Fall Photos 2014

We never made it to our "Fall Place" just outside of town. I was sad about it, but there just wasn't a free weekend. I am noticing the older my kids get, the more our weekends are full. So, I gave everyone 24 hour notice..."I'm taking your picture for your grandparents tomorrow. Whatever that means for hair, showers, etc. be prepared!"

Right across the street is an old concrete barrier, and for about 2 weeks out of the year, we get these beautiful red leafy vines. That's my go-to backdrop.

Sweet Cheeks (in a real smile...we said something to evoke it).

Big Ben, whose oldest sister picked out his clothes and dictated what he should wear.

And because of that, she asked him for a "prom picture" with her....

...which got a little carried away.

Firstborn. Sigh. Going, going...

Miss Middler, who looks a whole lot more like a middle schooler than she did even last week.

Twinkle Toes, who no longer walks on her toes, but twinkles, none the less.

And the whole gang.

CC grumped a little. He didn't want to get a shower on a Saturday. He didn't want to have a photo shoot. So, I told him I'd just get pictures of the kids. Meanwhile, he gelled his hair, threw on a shirt, and joined us. I didn't guilt him, I really didn't. I was very pleasant.

I asked for one...just one...timed picture. And it turned out great.

Iphotos auto-cropped a version and knocked CC right out, which made us all laugh. Life without Papa would be no life at all.

Greeting Greece: Back to Port

We cruised all night, then made it back to Kusadasi, Turkey, the next morning.

The aircraft carrier was still there. We would soon find out that it was leaving just minutes after us, heading home after a 9 month tour of service.

While waiting for our bus that would take us the airport, H and I went to see this castle built in 1826.

And these pictures of Aegean shells and sea life were the last two I took on my Greece Adventure. Thanks for reading my journal and letting me share my experience with you!

And I must say here, that my darling husband, after keeping our 5 kids for these 4 days, launched a major house clean-up plan while he was driving to the airport to get us. It even included sending one CampbellClankid down the street to buy me flowers. Pretty sweet.

Greeting Greece: Mykanos

We had one last chance to get off the ship and see an island. H and I decided to just do a quick stroll out. I wanted to stick my foot in the Aegean Sea, so I did.  It was a beautiful place called Mykanos.

Families have their own private chapels. This island home had no gate or fence around their chapel, so we just walked up to see it. It was built in 1970.

For a few minutes, I played around with angles and got this pretty shot of its roof with the moon backlighting it.

I loved the red door. I also loved the quiet and peace. The tour group was way up on the mountaintop. H and I took a little time to pray together.  It was a highlight for me.

And soon, it would be time to return, tuck in for the night, and head back to Turkey. I missed my family, I was ready!

Greeting Greece: Our Last Night

Our last night, we decided to dress up a little and eat at the dining hall rather than the buffet.

For some reason, we decided to try not smiling. Which, of course, only makes you smile more.

Sort of look like we are about to hand out a lunch detention.

And just to go on record, this was totally posed. We never used a Euro in the casino, we were trying to hold on to as many Euros as we could!

These girls were great traveling buddies, I couldn't have asked for better.

Greeting Greece: Athens III

We continued our quick tour.

Then heard the Greek soldiers entering for their morning flag-raising ritual. All I could think is how young they looked! Just babies.

I am really glad I got to see this piece of history.

We made one last quick stop at the temple dedicated to Zeus. How glad I am that my God is living!

And then we thanked Kostos, who made our tour a joy! Doesn't he look like he could be in "My Big, Fat Greek Wedding?"

Greeting Greece: Athens II

We got to tour the famous Parthenon! It was beautiful.

I was overwhelmed at the number of modern houses in the background.

Greece is actively restoring this treasure from 447BC.

Greeting Greece: Athens I

Our last port was Athens. We had L with us, who had done this cruise before. She advised that we get up early, grab a quick breakfast, and hit the road. Seeing Athens in 3 hours was a must!

We had the dearest cabbie. Having lived in Turkey awhile, I can negotiate prices. The first cabbie wanted far more than the going rate. We walked away. Then we found "Kostas." He was an older man, nearly retired, who took us under his wing and shared his country and his obvious strong patriotism for it. He was just what 3 American girls needed. Not fresh, no marriage proposals, just a grandpa for the day. He would not let L, on her crutch, even open a door by herself. He had the tour down pat. He first took us to the first Olympic stadium. The original, built on this site, was from 359BC. It was later remodelled for modern games in the late 1800's. Then Kostos turned us around and pointed at this....the temple to Zues, right behind us and high up.

He really wanted us to see the changing of the guards, something that I enjoy seeing in any country.

 As we drove, I spotted this!

Kostos wanted me to have my picture made by the parliament guard. I was a little nervous to stand closer and could not stop laughing.

 And then we jumped back in the cab and headed to the Parthenon!