Stars and Stripes!! The stars are shining brightly!

We need to tell Jems that is isn't good form to eat the flag!!! But she did get into the patriotic spirit!!

We celebrated July 4th in patriotic style using decorations that Aunt Shelly sent us several years ago!! They are still going strong. We made homemade corn dogs, baked beans and red, white and blue cupcakes!! A very fun evening. Here are all the patriotic youngsters sporting their various items!! Of course our household is slightly confused as we are split between the ones who became independant and those from whom independance was sought!!!

Summer is here again

Summer is here again and we are settled back into life here. We are thrilled to see our older children finally having the confidence to play in the street with the other children in the neighbourhood. It has been a long time in coming. We are enjoying spending time with our neighbours and friends here - having the customary Turkish coffees and Russian Teas with them. The weather has been unbelievably hot so the children have enjoyed playing in the paddling pool with their friends. Here they are together on a hot Saturday afternoon. Ezzie and her friend Toska now have the same tankinis. Toska picked the same one out for Ezzie as she has, but picked blue to match her eyes!! Don't they look lovely?!


We have finished homeschool which everyone is thrilled about and there are several teams in town which, although not directly related to our work in some ways is always really fun as there is lots of activity and enthusiasm. We are having dinner at the Guest House tonight with the team from Northern Ireland. Always hilarious!! Lucy wanted a special mention as she hasn't been mentioned before so there we go Lucy - you are now officially mentioned on our blog!!!

Brad has just made a loan to a lady in town who has opened a jewellry shop at the new large supermarket. Here she is in her shop. The things she is selling are lovely so beware if you head out this way as we will surely make a trip there!!