Summer in a Nutshell

June

We were able to visit Antioch (Antakya) with our branch. We visited an archaeological museum full of ancient Roman mosaics and artifacts. It is amazing how preserved some of these are.

A well preserved sarcophagus 

This is one of the mosaics at the museum. There were hundreds of preserved mosaics at this museum 

http://www.sacred-destinations.com/turkey/antioch-archaeological-museum

Joe and I found some old friends!

                         

Lauren in Nolan in a sarcophagus at the Antakya (Antioch) Archaeological Museum

St Peter's Church in Antakya (Antioch)
This church is thought to be the church that St. Peter dug himself to attract early followers of Jesus to worship in. Antioch is where followers of Jesus were first called "Christians." Acts 11:26 

Miss Lauren graduated from Kindergarten! Good Job Lauren!!

July

Independence Day 2011

Lauren got this cool paint on her face for the 4th of July

Sesame Street came live to Incirlik. This is Mr. Owen shaking Abby's hand 

August

Fatih and Sabihat, our kids' adopted grandparents here in Turkey

At Fatih's beach house in Mersin. 

Turkish food is so amazing! I am going to miss it so much!

At Ebru's (our nanny) for an authentic Turkish spread

One last visit to Yumertalik Beach

Lauren's 6th Birthday

Mom went the easy route this year with her cake! But, she loved it!

These were Lauren's birthday balloons that flew away minutes after we brought them. She was in tears, but I promised her she would laugh about it later! She seemed disgusted with the thought!

She's just too beautiful! Lauren please don't grow up anymore!

Germany

Paris

We took an unexpected trip to Paris over the summer. We were just driving in the general direction and just decided to keep driving once we got to France. Because of this we were only able to take pictures of these places. We didn't even go inside the Louvre to see the Mona Lisa. It was definitely a quick trip, but it was soooo worth it! We are so excited to go back!

Notre Dame Cathedral

Arc de Triomphe

The infamous Eiffel Tower

September

A group of friends got together for a mystery dinner.

The theme was "Murder on the Mound"

  Happy 2nd Birthday Owie

I spent all day on this cake...can you tell! Good thing he loved it anyways!

These are all my old co-workers. This was taken on my last day of work. I really did enjoy working, but am so happy to be back home with my kiddos.

Joe had a pretty bad injury at work. This picture doesn't show it very well, but there are about 35 stitches on his forehead. He is very lucky the piece of glass did not hit his eye. Everything is healing nicely, but there is definitely a huge battle scar there now! We're just happy he is okay.

Joe and I made Manti, one of my favorite Turkish meals. This is one meal I am so glad I learned how to make because it is so wonderful! We (Joe and I...not the kids!) are going to miss Turkish food so much.