Yesterday (February 21st) was Ali's birthday, so I pulled out the photo albums and reminisced about my homestay student from Turkey. He was 16 and 17 in these pictures--full of life and laughter! He was also full of action and, just like the energizer bunny, he kept going, and going and.....

Here are my favorite memories of Ali from 1994 and 1995.

Making shish kabobs for the barbecue.

Roller blading on our quiet street.


Suited up for ice hockey.

Practicing at the ice rink.

Challenging Takashi (Japan) to a game of tennis.

Dwarfed by a Clydesdale at the county fair.

Lifting weights with my son and me!

Ali's just waiting--aaeeiiii--Mama's going down!

Ali and my son, Allen--both excellent cooks!

And here he is today! Still cooking--the famous Chef Ali!

With his wife and son. What a beautiful family!

Happy 31st Birthday, my dear 'son' from Turkey. You've done very well and your American 'Mom' is downright proud of you!