Pony & Cheeese!

The other day I was looking at Neva's hair and thinking about whether or not it was long enough for one pony tail. Turns out - heck yes - these curls of hers are so deceiving! Here is the first ever single pony tail - they grow up so fast!

Neva is also more comfortable around the camera and loves to say CHEEEEESE. "Smile" is still out -that that will prompt nothing but blinking and holding her eyes shut. Anyway here are the latest from our little poser who loves saying cheeeeeeeeeese to the camera. 

FYI - the monkey is wearing a diaper because it had a "big poop."

Making granola bars

Dinner out on Father's day. Her shirt says - my heart belongs to daddy. It sure does :) 

Lib-YA

Neva and I had the pleasure of visiting the Wriggs in Libya last week. It was a quick trip through Istanbull and then we arrived in Benghazi.  We were greeted by lovely weather and a man who told me that Melanie was waiting inside for me. Nice way to start a trip! Fortunately women with babies/toddlers are well taken care of and we were through the processing lines in a hurry. 

TA-DAH. Benghazi, Libya

I had a wonderful time with my dear friends. I appreciated being able to see where they live, seeing what life is like for them, and just generally spending some time with them. Always a treat. Thanks for taking such good care of us! We loved every minute. 

Neva is now a swing addict (there is hope Marla!). The Ws have a perfect setup and Neva would ask every minute of every day to "go swing." 

Friday at the beach

A trip to the souq

A trip to Cyrene. What a place...

Wiki description of Cyrene

Oscar is trying to help neva by holding her hand. Neva wants nothing to do with it...

Date night. I got to be the third wheel in the M&M date night. For those of you who follow the Ws blog, you have already seen these. 

I got my first taste of yummy Libyan Shawarma. It felt quite fitting to be eating a version of "street meat" with the Wrigs. ;) 

Watching the world cup at an outdoor venue. 

Thanks again guys. See you in the summer.
xox

Random

So far Neva has HATED swings. After much convincing she would only climb on to me, hold on like a koala, and say "we" in a very unenthusiastic voice.  Now she will face outwards, actually look happy, and even say an enthusiastic "wee." The little turkey  has figured out the relaxing quality of the swings and leans back on me while we are swinging and doesn't want to get off for a loooong time. If you want a good hip flexor workout, place a child on your lap whilst swinging for 10 -15 minutes. 

We are now getting into the 40s. Hellooooo summer. This picture reminded me of the look and attitude of most individuals at 40 degrees (thanks Os-man).

Thanks for the chicken hat Auntie Mel. It's her new favourite. 

The Dead Sea

This is a very cool place. It feels completely weird to be so buoyant. The hotel provided special "mineral mud" to cover yourself with before entering the sea. It supposedly has special properties and we had a good time with it - as you can see. 

I like the random, relaxed guy in the back of this picture

At the end of the trip Mel and the kiddies came and stayed with us for a while. It was so wonderful to have guests - especially these guys. We laughed, we swam, we were covered in sweat, oh so much fun. Miss you guys and can't wait for the next round of chaos/fun! 

Here is a shot of their beautiful family (minus one) on Oscar's birthday. 

Aqaba

The glass bottom boat ride

Neva helping to drive the boat

Bathing beauties - hmmm, which parent is paranoid about the sun touching her daughter's fair skin. 

Wadi Rum

Wadi Rum is a beautiful area 30 km outside of Aqaba. We had a great day 4x4-ing in the desert.

The group shot

Running down sand dunes. 

Lucy, the fearless one

Melanie, the awesome one

Andrea, the I don't want to fall and crush my child - one

Bruce - bunker boy was right at home ;) 

Thanks to Mike for all of his great photography!!

Petra

More pictures as promised. These first 3 were taken by Lucy - the excellent photographer. 

Just some of the amazing sights at Petra