We've gotten to live here for 2 years

I went to the Christmas pazaar yesterday, essentially a big craft fair put on for the international women of Istanbul. The pazaar is great but one of my favorite parts was riding the boat to the European side and taking in the beauty of this city. So often we are in such a hurry, racing to get to our destination, bumping into everyone along the way, we forget to take in the amazing view. Our 2 years here have not come without difficulties or homesickness but I must admit a rush of bittersweet memories has rushed over me lately. The people here are so hospitable and we have made many friendships we will never forget. As our time draws to a close I am trusting that the Lord brought us here for a reason and for now he wants us back in America. We will continue to pray for this city and praise him for the time he has given us in this incredible place.

We did have a birthday party for him...

I just haven't blogged about it : /

But we did, about a month ago have a get together with some good friends here to celebrate this big boy's one year. We had a great time and I think Levi was more excited about the other kiddos to play with than gifts. The party did start around 6, and he is usually really happy to be in bed by 7 so he pulled a late nighter and we all had a blast. He wasn't thrilled with the cake, somewhat anti-climatic for a mommy and daddy who wanted him to shove it in his face, oh well! I made a football cake, which I almost thought I would have to give up on because the sides kept falling apart! Luckily my mom gave me a few pointers and with a few first layers of thin, melted icing, I was able to finish off the job. It was so much fun and we look forward to many more birthdays with this precious boy!

Playing with some new goodies!


I put that cake on his face, that is how uninterested he was.

Yes, there are six candles, at the time I thought the traditionally 1 looked really lonely on the very large cake.