More Adventures in Seoul

We planned a quick weekend trip to Seoul so Ben and I could go to the DMZ (Demilitarized Zone between North and South Korea) before this baby came.  Unfortunately we got a notice that the Joint Security Area was to be closed later that weekend for a 'mission'.  We decided to make the trip anyway.

Ben and I took advantage of the grandparent babysitters and went on a date to see Nanta!  It was a wonderful show similar to Stomp or one of those crazy music performances.  The show follows the story line of several chefs preparing for a wedding.  There was food flying, sharp knives, loud music and tons of humor.  We were more than pleased with the show!

Mom and I have been talking about a fish pedicure since we went to Thailand.  We found a little shop in Myong-dong market near their apartment.  Hilarious!  The fish eat the dead skin cells off your feet.  At first it tickled intensely then we started to get used to it.  I'm not sure words can describe the feeling but after 15 minutes we had some incredibly smooth feet!

One more things on our 'Seoul to-do list' was get glasses from the market.  Ben and I both got an exam, frames and lenses for under $90.  Not a great picture but aren't we just Korean cute?

Gyeongju

We took advantage of being with my parents for E's birthday bash and went on an overnight visit to Gyeongju, a historic city about 1 hour 45 minutes from us on the east coast of the mainland.  This city was the capital of the Silla dynasty in Korea from 57 BC-935 AD.

We started our day by visiting the Shilla Millennium Park.  This park was set up like an ancient village.  They do several performances here.  We watched a horse/warrior show as well as a historical battle.  They had a craft village where E and her grandma both got to make their own ceramic pots.  It should arrive in the mail any day!

From there we drove around town an admired all the burial mounds.  These were incredible!  While E and dad took a nap in the car I walked around the park with my parents to see a few.  Some oddly resembled my current profile.

We then made it to Bulguksa Temple, which is one of the most famous in Korea.  Although it was pretty similar to all the other temples and palaces we've seen it was in a beautiful location up on the hillside.  In one are there were several rock piles which I think are made as a form of worship.  All of us (including E) loved trying to get a perfect picture of them.

E couldn't wait to get to the hotel where she and her best friend Snuggles got to sleep.

The next day we were hit by Typhoon Bolaven so decided to spend our morning at the museum before heading home.  The typhoon only brought rain and intense wind to the east coast where we were.  The museums were full of artifacts discovered in some of the burial mounds and ponds.  At the children's museum E got to make an imprint of an ox, her Chinese Zodiac.

Great trip...thanks mom and dad!  (See their blog post here).

Birthday Again with Gaga and Grandpa

This girl is going to think your birthday lasts the entire month!  Gaga and Grandpa came down for E's party and spoiled her with more gifts!  She's one lucky girl.

And one of the favorite gifts...

Luau Party

One day when dancing to "Under the Sea" we got to talking about what a luau is.  E immediately said she wanted to have a luau birthday party.  We took that idea and made what we thought was a pretty sweet water/luau party on our rooftop.

There is the set up.  We had 3 pools (2 of which had slides into them) and Ben's homemade sprinkler.  I think the kids had a good time...

We attempted to get leis on all the kids for the birthday song and cupcakes.

And we enjoyed some yummy food.

Finally it was time for presents!

E had a blast.  Thanks to all those who helped and made it special for her!

E is Three!!?!!

I know it is so typical to say this but...how is my baby 3??!?  What a fun age for a birthday!

E was surprised with a room full of balloons and a birthday doughnut (her favorite treat).

After that we played at the beach with friends.

At lunch time E was lucky to get to open her presents from Ben's family so they could watch online.  She was spoiled and thrilled with what she got (can't you tell).  She was so excited about opening  her presents she had them all laid out on her mat from early morning.

That evening she was treated to a birthday meal at McDonald's (another favorite).  She then couldn't wait to open more presents from mom and dad and eat her pink cake.

Isn't she looking so old?  What a great day we had.  E can't wait for her upcoming luau party with friends and her gaga and grandpa.

Beach Babes and Summering

We've been spending a fair amount of time at the beach this year.  It is one of the best play places and is just 5 minutes down the road!  E has really enjoyed the water this year and is becoming more confident in it.  She loves to play in the sand and run around.  It is a great way to spend a few hours then come home and have great naps.  E always wears her big pink sunglasses and loves to float around on her tube.  I started calling her beach babe.  One Saturday when dad came with us he got the title of beach babe.  So now I have two beach babes!

I usually don't get many pictures but was able to snap a few one evening while at the beach with dad.

We've done a few other things than the beach...but not much.  E started school two mornings a week so that keeps her busy, which we both love.  We discovered a park nearby with a fountain which is a great alternative to the beach.  If we are outside we must be in the water as it has been too hot and humid!  We also attended the annual Geoje Blue City festival (which we attended last year as well) and watched some traditional Korean dance/song and a magic show.  (Pictures taken by E via camera phone).

When the Boy is Away...The Girls Will Play!

Ben had a training course in Houston last week so E and I took advantage of the time and went to play in Seoul with grandma.  We drove from Yeosu to Seoul and spent a few days playing until Ben returned.  Our Seoul trips are always packed with fun and adventure.  It is nice to have time to spend in the big city but makes us appreciate the benefits of living in a small town.

Our first adventure was to Pororo World.  This indoor theme park for kids is based on Korea's animated children's show.  It was a really cute set up with a train, ball pit, slides, bounce house, toys and several shows.  We watched a magic show, 3D show, and a character sing-a-long.

The next adventure was to the outdoor pool in an area called Yeouido which is an island on the Han river.  The pool was nice and cool on a hot day and just was E needed!

Our third big adventure was to Children's Grand Park.  We were lucky to have grandpa join us this time.  This huge park had several amenities including an amusement park, several playgrounds, a zoo, a water garden, fountains, ponds, gardens and more.  It was quite warm but we really enjoyed the zoo and cooled off at the water garden.  The best part...it was free!  (All except the camel ride.)

E's favorite parts were riding the camel and feeding the goats.

That evening Ben flew into Seoul and met up with us.  We found Taco Bell in Seoul (which wasn't too exciting for Ben who just returned from the states but was THRILLING for me) and took it down to the river for a picnic.  That evening we enjoyed fireworks and a water show off the Banpo Bridge.

The following day we enjoyed church in English then rode the bus home...and easy and quick way where Ben and I could both fall asleep and leave E to watch a show on the IPad!