New School Shoes

Does anyone else have fond memories of getting a new pair of shoes for school, or is it just me? In any case, it is indeed one of my favorite memories/traditions of my childhood. I have always been a shoe girl, and in a twist of fate I married a shoe boy, but I digress. The main purpose of this post, however, is to document for Porter in the case that he ever cares like I did. I not only had fond memories of getting new school shoes, I have specific fond memories of the shoes themselves! I have three or four pairs of shoes that were my very favorites. Those certain pairs of shoes I think, were perhaps my favorites because I can tie them to certain great/fond periods or events in my life. One of those was indeed my new pair of strap shoes that I got for my very first day of Kindergarten. They were Cabbage Patch, and they were awesome! I remember them distinctly, and I probably always will. It was reflecting on this moment when we read through Porter's school supply list, saw that he needed a pair of rubber soled sneakers with straps; and I was instantly taken back. Oh, how I loved my Cabbage Patch shoes! And, at that moment I wished that I had a picture of them. So, in my mommy ridiculousness...of which Porter will probably not care at all in the future, but just incase...I am here documenting Porter's first real pair of School Shoes.

He picked them out himself, and he LOVES them. He was so excited to wear them the first time, and they have worked out great. They actually were a great choice, and they go with almost everything he wears! Maybe, at the end of the year I'll take a picture of just how much he "loved" his shoes this year. Stay tuned for that one...

Also, Ronan got some too. Now these aren't officially school shoes, but they were fabulous and I just had to have them for him! Europe has yet to let us down in the shoe shopping department, and it is always my weakness when we travel. Now living here, I am tempted even more often! I LOVE THESE SHOES! The key with these beauties is that Ronan still has small enough feet and doesn't totally ruin his shoes, so they can hopefully be passed on to some other lucky dude!

Staycation

Did I mention that we have been spoiled rotten lately? Well, incase I didn't...we were lucky enough to have three long weekends in a row due to local and US holidays! The last one was actually more like a 5 day weekend and we enjoyed just relaxing as a family. We are still waiting on our car, which is actually fine because we were happy to just have a "staycation" with plenty of things here in town to still do on our list! We relaxed, enjoyed great company from our neighbors and did just a couple of little "must do's". One of these days I promise we will make it to the Hagia Sofia (Aya Sofya) Karin:)

We did a quick stop outside the Rumeli Hisar Fortress, which is beautiful and amazing up close; but sadly realized that because of the holiday, the hours were different, (so we moved on but no biggie, we'll have many chances to go back)

We then took a picture perfect stroll down the amazing boardwalk along the Bosphorus! It is nice and wide, you can walk for miles, and if you are early enough it isn't even very crowded! We all just love it. It is one of our favorite things for sure to do. Here we also encountered the "adventure" of the weekend when we came across a situation with a naked man, a pack of like 15 stray dogs at his beckon call, and 10 cops trying to get him under control! I was doing fine, until I realized one of the dogs was a huge brown pit bull...hmm, not my first choice of places to be, walking down a street past a growling stray pit bull. The man ended up jumping into the water and the dogs were all barking at the cops, etc! We inched our way past the whole thing and continued on our way, but will always remember our "fun" morning!

Next we made a stop at Starbuck's Coffee in Bebek, which everyone has told us we have to do at least once, because the view are wonderful! It was true, the patio on the back is RIGHT out on the water. We got some smoothies and muffins and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves! Starbuck's Bebek. Check! (It is hard to tell because of the lighting, but the water is right there)

Next we went to Bebek Park, which we had also been told is a great little "must do" with kids. It is right on the water as well, and had lots of great toys. The boys never wanted to leave, of course.

Later we went to our new favorite burger place (same one as on Istiklal Cadessi, but different location) and I just thought this picture was funny. I love my boys.

On the 11th of September, in support of America (and because of an intense desire for Krispy Kremes, mentioned to us earlier in the week-thank you Courtney:) we decided to do what we could! We headed to this huge mall (I'm told it is the largest in Europe?), picked up several dozen doughnuts (to freeze, ya know), and ate Sbarro and some KFC! And, incase you were wondering...the doughnuts were INREDIBLE! They tasted sooo good when I had been wanting them so badly!

Sometimes just doing not a whole lot of anything is just what the doctor ordered! Who knows when this will happen again though...there's a whole lot more of Turkey calling our name! Ephesus, our next long weekend has your name on it!

Galata Tower, Istiklal and a morning Cruise

That's how we spent our Labor Day weekend! Throw in some fabulous burgers, fries and a coke and it was perfect.

On Labor Day we made our first jaunt to the Galata Tower. The Galata Tower is one of the most distinct landmarks of the city, and it was built in 1348, a gift from the Genoese -who were there from what I gather because they wanted to help take over Constantinople from the Venicians? Oh, all the Italian drama associated with this great city! I will probably never understand! Anyway, it was beautiful up close and I was thrilled to check this off of our list! It is actually listed under "10 Best things to do with Children" in one of our guidebooks. Supposedly they think it would be tons of fun for the kids to climb the hundreds of spiral stairs to the top. What they are missing is that a parent would need to be with them...I don't know that that will ever be on my list of "fun" things to do! I think we will stick to the elevator.

Earlier that weekend we were spoiled again by being invited out on a morning Bosphorus Cruise! We took the boys out with us this time and they loved it! This was the first time that they have really been on a boat-but it all worked out great. Porter actually found it quite fascinating to "use the washroom" on the boat, and did so like 5 times in only a few hours. Silly kid. Once again: excellent company+excellent food+ excellent views=1 TERRIFIC day! Thanks again guys!

One of the best things about this FSO lifestyle, is the fact that we get both US and local Holidays. Now there are plenty to go around, so the kids don't miss out on much...but in this case, it made for a day that Daddy had off and Porter went to school. Two parents to one child = awesome for mommy! These days are also some of the very best to do the "tourist" things as well, being that we are the only ones on vacation! We took full advantage on Labor Day and decided to stroll Istiklal Cadessi (street), Istanbul's most famous. It has tons of great shops, beautiful buildings, history, and many of the Consulates. There is a historic trolley that also runs the length, and has some great dining options including the awesome Burger joint we went to and some excellent Gelato.

Noah and Roni in front of Galatasary High School-which is a famous Academy and landmark also located on this street.

We had an excellent time just exploring and taking it easy. This city is beautiful. We are definitely falling in love with it.

Mom of the Year Award

And the winner is...
Me!! Yes, I think I have a strong chance to win the Mom of the Year award this year. After fixing a delicious and healthy meal of Ramen Noodles, Ronan proceeded to insist on eating with socks on his hands, and no utensils. And all I did? Grab the camera and take pictures! Let it never be said when he grows up that I never let him do what he wants sometimes. If this is all it takes to make him happy I guess...

While Porter's Away, Mommy and Ronan Play

Since Porter has started school, Ronan and I have gotten to have some fun quality time. It is nice to give him some one on one attention, that he has never really gotten before. He is such a silly, cute, and hilarious kid. I just love him up!! We have spent some great time playing hide and seek, playing with some favorite new friends, and actually taking a nap once in a while!

Ronan "hiding" in the toy bin

Cartoons and playdate with Amelia. (and yes, this is my super sweet couch!)

Fun adventures at Mohini (children's mall) with his buddies

Just such a cutie

Finally tuckered out after playing hard! He has rarely been this zonked, really in his entire life. He is usually not a very sound sleeper, so when he's like this...I just have to record it!!

Love you buddy, and I'm glad we get to play all day together!

Our afternoon with Pau

Pau Gasol, that is...

WARNING, ridiculous groupie type action and amount of photos at seeing someone famous to follow. I debated even discussing it, but hey. Let's be honest, this doesn't happen that often, and everyone else had their cameras out too...so I don't feel bad. (and P.S. we are Celtic fans in this house:)

As today started out, I was not expecting anything special. Every member of the family, to differing degrees has been sick off and on lately with something and after a day of mommy not feeling well yesterday, Porter ended up waking up in the middle of the night with a fever of 102 and other unmentionable yuckies that go along with it. He seemed to be feeling better this morning, but we decided to keep him home anyway; especially since today marked the first day of the long weekend we have here in Turkey. Everything was a half day both for Noah and Porter. When Noah arrived home, and Porter had seemed to be doing ok all morning we decided to take a routine trip to the mall. (Mostly, to get some lunch that I didn't feel like preparing). We settled on some Burger King and then proceeded to start our usual route. We had a few errands to run, and as we exited the food court we ran into this: or him actually! Pau. Gasol.

Now, if you are not aware Istanbul is currently hosting the 2010 World Basketball Championships! It has been a really big deal here, tons of commercials, posters, promos etc. It has been fun, and great to see all of their national pride! So anyway, apparently Nike sponsors many of the teams and they had arranged something special. Now, here is where I am a tad confused, Pau Gasol is from Spain, but from what I am told is not actually playing for them right now. His brother is, however, and so I am assuming maybe he is just here supporting his Bro and his country. Anyway, they had set up this thing where he did a press conference or something, then he was helping a few lucky kids learn how to shoot a basketball. Below, is a picture of him bestowing his wisdom.

Now here is where it got fun. So after standing around for a few minutes watching that, I wanted to get a picture of all the different uniforms. I thought it was cool how they had them all up. Now let me take you on our visual journey of the closest brush with true fame that I at least, have ever had...

So I take this picture of all the uniforms-not too many people around, then two seconds later...

I turn my camera to the left, already raised and in position from the last photo to snap this. Notice the guy in front of Pau is being guided aside by his bodyguard?

1 second later, imagine me being sidearmed (gently though, he was nice) by this same gentleman!

I keep snapping away to then get this photo 1 second after that. Noah and the boys are right by me, and we definitely could have reached out to touch him. Just to give you some perspective.

2 seconds later, turning my camera to the right. He really is tall! So to all you Laker fans, here you go!

We went about the rest of our errands, including snapping a better photo with the USA and France Jerseys...and Porter in his soccer gear:)

Then...we went to the Nike store, where we I was able to pick up a Birthday gift for Noah that he wanted (related to the tournament, so probably won't be available for long) and we ran into him here again! He seems quite nice and was signing lots of autographs and things.

Then Noah got this great shot. This was the bodyguard who pushed me aside. What a good momento of our afternoon.

There you have it, a reason... (especially living overseas, btw) to always carry a camera with you! Glad I actually pulled through this time. Way to go Kendra!

Some good Basketball

Noah got to go with some other folks from work to one of the USA World Championship games the other night! If you know Noah well, you know that basketball is one of his favorite sports to watch, and he especially LOVES college basketball! The game featured many of the recent college stars and some of his other favorites. He had a great time and got to see some great players! Also, who doesn't like to see Coach K in action! A great night out for sure, USA won by 37 points, and he enjoyed getting his sports fix! Come on USA, let's go all the way!

Coach K

Coach K and his assistants

Kevin Durant

Chauncey Billups and Derrick Rose