Forrest came to call

In August, Forrest came to call.

On our first day we climbed Rumeli ruins.

After defending the castle

we walked the Bosphorus waterfront.

The boys had to jump in

and brave the current.

They went back for more.

The locals asked me the usual: "Are all 4 yours?"

Yup!

On Sunday, we rested (well, some of us).

Monday found us at Topkapi Palace, looking for palace treasure.

We found Jake looking for inner peace instead.

We caused a ruckus on Topkapi grounds.

Ryan was captivated by the idea of harem life.

Tile mosaics were abundant,

as were cool, arched doorways.

We stopped for some Turkish fast food (cucumbers & apples)

and headed to the Basilica Cisterns.

Jake & Thys braved an underground Medusa encounter.

How did Jake & Forrest know how to smile the same smile? Kindred spirits?

We found Mia looking for inner peace outside the Blue Mosque.

Forrest & Thys creep up on us.

Jake & Ryan suprise the unassuming Forrest.

Beautiful babies!

On Tuesday we drove 2 HOURS to the Black Sea, only to find a very dirty, very stinky, very crowded beach. I wanted to turn back, but Ryan declared that we would stay and make the best of it.

On the shores of the Black Sea (Kilyos beach) you see barges line up

to take their turn going down the Bosphorus Strait.

We walked and walked and walked to lose the crowds.

Thys pulls a classic move in order to foil Forrest.

That day Josie broke out in hives,

so the next day only a few ventured back to the Hagia Sophia and Grand Bazaare.

They shopped for Nacho masks

and magical lamps.

Inside the Hagia Sophia the heavens smiled down upon Mia.

Forrest parts the Marmara Sea

and the Reynolds share a Turkish bath.

Went to Buyukcekmece on our last day.

Forrest threw Thys into the Marmara Sea,

then jumped in himself.

My fave memory was seeing Jake & Forrest arm in arm

as we walked down the boardwalk.

After a dinner of manti and gozleme we called it a week.

Forrest, how will we miss thee? We cannot count the ways!