Libby Turns 1

Libby's first birthday is a very special day in our family, not only did our little baby turn 1 but it sort of marks the end of one very full year. Leaving Libya when the war started, going back to Canada, getting settled, welcoming Libby into this amazing world, moving homes, selling homes, packing it all up and then coming back full circle to Libya again.

Libby is an amazing little girl. She is so adaptable and happy. She loves her big brother and sister very much and wants to take part in whatever they are doing. You bring so much joy to our family Libby. Happy Birthday Libby we love you so much!

Mike wasn't able to be here on the actual day so we celebrated twice. Here are some photos from the special days!

First time having sugar. . .

I'm one!


Must have every last crumb. . .

We went hiking today and this car was at one of the check points. I can't read Arabic but pretty sure it is an "I love Libya" car.
The wildflowers are in full bloom. So pretty.



The birthday girl with her "Very Hungry Caterpillar" cake. It's one of her favourite books right now and I was inspired but Mike's good friend Heather to make the cake.

Not sure how I am supposed to blow this candle out?

Ankara Salad

I've been to this restaurant in Ankara a couple of times.  Great concept - make the salad on the table and everyone just digs in.  As the main course, they brought us these long pieces of cheese/meat bread and again just served them on the table.  

The table clothes are disposable so maybe not environmentally friendly, but no dishes to wash so maybe it balances out!

"we are happy now"

This photo was taken at the Benghazi airport the other day.  

Ahhhhhh

All three of kids have now used the sound "Ahhhhh" when they are thirsty. Too cute.
Here is a video of Libby doing the same.

The Anniversary

Yesterday was the anniversary of the revolution in Libya (and Lucy's birthday). Leading up to the big day nobody was really sure what was going to happen. Most agreed that the day would be largely celebratory, but there was always a fear that trouble would happen and fighting might break out again. I didn't think there would be any big problems, but I figured it would sound the same regardless.

So, just to be safe and since we were looking to spend a weekend away anyway, we decided to play it safe and spend a couple of days in Istanbul. We're moving here in June so needed to check out the new school and neighbourhoods to live in, so even the remote possibility of trouble gave us a good reason to go.

We packed for the weekend but also had one extra bag with us that we hoped we wouldn't need - one with some more clothes and all the important stuff from home, just in case we didn't go back as planned. It sounds like we won't need it since Benghazi was nothing but a party the last couple of nights and we'll be going back as planned on Sunday.

There is lots of work to be done in Libya right now and plenty of problems, but I'm very optimistic and I think this weekend was a good indicator that most Libyans are too. Stay tuned!

Libby is a Scootcher

Libby is now moving all over the place, but not by crawling.  She scootches.  I think Lucy was similar but with more of a hybrid crawl/scootch.  Libby is all scootch.  Check it.

Lucy turns 6!

Lucy shares her birthday with a very special day here in Benghazi. The 17th of February. The start of the revolution against the wacko G-man. So we decided to have her party a bit earlier so as not to conflict with this special 1 year anniversary.

We held the party at the Al Feel movie theater in the Gary Younis Family Tourist Village. Never been? You should check it out.
I know I had a great time and the kids sure did too! We had lunch to start out and then watched a movie on the big screen, popcorn and all. At then end of the movie it was cupcake time and then we hit the arcade. Great!

Here are some shots from the days festivities.

Trying to get everyone ready to sing. Herding cats.

Lucy's classmates enjoying lunch!

The birthday girl and her helpful (ish) brother decorating cupcakes.


One of Lucy's friends driving all the ladies.

Oscar had a blast playing this game!

Libby even got in on the fun!


Not sure what a beer pouring video game is doing here. . . .

Happy Birthday Lucy!

Best Speed Bump in Town

There is this speed bump not too far from our house that is probably the only effective one in town.  It's actually four speed bumps in a row, and it's impossible to go over them fast without seriously damaging your car.


There are other regular speed bumps around and many streets use big ropes like this, but this is the only super speed bump I know of.  And it works very well.  Whenever I drive over it with the kids we talk about making the car dance.   Good fun as you roll over it slowly.

Oscar and I took a video today that doesn't really show it too well but I think you'll get the point.