Ok, so it's been like forever and a day since I've last written anything. Whoa. And merry Christmas and happy New Years, and it's halfway through January already. A few weeks ago we were treated to a week's vacation at a beautiful villa in Fethiye, Turkey, compliments of my mom. The only part of the trip that was not completely wonderful was our flights to and from. Our flight to Dubai was delayed for 24 hours, due to Daallo Airlines, having some major contract issues with their pilot and co-pilot (at least that's what we were told by a former employee). Our plane was supposed to take off at 6PM December 23 and arrive in Dubai at 10PM, allowing plenty of time to make our next connection which was leaving at 1PM December 24. On the 23rd, we sat and waited, sat and waited in the Djibouti airport, with no word from the airlines as to what the delay was caused by. 9PM rolled around and finally we heard an announcement that the plane would be there in 10 minutes and that we'd all receive supper. We did indeed receive supper, but when the clock's hand moved to 10:30PM we were all pretty doubtful about the truthfulness of the airline's promise. Then they announced that the plane would be taking off the next day at 8AM and told us they'd provide lodging in a local hotel that night. At that point we were just grateful for some direction and we're anxious to rest. Eden did awesome the whole afternoon and evening we spent in the airport. At our hotel, though, we were greeted by a new challenge- where would Eden sleep? We hadn't brought her Pack-n-Play because we'd prearranged to have cribs available for her in Istanbul and in Fethiye. So, Eden and I "slept" on a mattress on the floor. It was difficult for her as she was tired and cranky and had never slept outside her crib before, much less with someone else. She ended up getting so upset that she threw up all over me and the mattress, major bummer because I didn't have a change of clothes with me because our checked luggage stayed at the airport. She finally got calmed down and sprawled out on the mattress. I'm still trying to figure out how she at 15 months took up most of the twin sized mattress. Life with a little one sure is different. That night we were informed that the plane would not take off until 12:30PM the next day, meaning that surely we were going to miss our connection in Dubai (who knew that leaving a 15 hour layover simply wouldn't be enought time?). Then the next morning we received word that the bus would come to pick us up at 1:30PM and that the plane would leave at 2PM. Ummm, not likely. Well, the bus did come at 1:30PM, but the plane actually didn't leave until around 6PM, meaning we spent the afternoon sitting outside the airport, waiting for the airline to open check-in and return our passports. We ended up arriving in Dubai around 10PM December 24, when we found a quiet corner in the massive Dubai airport and spent a surprisingly comfortable night. We woke up the next morning in our little corner next to gate 106 and read the Christmas story to our well-rested and cheerful little daughter, who delighted in this opportunity to run around in her diaper. Though the circumstances were less than ideal we decided to try to celebrate in every way we could. We had a tasty breakfast and were on the next flight to Istanbul which left at 11AM December 25.

We arrived in Istanbul in the afternoon of Christmas Day, checked into our beautiful hotel (so sad we were only there for one right rather than for two nights as planned), enjoyed the quaint neighborhood surroundings, and ate a delicious supper. Afterwards we picked up some treats and headed to bed. Eden was such a trooper through it all. Then the next morning we enjoyed a delicious traditional Turkish breakfast (cucumbers, tomatoes, cheeses, hard boiled egg, and bread with jam- what a treat!) and got on our final flight to Dalaman. We checked into the villa and rested for the remainder of the day, until my family arrived later that night. Family is such a sweet blessing. It had been a year since I'd seen most of my family (with the exception of my little sister Dizzle who I was blessed to see in Thailand as well). Living so far apart makes one truly appreciate the gift that loved ones are. We spent a wonderful week in Fethiye enjoying the beach, taking in one of the local markets, playing games, and simply enjoying being in each other's presence. The week went by too quickly and soon it was time to say goodbye. Sad face.

Our trip back home was unfortunately, again delayed, because of Daallo. We spend an extra 12 hours in the Djibouti airport again because apparently this time rumor had it that Daallo was behind on paying airport taxes and the airport wouldn't clear them to fly. The most challenging part was that the entire day they never told us what was going on or why. I was exhausted, our stroller was still in Dubai (with the rest of our checked luggage), I'd lost our sling that we usually carry Eden around in, meaning that we just had to hold her the entire day or let her walk as she desired, I was at a pretty low point, and extremely frustrated at the whole situation. I never thought we'd have so many problems- twice in two weeks time. We did eventually get back home, and it was so nice to be back again. Eden was happy to again be in familiar surroundings and slept well that night. We're still waiting on our checked luggage to return to us, but we're still hopeful.

Since these adventures life has been going well in this Clarkson household, busy but good. Seth has been busy working with the Village Health Project in one of the rural districts here, Eden has been busy rearranging household items and acquiring as many "horsey rides" as possible, and I've been busy perfecting the art of cooking and baking on a two burner gas stove and giving as many "horsey rides" as possible to our darling daughter. Last Thursday we went on a picnic to a rural area to enjoy the countryside and just relax. It was wonderful. Today Seth and the team are off to a rural village again. Eden and I plan on spending some good time together giggling and playing outside, hopefully I'll get to enjoy some tea and chat time with my house helper and friends, maybe make some granola, or yogurt. It looks like another sunshiney beautiful day! Hope all is well wherever you're heart finds yourself today!