June 2017 in pictures

Last day of school! So proud of these kids!!

And now SCHOOL IS OUT FOR THE SUMMER! On to all things summer-y!! (And sorry, it's a lot of pictures):

Vienna made some money this month by selling her baby bunnies. Her sign says: "baby bunnies 5 Lira." 5 Lira is about $1.50. She did an amazing job taking care of them and it was really hard for her to part with them - she cried when the babies were sold. She has such a soft, nurturing heart.

My little boys like to do this pretty much every day.

Board games like Monopoly and Life have been a big hit this summer so far.

An evening on the beach with some awesome people!

Peter and Jeanine were back in Turkey for a couple weeks and we got to have a few special days with them. I'm so thankful that even though they don't live here anymore they are committed to keep on visiting every year. Love them so much!

And I just love all 9 of these sweet, giggly girls!!

Some of my favorites!

Joel taught the kids how to weave one Saturday morning and it kept them busy for quite awhile. Plus, I got some cute twine coasters out of the deal.

Love studying the Bible together with these ladies.

I told the boys that every time they finish a book, if there is a movie about the book we'll watch it. It has been great incentive for Yohanis and Colson. 

Typical Colson. Always trying to fix things. And if he can't fix it, then it gets taken apart and he creates something else with the parts. He's super creative!

We've been dog-sitting our friend's dog, Teddy, for a few weeks.

Vienna set up a salon one afternoon and got all the boys involved - and even some friends came to get their hair and nails done.

An evening at the bike park.

Dutch Blitz: Our nightly ritual with the bigs.

Vienna having fun drawing.

A wonderful afternoon with dear friends.

I love that Brooks is growing up like this. He thoroughly enjoys our weekly visits to our Syrian friends.

My Brooks! This kid is just pure joy!

Got to meet precious little Shiloh Esra!

Adam and Melanie are back in the States now and one of Vienna's best friends is in South Africa, so Vienna's been having a hard summer without her cousins and friends. But I'm thankful that Skype makes it a tiny bit easier.

Because there is no better place to eat your afternoon snack than in a backyard tent with your friends! ⛺️ And my friend, Aasta, brought us freshly baked raisin buns and homemade apricot jam (and iced coffee for me!).

My sweet Isaiah Jace all tucked in and ready for bed.

Joel was able to get away for a few days to a beautiful part of the country, Bolu, in northwestern Turkey. He spent time with new friends who run a retreat center and he was able to use his gifts to help them in practical ways. And I tried not to be too jealous that he was enjoying cooler weather while we had records highs of 110 at home!!

And we, of course, were so happy to have him home again!

Vienna with some of her friends that came over for the afternoon to play.

Isaiah with one of his best buddies, Enok.
  

Cutting up onions requires protective eye wear :)

Vienna wanted a picture of us together. I was happy to oblige - love this girl!

Probably the most exciting thing this month was that we bought a tent. We have a BIG road trip coming up in July that we are OH SO EXCITED for!! Stay tuned!