More pics of Hagia Sophia

We took more pics and video. It was amazing that this took only 5 years to build. It began in 532 and was completed in 537. It means church of the " holy wisdom" and was the largest church for nearly 1000 years.

Hagia Spohia

We toured Hagia Sophia and sprung for the guide. It was really interesting. It was the oldest and most ornate church converted Mosque converted museum. Many of the marble pillars were taken from ornate palaces and temples in Greece and other parts of the world. The entire building was covered with gold mosaics. These were later plastered over when converted to a mosque which preserved them. Evidently it has been under restoration for the past 20 years. We were impressed with the long winding passages that led to the second floor. The emperor would come down via horseback. In the entry nave, there was a font from the original church on the site that had two serpents upon it. Evidently the symbols represented a shedding of old and rebirth into the Christian faith. The site was hit by several earth quakes but was not shaken. However, more supports were added changing the shape of the original church. In the back, some of the sultans have been buried. I found this fact to be interesting.

Sights and sounds of Istanbul

I ventured off to Istanbul, Turkey; and met up with Tom. We joined up with some other Americans and headed to some museums and shops. We experienced our first "rug" showing.

LOST TOOTH

Well, it finally happened. Joe lost his first tooth. He was really excited, and here is a pic of the gap right after it was partially yanked. His sister is showing that she might lose a tooth, too.

Halloween UK style

We had literally pulled in the driveway when our neighbors came by for trick or treat. The kids and Tom headed out around the neighborhood with them. We had been told that no one really celebrates, but had some candy (that we had not yet eaten)- thanks mom!

They went to a house 3 down where the gentleman answered the door and the kids said, "Trick or treat!" At that time, he mentioned that they do not take part in Halloween. Kids said something and he said, "Oh, you are American, well here is some pocket money. And tell all the other little children to not bother us as we do not have candy. Good day!" Ahhh, we are certainly settling in. Here are some pics that Anastasia drew, too.

Fall break

We had a great time and went to Black Park, Burnham Beeches, and then overnighted in Suffolk. We got our American fix by shopping, bowling, and playgrounds, visiting nearby Bury St Edmunds, and then the Imperial War Museum. I am still trying to figure out how to get the pics off of my phone. :)
It was a fun trip and everyone did well.

Jolly Woodman Pub visit

Well, we started off at Sandringham- our house and biked throught the Burnham Beeches. Kids had fun, we rode to the pub, refueled and returned home. This is normally about a 10 minute car ride. With two children, our biking time was more like an hour. The kids asked when we returned if we could do it again tomorrow. Hmmm...