First real visit to the Med.

On Sunday, we decided to stick with our "get out while the weather is nice and Wendi still feels like it" theme and head to the Mediterranean Sea.

We have been to the Mediterranean Sea, technically, when we visited Izmir (west of here) and Istanbul (northwest of here), but we haven't just driven an hour south and seen the sea that so much of our faith as Christians was surrounded by.

So on Sunday, we did.

Shane and Linda joined us. So did Dan, Angelica, Noah, and Rowan. We went to a town called Yurmatalik. The weather was overcast and rainy, but when it did clear up, the kids had a fabulous time just running around, playing in the dirt, and wading into the ocean.

These first two pictures are absolutely two of my most favorite pictures of the boys that I have had. I love them. (Thanks Linda and Veronica for taking all the pictures, but thank you especially to Linda who captured these first two).

And here "just a few" other favorites from a great day enjoying a world so far removed from the land we truly call home.

Linda and Elijah building a castle.

This is such an Isaac shot -- doing his own thing, in his own way, content to do it solo.

I love this picture of Elijah because it so reminds me of JB -- investigating everything and anything he can close up.

Shane and Isaac building a castle with a moat.

John investigating a couple of jellyfish. Told you he likes to study things just like Elijah.

Isaac had a bellyache for part of the time -- he just wants JB when he feels like this.

Isaac and Noah enjoying the water together.

Buddies!

Veronica and Isaac building "Snake Castle." Veronica had to do a lot of guarding to prevent the kiddos from knocking these castles over.

Isaac and Rowan watching the birds.

Elijah and Noah heading down to see the jellyfish.

Starfish!

Our photographer/nanny!

Veronica and I at a little Cafe, waiting for the rain to pass.

Isaac demonstrating how he says, "You are a crazy person," without saying a word.

Rowan and Noah.