Hooray! Grammy!

During the YISS spring break (last week in March), Jarrod headed to the Philippines to lead a group of 18 high school students on a mission trip.  Jarrod's mom arrived in Korea the night before he left and blessed me and the kids with her fun energy and helpful presence.

Alaina LOVED meeting her Grammy Puff! She is so fun!

 If Jarrod's Mom hadn't come to stay with us, we probably would have survived... but with her here, we definitely thrived!  She added more than just a "helping hand", her company was a delight to us all.  We were able to go to special places in Seoul: parks, museums, play lands, and more!

 Grammy was even adventurous enough to try one of the kids favorite snacks, "triangle rice" or samgak kimbap, rice and tuna wrapped in seaweed!

 Hooray, Daddy returned from his trip (at 7am!).. 

we are so glad that Mom/Grammy got to stay several days after Jarrod returned!

  It was such a special time for us with her, I hope she enjoyed it as much as we did!

 Thank-you for taking time off work and away from your husband to

 help, visit, and love on us here in Korea!

Alone...

My mom arrived in Seoul on the night of October 6th, less than a day before Alaina was born.  It was wonderful having her here to help with so much... meals, dishes, early mornings with Marc and Emmalyn, advice, company, etc. She left last thursday - giving me a two day week before the weekend.  Two days alone with three kids while Jarrod worked.  I was glad for the weekend! Now I am facing a whole week! alone (and.. well, the rest of our time in Korea since we are not officially expecting more visitors) and feeling my mom's absence acutely.  

Marc and Emma's grandma made a special treat for playgroup!

the classic three generation picture!

Enjoying our Korean restaurant tradition! 

Miss you, Mom! And your base access!  Wanna come back?!   ;)

ok, so about the no more visitors this year thing... let's work on that! who's coming to visit? I have some cute kids that I can dangle as bait!

long awaited visitors

YAY my computer returned! Now to catch up...

I need to back up and share one of the highlights of our spring...  Jarrod's sister, Brooke, and her daughter, Alisia, were sitting in our home.  In Korea.  Already it feels so long ago...  It is actully hard to believe that this trip has come and gone already, since it is one we have been talking about for... years, it seems.
They left very early on Thursday morning, March 29th - and with the 13 hour time change plus travel to and from the airport - arrived, exhausted but with smiles on their faces, in Korea at bedtime on Friday night.

We proceeded to spend the next 8 days staying up late talking (or going to bed at 8:30 if you are Brooke),

exploring this large city,

tasting new foods,

laughing through *different* experiences,

witnessing some of Korea's past,

and enjoying each others company. 

Most importantly, Brooke and Alisia were introduced to Emmalyn, and reunited with Marc, who enjoyed every bit of attention they had to give! 

 It was a whirlwind that went by just as quickly as we thought it would - and yet we enjoyed every moment we had together!  We hope that they had a special time together on this Mother-Daughter cross-cultural experience - even as they missed their husband/Dad and sons/brothers back in Virginia.  At least on our part, we know that the memories shared are forever imprinted on our hearts.  Thank-you for coming to our home and sharing a bit of our life here in Seoul!

A Big Thank-You!

Yesterday morning my mom, "Grandma Mari", left.  She has been here since the evening of the 11th - arriving to the Seoul airport, finding her way to our house by her self (taking a bus, then taxi, to get to our door with many suitcases) - and hit the ground running by taking over care for Marc right away (he spent the day with friends while I was in labor).  She stayed with Marc and made sure he was fed and.. well, alive :) while we were in the hospital with Emmalyn.   Jarrod was able to come home and help with Marc's transitions to bed or nap - but we greatly appreciated not having to worry about Marc's care the rest of the time.

When we came home from the hospital, Marc was happy to have everyone around - and we all continued to enjoy Grandma's presence, especially as she provided many delicious meals for us and our freezer.  We tried to get my mom out *some* (as much as possible with my limited movement! and a newborn) as we are always on the hunt to provide new experiences for guests.  Since this was my mom's 4th visit to Korea since Marc was born, she had some places she knew that wanted to go - so this time we decided to let her DRIVE there. (Don't worry, she had an international driving license with her :)  She did a great job in an unfamiliar city (with me or Jarrod as her navigation - I only allowed her to miss one turn when she said she knew where she was going ;).  

She also got out with Jarrod to go ice skating, and then I was able to take her to a Korean BBQ (Kalbi) restaurant for a final "thank-you" meal.  

But again, as this was her 4th visit (and with the timing of it) she kept insisting that she wasn't here for vacation, but to be a grandma - and that she was.  Grandma was able to offer her arms to Emmalyn when she wanted to be held and rocked.  Marc and Grandma bonded over morning snuggles and breakfast, many a story, and laughter as Marc entertained Grandma with his "funny" run (aka - get the wiggles out before bedtime). 

It was sad to see her go (it felt especially short for me since I was in the hospital for some of her visit), and I definitely miss having her around.  We are so grateful that she was able to take time away from her busy schedule and active family to be with us during these special days.

Thank-You for all of your help, Mom!!