Frequent Flyer McGuires: Happy Easter!

This was the first major holiday we have celebrated since moving to Adana. When S was in training back in DC, several FS veterans talked about how living overseas, far from relatives and grandparents, causes you to become a closer, more insular family. We heard stories about how it's important to create new memories and traditions as one smaller family unit, and bid a fond farewell to the old, large group gatherings consisting of cousins, grandparents, and even your Great Aunt Edna. Because, let's face it--while celebrating holidays with extended family is awesome, the reality of this lifestyle is that more often than not, you're far from those you love and even the best Skype conversations in the world can't bring you closer.

That's where the new family holiday traditions begin. And Easter was our first.

Easter celebrations started on Saturday with egg dying. A new friend and her young daughter came over to enjoy the festivities, and the kids had a blast. But as much fun as egg dying was, it quickly lost it's charm, so we took the crew outside for a little water-table play on the balcony.

"I have a blue egg to match our funky blue cabinets."

Still holding on to the blue egg...

"Ah! Now I can really make a mess!"

Then today, E woke up to find that the Easter bunny had brought him some goodies. Because I am not quick on my toes at 7am, I forgot to take photos of E's basket o' goodies, but I did manage to snap this blurry pic of him blowing some bubbles. The Easter Bunny knows how much E loooooves bubbles and included some with the Easter loot.

E and his bubbles. And a serious case of bed head.

Once Bubble Fest 2013 was over, we got dressed and headed to brunch. A local American hotel chain hosted an "Easter Brunch" but we quickly realized it was just a typical Turkish breakfast with a few added treats like dyed eggs and cookies in bunny and egg shapes. In other words, no ham. Not that I expected it, but I did hope.

The food was still good though, and S and I even indulged in a glass of champagne while E stuffed his face with sugar that he knows he's usually not allowed to have. You could practically see the wheels turning in his head as he shoveled a chocolate Kinder egg into his mouth. Like, "I need to eat this fast before they realize their mistake and try to take it from me!" No mistake buddy. Eat your chocolate and enjoy. That's what holidays are for.

After brunch we strolled along the river and a very kind woman offered to take a few photos of us together. All in all, it was a fun day. Here's to new family traditions!