The Hicks in Istanbul Part 1

It's the time of year when we start to daydream about getting out of town.

Christmas is such a magical time and we had a great one.

We feel pretty thankful to have had a white Christmas since most of our friends and family outside of Alberta did not this year.

Edmonton has some amazing winter attractions going on this year. 

We can't wait to check out the Freezeway, Ice Castle and even just ski and skate right here in our neighbourhood.

Having said that we still love to have a trip on the horizon, a little escape waiting for us.

Well, all this has got me thinking of last year's getaway to Istanbul (via Düsseldorf) with the Eichelbergers that I have yet to share.

We got into Istanbul in the evening and walked through the narrow cobblestone streets with four kids, two strollers and all our luggage.

Good thing we pack light.

No doubt that it was worth it for our beautiful apartment with this view.

I just love these guys.

Day one started out with our usual graffiti photo shoot.

New and improved with our fourth member, Adeline.

Next time we'll get her in on the action shot too.

These kids were so happy to see each other and fell right into comfortable play (and, of course, bickering).

Next we got into the heart of Istanbul and loaded up with our first round of Turkish Delight and baklava.

We ate more of these beautiful treats than I care to admit.

We knew there were at least 5 main attractions that we wanted to see but with kids we had to have our strategy down.

Our recipe for success seemed to be a lazy morning, breakfast in, out by 10 or 11, one site/activity, lunch out, second site/activity, back to the apartment, guys go grocery shopping, dinner in, kids to bed, wine.

Something for everyone right?

On day one our morning activity was figuring out transport and wandering (you always need a little wandering in a new city).

So with one site left to see we went to the top of our list and made our way to Hagia Sophia (aka Aya Sofia).

We had been warned that from the outside this almost 1500 year old structure was underwhelming.

I disagreed, seeing beauty immediately.

I understood the statement though when we did enter.

You had the feeling of walking into a different building.

There was so much to take in, all of it over the top.

And then there's these sweeties, a whole other level of beauty.

And this handsome boy.

It was here that we first experienced the fascination that other travellers had with our kids.

Coming from a country where multiculturalism is taken for granted we were not expecting that their blond heads would attract so much attention.

For the most part the kids loved it but this first experience was a little startling.

I mean if a group of 10-20 tourists started furiously snapping pictures of me I would also be taken aback.

As our trip progressed we were able to embrace this cultural difference. 

I was particularly touched when young men turned to mush and would do anything for a smile and high five from our littles.

Back to Hagia Sophia though.

I honestly couldn't capture it all, eventually I stopped taking pictures because documenting it all was impossible.

There was much restoration work going on as 1500 years tends to take it's toll.

Hopefully that means this gorgeous structure will be around much longer than it already has.

I would definitely suggest putting Istanbul on your bucket list if it isn't already there.

As I said this was only day one of five, I will attempt to share the rest in a timely manner.

Who am I kidding though, we made this trip in March 2015.

Yep, 10 months ago, nothing timely about that.

Happy Halloween

In the midst of payroll and groceries and costumes and playdates and early dinners and chocolate highs and chocolate comas I wanted to stop by to wish you a great Halloween.

We are trying to keep it simple this year with 2 recycled costumes and minimal decor.

Fiona managed to talk me into these ghosts and some spider web. 

{Does that stuff drive anyone else crazy?}.

We also weren't able to schedule pumpkin carving with Daddy and it just didn't feel right to go ahead without him.

Enter the pumpkin decorating kit.

It's like Mr. Potato Head for your pumpkin.

Aside: I do realize that the condition of my stairs is the scariest thing about this picture.

Fiona got these as a gift from her Aunt last year and they saved the day. 

The kids thought they were hilarious and it was a no-mess affair.

I must admit though that I missed the feeling of pumpkin guts squishing through my fingers.

Maybe we'll still have a post-Halloween carving session on the weekend. 

Have a safe one!

Happy Thanksgiving {& We May Have a Problem}

We are absolutely that family that is one step away from over-commitment.

Sometimes I long to have more free time.

To lounge around for the weekend.

Enjoy the farmers market after Fiona's dance class.

Take a leisurely drive to cabin and stop at the vegetable stands.

Instead we jam-pack every day full of events, visits, dinners etc.

You know what though?

I actually love it.

My name is Cheryl and I'm a multi-task-aholic.

I am much more productive if I have no time to spare.

I get annoyed if my poor husband moves from one room to the next without tidying on the way.

{I mean, are you really going to make that trip to the kitchen without that dirty dish?}

I have to force myself to go to the bank with only one cheque to deposit.

It borders on a problem folks.

This weekend was a classic multi-task weekend.

Who needs more than one long weekend to replace Jeff's wardrobe, go to dance class, record an album, attend a baby shower 3 hours away, two thanksgiving dinners, one sleepover, one birthday party, bring back a log splitter, take the dock out at the lake and do payroll anyways?

Not us.

Now I know I can't be alone here.

Anyone?

I leave you with these super hot photos of the dock removal process.

Jeff looking so impressed that I'm recording the moment.

If you look closely you can see his thoughts. 

"Seriously? You're going to blog THIS?"

Hope you had a great {slightly less scheduled} Thanksgiving weekend!

Easter Weekend in Pictures

Happy Easter, hope it was great.

A gift from our lake neighbours.

Determined to start running outside.

The cutest little church at our lake, seemed appropriate for Easter.

Cedric's first shiner.

Valentine's Recap

We had a great Valentine's Day {besides some stress at the shop, don't ask}.

{Disclaimer: If Valentines Day makes you nauseous, stop reading now.}

Jeff surprised us with a pair of bouquets the night before.

We lined the mantle with valentines and hung a heart banner made by yours truly.

We got all decked out in our love-wear.

Fiona is wearing a custom Mommy dress fashioned out of my t-shirt and some scrap material.

Daddy got up early and made us French toast for breakfast.

I just had to make these cute pink heart pancakes so we had breakfast for lunch too.

My Mom bought us this pancake batter bottle and it's genius.

I know it's been all over Pinterest to use an old ketchup bottle but this is so much better.

It works like a charm but it also unscrews from both ends so cleaning it is a breeze, genius right?

It wouldn't be Valentine's Day without some sugar cookie decorating.

My sister Pamela and her roommate Camille joined us for dinner so were around to help.

 Jeff picked up pizza for dinner which I cut into hearts because at this point I couldn't stop.

 I threw in a less than great pic of me and the hubby because any pic is rare.

I look like that because Jeff just finished making his usual distorted picture face.

Did I go a little overboard?  Sure, but it was fun.

Happy Valentine's Day

We're getting our Valentine's on today and I can't wait to tell you all about it.

For now though I thought I would share our everyday love.

Over the years I have bought a few Valentines decorations.

Then, each year, when the holiday came to an end I just couldn't bring myself to put them away.

They are so sweet and, really, shouldn't we just celebrate love year round?

 We're always showing off some fridge love.

 I haven't been able to stop using these sugar hearts in my tea since I got them for Christmas.

I can't take credit for this find.  

I poached this from my Brother-in-law's Instagram.

Even graffiti artists love Love.

Have a fabulous Valentine's Day everyone.