So blessed to have my Mom...

My Mom was the best. God blessed my brother and I

so much by giving us to her to love. Cleo Jane Snider

Staton passed away on Monday night, June 14, at 9:02 pm.

Our hearts hurt in that Mom is no longer here with us

in this world. But we rejoice in knowing that Mom has

joined Dad, her mother and father, sisters and brothers,

in God's eternal glory. I selfishly grieve for her loss, but

rejoice in knowing that she has a new body, no more pain

or suffering, and that she has seen Jesus face to face! How

glorious! Mom has gotten her long-deserved reward.

My beautiful, little Mom. She had a great big heart and

loved so many family and friends. And she was loved

greatly by so many in return.

Four generations of girls! This picture of Mom, Jenny,

Addi and I was taken at Kristen's bridal tea.

Jenny, Maddox and Addi visited Mom and Dad in January

before returning overseas. Mom was struggling to get over

pneumonia at that time.

Mamaw and Turner - a special time with a precious little boy!

Mom and 3 of her men, Adam, Kit and Matt! Easter 2009.

Mom and Mary Ann - Easter 2009

Mom and Mary Ann at the Gaither Concert - April 2009

May 2009 - Mother's Day - Mom, Sherman and Mary Ann

We miss you Mom...Mamaw...Aunt Cleo...and we love you

very much.

Cyrus Update Pictures

Cyrus is growing and growing. We cannot believe how
long he is. He eats so well and is a sweet baby. It is hard
to believe that he is now 3 weeks old. Another week and
he will be one month old!

Here is Cyrus's temporary bed. He's growing so fast that
soon he will outgrow the bassinet. But it is a sweet bed
for him to use now.

Here is our precious baby boy in his bed.

Cyrus's eyes continue to change. At birth, they were a

deep blue, then sometimes now, they are brown with gray.

Then they will look dark blue again.

So sweet!

See how long Cyrus is?

Exercising on the floor

But then he got tired of the floor and wanted to be picked

up and held! Cyrus let us hear his voice!

A Turkish Celebration...Interesting!

Last evening, we started hearing really loud

music. There is a school up the hill from The

Depp's apartment. As we looked out the living

room window, we could see that there was

some type of celebration occuring. There were

the red and white Turkish flags flying, balloons,

and a band. The band played traditional Turkish

music and it could be heard throughout the

neighborhood! There were dancers too. The

video below will share the sound, but I couldn't

zoom in but so far. I'm just sharing a little of the

Turkish culture.

Missing Turner...

We are loving our time here in Istanbul with the Depp
part of our family. Time with Addi, Maddox and Cyrus
is priceless. But we have missed our little American boy,
Turner! I know that Matt, Kristen and Turner have
had a great time with Kristen's family at the Outer Banks
this past week. We look forward to seeing all the pictures
and videos!

Here's our sweet boy! We love that he has developed
a cute personality, clapping and waving his hands.

Grandad, Grand and Turner...just before leaving for our
flight to Istanbul. We love this little boy!

Videos from the Boat Tour

Cyrus was awake on the boat going to the ruins. Here

he is doing his exercises!

View #1 from the ruins.

The Ruins view #2

The Ruins View #3

Views along the boat ride heading back down the Bosphorus.

Pancakes, Strawberries and The Mall!

Addi did a great job of building some fine structures

with the legos on Thursday night!


She's very proud of her work too!



Jenny had the fine help of Maddox as she made pancakes

for our supper on Thursday evening. We had strawberries

and apples along with homemade syrup as toppers. Mmmm!



On Friday morning, Gran had the pleasure of holding

Cyrus while Jenny, Addi and Maddox finished getting

ready for our outing of the day.



Cyrus had on his gator car outfit! We walked to the playground

first so that Addi and Maddox could swing and slide. Then

we took a taxi to the mall. We bought a few groceries and had

lunch. Addi, Maddox and Gran had a great time riding the

various rides!


Addi on a magical horse!



Maddox loved the motorcycle! It said "CHIPS" on the

front, just like the old TV show!


Addi looked so cool in the red sports car.



Maddox loved the yellow sports car.


Both loved the train ride!

Addi and Maddox enjoyed riding another train.

Grandad Flies Home...

Tues. night, June 2, after our boat tour, Kit made sure to
spend plenty of time playing with Addi and Maddox. It
was his last night in Istanbul as he was flying home the
next day.

Addi and Grandad built a 'garage' with legos.

Maddox, Addi and Grandad having fun.

Grandad, Addi and Maddox in action!

Cyrus enjoyed his bath!

Early the next morning at 6:15am, we rode in a taxi to

take Grandad to the airport to fly home.

We rode over one of the bridges that crosses the

Bosphorus in order to get to the airport.

A view from the bridge

We had some extra time as we waited for the posting of the

check-in area for Grandad's flight. He used the extra

time to hold baby Cyrus. Maddox was not happy that

Grandad had to leave.

Grandad and Cyrus...last moments together until The Depps

come home for stateside in early Dec.

Cyrus slept through most of his first trip to an airport.

Addi and Maddox waiting...

Jenny and Addi waiting too. Soon Grandad's flight was on

the board, so we all went with him so he could check in at the

correct counter. Once he checked in his luggage and got his

boarding passes, he was ready to go through passport security

and to his gate. We said our goodbyes with Jenny and I tearing

up. Grandad got kisses and hugs from all of us, althought

Maddox would not tell him goodbye. He didn't understand

why Grandad had to leave. We wavedand waved after

Grandad got through security, until we couldn't see him anymore.

It was lonely without him. The next day, we got a call from

him saying that all flights were on time and everything went

smoothly. He arrived home safe and sound. Grandad, we miss you!

Maddox has asked about you for three days now! We are glad

that you could skype us and that we could talk to you.