Turkey: Day #2

Rustem Pasa Mosque

Beautiful Iznik tiles. There are more than 2,300 tiles.

Tree of life design.

The New Mosque on the left and the Spice Bazaar (Egytian Market) on the right.

The New Mosque with men washing before they enter to pray.

Inside The New Mosque.

My sister's friend lives in Istanbul and through her we were able to have a tour up the bosphorus on the American cosulate's boat. It was such a cool experience. We were just a tad bit nervous at first because the boat had been firebombed back in the 80's. :) But we made it out ok even with an American flag flying on the boat half of the boat ride.

A view from the boat.

The Captain and First Mate.

This man saw the American flag on the boat and waved and put his hand over his heart when he saw it from the shore.

My Aunt Gayla peeking out the bathroom window on the boat.

The ladies.

Enjoying some pistachio baklava on board. Yummy- and I don't normally like baklava.

Hamdi Restaurant with Alissa's friend Cinda.

The view out of the restaurant.

Dessert.

Turkey: Day #1

I got back from Istanbul a few weeks ago and have been meaning to blog a little about my trip. I am going to break it down by day. Between all of us we took 2,000 photos, so it is taking me awhile to organize them and pick a few out for my blog. We had a great trip. My favorite thing to do is to travel, especially out of the country. We live in such a big incredible world and it is so fun to learn about other cultures.

Alissa and Susan on our flight to Istanbul. We were lucky to get business class seats. It was amazing. I wish I could fly that way every time! :)
Happy to be in Istanbul.

My sister Alissa and I in The Blue Mosque.

Outside The Blue Mosque.

This little boy was on his way to be circumcised. They dress the boys up in these circumcision outfits.

Alissa in front of The Hagia Sophia.

The entrance of The Hagia Sophia.

Even the ceiling was beautiful.

Alissa, my mom's friend Susan, my mom and I.

Making a wish. (you are suppose to turn your thumb around in this hole).

The Blue Mosque from a window of The Hagia Sophia.

Finishing up at a Turkish bath. What an experience :)!

We ate sooo much good food.

Here we are at our favorite place to eat with one of our favorite waiters.

Owie

My baby took his first steps today! He was so excited and kept wanting to try it. I'm sure we'll be practicing all day today :). Owen is pretty proud of himself and he thinks he is really funny. We are getting a big kick out of it.

Easter Fun

We went out to Randlett, Utah for an Easter get together with Trent's family. We hung out at a cabin, had a picnic, rode on four wheelers, went on Easter egg hunts, and went to the old store Trent's grandparents used to own when his mom was younger.

These next photos are when we took the kids to a free Easter egg hunt at This is the place park. I am pretty sure the rest of Utah was there. We decided if they would've charged a dollar they wouldn't have had half they people they did. We took they kids and Connor's good buddy Tyler. They had an easter egg hunt (they kids only got one egg :) ), pictures with the bunny, and free cotton candy. It was fun and really cold.

Random Pictures

George Washington

At the beginning of the school year each kid in Connor's class had to sign up for a report to do during the year. Connor really wanted to do it on George Washington. He was so excited all school year to do it and kept asking when his report was. A couple of months ago he finally got to do it (I am a little behind in blogging :) ). Back when we thought we might be moving to Iowa, one of Trent's reasons to not move was that Connor would not be able to do his George Washington report. What a nice dad, but can you see what a big deal this report was?!

Connor answering the class' questions about the President

Connor and I showing his poster. We also read them a book about him.

Owen as George Washington

Happy Spring!

This week is Spring Break. I am so glad today is nice. The kids are in shorts today (they are probably pushing it a bit). Utah weather is crazy. Two days ago Connor, Leah and their friend Tyler were out in our front yard building a snowman and today they are wearing shorts. I am so done with the snow, it makes me miss California weather.

Here are a few photos I have been meaning to post of the kids. My friend Melinda took them.