they want to go to Ankara

This was Tolga's last day here and it wasn't any easier with our guests around.  Tolga's conversations are with his older cousin.  My hands are full with my kids, but with our cousins kids I was dealing with things I just didn't want to deal with today.  I'm putting food for Tomris - and Duru says, "I don't want that!"  

(Uh, I wasn't planning on giving it to you).  "Are you hungry?"

"No." (Me putting another type of food on Teoman's plate) "Give it to me!"  That's the six year old who's here with her grandmother while her mother works and her father is with a new woman.    The two year old refuses to eat - so while all the kids are sitting down, my cousins are hollering.  

"Don't talk.  Hurry up and eat!"

I understand why they are staying this - but there isn't constant stress around basic activities, and not so basic.  I put out a sprinkler, and they don't want the kids getting muddy or wet or cold.  (Which, I've once again confirmed all cultural beliefs as all three of my kids are sick now with runny/stuffy noses: the curse of the cold feet/AC/breeze).  

We escaped in the afternoon clearly not inviting anyone with us.  We had cold coffees/milkshakes, went to an indoor play area, and had fast food dinner before bringing Tolga to the bus station.  At dinner, Tolga asked Tomris if she was going to cry this time when he left.  She answered immediately, "I'm going to cry so bad."  The last time Tolga left was hard on the kids.  I guess they've hit that age where it's hardest.  Or maybe because we are away from Ankara.  I'm not sure, but these departures are awful.  Teoman wouldn't let go of Tolga. He demanded that he take him with to Ankara.  He was hysterical and it was hard for both of us to bear after what he's been through this summer.  

Scene: Airport bus and it's drivers.  An orange cat.  

Action: Teoman crying like he's never cried before.  Tomris crying.  Tuana about to cry but distracted by the orange cat.  Me.

Tolga: Do you want some money to buy ice cream?

Teoman: (crying) no.

Tomris: yes.

Tuana: doo dam! (that's means ice cream!)