Postcard Book: A Tulip Stroll

A hop skip and 6 months ago.....we went for a stroll through some tulips in Keukenhof. We decided to make the most of our layover in the Netherlands and it well, made a dream come true. The tulips were prime. Love flowers. Love good weather (which it was unusually warm). Love a good stroll. Love being with family. We took note of a lot of beauty on our stroll, and finally just decided to put the camera away and take it all in.

ONE Year Ago...

From Post Cards 2011

...Spencer Everett surprised us by entering our world his way--fast and at home {where he apparently was most comfortable}. Mr. Spence has been full of surprises ever since: Huge baby boy (people have often told me they only believe he's ours because I had him at home, otherwise we could have totally been given a baby belonging to someone else), super healthy (not sick once--at least from what I can remember), ate solids at 4.5 months, had "vampire" teeth until his front two popped in, and didn't really get a full head of hair until the end of his 10th month. What would life be like without surprises anyway! So, we celebrated. I took so many pictures of Spence, I didn't take any pictures of our Skype/gVideo with family, nor friends helping make a great party. We love you! 

From Post Cards 2011

Naturally, we made "Spencer's Chocolate Cake," the potential culprit for the time-reduced labor--that rich chocolate aroma sure is relaxing....until your water breaks the sweet dream and sends a baby! Wish I'd had powdered sugar, but Spence didn't mind the mini M&M's. He loved the cake. He loves food and will let you know it, too. Music moves this boy--swaying to the birthday song was too darling. 

From Post Cards 2011

Couldn't resist buying the "blue-light" (what they generally go by here)/green-checkered ambulance---and the Medic appropriately dressed in his green (we promise your future birthday themes will not be emergency-related, sweet boy). We are so happy you entered our world.

Postcard Book: Spencer's First Year

Going through Spencer's first year made me realize a lot of things: Spence kind of looked like a little old man when he was tiny (always been wise and deep in thought), we captured his first "social smile" at two months, Spence loves to be outside, appropriately "blew raspberries," loves to play the piano, and rays a smile making me give in to almost everything. Most of all, I realized what an hourglass life is. His turning one came way too fast and I cried as I sifted through his newborn pictures. Every minute of my little ones' lives are so valuable. I shouldn't need this reminder. Seeing their bright eyes and smiling faces every day should be enough of a reminder to soak up every minute.

Happy First Year, sweet Spencer. We love you.

Return

From Post Cards 2011

Yes, we returned to England more than a month ago and have lived out the summer to the fullest {posts will follow}! One of the best events to wrap up the summer was the return of my brother from the Hmong-speaking, Fresno California Mission. Had our server been in our favor and had I set my alarm for 1:30 am--instead of 1:30 pm--we could have witnessed Kyle's arrival at the airport via FaceTime. Thank you family for capturing it all--including the two top pictures. My eyes immediately welled up when I saw them. Thankfully, I woke up randomly {an angelic wake-up call} at 5am {I never wake up at this time} from a dream that I'd missed Sarah's video call and slept through my alarm! Well, Corey and I refreshed our router and called the De Young's. Things had just wound down at the De Young Home with visits from family and friends, so it ended up being a perfect time to talk. What I have loved most about Kyle's two-year service as a missionary was our weekly email exchange. As I watched Kyle transform as a missionary, I'd witnessed a transformation in myself as a better wife, mother, and person. It seems as though whatever we love most in life must involve some form of personal sacrifice. It is a natural law I think, and has been before this earth even began. Convenience is never really present when it concerns thinking of and acting upon that impression in behalf of a family member or friend; yet, it is that element of sacrifice which strengthens that love and relationship. I'm pretty sure I can apply this to any relationship in my life--most importantly with those who are dearest to my heart. Kyle gave two years of his life and heart to the Hmong people in Fresno and loves who they are. Thank you, Kyle for teaching me how to be more selfless. Thank you to the gospel for helping become a better person.

Clear Blue Skies

From Post Cards 2011

It's amazing to think we've been home for two weeks now! Our flights over were some of the best we've ever had---I even watched a movie (okay, not all in one sitting, but I did finish it)! Our first morning home was an early one. So thanks to Spencer, I witnessed one of my very favorite things about being home: Watching the sun peek up over the mountains while breathing in the sweet fresh mountain air.
I've never really noted just how blue Utah's skies are until this visit. Maybe it's the view of the endless azure-dipped sky against the green and red mountains which makes it so distinct, but skies are colored blue almost every day.
We've BBQ-ed it with all that summer brings, thrilled it on rides at Lagoon, and gamed it with Ticket-to-Ride. What I love most is chatting with family and friends while watching the sunset mirror on the mountains and feeling the summer wind sweep across my feet. It's nice to be home for a while.

Ortakoy with Gokhan & Ozge

From Post Cards 2011

While crossing the Galata Bridge to meet up with Gokhan and Ozge, we satisfied our tummies with a fresh grilled fish sandwich along the restaurant strip.

From Post Cards 2011

The definite highlight of this trip was meeting up with Ozge {in Section J--Corey's section at school} and Gokhan. Little did we know Ozge would be welcoming baby Ece only a week after she so graciously showed us around!
Ozge and Gokhan introduced us to jacket potatoes--Ortakoy style! :) Shredded beets, carrots, onions, corn, red pepper, mayonnaise, and more deliciousness. :) The locals accompany the potato goodness with a soured milk drink {Ayran} that reminded us of a sort of sour cream yogurt drink. While my taste buds were anticipating a sweet milk, they quickly adjusted to the sour complementing the jacket potato.

From Post Cards 2011

Stunning Ortakoy on the Bosphorus River (that bridge in the background connects the Anatolian Istanbul, or Asian side, to European Istanbul). :)

From Post Cards 2011

Ozge and Gokhan did some smart shopping, selecting the best eye--nazar--to ward off anything bad or evil against Spencer {Elsie was lucky enough to get one of these charms from Ozge and Gokhan when she was born in Boston}.

From Post Cards 2011

They treated us to one of the best kebab places in town. The kebab meat was on top of this naan bread with some sour cream on the side, topped with grilled red pepper and some beans. Divine. Okay, so I superimposed these dishes, but it's what it would have looked like before we devoured the yummy meal.
It was so nice to stroll down streets of newer Istanbul and chat with good friends. Elsie wouldn't let go of Gokhan or Ozge's hand---wish I'd had a good picture of that. We returned to the elevator parking garage--yes, a parking garage with elevators that move the cars into cubicles on different levels! Ozge and Gokhan's car was elevated into a slot and then returned in fashion {as if it were on rotating display}--positioned and ready to leave the garage. It was awesome.
We were sad to leave Ozge and Gokhan and were so glad to spend the time we did with them. Thanks for making a meaningful trip.

From Post Cards 2011

A couple of days later lead us to the Basilica Cistern. It lies 500 feet under Istanbul and is one of the largest of all the ancient cisterns. While there are all kinds of Ionic and Corinth pillars, there are two pillars standing on Medusa heads {I guess to frighten away any bad luck}. The cistern gave water to the Great Palace of Constantinople {yes that song ran through my head our ENTIRE trip--thanks The Four Lads and They Might be Giants} and later to the Topkapi Palace. It was an awesome marble forest of pillars and our kids loved all the fish swimming among the sparkling coins.

From Post Cards 2011

One of the neatest things we did was cross the river to Anatolian Istanbul to watch the sun set on old Istanbul, or the Sultanahmet. It was relaxing to just walk along the board walk and enjoy some good food {not to mention get a large blue balloon}. There was nothing more beautiful than to see the minarets pierce the colorfully brushed sky.

From Post Cards 2011

While the hotel we stayed at tempted us with a hamam, or Turkish bath, we didn't quite feel like we could spend the money to go all out. It's about an hour-long process of washing, scrubbing, and massaging--leaving your skin silky brand new. We did however step inside the heated room, wash our faces in the basins, and lie down on the tummy stone. I nearly fell asleep {I know that will be a surprise to some of you. :)}.



Finally, we thought we'd end on some of our Turkish favorites: An herbal apple tea, which reminded us of American apple cider; a sesame pretzel, which was like a thin doughnut-of-a-bagel covered in sesame seeds; and some Turkish Delight, a lovely gummed candy mixed with pistachios {apparently a Briton traveled between Britain and Istanbul, liked the lokma so much he shipped a case of it to Britain under the name "Turkish Delight"}.
Thank you, Turkey for a great Easter Vacation. Thank you Ozge and Gokhan for sharing your home.

My Favorite Pal

From Crowell Post

My daddy is my favorite pal,
And I help him every day.
It's plain to see I want to be
like him in every way.

I honestly hope our kids turn out to be like Corey in every way. Happy Father's Day.