2018 Update: June, Part 2

So, with all the swimming, sunning, washing, combing, styling that was happening with Amelie's hair, she decided it was time to donate her hair to a Locks of Love. She loves the idea of helping people, and what could be more personal than donating her hair. So, while we were in Turkey, we went to a local salon, and with the help of a very friendly local Turk who also spoke superb English and was able to translate for us, we told the stylist what Amelie wanted to do. He was so touched by her generous spirit, that he wouldn't take any payment for his work. Amelie paid him her way.

After a little over a week with us, my Dad and Susan headed back home. A few days later, we took off on the most amazing adventure. We rented a different boat (The Endless, as in the endless blue ocean) for two nights and took off for the greek islands. And this boat? Oh. My. Goodness! It was amazing.

On our first day at sea, we headed to Kalymnos. Before we disembarked on the island, Ajay and the two girls jumped into the sea and explored a cave. The water was so amazingly turquoise.

The town of Kalymnos came to life when the sun went down. There was a local summer festival in full swing with music, greek dancing, food, and of course, little kids running around enjoying the cool mediterranean night. 

We noticed that Kalymnos had been hit very hard by a depressed economy. We noticed a lot of abandoned houses on the hillside, and many abandoned shops and businesses. The fixer upper in me wanted to start buying them up and restoring them to their former glory. The only thing I couldn't figure out was who would be the buyer of my accomplishments in my theoretical new business. So, unfortunately I'll have to save that dream for another time.

We stayed on the Endless overnight in Kalymnos. The bed was glorious, the shower clean and pumping with plenty of hot water.  The next day, very early, we heard the anchor being pulled up and we were off to Leros. While we were at sea, we enjoyed a fantastic Turkish breakfast, leisurely lounged until we arrived in the port of Leros.  

Leros had a very different feel from Kalymnos. Leros was simply adorable. Brightly painted homes. Lovely shops. Seaside restaurants with tables on the beach. The picturesque off-the-beaten-path small, charming Greek island.

It was so lovely walking around, taking in the quaint seaside town. 

After we had our fill of the town, we took off for the other side of the island aboard the Endless. Since there was still so much daylight, and the boat was equipped for some fun, the girls had a blast being pulled by the dingy on a huge inner tube. 

As the sun went down, we went to explore this side of the island and came across the perfect spot for dinner.

After a wonderful evening of fresh seafood, rosé, and grappa, we retired to the Endless. What a perfect little trip within our trip!

The following day we headed back to Turkbuku via Bodrum. After unpacking and resting a night from our adventure, we spent time in the Yalikivak harbor, dining and taking in the beautiful sites.

In the coming days, Ajay's brother and friends arrived. The first stop was brunch at Maca Kizi, which should never be missed. We spent the entire day there, and into the night. Around 7pm, they kindly offered that we move downstairs to the bar, as they needed to set up for dinner. 

As our month away came to a close, there were a few more things to do.....

Some poolside lounging at Bella Sombra.....

Some more family time.....

Let's not forget the reason for the trip (Ajay's 50th) and the AMAZING party Maya threw, including all our Turkish friends who joined us to celebrate at Miam...

And the saddest part...the tearful goodbye to the perfect sunrise to see us off.

2018 Update: June in Turkey, Part 1

The beginning of June gave us a big scare. We were heading out for dinner when I looked up and saw this: 

There was a pretty big fire on the other side of the hill behind us. We waited anxiously and stayed glued to the TV, but luckily we weren't evacuated and every thing was fine. The fire was contained and no homes were lost.

As soon as school ended, we headed off to Turkey to visit Ajay's Mom for a month. This summer Ajay turned 50, so we wanted to make the summer really special. Maya lives in Turkey about 9 months of the year, and this year we planned for my Dad and his wife, Susan to visit while we were there. It was a fantastic trip!

On the tarmac in Istanbul after the first leg from Los Angeles

Sunrise from our bedroom. It's always great to wake up early
the first morning, jet-lagged,  and take in this view

A few days after we arrived, Dad and Susan arrived. It was so nice to finally show them around this place that we've been visiting for so long! Spending time all together was great!

Sudoku for two!

At Miam for a refreshing glass of rosé

At the local bakery

Here, Alia takes the wheel on a traditional Turkish Gulet we rented for the day.

Ajay and Amelie taking in the Mediterranean

At sea, enjoying the peace and sun and family and food and everything!

Poolside at Bella Sobra in Turkbuku

Happy hour rosé and a swim 

Amelie at Bella Sombra hotel

I'm quickly realizing just how many great shots and great experiences I have to share from Turkey this year. At the risk of this post rambling for days, I'll wrap it up here and start another post where I left off. 

2018 Update....April and May

Hello!
Continuing my effort to get back to recording our adventures of 2018, let's look at April through May!
Since Ajay had taken off for Mid-Winter break, he wasn't fortunate enough to take off for spring break as well. So for spring break,  I decided to take the girls back to Indiana to visit family there. Typically traveling with the girls sans Ajay can give me a little bit of anxiety. It takes an enormous amount of energy to keep things positive and avoid bickering.
Here's Ajay and Alia when I told them of my plans to literally fly solo with connections with both girls and only carry-on luggage:

But know what? We did it! We flew without incident, made our connections, and yes, the girls were able to manage their bags themselves for the most part. While I do pack snacks for the plane, I also give them free-range to buy Doritos and other stuff like that that we don't normally eat, on layovers. It passes the time and makes the layovers and transitions bearable. So, once we made it to our final destination, my sister's house, we settled in for the next 5 nights.

The best part for me was seeing so much of my family that I don't get to see very often. My sister and brother-in-law, Tim,  were really kind to host us. Tim took the girl to play tennis one morning at his club. Both girls had a good time, and Uncle Tim learned quickly the competitive spirits of his nieces...mainly with one another!

Amelie at play with Uncle Tim

Also at the top of the list for me was seeing my girls and niece and nephew all together. My husband Ajay is Indian, and my brother's wife is Phillipine, but the Pate genes make them recognizable as cousins!

Me, my brother, and sister with David, Allison, Amelie and Alia

So glad time allowed the trip to happen! The girls thrived getting to know their cousins better and meeting their second cousin with whom they'd only loosely written letters with over the years. 

Cousins!!!

Amelie and me at the Flight of the Butterflies at the Evansville Museum

My Mom with her grandkids at Turronis Pizza in Evansville, IN

My Aunt Linda, Mom, and the girls' cousins at dinner

OH! And one of the very best highlights for me for 2018? Getting to spend some time with this girl. My BFF from 3rd grade through high school. We went through it ALL together. Sometimes with distance, sometimes with disagreement, but I really hope, always with support. Our lives were not easy as teenagers ( I know...no one has it easy.....but I mean, we REALLY dealt with some shit!!!) I am so grateful she drove two hours both ways to see me and meet my girls!

After I returned to Laguna, it seemed like the last 6 weeks of school dragged a little. We had some soccer, with Alia being pretty much permanently in goal...this is her passion and identity...as a 10 year old. It could change; however she's been in goal since 7 and we think she's doing a great job!

Amelie enjoyed doing her drama recital with an after-school program...

Ajay enjoyed the Hot Luck festival for the 2nd? year in a row via a quick trip to Austin...

And we enjoyed an amazing Mother's Day brunch at Taco Maria....

Did I mention the girls' first concert? They saw the Taylor Swift Reputation concert at the Rose Bowl.....

....and it was amazing! The girls thoroughly enjoyed it, and surprisingly, so did Ajay and I!

Next up? June!!!

2018 Update....January through March

Happy Almost New Year!

So in the interest of this being the end of 2018 and the beginning of 2019, I thought I'd review our year.

We had a nice long visit with Maya this year. She was with us almost 4 months! Here we are on the Balboa Ferry at the beginning of January:

Balboa Ferry, January

In January, we met up with several members of Alia's soccer team to see the USA Women's National Team play in San Diego. A really fun memory for all of us. Alia got to see her Goalkeeper hero, Hope Solo, receive her 200th cap in a ceremony before the game.

Alia and me at SDCCU Stadium⁩, ⁨San Diego⁩, Seeing the 

Women's National Team play. January

Alia also dabbled a little bit in beach volleyball over the winter months. It was such a beautiful experience watching the sunset behind the girls on Friday afternoons. Ultimately, soccer took over and volleyball was put on hold.

Alia played beach volleyball over the winter here in Laguna

In February, we met up with family in Austin for Mid-Winter Break, and to celebrate my birthday. Amelie and Alia learned to ride bikes!!! (We live on a hill in Laguna and never got around to learning before now!) 

Amelie! On two wheels!

On my actual birthday, surrounded by family and friends at Laundrette in Austin. 

One night we stumbled into a local favorite and stayed for the show. Ben Balmer amazed us all! His style of Alternative Folk appealed to everyone in our multi-generational group!

Alia, enjoying Ben Balmer at the
Whip Inn in Austin. AMAZING SHOW!

Alia and Ajay really enjoyed their new freedom to explore on their bikes!

Ajay and Alia exploring Austin on two wheels

Once back in Laguna, we participated with in the Patriot's Day Parade with Amelie. Over the past two years, she's taken it upon herself to donate regularly to this local charity. She has done multiple lemonade stands to raise money to help feed families in need. Her interest in helping hungry families happened one day when she overheard a conversation about some kids not having enough to eat. She has a big heart, and really pours herself into giving.

In March, we took to the road and trekked up to Mammoth Lakes so the girls could finally learn to ski. It was a fantastic little holiday. We stayed locally at the Westin, which was extremely convenient. They took care of everything from boots to lift passes. Most importantly, both girls had a fantastic time and both came away skiing happily asking about next time!

And finally, also in March, there was a great family celebration for Ajay's uncle's 60th birthday in Healdsburg, Sonoma County. It was such a lovely trip! We found a fantastic rental on HomeAway and it did not disappoint. It was so peaceful, well-designed, and the best part for us? The dog next door! With friendly neighbors willing to let the girls throw endless tennis balls for their young retriever, we were all in heaven. 

We also enjoyed various group get togethers, exploring the area, and so many yummy things to eat!