March marked an important milestone; our first set of FAMILY visitors arrived! The Aunties (Vicki & Lenny) came to visit for a week, and did we ever think we were in heaven! Ryan happened to "free up" in order to give us the luxury of exploring the city without kids...

We visited

the Hagia Sophia

On a chilly day

in March

What beeeautiful Aunties!

We found Medusa in the Cisterns,

Ate treats from local bakeries,


And wandered the Sultahnamet markets & streets.

Nice buns, Wick!

In one particular dark alley we followed the signs to a cool art gallery!

Lenny had her fortune told

By special fortune telling rabbits (wish I could remember the fortune!)

Istanbul has an amazing Archeological Museum...

The Turkish people there wanted pictures with Vicki more than they did the relics.

We did lots of scarf shopping,

We payed a visit to the Blue Mosque,

And ate plenty of good Turkish food.


In the Grand Bazarre

Vicki learned some sweet Belly Dancing moves!

At Topkapi we wondered at the Treasury, the relics of Mohammed, and

Wandered through the ever-fascinating Harem.

Our local market was a big hit

With the Aunties,


And on our last day

The kids joined us for

A Bosphorus Boat Ride.

I can't think of a better way to wrap up winter than having my sisters come to call. We had the best adventures, lots of juicy conversation, and did more laughing than I'd done in a while. The kids mourned their departure (well, we all did), so now it seems we'll have to wait until the summer to get our next fix. We love the Aunties!