tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16784171651275367912024-03-13T14:31:52.832-07:00The Akin FamilyThe Akin Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00723090542442232265noreply@blogger.comBlogger47125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1678417165127536791.post-54916781319919230502009-12-03T21:28:00.000-08:002009-12-04T04:07:24.557-08:00He is a heMany of you may know by now that we are expecting our 2nd baby around the middle of May. Ever since I got pregnant I had a gut feeling that it was another boy, and sure enough at 12 weeks our doctor made a guess that it was indeed a boy. I have been referring to him as a boy since then. Well, I know everyone says thats too early to tell but at my appointment Wednesday, I was 15 1/2 weeks the doctor did not even have to tell me, it was very obvious it was another baby boy! So "he" is officially a he.<br /><br />We are so excited for this little guy and are ecstatic that Levi will have a brother to play with so close in age. He has been obsessed with new born babies lately. I was holding a friends new born the other day and he came up and said "Ohhhh". He may just love this baby too much, in that we will have to watch the smothering! <br /><br />This has been a great pregnancy so far, 16 weeks today! I have felt great and we are blessed to be able to receive an ultrasound at every appointment, it really puts our minds at ease about the baby. I am so excited to back to America in just two weeks, but I will sure miss my doctor here and the care I have received. <br /><br />In other news we have been quarantined to the house. The boys have had the flu, getting better everyday thank goodness. We only have two weeks before we leave Turkey, it seems like we have a lot to do as each day is flying by with increasing speed. Hope to get a post in every now and then.<br /><br />Brothers!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/Sxj5K3yoQtI/AAAAAAAAAmk/R-77xn5-WTc/s1600-h/IMG_3307.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/Sxj5K3yoQtI/AAAAAAAAAmk/R-77xn5-WTc/s400/IMG_3307.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411348917455962834" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/Sxj5KX6SHnI/AAAAAAAAAmc/HmFR14imrL4/s1600-h/IMG_3305.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/Sxj5KX6SHnI/AAAAAAAAAmc/HmFR14imrL4/s400/IMG_3305.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411348908898131570" /></a>The Akin Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00723090542442232265noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1678417165127536791.post-6399488262372536142009-11-24T12:55:00.000-08:002009-11-25T02:25:45.595-08:00We've gotten to live here for 2 years<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/9oUCt1LSqNA&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/9oUCt1LSqNA&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br />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.The Akin Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00723090542442232265noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1678417165127536791.post-49012876392786978902009-11-18T11:36:00.000-08:002009-11-18T11:49:33.831-08:00We did have a birthday party for him...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/SwRNQEqo_rI/AAAAAAAAAl0/-ErDm88uMcw/s1600/IMG_3160.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/SwRNQEqo_rI/AAAAAAAAAl0/-ErDm88uMcw/s400/IMG_3160.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405530391277272754" /></a><br /><br />I just haven't blogged about it : / <br /><br />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!<br /><br />Playing with some new goodies!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/SwRPCzi8kYI/AAAAAAAAAmU/-aEHYbb0vIc/s1600/IMG_3172.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/SwRPCzi8kYI/AAAAAAAAAmU/-aEHYbb0vIc/s400/IMG_3172.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405532362366554498" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/SwRPCdC1XEI/AAAAAAAAAmM/3UV6f1-fQj8/s1600/IMG_3170.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/SwRPCdC1XEI/AAAAAAAAAmM/3UV6f1-fQj8/s400/IMG_3170.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405532356326284354" /></a><br />I put that cake on his face, that is how uninterested he was.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/SwRPCM9bZFI/AAAAAAAAAmE/dYsSkKtABqY/s1600/IMG_3168.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/SwRPCM9bZFI/AAAAAAAAAmE/dYsSkKtABqY/s400/IMG_3168.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405532352008643666" /></a><br />Yes, there are six candles, at the time I thought the traditionally 1 looked really lonely on the very large cake.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/SwRPB2XdlyI/AAAAAAAAAl8/emxGTrpAc9w/s1600/IMG_3164.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/SwRPB2XdlyI/AAAAAAAAAl8/emxGTrpAc9w/s400/IMG_3164.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405532345943824162" /></a>The Akin Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00723090542442232265noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1678417165127536791.post-8905113171221687102009-10-20T12:09:00.000-07:002009-10-24T00:36:19.050-07:00I can't believe...Our baby is 1 today. A year ago today I was in the Acibadem hospital here in Turkey, hopefully resting, but probably anxiously waiting to take my precious bundle home. The labor/delivery went so well and we were so blessed to welcome our little man right around 7 o'clock. My mom was able to be here for the delivery, we still talk about how it was such a precious time to be together. I am pretty sure she fell head over heels in love with Istanbul. <br /><br />These past 12 months have been such an amazing learning experience for the both of us. Way too many precious moments to count and lots of laughter in between. Levi is above and beyond what we could have ever asked for in a son. He is sweet, kind, very adaptable, and loves people. He also has a great sense of humor. I know that some people probably would say you can't see that in a 1 yr old, but we sure can. We are so excited about all the new things he is learning, he is now cruising/pulling up on things, playing catch, and throwing anything and everything. I have known since I was a little girl that I have wanted to be a mommy but Levi has made that role mean so much more to me than I could have ever imagined. We praise the Lord for a safe and healthy 12 months with him, and pray that he continues to grow and mature into Godly man. <br /><br />We love you Levi and we are so glad the Lord gave you to us on October 20th, 2008!<br /><br />Here are some memories of our first year with him, they definitely aren't in great order especially since our computer crashed :( And, is it terrible I am too tired its hard for me to really tell exactly which month is which?<br /><br /> I know we are biased but we sure think he's wonderful!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/St4PNN4cz2I/AAAAAAAAAkk/ZlqWOJ-KLHg/s1600-h/ry%3D400-52.jpeg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 262px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/St4PNN4cz2I/AAAAAAAAAkk/ZlqWOJ-KLHg/s400/ry%3D400-52.jpeg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394766123375578978" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/St4PNuuo1GI/AAAAAAAAAks/X3jlVudoHok/s1600-h/IMG_0949.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/St4PNuuo1GI/AAAAAAAAAks/X3jlVudoHok/s400/IMG_0949.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394766132192793698" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/St4POViDoqI/AAAAAAAAAk0/RxjqnNLte-U/s1600-h/IMG_1905.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/St4POViDoqI/AAAAAAAAAk0/RxjqnNLte-U/s400/IMG_1905.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394766142609007266" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/St4PPT6adRI/AAAAAAAAAk8/78upyRT-VAA/s1600-h/IMG_1927.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/St4PPT6adRI/AAAAAAAAAk8/78upyRT-VAA/s400/IMG_1927.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394766159354164498" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/St4QCgjI8AI/AAAAAAAAAlE/JYLvQvmyAks/s1600-h/IMG_2350.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/St4QCgjI8AI/AAAAAAAAAlE/JYLvQvmyAks/s400/IMG_2350.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394767038919536642" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/St4RglbOK1I/AAAAAAAAAlM/Gk8H-NXax8w/s1600-h/ry%3D400-3_2.jpeg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 370px; height: 399px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/St4RglbOK1I/AAAAAAAAAlM/Gk8H-NXax8w/s400/ry%3D400-3_2.jpeg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394768655136205650" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/St4RhPQgrJI/AAAAAAAAAlU/KxUYXKdNL6U/s1600-h/IMG_2205_2.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/St4RhPQgrJI/AAAAAAAAAlU/KxUYXKdNL6U/s400/IMG_2205_2.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394768666365570194" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/St4Rhpwk52I/AAAAAAAAAlc/KSyw2n7lmrg/s1600-h/DSC_0030.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/St4Rhpwk52I/AAAAAAAAAlc/KSyw2n7lmrg/s400/DSC_0030.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394768673479386978" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/St4Ri3icu0I/AAAAAAAAAlk/JjVxSHt_iow/s1600-h/IMG_2966.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/St4Ri3icu0I/AAAAAAAAAlk/JjVxSHt_iow/s400/IMG_2966.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394768694358096706" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/St4S3hhzRlI/AAAAAAAAAls/kzQKUMUwAqA/s1600-h/IMG_3160.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/St4S3hhzRlI/AAAAAAAAAls/kzQKUMUwAqA/s400/IMG_3160.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394770148738680402" /></a><br /><br />The picture above is from his birthday party, it was a little late, thus the no smile and binki-in-mouth. I will give more details on that soon! <br /><br />Love all of you and thank you so much for all of your love and support for Levi and for us this past year!The Akin Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00723090542442232265noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1678417165127536791.post-51039156385895692732009-10-19T11:06:00.000-07:002009-10-19T11:38:49.471-07:00Are you ready for some football?We are starting up another football season for the Stallions, and before our opening game we were blessed to have a group of coaches from Virginia come over here and work with the team for a camp. Everyday they practiced and practiced, taking a break for lunch at our house. Levi loved hangin' with all his favorite buddies. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/Styrx8VJoLI/AAAAAAAAAjo/AD21wBHvVoo/s1600-h/IMG_3056.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/Styrx8VJoLI/AAAAAAAAAjo/AD21wBHvVoo/s400/IMG_3056.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394375328179790002" /></a><br /><br />Tim was super pleased with how the camp turned and we were so excited to see the team learn so much from these coaches.<br /><br />We also got a visit from Southeastern, who brought their basketball team to play some of the local colleges/clubs here. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/StytQclDt1I/AAAAAAAAAjw/F-OTX19Fpw4/s1600-h/IMG_3109.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/StytQclDt1I/AAAAAAAAAjw/F-OTX19Fpw4/s400/IMG_3109.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394376951744149330" /></a><br /><br />Levi and I had a great time watching our favorite player.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/StytQoF-2BI/AAAAAAAAAj4/HRmV9TJV6A0/s1600-h/IMG_3111.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/StytQoF-2BI/AAAAAAAAAj4/HRmV9TJV6A0/s400/IMG_3111.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394376954835032082" /></a><br /><br />And, Uncle Nate came to stay since he was also playing for the team. Needless to say Levi loved hanging out with his uncle and followed him all around the house.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/StytRELHq-I/AAAAAAAAAkA/8GH53u1qLcM/s1600-h/IMG_3112.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/StytRELHq-I/AAAAAAAAAkA/8GH53u1qLcM/s400/IMG_3112.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394376962372774882" /></a><br /><br />Both groups were a lot of fun and I think the football team loved having them here. We are so grateful they traveled all this way.<br /><br />We finally had the first game last week. It was scheduled for one week and got changed at least 4x! Really frustrating for a coach, and therefore a coach's wife : )<br /><br />But we finally had it.<br /><br />Observations:<br /><br />1. It was hot, beautiful, not a cloud in the sky kind of day, but a little warm<br /><br />2. I kept telling the coach to put this tough guy in, I don't think he heard me.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/StyuxYMZi9I/AAAAAAAAAkI/3Gt15eeehNY/s1600-h/IMG_3125.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/StyuxYMZi9I/AAAAAAAAAkI/3Gt15eeehNY/s400/IMG_3125.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394378617014291410" /></a><br /><br />3. Football jerseys smell yucky while washing them a week before a game.<br /><br />4. The coach looked super cute, and very professional. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/Styv154SmYI/AAAAAAAAAkQ/bzIbHHt4WtI/s1600-h/IMG_3130.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/Styv154SmYI/AAAAAAAAAkQ/bzIbHHt4WtI/s400/IMG_3130.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394379794287860098" /></a><br /><br />5. We were so proud of all the players. They played so well and have improved a lot.<br /><br />6. Referees can be unfair.<br /><br />7. Do not place large bottles of water around angry coaches.<br /><br />8. Had SO much fun with all my buddies on the sidelines. Including the Waters girls, Rindy, and Nilgun.<br /><br />9. We'll get em' next time ; )<br /><br />Our next game is this weekend, Sunday we think so far....<br /><br />We will keep you posted!<br /><br />Maybe we'll have Levi give you a call.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/Styw15F5eXI/AAAAAAAAAkY/VyI-eHqzkYQ/s1600-h/IMG_3148.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/Styw15F5eXI/AAAAAAAAAkY/VyI-eHqzkYQ/s400/IMG_3148.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394380893588126066" /></a>The Akin Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00723090542442232265noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1678417165127536791.post-17722562272942012382009-09-07T06:23:00.000-07:002009-09-07T06:32:26.159-07:00Veggie LoverI am cherishing a lot of moments these days with this little one. I am especially enjoying the fact that he got excited about a cucumber the other day for an afternoon snack.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/SqUKlBdpKQI/AAAAAAAAAjg/KGD9LSY914Y/s1600-h/IMG_2941.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/SqUKlBdpKQI/AAAAAAAAAjg/KGD9LSY914Y/s400/IMG_2941.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378716961128130818" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/SqUKkqQfLiI/AAAAAAAAAjY/nQKOApAmJ7g/s1600-h/IMG_2935.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/SqUKkqQfLiI/AAAAAAAAAjY/nQKOApAmJ7g/s400/IMG_2935.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378716954898935330" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/SqUKkVFyAZI/AAAAAAAAAjQ/ysracwpWqWE/s1600-h/IMG_2929.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/SqUKkVFyAZI/AAAAAAAAAjQ/ysracwpWqWE/s400/IMG_2929.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378716949216887186" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/SqUKj3rD68I/AAAAAAAAAjI/8umBu-L-v78/s1600-h/IMG_2928.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/SqUKj3rD68I/AAAAAAAAAjI/8umBu-L-v78/s400/IMG_2928.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378716941320186818" /></a><br /><br />And he ate the whole thing...The Akin Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00723090542442232265noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1678417165127536791.post-22073853036057901832009-08-29T03:48:00.000-07:002009-08-30T03:44:56.360-07:00Summer Recap and a New CritterHey there!<br /><br />Once again its been awhile so I thought I may just do a quick recap of our Summer up to this point. Unfortunately Summer is coming to an end. But I will say we are looking forward to/already enjoying cooler temperatures. We are very proud of ourselves having made it through the hottest parts with no AC. We bought an AC for our last apartment but sold it to the new tenants. <br /><br />Well by now a lot of you have heard about our vacation to Africa. It was amazing and it was a trip we will never forget. We went to Nairobi to see Paul, Kari, and Micah (Tim's brother, our sister-in-law, and our nephew) and we also got to meet up with Tim's parents! It was so refreshing to spend time with family and we are so blessed to have been able to go.<br /><br />We have a ton of pics so I'll spare you all ba-jillion of them and just include some favorites. <br /><br />Some highlights of the trip included<br /><br />-Spending much needed time with family<br />-Watching Levi and Micah play together, these boys are already best buds and Micah is too cute!<br />-Speaking of Micah, getting to watch him dance! That boy has moves!<br />-Watching Tim and Paul be together<br />-Going on the Safari, it was surreal almost how beautiful everything was and how close the animals were<br />-Riding in a Hot Air Balloon! I never thought I would do this! <br />-Riding in the Safari truck, talking and catching up with everyone<br />-Kazuri Beads!! Kari talks about this on her blog, these are so pretty and we spent a lot of time in their stores. I have so many cute earrings, bracelets, and necklaces now, the problem is just picking one out each morning!<br />-Hearing English spoken, and eating more "American" type food<br />-Shopping at all the great stores in Nairobi<br />-Enjoying the landscape and people of Kenya, and just enjoying a new country all together<br />-Going down to the center where Paul and Kari used to work, it was so fun to meet all their friends<br />-Catching up with some old friends <br />-Going to the Tea Farm, it was so beautiful! <br />-Getting to meet Josephine<br />-Spending time with family, I said that already, but again, it was great, and I thought it should round out the list<br /><br />We are so grateful that Paul and Kari let us come and so glad Danny and Charlotte could be there too.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/SppSjyViM8I/AAAAAAAAAiQ/YsDhriqfHkc/s1600-h/IMG_2763.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/SppSjyViM8I/AAAAAAAAAiQ/YsDhriqfHkc/s400/IMG_2763.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375699879981102018" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/SppSjvabEHI/AAAAAAAAAiI/wCutNQ-Gn6E/s1600-h/IMG_2795.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/SppSjvabEHI/AAAAAAAAAiI/wCutNQ-Gn6E/s400/IMG_2795.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375699879196299378" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/SppSi6pqFpI/AAAAAAAAAiA/UNrSk1LFYqg/s1600-h/IMG_2658.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/SppSi6pqFpI/AAAAAAAAAiA/UNrSk1LFYqg/s400/IMG_2658.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375699865033119378" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/SppSidHpg1I/AAAAAAAAAh4/j8_kOManKRI/s1600-h/IMG_1674.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/SppSidHpg1I/AAAAAAAAAh4/j8_kOManKRI/s400/IMG_1674.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375699857105847122" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/SppSiGiWoKI/AAAAAAAAAhw/Tk-HkjroZbY/s1600-h/IMG_1356.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/SppSiGiWoKI/AAAAAAAAAhw/Tk-HkjroZbY/s400/IMG_1356.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375699851043840162" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/SppQ8Mn5P5I/AAAAAAAAAho/dNdSB31uxLY/s1600-h/IMG_2438_2.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/SppQ8Mn5P5I/AAAAAAAAAho/dNdSB31uxLY/s400/IMG_2438_2.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375698100331036562" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/SppQ75IvMEI/AAAAAAAAAhg/8Fdp7ynWAW8/s1600-h/IMG_2413_2.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/SppQ75IvMEI/AAAAAAAAAhg/8Fdp7ynWAW8/s400/IMG_2413_2.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375698095100080194" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/SppQ7ctUcwI/AAAAAAAAAhY/dbVovTGaP-0/s1600-h/IMG_2403_2.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/SppQ7ctUcwI/AAAAAAAAAhY/dbVovTGaP-0/s400/IMG_2403_2.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375698087468888834" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/SppQ6wAsTTI/AAAAAAAAAhQ/Jah9EQn39hY/s1600-h/IMG_2397_2.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/SppQ6wAsTTI/AAAAAAAAAhQ/Jah9EQn39hY/s400/IMG_2397_2.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375698075470548274" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/SppQ6XI5sII/AAAAAAAAAhI/-93qayzODR0/s1600-h/IMG_2387_2.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/SppQ6XI5sII/AAAAAAAAAhI/-93qayzODR0/s400/IMG_2387_2.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375698068794093698" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/SpkQstyoR0I/AAAAAAAAAhA/D2r6A_DjYrA/s1600-h/IMG_2364_2.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/SpkQstyoR0I/AAAAAAAAAhA/D2r6A_DjYrA/s400/IMG_2364_2.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375345990635636546" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/SpkQrzXZPvI/AAAAAAAAAg4/oiYjYJld354/s1600-h/IMG_2124.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/SpkQrzXZPvI/AAAAAAAAAg4/oiYjYJld354/s400/IMG_2124.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375345974952148722" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/SpkQrF5Fv4I/AAAAAAAAAgw/hfXas9CG_PM/s1600-h/IMG_2202_2.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/SpkQrF5Fv4I/AAAAAAAAAgw/hfXas9CG_PM/s400/IMG_2202_2.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375345962745446274" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/SpkQqrM2IQI/AAAAAAAAAgo/bL7dB8-N0QY/s1600-h/IMG_1956.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/SpkQqrM2IQI/AAAAAAAAAgo/bL7dB8-N0QY/s400/IMG_1956.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375345955580551426" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/SpkQqKsZ5wI/AAAAAAAAAgg/zZkYzJHeQxI/s1600-h/IMG_2061.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/SpkQqKsZ5wI/AAAAAAAAAgg/zZkYzJHeQxI/s400/IMG_2061.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375345946854549250" /></a><br /><br />Okay, I know its a lot, but it was so hard to choose, there are too many favorites!!<br /><br />We also got a visit from Uncle Gregory!! It was so great to see him and we loved taking him around the city. I was also glad that he got some rest from all that backpacking! Thanks so much for taking the time to see us!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/SppX7qqJ1sI/AAAAAAAAAjA/Y_vzAMUhtwU/s1600-h/IMG_2815.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/SppX7qqJ1sI/AAAAAAAAAjA/Y_vzAMUhtwU/s400/IMG_2815.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375705787795101378" /></a><br /><br />The rest of our days have been filled with lots of preparation and practice for the new football season, on Tim's part. Getting some new friends settled in, visiting with local friends whenever we can, and chasing after this new critter!<br /><br />We have a RAT.....<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/SppTuB-5HaI/AAAAAAAAAiY/lx7KZhhf_2w/s1600-h/IMG_2866.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/SppTuB-5HaI/AAAAAAAAAiY/lx7KZhhf_2w/s400/IMG_2866.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375701155491421602" /></a><br /><br />A Rug Rat that is...<br /><br />Every time I turn around he is eating our shoes, eating the fuzz from our rug, and trying to play with any electronic device/cord he can get his hands on. I am convinced he has a large fuzz ball from the carpet in his tummy and since I had to wrestle him to try to get some fuzz out of his mouth the other day, with the struggle ending with him swallowing it!<br /><br />Oh well! I guess thats the stage we are in with this active crawler!<br /><br />We took some "9 month" really 10 month pictures the other day with a friend. We think he is awful cute!<br /><br />His face is totally smushed in this picture, and I don't think he knows what to think, its obvious I love my kisses!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/SppV7tImYZI/AAAAAAAAAi4/pGuzndLJh1M/s1600-h/DSC_0046.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/SppV7tImYZI/AAAAAAAAAi4/pGuzndLJh1M/s400/DSC_0046.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375703589436416402" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/SppV7N9SOAI/AAAAAAAAAiw/TNza5a014eg/s1600-h/DSC_0030.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/SppV7N9SOAI/AAAAAAAAAiw/TNza5a014eg/s400/DSC_0030.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375703581067458562" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/SppV6sgKYOI/AAAAAAAAAio/CPkuqYV0wMM/s1600-h/DSC_0195.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/SppV6sgKYOI/AAAAAAAAAio/CPkuqYV0wMM/s400/DSC_0195.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375703572086939874" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/SppV6AV-ovI/AAAAAAAAAig/WaYZ9ou8CwY/s1600-h/DSC_0226.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/SppV6AV-ovI/AAAAAAAAAig/WaYZ9ou8CwY/s400/DSC_0226.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375703560233067250" /></a><br /><br />Hope to be back soon!!The Akin Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00723090542442232265noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1678417165127536791.post-40563916104143264102009-06-21T23:02:00.000-07:002009-06-21T23:42:56.172-07:00Beach BumsWe went to the Beach last week with Seyfo and his family to their beach house in Saroz. Tim says it is close to Greece, I'll have to look for myself on a map.<br /><br />Anyways, it was so wonderful to get out of the city for awhile. Instead of seeing concrete we drove for 3 hrs with this as our scenery. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/Sj8fEc9itrI/AAAAAAAAAdE/5eE3_C2eTdM/s1600-h/IMG_2414.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/Sj8fEc9itrI/AAAAAAAAAdE/5eE3_C2eTdM/s320/IMG_2414.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350029043693696690" /></a><br /><br />Saroz was so beautiful. It reminded me of when we used to drive to Kansas to see my sister, with a big body of water next to it. The complex where the beach house was so cute, and quiet. It was so nice to hear the trees moving with the wind, and the birds chirping in the morning. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/Sj8f7r8-_dI/AAAAAAAAAdM/mG3qIXU6iCY/s1600-h/IMG_2438.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/Sj8f7r8-_dI/AAAAAAAAAdM/mG3qIXU6iCY/s320/IMG_2438.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350029992610692562" /></a><br /><br />Seyfo's mom was an incredible hostess. We ate like kings the entire time. We ate almost every meal outside on the balcony, one of my favorite things to do. Every morning we would have Turkish breakfast which consists usually of olives, cheese, tomatoes, cucumbers, tea, and bread. I have to admit that I think I would choose that over any American breakfast from now on. She is an amazing cook, we were so blessed to be able to spend time with her and Seyfo's aunt. They love Levi and he was never at a loss for someone to hold him and love on him. <br /><br />We did some of my favorite things while we were there. Of course we went to the beach everyday. The water was so cold but the last day was really hot and it felt great. Levi loved the beach and he had his own personal baby pool which worked out great since he wanted to eat all the rocks on the beach. We also went to an amazing bazaar. I got a cute little dress for about 2 dollars! Yeah! Tim and I also got a good chance to rest and slept any chance we could get when Levi was sleeping. It was so refreshing. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/Sj8jL6QmJfI/AAAAAAAAAds/5a_a9xcJYW0/s1600-h/IMG_2427.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/Sj8jL6QmJfI/AAAAAAAAAds/5a_a9xcJYW0/s320/IMG_2427.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350033569863837170" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/Sj8jLsscV3I/AAAAAAAAAdk/fqUuan6ohDA/s1600-h/IMG_2426.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/Sj8jLsscV3I/AAAAAAAAAdk/fqUuan6ohDA/s320/IMG_2426.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350033566222538610" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/Sj8jLQ1IkFI/AAAAAAAAAdc/NzbtIZB1608/s1600-h/IMG_2420.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/Sj8jLQ1IkFI/AAAAAAAAAdc/NzbtIZB1608/s320/IMG_2420.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350033558742798418" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/Sj8jK52ir7I/AAAAAAAAAdU/-wf6qZOyN7o/s1600-h/IMG_2417.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/Sj8jK52ir7I/AAAAAAAAAdU/-wf6qZOyN7o/s320/IMG_2417.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350033552574689202" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/Sj8k7cqX8dI/AAAAAAAAAeU/i5bctEGsLuM/s1600-h/IMG_2437.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/Sj8k7cqX8dI/AAAAAAAAAeU/i5bctEGsLuM/s320/IMG_2437.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350035486064243154" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/Sj8k60trvnI/AAAAAAAAAeM/knAWROGiI0k/s1600-h/IMG_2436.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/Sj8k60trvnI/AAAAAAAAAeM/knAWROGiI0k/s320/IMG_2436.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350035475340705394" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/Sj8k6ZVjS2I/AAAAAAAAAeE/Ps54quNoPM4/s1600-h/IMG_2434.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/Sj8k6ZVjS2I/AAAAAAAAAeE/Ps54quNoPM4/s320/IMG_2434.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350035467991731042" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/Sj8k6GA5dPI/AAAAAAAAAd8/WsNXdsroZ-4/s1600-h/IMG_2433.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/Sj8k6GA5dPI/AAAAAAAAAd8/WsNXdsroZ-4/s320/IMG_2433.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350035462804829426" /></a><br /><br />We had a blast getting to know their family better, relaxing, swimming and eating wonderful food. We hope that this is the first trip of many others this summer.<br /><br /><br><br><p><image class="centered"alt="post signature" src="http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r208/jennisajoy/Annasig.jpg" /></p>The Akin Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00723090542442232265noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1678417165127536791.post-17256974884717777712009-06-14T06:00:00.000-07:002009-06-19T09:56:09.705-07:00Where have we been?About 3 weeks ago we got the dreaded gray screen and flashing question mark on our desktop which=our hard drive was done! Emails, documents, and the worst part all of our pictures GONE! I have really enjoy our MacBook and would recommend it to anyone, but man it was a PAIN to get it fixed here and find someone who would take our AppleCare. We finally got our computer back last Friday and our Internet would not work either! Luckily I have a computer friendly brother who helped us get back online. I am not sure if we are finally in the clear, but I thought I would at least blog while I still can. <br /><br />This past few weeks have not been without some action. One week I almost flooded the entire apartment while trying to fix our water valve on our toilet. Water was literally pouring full blast out of the wall. I thought Levi and I would have to start treading and eventually swim out of the apartment from the balcony. I was also scared because Tim was on the European side, about an hour away, for a meeting. Luckily we have the best neighbor ever and he helped me clean up that mess! He is pictured here with Levi, we have been having tea with him occasionally, which is wonderful language practice. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/SjT3b3ZOVzI/AAAAAAAAAcE/79G2q-9JxwE/s1600-h/IMG_2226.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/SjT3b3ZOVzI/AAAAAAAAAcE/79G2q-9JxwE/s320/IMG_2226.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347170715693897522" /></a><br /><br />Our neighbor also just yesterday helped Tim get out of the elevator which he was stuck in for about 30 mins with two of his players. We really do not know what we would do without him. <br /><br />Summer has arrived, well at least to me anyways, here in Turkey. There is not a cloud in the sky, and I love it!! The produce is so delicious right now and I can't wait for the peaches to really start showing up. Levi and I have been hanging out in the baby pool on our balcony and I am not sure who likes it more at this point ; ) We are glad he is getting used to the water because this week we get to go to the beach with some local friends for 3 days. I can't wait to see my little water baby in action! No crawling yet, although he looks like he is getting close. <br /><br />Tim is gearing up for another season with tryouts both this past week and the week before. He is excited about the new players that we will be adding to the Stallions family next season. <br /><br />We missed yall! <br /><br />Its good to be back!<br /><br />Of course I wouldn't leave you without some recent pictures of our cutie!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/SjT5DlRXMmI/AAAAAAAAAcM/QV6GjJnXxEc/s1600-h/IMG_2068.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/SjT5DlRXMmI/AAAAAAAAAcM/QV6GjJnXxEc/s320/IMG_2068.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347172497535480418" /></a><br />Levi and Daddy at the last football game<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/SjT5liVfI2I/AAAAAAAAAcU/1nVUNKXgDVs/s1600-h/IMG_2075.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/SjT5liVfI2I/AAAAAAAAAcU/1nVUNKXgDVs/s320/IMG_2075.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347173080863023970" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/SjsZjXIlDPI/AAAAAAAAAc8/Y_ZnOWX6ZKg/s1600-h/IMG_2413.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/SjsZjXIlDPI/AAAAAAAAAc8/Y_ZnOWX6ZKg/s320/IMG_2413.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348897077728709874" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/SjsZiQhIRYI/AAAAAAAAAc0/r8w6FnF_7EI/s1600-h/IMG_2345.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/SjsZiQhIRYI/AAAAAAAAAc0/r8w6FnF_7EI/s320/IMG_2345.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348897058772764034" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/SjsZhnXvkDI/AAAAAAAAAcs/WJ0C0dXnz90/s1600-h/IMG_2330.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/SjsZhnXvkDI/AAAAAAAAAcs/WJ0C0dXnz90/s320/IMG_2330.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348897047727542322" /></a><br /><br /><br><br><p><image class="centered"alt="post signature" src="http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r208/jennisajoy/Annasig.jpg" /></p>The Akin Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00723090542442232265noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1678417165127536791.post-45234958029146454002009-05-06T10:50:00.000-07:002009-05-06T11:16:32.198-07:00My how far we've come!Levi has changed in a lot of ways in the past 6 months,<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/SgHPCnwgcfI/AAAAAAAAAbE/nAm6-zA268w/s1600-h/IMG_0675.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/SgHPCnwgcfI/AAAAAAAAAbE/nAm6-zA268w/s320/IMG_0675.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332771077722501618" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/SgHPtMA2KRI/AAAAAAAAAbM/2Va10SWJst4/s1600-h/IMG_1779.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/SgHPtMA2KRI/AAAAAAAAAbM/2Va10SWJst4/s320/IMG_1779.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332771809009215762" /></a><br /><br />and in some ways, not so much<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/SgHQA8JifNI/AAAAAAAAAbU/l33_ZOt_Ajs/s1600-h/IMG_0626.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/SgHQA8JifNI/AAAAAAAAAbU/l33_ZOt_Ajs/s320/IMG_0626.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332772148348091602" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/SgHQiyUJpxI/AAAAAAAAAbc/I5uja091sN4/s1600-h/Akin+068.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/SgHQiyUJpxI/AAAAAAAAAbc/I5uja091sN4/s320/Akin+068.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332772729823799058" /></a><br /><br />The past 6 months have flown by and we can't believe our little man has gotten so big. He is now eating solids and sitting up like a champ! He loves his toy football (much to his Daddy's delight) and loves a good game of peek-a-boo. He brings so much joy to our lives. We are so blessed to have such a sweet, content, and happy boy. Okay, enough gushing ; )<br /><br />Here are a few of our favorites from a recent 6 month photo shoot.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/SgHRrjoFEVI/AAAAAAAAAb0/XocgCTd-Qow/s1600-h/Akin+032.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 296px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/SgHRrjoFEVI/AAAAAAAAAb0/XocgCTd-Qow/s320/Akin+032.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332773980011303250" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/SgHRrUDnb6I/AAAAAAAAAbs/AG_2aJ_KR5Y/s1600-h/Akin+016a.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/SgHRrUDnb6I/AAAAAAAAAbs/AG_2aJ_KR5Y/s320/Akin+016a.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332773975831834530" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/SgHRrAsulzI/AAAAAAAAAbk/lsyvj2wxDMU/s1600-h/Akin+006.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/SgHRrAsulzI/AAAAAAAAAbk/lsyvj2wxDMU/s320/Akin+006.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332773970635560754" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/SgHSXMa7ihI/AAAAAAAAAb8/dgtt-r0zj5o/s1600-h/Akin+059.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/SgHSXMa7ihI/AAAAAAAAAb8/dgtt-r0zj5o/s320/Akin+059.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332774729696381458" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br><br><p><image class="centered"alt="post signature" src="http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r208/jennisajoy/Annasig.jpg" /></p>The Akin Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00723090542442232265noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1678417165127536791.post-53946401931486785452009-03-25T22:22:00.000-07:002009-03-26T13:25:32.885-07:0024<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/ScsRlAbSwrI/AAAAAAAAAZI/uqncxEkOIYg/s1600-h/IMG_1626.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/ScsRlAbSwrI/AAAAAAAAAZI/uqncxEkOIYg/s320/IMG_1626.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317363112508310194" /></a><br /><br />Despite the fact that we look 16 in this picture, we did celebrate this man's 24th birthday yesterday.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/ScsR679I5UI/AAAAAAAAAZQ/BV9xAxdj4Ps/s1600-h/IMG_1625.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/ScsR679I5UI/AAAAAAAAAZQ/BV9xAxdj4Ps/s320/IMG_1625.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317363489265214786" /></a><br /><br />And thanks to my Mom and my Dad (who by the way is always so sweet to gather everything, get it ready to send and mail us goodies from the States) the house was dressed in full B-day attire. Complete with a table cloth, Birthday banner, and plates and napkins. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/ScsSYJOpgoI/AAAAAAAAAZY/MRSm1wESQkw/s1600-h/IMG_1621.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/ScsSYJOpgoI/AAAAAAAAAZY/MRSm1wESQkw/s320/IMG_1621.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317363991044522626" /></a><br /><br />We had chocolate chip pancakes for breakfast, Yum! And opened presents. Who needs gifts when there is wrapping paper?<br /> <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/Scsj73W0wSI/AAAAAAAAAaA/yuIdmAx3doY/s1600-h/IMG_1623.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/Scsj73W0wSI/AAAAAAAAAaA/yuIdmAx3doY/s320/IMG_1623.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317383296419938594" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/ScsTjeAQ_tI/AAAAAAAAAZw/NrQ4im6V6gY/s1600-h/IMG_1628.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/ScsTjeAQ_tI/AAAAAAAAAZw/NrQ4im6V6gY/s320/IMG_1628.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317365285111529170" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/ScsTjGaE7qI/AAAAAAAAAZo/o8-vigTcs-c/s1600-h/IMG_1629.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/ScsTjGaE7qI/AAAAAAAAAZo/o8-vigTcs-c/s320/IMG_1629.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317365278777339554" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/ScsTjOOUf8I/AAAAAAAAAZg/yObhnHstlM0/s1600-h/IMG_1630.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/ScsTjOOUf8I/AAAAAAAAAZg/yObhnHstlM0/s320/IMG_1630.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317365280875511746" /></a><br /><br />We even got the courage later on in the day to venture to the European side and brave the traffic to go to Johnny Rockets. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/ScslRX8XDoI/AAAAAAAAAaY/sRyzXJdeK_U/s1600-h/IMG_1631.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/ScslRX8XDoI/AAAAAAAAAaY/sRyzXJdeK_U/s320/IMG_1631.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317384765456191106" /></a> <br /><br />It was Levi's first time in a high chair, and boy his Mommy and Daddy were sure smitten with how cute he looked. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/ScskuOUdKmI/AAAAAAAAAaI/MSoZjA8h2Rg/s1600-h/IMG_1634.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/ScskuOUdKmI/AAAAAAAAAaI/MSoZjA8h2Rg/s320/IMG_1634.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317384161577478754" /></a><br /><br />The waiter even gave him his very own Johnny Rockets hat.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/ScslCXUM0JI/AAAAAAAAAaQ/hXNh1FxqWDE/s1600-h/IMG_1635.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/ScslCXUM0JI/AAAAAAAAAaQ/hXNh1FxqWDE/s320/IMG_1635.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317384507589709970" /></a><br /><br />We all had a great day celebrating but have to admit we were tuckered out at the end of the day. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/Scsl0oKHWuI/AAAAAAAAAag/sMHpOBBO4wQ/s1600-h/IMG_1636.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/Scsl0oKHWuI/AAAAAAAAAag/sMHpOBBO4wQ/s320/IMG_1636.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317385371104271074" /></a><br /><br /><br />By the way, this came just in time to celebrate his birthday,<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/ScsmrASKc6I/AAAAAAAAAao/KlMpvzCCLQA/s1600-h/images.jpeg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 129px; height: 97px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/ScsmrASKc6I/AAAAAAAAAao/KlMpvzCCLQA/s320/images.jpeg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317386305293415330" /></a><br /><br />It's his all time favorite. And the first one in Turkey. We had a great time last Friday celebrating Tim's birthday with the team and introducing them to his favorite American restaurant. And we all took witness as he took down a Chocolate Molten Cake all by himself, which you know for Tim is a feat. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/ScsoBxeqwCI/AAAAAAAAAa4/7FU1yTZFtAI/s1600-h/IMG_1614.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/ScsoBxeqwCI/AAAAAAAAAa4/7FU1yTZFtAI/s320/IMG_1614.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317387795967950882" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/ScsoBzr1BuI/AAAAAAAAAaw/zx_B3wJZDmU/s1600-h/IMG_1618.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/ScsoBzr1BuI/AAAAAAAAAaw/zx_B3wJZDmU/s320/IMG_1618.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317387796560021218" /></a><br /><br /><br />Happy Birthday Babe!! You're my best friend, a wonderful father, teacher, and coach. I am so proud of you and everyday look up to you more and more! Love you! <br /><br /><br><br><p><image class="centered"alt="post signature" src="http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r208/jennisajoy/Annasig.jpg" /></p>The Akin Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00723090542442232265noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1678417165127536791.post-15269432162474036892009-03-19T22:53:00.000-07:002009-03-19T23:00:26.492-07:00New ApartmentI just looked over my previous blog and saw I forgot to post pictures of the new apartment! Here it is! We got it fully furnished and are really happy with all the new paint and floors.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/ScMwdLnghyI/AAAAAAAAAZA/NmxCcjcqgFw/s1600-h/IMG_1512.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/ScMwdLnghyI/AAAAAAAAAZA/NmxCcjcqgFw/s320/IMG_1512.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5315145263120156450" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/ScMwdPlZNHI/AAAAAAAAAY4/x3Qa7-Pj90Y/s1600-h/IMG_1510.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/ScMwdPlZNHI/AAAAAAAAAY4/x3Qa7-Pj90Y/s320/IMG_1510.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5315145264185029746" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/ScMwdD9NdwI/AAAAAAAAAYw/RfpKic-B9Tg/s1600-h/IMG_1503.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/ScMwdD9NdwI/AAAAAAAAAYw/RfpKic-B9Tg/s320/IMG_1503.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5315145261063698178" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/ScMwdOVRp_I/AAAAAAAAAYo/dhwDJ6BRxL4/s1600-h/IMG_1502.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/ScMwdOVRp_I/AAAAAAAAAYo/dhwDJ6BRxL4/s320/IMG_1502.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5315145263848990706" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/ScMwdCLpkrI/AAAAAAAAAYg/rfnzXEbFKCs/s1600-h/IMG_1501.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/ScMwdCLpkrI/AAAAAAAAAYg/rfnzXEbFKCs/s320/IMG_1501.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5315145260587389618" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/ScMv6Q4_cdI/AAAAAAAAAYY/_lwnarHNSsI/s1600-h/IMG_1500.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/ScMv6Q4_cdI/AAAAAAAAAYY/_lwnarHNSsI/s320/IMG_1500.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5315144663240241618" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/ScMv6OOhUvI/AAAAAAAAAYQ/BMFlksNIYcQ/s1600-h/IMG_1498.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/ScMv6OOhUvI/AAAAAAAAAYQ/BMFlksNIYcQ/s320/IMG_1498.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5315144662525235954" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/ScMv6GDIXHI/AAAAAAAAAYI/rKYuFt-bJKU/s1600-h/IMG_1496.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/ScMv6GDIXHI/AAAAAAAAAYI/rKYuFt-bJKU/s320/IMG_1496.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5315144660329978994" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/ScMv6FFJyCI/AAAAAAAAAYA/4QD2gsPp1JI/s1600-h/IMG_1495.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/ScMv6FFJyCI/AAAAAAAAAYA/4QD2gsPp1JI/s320/IMG_1495.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5315144660070025250" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/ScMv6CYeq2I/AAAAAAAAAX4/EklHJYGF3lo/s1600-h/IMG_1494.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/ScMv6CYeq2I/AAAAAAAAAX4/EklHJYGF3lo/s320/IMG_1494.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5315144659345779554" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br><br><p><image class="centered"alt="post signature" src="http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r208/jennisajoy/Annasig.jpg" /></p>The Akin Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00723090542442232265noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1678417165127536791.post-84113529086610674622009-03-18T11:27:00.000-07:002009-03-19T01:11:12.257-07:00Hi, it's me again.I know I have been missing. I hadn't really felt that guilty about the way I have neglected our blog until recently. Today I was looking at my sisters blog and saw a link to mine in which the most recent post was "3 months!". The fact that Levi is 2 days away from being 5 months reminded me again that I am a terrible blogger. I love looking at other peoples blogs and know I do not do my part to contribute to the blogging world. I feel like I do one of these posts every couple of months in which I try to make excuses for my negligence and this blog is no different. We are tired. Each and every day lately has been packed to the minute it seems. Each night I feel like we are rushing to get Levi bathed and I am scurrying around trying to find something to make for dinner, which recently has been around 8:00. A few weeks ago we started apartment hunting and were blessed to find one that suited all of our needs and we love it! (Pictures later on in this post) In the midst of all of that we have looked, signed and moved in in the course of a few weeks. We have internet now, it took awhile, and I still have some rooms that need to be organized. Pictures of their status will not be shared, but it feels so good to be settled again. <br /><br />In other news the Stallions added a new member to the football team this past game, # 7, and I have to admit he is really cute in his uniform ; ) None other than Coach Tim Akin helped the Stallions take their first victory with a score of 20-0. He would never tell you but he scored 2 Touchdowns!! We were all so proud of the team, they did awesome! It was a cold day but filled with lots of fun with the small crowd of friends that came to cheer them on. I am so excited to see how they do in the next couple of games. I got some video of the game but unfortunately always forgot to start the camera during the really exciting moments. Sorry Akin brothers. <br /><br />Levi is still growin, growin, growin. He now can easily roll both ways and loves to put everything in his mouth. We are so proud of him; especially the way he handled the move and all of the places we have taken him lately. <br /><br />Hopefully it won't be so long before there is another post, but I am not making any promises : /<br /><br />Levi thinks his Daddy is hilarious<br /><div><embed src="http://www.onetruemedia.com/share_view_player?p=7e57d9be8a92e7e176ace1" quality="high" scale="noscale" width="408" height="382" wmode="transparent" name="FLVPlayer" salign="LT" flashvars="&p=7e57d9be8a92e7e176ace1&skin_id=701&host=http://www.onetruemedia.com" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer"></embed><div style="margin:0px;font:12px/13px verdana,arial,sans-serif;line-height:20px;padding-bottom:15px;width:408px;text-align:center;"><a href="http://www.onetruemedia.com/share_player_link?p=7e57d9be8a92e7e176ace1&skin_id=701&source=emplay" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.onetruemedia.com/share_player_link_image/7e57d9be8a92e7e176ace1/701.gif" style="border:0px;" width="408" /></a><br/><a href="http://www.onetruemedia.com/landing?&utm_source=emplay&utm_medium=txt1" target="_blank" style="text-decoration:none;">Make an on-line slide show at <span style="text-decoration:underline;">www.OneTrueMedia.com</span></a></div></div><br /><br />Some footage of the game. Tim is #7 in the back and has the hand off to #11<br /><div><embed src="http://www.onetruemedia.com/share_view_player?p=84e91a4a816ad54f682289" quality="high" scale="noscale" width="408" height="382" wmode="transparent" name="FLVPlayer" salign="LT" flashvars="&p=84e91a4a816ad54f682289&skin_id=701&host=http://www.onetruemedia.com" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer"></embed><div style="margin:0px;font:12px/13px verdana,arial,sans-serif;line-height:20px;padding-bottom:15px;width:408px;text-align:center;"><a href="http://www.onetruemedia.com/share_player_link?p=84e91a4a816ad54f682289&skin_id=701&source=emplay" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.onetruemedia.com/share_player_link_image/84e91a4a816ad54f682289/701.gif" style="border:0px;" width="408" /></a><br/><a href="http://www.onetruemedia.com/landing?&utm_source=emplay&utm_medium=txt3" target="_blank" style="text-decoration:none;">Make video montages at <span style="text-decoration:underline;">www.OneTrueMedia.com</span></a></div></div><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/ScHwzvYo2AI/AAAAAAAAAXw/RaUqi5VxcBo/s1600-h/IMG_1592.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/ScHwzvYo2AI/AAAAAAAAAXw/RaUqi5VxcBo/s320/IMG_1592.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314793806957697026" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/ScHwzbXnP7I/AAAAAAAAAXo/E8NNA64ikkQ/s1600-h/IMG_1578.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/ScHwzbXnP7I/AAAAAAAAAXo/E8NNA64ikkQ/s320/IMG_1578.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314793801584689074" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/ScHwzepLLFI/AAAAAAAAAXg/ANhgHsV6TFc/s1600-h/IMG_1574.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/ScHwzepLLFI/AAAAAAAAAXg/ANhgHsV6TFc/s320/IMG_1574.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314793802463652946" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/ScHwzFq3S-I/AAAAAAAAAXY/-uU5TZMW4Ro/s1600-h/IMG_1535.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/ScHwzFq3S-I/AAAAAAAAAXY/-uU5TZMW4Ro/s320/IMG_1535.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314793795759852514" /></a><br />Levi and his girlfriends<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/ScHwy--VRhI/AAAAAAAAAXQ/J0tIHGltwXI/s1600-h/IMG_1493.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/ScHwy--VRhI/AAAAAAAAAXQ/J0tIHGltwXI/s320/IMG_1493.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314793793962460690" /></a><br /><br /><br /><p><img class="centered" alt="post signature" src="http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r208/jennisajoy/Annasig.jpg"></p>The Akin Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00723090542442232265noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1678417165127536791.post-54421816245076574972009-02-02T05:15:00.001-08:002009-02-02T05:31:28.264-08:003 monthsWe had our 3 month check up a few weeks ago with no shots! Yeah!! Levi weighed in at 15.9 lbs, our Doctor informed us he is in the 90th percentile for both height and weight. Just this week he woke us up around 2:30 crying and he had rolled over on his back. We quickly got over our grumpiness of waking up at 2:30 am and were very proud of our little man, he is such a big boy! Here are a few recent pics<br /><br />Lounging in his Boppy and sucking on his hands, a new favorite hobby<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/SYbzGH3gyEI/AAAAAAAAAWg/03DmeUChW4A/s1600-h/IMG_1330.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/SYbzGH3gyEI/AAAAAAAAAWg/03DmeUChW4A/s320/IMG_1330.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5298189298164615234" /></a><br />Looking a lot like his Daddy<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/SYbzGO_lc7I/AAAAAAAAAWY/Jx5XY4BAlLI/s1600-h/IMG_1328.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/SYbzGO_lc7I/AAAAAAAAAWY/Jx5XY4BAlLI/s320/IMG_1328.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5298189300077523890" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/SYbzFymBrOI/AAAAAAAAAWQ/tMUBXMgwdtM/s1600-h/IMG_1208.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/SYbzFymBrOI/AAAAAAAAAWQ/tMUBXMgwdtM/s320/IMG_1208.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5298189292454128866" /></a><br />I love that chubby wrist!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/SYbzF6E_6qI/AAAAAAAAAWI/OukD-EmXmjs/s1600-h/IMG_1207.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/SYbzF6E_6qI/AAAAAAAAAWI/OukD-EmXmjs/s320/IMG_1207.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5298189294463085218" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br><br><p><image class="centered"alt="post signature" src="http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r208/jennisajoy/Annasig.jpg" /></p>The Akin Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00723090542442232265noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1678417165127536791.post-91583091668154304632009-02-02T04:51:00.000-08:002009-02-02T05:14:08.083-08:00Johnny RocketsTim and I finally ventured over the the European side and went to a huge mall to eat at Johnny Rockets. I think the mall was at least five stories high, and we both felt like big time foreigners as our jaws dropped and we just stood in the middle gawking at all the stores. Trust me, you would be doing the same if you saw this <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/SYbxPHUtDnI/AAAAAAAAAWA/0U8VVHrLZcc/s1600-h/cevahir-mall.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/SYbxPHUtDnI/AAAAAAAAAWA/0U8VVHrLZcc/s320/cevahir-mall.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5298187253614186098" /></a><br /><br />Kinda felt like the small town ppl coming to the big city<br /><br />We enjoyed Johnny Rockets and had a few conclusions,<br /><br />Burger: Really Good, a lot better than Num Num's, another burger joint that has ridiculous prices<br /><br />Music: Great, and a ton of fun, a great mix of oldies and we even chose a few with our personal juke box on our table. Levi loved it so much he got up on the table and danced<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/SYbt-nnrQ8I/AAAAAAAAAVw/mvz_EvQioQs/s1600-h/IMG_1220.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/SYbt-nnrQ8I/AAAAAAAAAVw/mvz_EvQioQs/s320/IMG_1220.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5298183671691035586" /></a><br /><br />Atmosphere: Really fun, like you are walking into an old diner, and it was nice to be able to speak English to the waiters. <br /><br />Milkshake: Average, it was good I think because I hadn't had anything Oreo or Cookies and Cream most of the time we have been in Turkey, but a Steak n' Shake milkshake would have probably won the taste test if I had one next to me. <br /><br />Drinks: Really Good, they have fountain drinks, which is a huge treat here, and syrups like vanilla and cherry you can add to your drink<br /><br />Overall, worth the trip and the traffic, we didn't think the prices were to shabby either. We both agreed we would visit again. <br />*<br />*<br />*<br />Levi is napping more than hour, thank goodness! Any tips on this or is he just getting to that stage where he is taking an "afternoon nap"? <br /><br />I should be doing this,<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/SYbwHEK1NiI/AAAAAAAAAV4/-Ejp-mINVEE/s1600-h/IMG_1127.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/SYbwHEK1NiI/AAAAAAAAAV4/-Ejp-mINVEE/s320/IMG_1127.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5298186015816889890" /></a><br /><br />I like the sorting and putting it in the washer part, its the folding and putting away part that I don't like so much. Anyone else have this problem??<br /><br /><br><br><p><image class="centered"alt="post signature" src="http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r208/jennisajoy/Annasig.jpg" /></p>The Akin Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00723090542442232265noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1678417165127536791.post-78739899702672339802009-01-08T02:57:00.000-08:002009-01-08T03:16:39.175-08:00A few pics for the GrandparentsI know some of these might all look the same after while, but since they don't get to see him much I have to keep GiGi and Papa, and Lottie and Grandanny updated!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/SWXd4pkR-QI/AAAAAAAAATc/2UhoOu3irDI/s1600-h/IMG_1069.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/SWXd4pkR-QI/AAAAAAAAATc/2UhoOu3irDI/s320/IMG_1069.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288877302716954882" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/SWXd42Tg9qI/AAAAAAAAATk/XnrJmgaPzrY/s1600-h/IMG_1071.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/SWXd42Tg9qI/AAAAAAAAATk/XnrJmgaPzrY/s320/IMG_1071.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288877306136295074" /></a><br />"Mom! Enough with the pictures!"<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/SWXd5PK5_yI/AAAAAAAAATs/JxCQxxc4OOA/s1600-h/IMG_1072.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/SWXd5PK5_yI/AAAAAAAAATs/JxCQxxc4OOA/s320/IMG_1072.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288877312811073314" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/SWXd5OR6cDI/AAAAAAAAAT0/3nHuHFn0baU/s1600-h/IMG_1076.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/SWXd5OR6cDI/AAAAAAAAAT0/3nHuHFn0baU/s320/IMG_1076.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288877312572026930" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/SWXd5GrlH-I/AAAAAAAAAT8/0r7FNY-Jhn8/s1600-h/IMG_1077.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/SWXd5GrlH-I/AAAAAAAAAT8/0r7FNY-Jhn8/s320/IMG_1077.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288877310532198370" /></a><br />A little full after eating<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/SWXeuGP_jGI/AAAAAAAAAUk/ahFv20kFOxA/s1600-h/IMG_1091.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/SWXeuGP_jGI/AAAAAAAAAUk/ahFv20kFOxA/s320/IMG_1091.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288878220949556322" /></a><br />He has really discovered his hands this week<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/SWXeuEyav7I/AAAAAAAAAUc/0SKheRLaVnU/s1600-h/IMG_1118.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/SWXeuEyav7I/AAAAAAAAAUc/0SKheRLaVnU/s320/IMG_1118.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288878220557074354" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/SWXetetJW6I/AAAAAAAAAUU/YD3KaetQi2Q/s1600-h/IMG_1096.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/SWXetetJW6I/AAAAAAAAAUU/YD3KaetQi2Q/s320/IMG_1096.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288878210334415778" /></a><br />Enjoying his Christmas presents<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/SWXetcdCJ7I/AAAAAAAAAUM/4Ew5Gh1UB-s/s1600-h/IMG_1086.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/SWXetcdCJ7I/AAAAAAAAAUM/4Ew5Gh1UB-s/s320/IMG_1086.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288878209729963954" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/SWXetT3Sc1I/AAAAAAAAAUE/IuQbT68_m8s/s1600-h/IMG_1083.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/SWXetT3Sc1I/AAAAAAAAAUE/IuQbT68_m8s/s320/IMG_1083.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288878207424164690" /></a><br /><br /><br><br><p><image class="centered"alt="post signature" src="http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r208/jennisajoy/Annasig.jpg" /></p>The Akin Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00723090542442232265noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1678417165127536791.post-26246701871577497072009-01-08T02:48:00.000-08:002009-01-08T03:52:02.306-08:00Buds<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/SWXcBKEA_LI/AAAAAAAAASs/Aq-LHUv2N6c/s1600-h/IMG_1101.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/SWXcBKEA_LI/AAAAAAAAASs/Aq-LHUv2N6c/s320/IMG_1101.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288875249855691954" /></a><br /><br />This is Selah and Levi. Selah loves Levi and Levi doesn't appreciate her enough right now, but we know he is going to love her too. There are a number of reasons why we know these two are going to be great buds in the next couple of months. First of all, we always get to hear how excited she is to see baby Levi and we've heard she prays for him often (what a great friend!). Second, Selah always looks out for Levi's best interest, carefully looking for his binki whenever needed and presenting a toy if he starts to get fussy. And last, how could anyone resist that adorable red hair?! What more could a little guy ask for in a pal? I can't wait to see as Levi becomes more active how much fun these two will have! Thanks for coming to see us Selah!!<br /><br /><br><br><p><image class="centered"alt="post signature" src="http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r208/jennisajoy/Annasig.jpg" /></p>The Akin Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00723090542442232265noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1678417165127536791.post-62264527852042131482009-01-07T09:57:00.001-08:002009-01-07T10:34:06.699-08:00One year ago today....We packed up 8, 50 lb suitcases and my Mom and Dad drove us to the airport to fly to Turkey, our new home, for 2 years.
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<br />(A few pictures from the day we left (before the crying)
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/SWTzyuHaoWI/AAAAAAAAASc/W9egn6tUcbM/s1600-h/IMG_0009.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/SWTzyuHaoWI/AAAAAAAAASc/W9egn6tUcbM/s320/IMG_0009.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288619915137950050" /></a>
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/SWTyuD2rAfI/AAAAAAAAASE/RHpuZendlAs/s1600-h/IMG_0011.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/SWTyuD2rAfI/AAAAAAAAASE/RHpuZendlAs/s320/IMG_0011.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288618735562326514" /></a>
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<br />I remember telling people before we left what we were doing and where we would be living for awhile and them giving me kind of that "Your crazy, but I'm trying to smile and be nice" look. And yes part of me thought we were crazy too, especially as we slowly began our departure into Istanbul and had that feeling of "there's no turning back".
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<br />As Tim and I reflect over the past year we are grateful for so many things that Turkey has taught us. We have learned to become more patient, as we are foreigners living in a country, stumbling through language and culture. We have learned how to live in a huge city, and are pretty proud that we are able to get around. We have learned hospitality like we have never seen. Turkish hospitality blows America out of the water. We have learned endurance, not only physically (with a lot of walking) but emotionally. Saying goodbye to friends and family was not easy and definitely being so far away is even harder. We have learned to depend on each other and learned even more how blessed we are to be each other's best friend in a context that is so unfamiliar. We have learned so much more about service to each other and to all of our wonderful friends who have taken care of us here. We have learned a lot more about communication both in Turkish, and our own language.
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<br />Yes, living in a foreign country is difficult sometimes, and I'm not going to lie, more than a few times this year I have said, "I want to go home." But slowly without even realizing it, Turkey found a place in our hearts and became more like "home" than we ever could have imagined.
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<br />Thank you Turkey for teaching us so much about the world and ourselves. For being such a wonderful host for the past year, for being the place our first baby was born, and for being a place we will never, ever forget.
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<br />Our favorite souvenir from Turkey :)
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<br /><br><br><p><image class="centered"alt="post signature" src="http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r208/jennisajoy/Annasig.jpg" /></p>The Akin Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00723090542442232265noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1678417165127536791.post-74780704314312810132009-01-05T22:39:00.000-08:002009-01-05T23:32:04.843-08:00Christmas Believe it or not I had been working on a post about Christmas for the past couple of weeks and had some great video to show from the football Christmas party we had, but as usual time got away from me. Also, I really wanted to post some video's and I have no idea how to convert our video from our digital camera so everyone else can see it. Any ideas???
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<br />Well Christmas has come and gone and it went by way too fast! This year the Akin clan gathered right here in Istanbul for a Turkish Christmas. The festivities kicked off when we picked up Paul, Kari, (who we hadn't seen in a year), and Micah (who we never had met!) on the 22nd with the rest of the family coming in on the 24th. Needless to say, we had a blast! We toured the sites of Istanbul, took a trip to Ephesus, and just enjoyed each other's company. Of course the boys played a lot of Wii, and I think Kari and I would have rivaled their playing time had we realized she like Dr. Mario as much as I do : )
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<br />Even more fun this year were the newest additions this year, Micah and Levi. Micah is so precious and we had so much fun watching him with Levi. We can't wait for the years to come as the grow to have more and more fun with each other. Both boys did such a great job considering we just strapped them on and took them all over Turkey! They were troopers!
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<br />Levi got some wonderful goodies from the states, and loves them all! I am slowly taking pictures of all his fun new toys and outfits to post. So far he loves his seahorse and Baby Einstein rings from Aunt Heather, Uncle Greg, and his wonderful Spencer cousins. He also loves his rain forest crib attachment from Gi Gi and Papa, it really helps him settle down for his naps, which Tim and I may like it more than he does for that reason. And, Uncle Gregory, he loves your books! I am amazed how much he already focuses on some of them, he loves looking at other babies.
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<br />We were sad to see everyone leave last week, and even tried our hardest to get them to stay longer. Tim and I now are super excited about seeing Africa this summer, we can't wait! Thank you Akins for coming to see us, and making this Christmas away from home a lot easier. Love all of you!!
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<br />Here are a few pictures from the month of December.
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<br />We played White Elephant with the football team and didn't realize it would be such a hit!
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<br />Ephesus
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<br /><br><br><p><image class="centered"alt="post signature" src="http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r208/jennisajoy/Annasig.jpg" /></p>The Akin Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00723090542442232265noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1678417165127536791.post-62004038125575936182008-11-21T08:15:00.000-08:002008-11-21T08:28:01.705-08:00One Month<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/SSbhOlVHE5I/AAAAAAAAAQs/7JozJ8-huO0/s1600-h/IMG_0843.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/SSbhOlVHE5I/AAAAAAAAAQs/7JozJ8-huO0/s320/IMG_0843.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271148054538818450" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/SSbhOhtFiLI/AAAAAAAAAQk/a6MXf5qRST8/s1600-h/IMG_0840.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/SSbhOhtFiLI/AAAAAAAAAQk/a6MXf5qRST8/s320/IMG_0840.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271148053565638834" /></a><br />Yesterday Levi turned one month! As most new moms have experienced, I cannot believe a month has already passed, it went by so fast! Levi is getting so big, today we had his one month checkup and he now weighs 10lbs and is 22 in. That is 2 more lbs and 2 more inches since birth. We are so proud of him as he is doing new things everyday. Within the past week I have been able to tell a huge difference in his focus in the bouncy seat. He loves looking at the toys and even gets his hands up there to hit them every once and awhile. He's also sleeping more and more every night, which makes Tim and I very excited. More updates to come! I'm sure month 2 will be here before we know it! <br /><br><br><p><image class="centered"alt="post signature" src="http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r208/jennisajoy/Annasig.jpg" /></p>The Akin Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00723090542442232265noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1678417165127536791.post-67706289097965470322008-11-16T12:03:00.000-08:002008-11-16T12:13:29.716-08:00Levi's Room<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/SSB-A5yldBI/AAAAAAAAAQU/281HCoVkVsY/s1600-h/IMG_0664.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/SSB-A5yldBI/AAAAAAAAAQU/281HCoVkVsY/s320/IMG_0664.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269350118001570834" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/SSB-A-h8HEI/AAAAAAAAAQM/dPaFwkFUB9U/s1600-h/IMG_0663.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/SSB-A-h8HEI/AAAAAAAAAQM/dPaFwkFUB9U/s320/IMG_0663.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269350119273929794" /></a><br /><br />Levi's room used to be filled with football equipment but with a few trips to IKEA (my favorite!!) and crib from some friends it is the perfect little bedroom for a baby boy! <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/SSB-t0npFTI/AAAAAAAAAQc/kMwqhzvpUeo/s1600-h/IMG_0671.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/SSB-t0npFTI/AAAAAAAAAQc/kMwqhzvpUeo/s320/IMG_0671.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269350889707607346" /></a><br />Cozy in his bed!<br /><br /><br><br><p><image class="centered"alt="post signature" src="http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r208/jennisajoy/Annasig.jpg" /></p>The Akin Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00723090542442232265noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1678417165127536791.post-41077017921322780812008-11-16T12:00:00.000-08:002008-11-16T12:02:37.301-08:00Binki Love<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/SSB8IhtlvTI/AAAAAAAAAQE/SJvjkRmRvd0/s1600-h/IMG_0692.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/SSB8IhtlvTI/AAAAAAAAAQE/SJvjkRmRvd0/s320/IMG_0692.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269348049953865010" /></a><br />Levi loves his "binki" as we like to call it in our family. So much so he wants to make sure it stays in at all times!<br /><br><br><p><image class="centered"alt="post signature" src="http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r208/jennisajoy/Annasig.jpg" /></p>The Akin Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00723090542442232265noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1678417165127536791.post-13994572332523673242008-11-15T10:39:00.000-08:002008-11-16T12:00:31.184-08:00Levi's storyWell, I just looked at my last blog post, dated about three months ago, to those of you who even check our blog anymore or get those update things, my sincerest apologies. Seeing that we now have our precious Levi and have added a grandbaby to our families I am realizing the importance of blogging more often since our little guy is changing so much everyday. I thought I would first catch everyone up to speed on the day he was born. <br /><br />On October 17th I went in to see my doctor and discovered it would be my last as a preggo lady. We had discussed me being induced earlier in my pregnancy, especially because my parents were flying in from America, but more and more it seemed like a distant possibility. We were getting ready to leave when all the sudden she asked "So Anna when would you like to be induced, Monday or Tuesday?". Most of you who know me know I am pretty indecisive however this took me a total of 2 seconds to decide I wanted to be induced on Monday. Levi was already getting pretty big, I was uncomfortable, and my Mom scheduled to fly in on Sunday. So we scheduled me to come in at 9 on Monday morning. Tim and I left the hospital a little in disbelief and excitement knowing we would have a baby in just a few short days.<br /><br />Sunday came and my Mom flew in, and man was she a trooper!! I am usually falling over I am so tired after an international flight but she was great, and she was wide awake on Monday morning at 9 ready to go to the hospital. When we got to the hospital they did a few routine procedures and around 11 am put me on an IV with pitocin in order to put me into labor. I prepared myself to be ready for a long day as I had heard of some friends who had been induced were in labor a really long time. However, when my doctor came in (who I love!!!) she gave us a surprise saying that she thought Levi would be here by the end of the day around 7 or 8. I was so excited, and relieved!! The pitocin was doing a good job or at least it seemed so to me but the nurses were coming in every 30 mins or so asking if I had any pain, to which I pleasantly answered, "no not at all". In response they would, with a smile, go to my IV and pump up the dosage. I kept thinking I would feel more contractions but I really didn't feel that many. <br /><br />Around 3 my doctor came in to check in on me and at that point "accidently" broke my water. I guess it was ready to break, and I definitely started feeling contractions then. Luckily my epidural came soon after, and the pain subsided. Around 6:30 I really started feeling the urge to push, as they also started to bring in all the equipment. (Which by the way, is a little scary, it was my first delivery but does anyone else think those trays of sharp objects are a little creepy??) At one point during this time I told Tim to go get the doctor because I felt like he was coming right away. As soon as he walked out she was walking in and soon after I started pushing. With my mom and my husband by my side Levi was born at 7:02 after 30 mins of pushing. He is absolutely gorgeous and continues to look like Tim and I in different ways. <br /><br />Having a baby in another country was definitely an experience working through the language was a challenge at times. It is an experience we will never forget. The hospital we go to is beautiful and everyone we worked with was wonderful. I am so grateful to everyone who came to visit us and help us as we got through this first month, we couldn't have done it without you! I can also tell that we had a lot of prayer for us during this time and for that we are so grateful. This is a long story cut very short but I hope to keep you updated as much as I can on our little man in the coming future. <br /><br />Here are some pictures from that special day!! <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/SSB6x_P3pgI/AAAAAAAAAPc/j0L3yiKTZGA/s1600-h/IMG_0627.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/SSB6x_P3pgI/AAAAAAAAAPc/j0L3yiKTZGA/s320/IMG_0627.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269346563233654274" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/SSB6xjhWFmI/AAAAAAAAAPU/htvoCz-7nIQ/s1600-h/IMG_0626.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/SSB6xjhWFmI/AAAAAAAAAPU/htvoCz-7nIQ/s320/IMG_0626.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269346555790759522" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/SSB6xviSrII/AAAAAAAAAPM/0LY8iwLsm4M/s1600-h/IMG_0623.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/SSB6xviSrII/AAAAAAAAAPM/0LY8iwLsm4M/s320/IMG_0623.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269346559015955586" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/SSB6xRANQ9I/AAAAAAAAAPE/pwImnjBm9GQ/s1600-h/IMG_0612.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/SSB6xRANQ9I/AAAAAAAAAPE/pwImnjBm9GQ/s320/IMG_0612.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269346550819931090" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/SSB6xXDBlMI/AAAAAAAAAO8/sLxTU7NRDQs/s1600-h/IMG_0611.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/SSB6xXDBlMI/AAAAAAAAAO8/sLxTU7NRDQs/s320/IMG_0611.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269346552442361026" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/SSB7n5NPI3I/AAAAAAAAAP8/ETSvVarjVj4/s1600-h/IMG_0653.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/SSB7n5NPI3I/AAAAAAAAAP8/ETSvVarjVj4/s320/IMG_0653.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269347489324934002" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/SSB7nghE7_I/AAAAAAAAAP0/9zNGZ5O6BYo/s1600-h/IMG_0616.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/SSB7nghE7_I/AAAAAAAAAP0/9zNGZ5O6BYo/s320/IMG_0616.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269347482697265138" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/SSB7nSA8n7I/AAAAAAAAAPs/OXe5xGRwo9s/s1600-h/IMG_0639.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/SSB7nSA8n7I/AAAAAAAAAPs/OXe5xGRwo9s/s320/IMG_0639.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269347478804406194" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/SSB7nGOJdyI/AAAAAAAAAPk/tUD4SBvLoz0/s1600-h/IMG_0635.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/SSB7nGOJdyI/AAAAAAAAAPk/tUD4SBvLoz0/s320/IMG_0635.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269347475638548258" /></a><br /><br><br><p><image class="centered"alt="post signature" src="http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r208/jennisajoy/Annasig.jpg" /></p>The Akin Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00723090542442232265noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1678417165127536791.post-16991225990651956792008-08-22T01:45:00.000-07:002008-08-22T02:08:16.705-07:00The Papa in Istanbul!A few months ago we were driving down one of the popular streets in our area when I spotted a "Coming Soon" sign and at the bottom I saw a very familiar emblem which read "Papa John's Pizza". Needless to say I was very excited since it is the pizza I grew up on. Since then every time we drove by I would eagerly look to see if it was open, and this Sunday Tim and I saw that the sign had been lifted, and it was open!! It is actually a sit-down-and-eat restaurant, which I don't think there are any in America. Anyways, as we were eating one of the managers heard us speaking English and asked us if we had ever had Papa John's. Of course I explained that Papa John's started in Louisville, my home-town. I all of the suddenI felt like some kind of expert on the subject. His eyes lit up and he told us that he had just recently visited Louisville, Kentucky to visit the Papa John's headquarters. Being that it had just opened he wanted our American opinion right away. Let's just say it was good pizza, but, not enough sauce. I guess that is an American thing, but there is barely ever any tomato sauce on the pizza here. But other than that, it was great, and it was very exciting to see such a familiar place from home. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/SK5-nDjDw4I/AAAAAAAAALk/h_IB_tfWMSQ/s1600-h/IMG_0423.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/SK5-nDjDw4I/AAAAAAAAALk/h_IB_tfWMSQ/s320/IMG_0423.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237262626110817154" /></a><br />Can you see the Papa??? He is smiling pretty in the bottom left corner. <br /><br /><br><br><p><image class="centered"alt="post signature" src="http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r208/jennisajoy/Annasig.jpg" /></p>The Akin Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00723090542442232265noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1678417165127536791.post-89550072989634738822008-08-22T01:15:00.000-07:002008-08-22T02:05:24.928-07:00Turkish WeddingWow! I just saw that my last blog was July 15th, pretty sad. I know when the baby comes I am probably going to overload yall with pictures, so lets just say that I'm pacing myself. That's my excuse for now at least. This month has been somewhat uneventful except for this past weekend. <br /><br />Since we got to Istanbul one of Tim's football players and his family has really "adopted" us and taken us in when we definitely needed a surrogate family so far from home. They even helped me celebrate my birthday and made me a beautiful cake. This past weekend one of the uncles and his wife decided to celebrate their wedding in Istanbul since they had originally been married in her home country. It was such a privilege to get a little taste of a Turkish wedding. When we arrived at the house all the women were looking fabulous, looking like they all had had a day at the salon. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/SK534p3-qOI/AAAAAAAAAK8/MiPOOXyUZUA/s1600-h/IMG_0406.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/SK534p3-qOI/AAAAAAAAAK8/MiPOOXyUZUA/s320/IMG_0406.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237255231875492066" /></a><br /><br />We hung out for awhile as they were putting on the finishing touches. Tim was actually shooting the breeze a little with one of the men in the family, in Turkish, I was so proud! Finally the groom arrived, and a very anticipatory moment occurred and the the bride was "revealed"!!! It was so cute! Tim's football player explained that it symbolized that he was coming to take her from her home to their new home together. As we left the bride and groom got in a decorated car with a beautiful flower bouquet adorning the hood and the rest of us caravanned behind. Driving through the traffic of Istanbul we got lots of honks and cheers for the wedding, a really neat tradition I think. <br /><br />We drove to a beautiful restaurant on the sea and were served a full course, delicious meal. Since the couple had already been married awhile they didn't actually do a ceremony, however, there was a wedding party below us, so we got to witness a real ceremony. Honestly there wasn't much to it, short and sweet. The bride and groom are introduced with some fancy music, they walk in and are seated at a large table with two witness and a man from the government. The man then proceeds to read the marriage vows, and they sign the document along with the witnesses and then they are married. A large party proceeds the ceremony, but there definitely wasn't much to the ceremony, compared to some of our long American weddings. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/SK574k5dP3I/AAAAAAAAALc/OTSgbVEJFHM/s1600-h/IMG_0421.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/SK574k5dP3I/AAAAAAAAALc/OTSgbVEJFHM/s320/IMG_0421.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237259628586024818" /></a><br />The other bride and groom getting married (a little dark)<br /><br />After we ate, the dancing began as the party below us had two live bands. One was an traditional Anatolian Rock Band, lets just say not my favorite. But we had a blast watching everyone kick up their heels and have a wonderful time. This family has been such a blessing to us and they continue to help make Istanbul feel more like a home. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/SK56_SUCxXI/AAAAAAAAALE/TgzOi7lubx4/s1600-h/IMG_0416.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/SK56_SUCxXI/AAAAAAAAALE/TgzOi7lubx4/s320/IMG_0416.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237258644344718706" /></a><br />Tim and I, and the bump (large and in-charge)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/SK57RdOlg0I/AAAAAAAAALM/B1MHTkcyuJw/s1600-h/IMG_0418.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/SK57RdOlg0I/AAAAAAAAALM/B1MHTkcyuJw/s320/IMG_0418.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237258956512265026" /></a><br />Our view for the evening<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/SK57jqSiq4I/AAAAAAAAALU/Y_ePMXEksOw/s1600-h/IMG_0420.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Q1qmfS2kIA4/SK57jqSiq4I/AAAAAAAAALU/Y_ePMXEksOw/s320/IMG_0420.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237259269256162178" /></a><br />The family<br /><br /><br><br><p><image class="centered"alt="post signature" src="http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r208/jennisajoy/Annasig.jpg" /></p>The Akin Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00723090542442232265noreply@blogger.com1