Year in Pictures - Week 14

April 7 - Dying Easter eggs on the terrace.

April 6 -  In Avanos:  Malachi throws his own pot at Ali Dede's shop.

April 5  -  Ihlara Valley:  Exploring the many cliff caves.

April 4 -  Pigeon Valley:  Enjoying a family hike and beautiful weather in Cappadocia.

April  3 -  Arriving in Goreme and settling into our cave hotel.

April 2 - First morning of Spring Break the kids sleep in!

April 1 :  Aaron enjoying his Nook.

Playing Tourist

We havent' had guests here to see us in quite some time.  Having guests always provides us an opportunity to tour a bit.  I realize that I don't tire of touring Istanbul.  Even the places I have seen more than once.  I think the longer I've been here the more I enjoy the tourist attractions because as I appreciate the culture more I appreciate the history and everything else that goes with it.  However, I do tire of being seen as a tourist, being haggled in the bazaars and so on, but it isn't that much to put up with to see these wonderful sights and all the art in this ancient city.  Here are just a few pictures we've taken when touring Istanbul with our guest Hilary.  Enjoy.

Year in Pictures - Week 13

March 31- Another birthday party.  Our friends' little guy turned one!

March 30 - Happy Birthday Malachi!!  Mert even sang him a song!

March 29 - No picture today.

March 28 - Waiting for a ferry boat.

March 27 - Cay at the neighbors.

March 26 - Hillary and I on our way back from sight seeing on the European side.

March 25 - Going to church at Yasam.

8 Years and 8 Thing We Love About You: Happy Birthday Malachi!!

#1  Your giggle that we hear during funny movies or when being tickled.

#2  The way you look out for those who are feeling left out.

#3  The way you love a good story and know what a good story needs.

#4  The way you look out for your little sister.

#5  Your generosity with your things/toys.

#6  Your honest prayers. 

#7  Your artistic eye and the way you notice and appreciate art.

#8  Your wonderful imagination.

We love you Malachi.  You are so very special to us and we love to see how you are growing up.

Love, 

Mom and Dad

Checking out his new toy.

Gathering around the birthday cake.

Your own personal birthday song sung by Mert.

Singing Happy Birthday.

Sonora getting a turn at the candles because they were the kind that kept relighting!

Birthday Blessing

Yesterday was my birthday.  Thirty five years.  Aaron and the kids surprised me by making supper and a birthday cake.  As we sat to eat Aaron asked the kids to pray a blessing for me on my birthday.  Malachi prayed this prayer for me:

"Dear Jesus, thank you for Mommy.  Bless her on her birthday and help her to be happy with her new responsibilities now that she is older and is 35.  Amen."

Amen.

Year in Pictures - Week 12

March 24 - Enjoying the Bosphorous in Uskudar

March 23 - Eating Borek with Hillary

March 22- Fishing boats on the Bosphorous.

March 21 - No picture

March 20- Our guest arrives.

March 19 - The kids coloring.

March 18 - Eating out after church with our friends.

Malachi and Sonora

Just wanted to share some fun recent pictures of Malachi and Sonora