Phillip and Rebecca Mefford

A hot chocolate treat for Hudson (our kids don't seem to have a problem scarfing down food if it involved chocolate). Preschool and Kindergarten have been very positive for our kids in many ways, including developing their taste buds. Yes, Rebecca does make Turkish food at home in rotation with various American and Asian-fusion dishes, but it always seems like there is just not the right amount of salt or oil or secret-cultural flare to the dishes. In fact, Lincoln Umut has several times decreed that the aşçı teyze ’s (cooking aunties) at school make much tastier food than Mommy. The truth is, feeding our kids is one of the most difficult parts of our day. As much energy as these children expend, it is shocking that they are not constantly ravenously hungry. But, playing is much more fun than eating, you see. We are constantly prodding, bir lokma daha ye, take one more bite. So, preschool and kindergarten have been very positive for our kids…a

Our bathroom, complete with rose lotion, a specialty of Isparta. Across from Grandpa and Grandma’s room is a small “half-bathroom.” As is traditional for every Turkish home, it contains a “squatty potty.” Many older people are much more comfortable with this type of toilet, and it does have its advantages—ergonomic positioning, ease of pouring out mop water, simplicity (if you’re into that). We actually installed an alafranga (Western style toilet), on top of our squatty for the comfortability of our American guests. But many public restrooms only have the squatty option, so it is a skill that is important to learn. As turkeytravelplanner.com puts it, “it’s actually quite hygienic once you get used to it (if ever) because only your feet touch the toilet.” Plastic bathroom slippers are provided, and in-home alaturkas usually have toilet paper available too. For learning this skill, we suggest using a potty chart with a fun incentive like a pizza party after using the squatty a