Hudson's Birthday Party

With Anna feeling a little under the weather, I made sure she had a good nap today.........

We had a special birthday party to go to.  

She was a little stuffy nosed, but nothing a little oil couldn't fix.

Hudson looked so happy to be turning 3. 

The cake was pretty fabulous. 

These three celebrated Hudson by eating pizza, cake, and watching a movie. 

Planes of course. 

Before the candles were blown out. 

All five kiddos together.  

Anna.......brusha brusha

Anna is quite taken with this teeth brushing thing.  I think some of her teeth are working themselves through so I am sure this feels good.  I just love with my babies figure out how to do big kid stuff.  I love watching all the wheels turn and then it finally click.  

Left and right, up and down and across. 

We had exceptionally great weather for February so the boys went down to ride bikes/ play soccer.  And well I thought I would replant and/or start my succulents in new pots for the spring.  So I pulled up all the old Okra stalks and fished all the old root structures out......well Anna was really thrilled about all this and loved getting dirty.  

None the less we had an early bath time.  

If you know me at all you can be very very proud I let this girl get dirty.  

She even got a mouth full of dirt at one point. 

After bath we tried a pony tail. 

it was pretty cute.  I can't wait till I can start french braiding  

In the life......one day at a time

With this life comes so many changes.  And well sometimes we just have to breathe and take one day at a time.  

So today we chose to wake up slow, I had my coffee, Drew read to the kids, we had breakfast (and the kids stayed in their pi's as long or as little as they wanted/ Anna obviously chose the latter).

We did a little grocery shopping, and then had lunch.

Played a little peekaboo. 

later in the afternoon.....or was that the morning.........I can't remember..........the boys played a game I affectionately call  "What's my name", game..........This time they were Babu. 

And after baths......they kids brushed their teeth and miraculously jumped into bed and fell right to sleep  (okay well that didn't happen).  BUT.....look at my girl learning how to grow up, mimicking her brothers.  

And the next morning started with smiles from this little lamb. 

Our Saturday

Drew has been so gracious to me and let me go to an art class with my friend every week.  We watches the kids and I get at least 3 hours of sketching, drawing, and painting done.  

And then most days we head outside and enjoy the afternoon.  

We caught the low light just before the sunset today. 

My Anna was happy to get out to the house too.

She learned to kick the ball around, and fall down too. 

Gulbahar (Noah's program)

We were invited to Noah's school program before winter break. 

He was pretty excited to show us his class room. 

And show us his friends.  

we all sat down in tiny chairs with the other parents and watched the program

We love Noah's teacher Seyda.  

Noah loves to her too. 

The whole class.

And then the principal had to take our picture as a family.  

Climbing up and giggles all around

This little spunky girl, is climbing on everything.  She has discovered the ottoman (pouff) and pushes it to the couch or chair or what ever she wants to climb on.  

And this is usually the smile I get too.  

Or this one.... She is so proud of herself.

But this is where I have to put my obey Momma hat on.......

Or not.

Luke's art work, and well Momma got bored.  

Headed to the mall

Sometimes on our Sabbath......we just need to get out of town and spend some time together.  Shopping time that is.  We headed to the mall in a nearby city (an hour away) and got to see the mountains in the distance still snow covered.  

But halfway there we had a nice couple flag us down and tell us we had a flat tire.  SO...........we stopped in a nearby small town to have it repaired.  Not quite part of the plan......

We got back on the road and eventually made it to the mall, had lunch and the boys were happy to play in the arcade for a while so Momma could finish up shopping.  

Just a sweet glimpse of my baby girl loving on Daddy. 

Afternoon with friends

Our sweet friend Zeynep is always sending little happies for Anna.  She got a cute new winter hat.  

And She and Aytug came over for Mexican food.  I love when we can actually serve Turks food and they like it.  Mexican is similar enough to Turkish food.

My Anna Caroline loves Zeynep.

After baths, the boys got to enjoy Salep with us as out guests were leaving. 

We have had the pleasure of spending time with their family.  Here is one of my favorite pics of Rize....from Zeyneps' country home.