Live from Turkey

We had an amazing vacation in Turkey. We arrived in Istanbul, Turkey on Aug 22, 2007 and quickly jumped on a plane to bring us to big Grandma in Izmir, Turkey. We spend a couple of days in the city adjusting to the 7 hour time change and catching up on what has been going on with Grandma since the last time we saw her back in November. Lots of great stories to be told from both sides, Turkey and US stories, mainly what has been going on with Alex since our last visit. We went thru many pictures and presented our gifts from across the big ocean.

Alex and Big Grandma making French Toast

Family Photo

Grandma had some of her old movies that were on reels put on to DVDs so we spend several wonderful hours watching Big Grandams youth with her beautiful children, Mia and Bubby. It was so fun to see what their life was like back then. All of the proper things they would do and dress so amazingly.

Alex had having a wonderful time with her Turkish family. It is amazing that even though we all only see each other once a year but she still remembers every one and has love for every one. After visiting Big Grandma for a few days we traveled to our Summer house in Cesme. It is always so much fun but best of all RELAXING. We are right on the water in a summer town with no worries other than which beach to go to for the day. I know that Selim got some truly deserved rest. We got to catch up with Uncle Aydo, Auntie Mia, Cousin Enver, and Cousin Muine.

Typical after beach Bath in the Sun

Alex and Uncle Aydo
Auntie Mia, Alex and Uncle Aydo

(Can you feel the love?)

Cousin Muni, Alex and Cousin Enver

(As Alex would say "Lets Play")

Aqua (AKA Mojito Bar)

Daddy and Ally chill during Sun Set

Selim, Alex and I took some mini day trips. One day we went to Greece for the day. That was so much fun. It was just a short boat trip across the bay (1 Hour) to Chios. We traveled around the Island by small car and visited small villages and beaches. One of the beaches we visited was an old volcanic rock beach. It was made up entirely of black rocks, no sand at all. It was just amazing. The water was crystal clear and the beach was just amazing to walk on and lay on. The sound of the water coming in and out was like a rain maker. If you are ever in the area it is a must see.

Alex on her way to Greece

Mommy and Ally
Visiting Pirgi

Volcanic Rock Beach

When we returned to Izmir we stayed in the new Tobey Family Apartment, it was so nice, (Thanks so much to Jim and Nikki for all of your hard work on putting it all together for all of us to use). All and all I think we had a wonderful time in Turkey for Summer 2007. Relaxed, visited family, shopped, and spent valuable family time together. We returned back home on September 5Th to give Alex some time to adjust back to east coast time before starting Preschool for the first time. What and adventure she is about to start.

Ally getting her Second Hair cut and Mani Pedi

Selim and Tab in Amsterdam

Long Weekend in New York

Last Thursday Alex and I joined in on one of Selim's NYC trips. We had a great time. While Selim was in meetings Alex and I went exploring the City. We made some stops at Central Park and the zoo. But we spent most of our time walking up and down 5th Ave, shopping. Alex had a blast. She got all sorts of great new stuff. I thing best of all, she got new flip flops from the Disney Store that are from the Little Mermaid collection. Now she just wont take them off.

We spent some time in the Huge Toys R Us in Time Square, were we got to play with all sorts of new stuff, like Moon Sand. A must get for kids that like to play in the sand but it dries out to fast it never dries out and molds just like play dough.

Alex in the World of M&M Time Square

Selim with the Wall Street Bull
Dinner in Little Italy

Alex loved all of the street performances that were going on. But again her favorite part of that was giving the tip for the entertainment at the end of the show.

We went to visit the statue of Liberty as well while were were there. It was all of our first time to go out to the island. What a beautiful area, lots of great walking areas, amazing views all around, and a nice little cafe to get a bit to eat.

After our few days in the City we meet up with my aunt and uncle for dinner and then headed out to Long Island for the night. It had been some time since we had been to Aunt Susie's house so we figured that since we were so close we should stop by for a quick visit. They have been doing all sorts of renovations on there house that is still a work in progress but it is looking just beautiful. Great big new bedrooms, hug kitchen, and open and airy family room. So nice to spend time with our Cousins as well. Alex loved making water balloons with cousin Becka.

We spent a good part of Saturday hanging out at Aunt Susie's pool and visiting before we left to catch the Long Island Fairy back to Connecticut to head back home. We made it home by midnight on Saturday so we could have some time on Sunday to catch up on all of the home stuff and visit with family.

One of Alex and Selim's favorite thing to do now is mow the lawn. Here they are giving the yard a second mow for the week. As you can see we have been working very hard on getting our yard to a finished state we have all sorts of flower gardens and rock walls (Selim and Alex love collecting rocks from the property and making walls).

It is funny to us because any time any one asks Alex where her favorite place to go she will always say New York City. Now this has been a true statement for about an year now. What can we say the girl likes the big City.