Tobey Family: 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