Finally! Mehmet and I had time last weekend to get away and head to the countryside for a few days to spend some time at Dad and Carol’s. We both reeeeally needed the break!

Last spring and summer Mehmet and I had a lot of free time, but the weather was… well, unseasonal. This year it’s been fantastic!

A highlight: Baby Rachel!

Chubby cheeks!

Mehmet got put to work washing the family vehicles. But what refreshing work it was!

In the meantime, I was hard at work on the front porch – drinking coffee. It was rough.

Mehmet and I love to climb onto the roof and just drink in the surrounding scenery.

A field of corn behind the house

Dad and Carol have lots and lots of flowers!

And lots and lots of birdhouses!

More Rachel lovin’!

Later, my other brother Harley and my nephew Jayden came over for a bit.

Dutch much?

Monkey-in-the-middle

I don’t know how many times Harley threw the ball for Jayden for him to catch it or hit it, and how many dozens of times Jayden climbed right back out of the pool to do it again.  I wish I still had that energy!

Like father…

Like son!

Warm and cozy in the late afternoon sun.

More soccer

Sunday evening Cynthia’s family came over for awhile.

Rachel with her Mama, Aunt Joanne, and Grandma

If I was a baby-foot-eater… I’d eat those!

David had brought along his game of cornhole, which I’d never heard of before. It was fun!

David and Mehmet are on opposite teams – their partners are on the other side.

It’s harder than it looks! The aim is to get the bag into the hole. You get 3 points for each one that goes in, and 1 point for each bag left on the board. It’s fun!

Mmmm!

Just like last year, the mama killdeer (bird) laid her eggs on that path… camaflouged among the stones.

I just loved this hanging basket of Million Bells!

Barbecues, swimming, baby toes, family, games – such a great break from our daily routine in the city!

In a couple days we’re off to go camping! Yay!