal again for this little 3 year old!

Look what I found!

Three days ago Elli woke up sticking her tongue out. And she really hasn't stopped! On top of just finding her tongue, I think her bottom teeth are getting ready to pop through, so she is rubbing her teeth against her puffy, sore gums. I thought it was cute enough to share!

I think this is the longest tongue I've ever seen on a little girl! And she shares it so freely!

The Legendary "Duffy"

Anyone who has spoken with Ethan knows that we are at "Duffy's House." I thought it was time you saw who Duffy was. This is the little dog that has won my son's heart and has him expectant for weeks before we actually arrive in the UAE. Unfortunately, for as much as Ethan loves Duffy, Elli is not as convinced. She is getting more and more comfortable with him, if he keeps his distance. If he approaches to offer a kiss her breathing rapidly increases and she is quick to get away.

Duffy loves Elli as she leaves all kinds of "droppings" for him to enjoy!

This is Ethan, right after his nap, enjoying his friend Duffy and his new McDonald's Happy Meal toy. It's Wonder Woman, which considering her super hero costume is quite strange for this culture. The great thing is that Ethan has named her "Eeka." Aunt Eeka, you should feel loved!

Moochers Meet their Match

Our room is the only room at the staff house with it's own personal bathroom. Much like the community leftovers we freely peruse in the kitchen, we are always quick to use up the miscellaneous shampoos and conditioners found in the bathroom. However, we have found our match. A small bottle of "Proctonet" was left in our bathroom by a previous traveler. What is proctonet used for you ask . . . the bottle reads more graphically than I would choose to post. It's a "personal cleanser," we'll just leave it at that. Needless to say we won't be using this one up. We're still shocked that it was left behind.

A Team T-Shirt

I don't know what my fascination is with t-shirts, but I have one! I'm usually the first to say "We could make t-shirts!" So we are on our team retreat in the UAE. In the staff house we are staying in there is a "Community Leftovers" pantry with miscellaneous amounts of pasta, seasoning packets and your odd assortment of vinegars. They are "free" game. Community stuff also includes the various salad dressings and jellies found in the refrigerator. Austin and I love using up free stuff. It must be the combination of our frugal side and a value of letting nothing go to waste.

One of our teammates has an equally strong value of things being fresh; within their expiration dates. So the year and a half old Ranch dressing that Austin and I were enthusiastically using on our salad was cause for concern. She has since sorted through the Community Leftovers stash and has purged things beyond a 3 months expiration cut off. You could say she values things that are "fresh."

Thus the T-shirt idea . . . . "Free and Fresh! Winter Retreat 2008." Beyond the food items, we are having a great time enjoying freedoms we do not have at home. And through Him, we are being refreshed! I thought it would make a great t-shirt!

Vacation Begins Today

We have arrived in the UAE and vacation starts now! I think all four of us are ready for it too! This is the best time to travel to the UAE as it is cool enough to actually enjoy being outside. The staff house we are staying at has newly added playground equipment and my kids are loving it.

Ethan in the sand, climbing in the fort, and flying like Spiderman!

Elli's first exposure to sand. It was fun watching her discover!

Discovery ended with a bath before nap time!

I don't know how it started, but she's doing a "crinkle nose smile." She figured that and the model stance out all on her own. She sure is a silly one.
Here's to a family vacation packed full of fun and memories!