from Mandy

Hola and Merhaba!

Well, I must say that I will never be able to eat regular ice cream again.... The ice cream here is AMAZING (kind of like gelato, but with extra sticky goodness). All of the food is wonderful and we are all greatly expanding our palets - yes, Dad, I'm talking about food once again... Anywhoo, Istanbul is so beautiful and the weather has been great, especially with the cool breezes from the Bosporus in the mornings and evenings. We are having such a wonderfully fantastic time here. I was sick for just a couple days; but, I'm feeling much better thanks to Bob's tender loving care and Alyssa's prompt attention - we all have each other's backs. It's been so much fun bonding with everyone. Tonight we had a fun girl party and did home pedicures and sat and gabbed and now the boy's flat smells like nail polish remover (heeheehee). Oh, and to end the already fantastical evening, Bob surprised me with beautiful flowers because he was glad that I felt better and because tomorrow is our 7th dating monthiversary - Mom, you can stop crying now, remember, deep breaths... :~) Hope all y'all are doing well and we'll ttyl!!!

~ Mandy