Home again, Home again

The day after Christmas we packed it up and drove back to Zurich, where we parted ways with Mom & Dad.  They (barely) caught a train bound for Milan, spending three more days there before heading home to the states.  Lucky for us, Cody, Jess and baby A flew back with us to Istanbul!  We were able to spend ONE WHOLE DAY showing them around the old city before they jumped on another plane, Ephesus and Cappadocia bound.  We packed all the local sites we could squeeze into a day and wore them out pretty well!

Right off the bat we spotted this Muppet party bus in the Old City...it seemed pretty out of place parked at the threshold to ancient Constantinople.  But, we thought it was worthy of being photographed, almost as much as

the Hagia Sophia, 

the Blue Mosque,

and the Basilica Cisterns

We all stuck together in the Cisterns, making sure to keep our eyes lowered should we encounter the ever watchful

Medusa!

We made our way over to the Blue Mosque, only to find it closed for prayer.  So, Cody and I took off in search of  healthy street food (chicken doner wraps and pomegranate-orange juice)

while the rest of the crew took a breather

Sometimes, I just can't believe that we live here...that we call Istanbul "home".  I wonder, will my children remember this crazy, marvelous adventure that we have had?

Cousins, enjoying each other

We're pretty crazy about Auntie Jess!

And our funny Dad...

And cool Uncle Cody (inside the Blue Mosque)

Just when you might think that would be all one could pack into a day, Cody and Jess made a whirlind tour of the Grand Bazarre and Spice Market before leaving Sultanahmet.  Phew!  Then we settled in for a lovely two hour drive home in Istanbul traffic, getting lost all over the city in search of "short cuts" home...as it happened, we were in a "hurry" to get back for an 8 o'clock soccer game the boys were eager to play in.  Does no one get a wee bit tired 'round here!  And this is why we love the Reynolds boys SO MUCH! 

Come back to see us again, Cody, Jess, Adalee and now baby number two!  (Jess was prego the whole time we were traveling and didn't know until she and Cody returned home...wahoo!)