Well, after 30 hours, the bridge is finally in place. Steve came home more than exhausted after being up for the whole moving process. We also finally got our MINI back after it being in the shop for over a week.

Moving Day

During the past couple of days, Steve has been busy covering a story on a new suspension bridge that was constructed to connect the pier where the naval ships come in to our base. The bridge was built on the pier and is currently being moved in place over one of Bahrain's highways. The highway got approval to be closed tonight, only for a total of 6 hours. So far the bridge is moving at an extremely slow pace and there has been several problems delaying the whole process. Yesterday it was a problem with the device moving the bridge where they had to wait and order a part from Saudi Arabia to arrive. And today the problem was the bridge itself,a few of the bolts broke and some parts needed re-welding due to cracking. Let's pray that everything goes as planned tonight. Steve is there taking photos, video and getting interviews for the newspaper. He said if things don't go as planed tonight with the bridge, that there is no backup plan and it could take months before they can attempt to try the move again. The purpose of the bridge is so the Sailors who come in from the shops don't have to go out in town to get to the base; there will be a direct link between the pier and the base for security reasons.

Running Club

Tyler got accepted in the after-school running club!! Yesterday, I got to see the tail-end of his run for the first time when picking him up. He ran a total of 5 laps around the track. His current goal is 6. Click to see some video.

British Week at LuLu's

As part of British Week, our local grocery store even decided to celebrate. Everything, and I mean EVERYTHING, was decked out London style. This is a prime example of some of the great lengths that this small little island go to sometimes. Back home, we would be lucky to have a few balloons to celebrate something, especially at the local grocery store. LOL As always, here's the photos.

Arad Fort

There's not a whole lot to do on this island, however one of the touristy things to do is visit one of two forts. Arad Fort was built in the 15th century and was later occupied by the Portuguese during their invasion in the 16th century. The guard at the entrance asked for $1 US dollar admittance for all three of us when he found out we didn't have any fils (Bahraini coins). We're not sure what he'll do with the US money, perhaps keep it as a souvenir. LOL Anyway, here are the photos~

The Making of A Video

Across the street from our villa is an empty lot filled with piles of sand and an open area for the kids to play soccer. Ever since he first found out that we were moving to the desert, Tyler has been wanting to ride his bike in the sand. The other day he suggested we go to the vacant lot to ride his bike and that we put the Go Pro camera on his helmet to take some video. We thought this was a pretty neat idea so we did just that. While Tyler shot video from his bike, Dad followed him around with another Go Pro camera. Here are the photos I took while this took place. I'll post the video once it gets edited.

PJ Party

Tyler's teacher is throwing another Pajama Party for the class today. This time it is to celebrate their recent SRI results and their Math test. Tyler's SRI score increased 200 points since September!! The teacher is providing cake, ice cream and extra recess time. The students were allowed to bring in a blanket and their favorite stuffed animals; this meant Winnie, Wally, and Hooeygot to join the fun.

While the MINI is in the garage waiting for parts to arrive to be fixed, we rented a Chevy Spark. The first time Tyler got in it, he said with great excitement "Look it even has a cool crank to open the window with!!". At that point, both Steve and I felt very old. LOL We then explained to him how they used to have those "cool window cranks" in vehicles when we were growing up instead of power windows.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

Beautiful Snow

Cape Breton got some snow overnight and the island woke up to a beautiful blanket of white this morning. My mom had our neighbor, Mrs. Baillie, take some photos. Unfortunately, the snow was much too heavy for my dad's memory tree and it got bent over, but it looks like it got straightened up with some assistance. Wish we could be there to enjoy all that beauty!!! Thank you Mrs. Baillie for taking such beautiful photos!!!

British Invasion!

So it's Great British Week in Bahrain. Steve sent a message to MINI Bahrain's Facebook page and said they should have a MINI owners gathering. They responded with "Great idea!" So, with no notice, they had the visiting double-decker bus meet the group and drive with them! Of course, Lazlo is still in the shop until further notice so we couldn't participate. We finally locate the bus because of photos on Facebook. We get the MINI gathering to get a couple photos as the bus is driving away. We caught up with it shortly after where it was supposed to originally be. We got to go aboard and get some great photos anyway.

Mumtaz, Fill Up, Please

While a lot of products are expensive here, such as pork and cheese, you might have guessed that gas is super cheap here. For us to fill up the MINI it only costs approximately $12. The gas prices here haven't changed since the 70's. On top of that, all of the service stations here are full service meaning gas attendants pump your gas for you. Nice!

She's Bananas!

We've concluded that we didn't adopt a cat at the shelter, but rather a monkey! We've never seen a cat quite like Tiara. A past week or so, she's been actually climbing up the iron railings just as if they were a ladder. It was okay for her to climb the railings in our "other living room" as they are close to the floor and not too high; however, last night was a different story. She decided to attempt the railings that go up the stairs. She got as far the turn in the railing before she decided she wanted to turn around. Well, while she was doing so, her legs got caught and she fell on the stairs face first. :( We immediately though this would be the last time she did that. Boy, were we wrong! This morning as I was sweeping underneath the stairs, she climbed right up again. I think this time was to get my attention and say hi as she was directly in front of me. It wasn't long before she wanted down and with my assistance she made it safe and sound.

The Stairs

It's been awhile since I posted photos of our villa, so here you go. The last time I showed you our living room, from there, you go upstairs. We have three flights of stairs. Though they are a pain to sweep and mop, I'm glad we don't have to haul groceries up them like we did in Virginia. LOL The photos are starting from the bottom floor where the living room is, going to the second and then all the way to the third where the door to the roof is located. The last photo is looking all the way down from the third floor.

Lazlo Gets Sick

As previously mentioned, Tyler was home from school today for the Prophet's Birthday. Later on in the day, Steve also came home early to study for his exam. It was absolutely wonderful having them both home keeping me company during the day. However, a couple hours after Steve arrived home he discovered that his car was leaking oil big time. It was too late in the day to take it in the dealership, so we drove down the street to look for a place to buy replacement oil. Steve thinks it may have something to do with the seal around the timing chain. He'll make an appointment at the dealership tomorrow after he writes his exam. Hopefully it isn't too serious!