Sunday, October 9, 2011

visitors come.. visitors go...

We have been very blessed to have so many visitors come and share our lives in Korea.  They get a little taste of what life is like for us, and lots of fun new experiences of this Asian culture.  Their arrival is always so anticipated, and then we blink and they are gone!  Perhaps it is due to having so many things planned each day... but we need to pack in what we can in such a short time.

This past week we enjoyed the company of my mom and siblings, Kristen and Jeremy.  Marc LOVED having extra playmates around to give him special attention - and I enjoyed having company each day while Jarrod was working.
Since my mom has been here twice before, and K & J were here last year - I had to get creative, thinking about some new experiences that we haven't done before.  We really tried to gear this visit toward K & J (high schoolers) and what might interest them more than.... sight-seeing. :)  Here are the highlights:
(click pictures to enlarge image)
 We spent one day at Lotte World, an indoor and outdoor amusement park.
 They had quite a bit of stuff geared toward Marc's age - he had so much fun on the rides and at the different exhibits!
 One evening they went with Jarrod to see Jump, a comic taekwondo performance, and had lots of laughs!
 We went to the Seoul National Museum, and ended up spending all of our time in the Children's Museum section, which was full of hands-on fun!
 Marc and Jeremy had fun in the toddler room at the museum! Marc enjoyed tumbling and wrestling so much that he didn't want to leave!
 Of course, a trip to Seoul isn't complete without some experiences on public transportation! (Since we got the car, we did drive to many places..)
 Jeremy got to have a Taekwondo experience where he learned about this martial art and some moves.
 Mmmmm, Jeremy's favorite restaurant - all you can eat Korean bbq!  Delicious!
 Girls' day out! We went shopping (with Marc), while Jarrod taught and Jeremy spent the day at YISS to experience the international school setting.  He was able to follow the same student he did last year (but now in high school) and had a great time seeing the kids he met last year once again.
 Our days were full - but not rushed - and overall, we have very fond memories of this visit!  Of course, the down times with Wii competitions, ice cream, and sharing meals together are also treasured.  Tim (my mom's husband) was missed this visit, but we are thankful he allowed his family to come and spend this special time with us!
And, just like that - they are gone - leaving us with an empty house and fond memories.

So, who's next??

2 comments:

Mom Puff said...

Do I recognize those first pictures at Marc's favorite park he goes to when daddy gets off at the top of the hill in your neighborhood?
Looks Jeremy's Martial Arts class could have been held at Seoul Forrest.
It's all so beautiful.
Miss u much,
Mom Puff

Unknown said...

That's the place :)
Glad you could be here and make the connection!