Alara was lucky enough to be given a lovely, cuddly and warm jacket for when we go on our walks.

All rugged up.
It even matches my shoes.
Come on mum - let's get out of here! (Note - the room looks especially sparse here. Furniture has actually become our friend over the years...)

The weeks since our return have been filled with routine, glorious routine! It's nice to get back into the swing of things and start on my ever-growing to-do list. Here's a sample from the last few weeks.

La and her Baba being monkeys.
As I am too cheap to buy sand for La's sandpit we go and collect it from our local "beach" on the sly. We are just playing, really we are!
La scrounging in her toy box for something to do. Her jumper was knitted for especially by her Aunt Sevil in Turkey.
Perfect for winter days and office work.
Sitting pretty and quietly eating some lunch - cheese sandwich!
That's a bit better - a little more decorum please La.

As our time wound up down on the farm we say thanks to everyone who fed and housed us and overwhelmed us with their love and company. Yay! Can't wait till we do it all again in summer...

Louie with Toby the Wonder Mouse.
Lucho showing Steve how to mow his lawn. Straight lines are apparently overrated.
Dinner at Aunty Merry's with cousin Jacqui.
At above mentioned dinner with Uncle Matt playing funny buggers with some blocks and La's hair...
...she actually really enjoyed it - strange child.
Zoolander, La and Uncle Tom down the beach.
Sweet picture.
The view of the beach at Kingston in all it's winter seaweed glory.
Lucho, La and Pa going for one last walk by the beach.

Of course we couldn't stay outside all the time - no matter how much they tried, so here's a little of the mischief that prevailed...

Uncle Matt keeping Toby entertained with a paper hat - or do we mean keeping himself entertained?!?
What started out as good, clean painting pictures fun turned into a free for all on our faces.
Louie did her best to turn Lucho into a tiger, or is it supposed to be spiderman or a puppy dog?!?
Ta da! We had to wash it off pretty fast actually as it started to leave red marks. I would have permanently been Spot the Dog and Louie a drag queen.
Icecream for everyone! Except La who gets landed with a biscuit. Everyone - ohhh.
Toby - freshly laundered.
La and Jack playing nicely together - for a minute. La's new nickname is Alara - The Antagoniser - The Next Generation.

Lucho's farm stay was more about the machines than it was about animals - not that he minded at all - it's a little boys paradise!

The digger was at Matt's farm to push over the old trees - it was a nice coincidence that Lucho had this shirt on at the time.
Lucho and La helping out Pa/Leon with some farm work.
Riding in the biggest tractor of all.
Back where it all started from in the wee little red one.
Lucho was a bit nervous to stand under the ute for this one - but he's a keen mechanic and needed to get the job done.

The rain came and stayed while we were on the farm - thankfully! I am glad we brought some good fortune with us - it allowed the kids to do what they love the most - play in the puddles!

La with her almost too big boots thinking about going in the puddle.
And when the rains came it was time for some serious puddle-playing. Ma Ma had the foresight to invest in a wonderfully retro puddle suit for any visiting little ones - I remember when we used to use them!
La road tested the suit thoroughly - she wasn't even wet after this!
Lucho with his new best friends - Tarkhan and Spud.

Lucho enjoyed the many sights and sounds of the farm and our family - there was always something to do and someone to see!

This is the good country.
Paying a visit to the white kangaroos in Bordertown.

Going down the big slide in Mundulla.
Visiting Old Nana in the hospital with Uncle Bing, Ma Ma and Baby Jack.
Julz and La La enjoying a moment.
La La and Bing also enjoying a moment.

Off to the farm we go with La La and Lucho in tow - first stop is Echuca with a few stops along the way.

The submarine in Holbrook just before we get to Albury.
At Nathan and Julz's house to visit and play with Lexie.
Last leg on the next day to the farm - a stop in Donald to play on the old train.

Cousin Cassie and Dave had the foresight to holiday in Sydney during the few days we were home before going down to the farm. It was wonderful to meet Jess and catch up for lunch - thanks for the company guys!

My camera's batteries chose this day to die so this is a picture from Cassie's instead. Jess is such a gorgeous baby - a very happy and lively little girl.

The month went fast and we were on the plane home before we knew it. First stop, Dubai then onwards to Sydney...


On the quieter flights the hosties made La La their plaything - as the saying goes "cute kids bring great rewards in the guise of extra food and toys".

Our Dubai stopover was only long enough for us to enjoy (and abuse) the buffet for dinner and breakfast.

After quite a few years the Ercan clan has finally been in the same place at the same time. Here's the photo's to prove it...

Serpil, La and Sami.
Everyone out for dinner.
The grandparents and the grandkids.
Mum and Dad with their off spring.
Offspring, grandies and me too.