Happy Birthday Mama

Happy Birthday Mom! I hope you have a great day and are not running around with a bazillion things to do like always. If I were you, I'd get a mani pedi, maybe a facial and massage, drink some wine..wait it's your Birthday..make it some expensive scotch, have Dad take you to a delicious feast of a dinner and then watch a ton of movies while cuddling with Belle. And if you don't get to do all that stuff, we'll do it for your Birthday next year. Promise. Unfortunately, you already got you Birthday package, far too early for my taste! Better safe than sorry. But, Sally, Smile, Brad, Alice and Ryan wanted to say happy Birthday too.

Love you.

I did the outline and Sally girl did the coloring for you. 

The sign says, "Love, Lia Teacher, Brad, Sally, Smile, Alice and Ryan. But who was I kidding thinking he'd hold it still? :)

P.S. Would you have ever thought you'd have little Korean kids singing you happy Birthday from across the world?!

Happy Easter and Happy Days

Hello lovelies. It has been a bit since our last post. Easter was a couple days ago, which meant candy hunts, arts and crafts and cooking classes. Not mad at that! We also got an Easter package from Grandma and Papa! Thanks so much for that, Peeps are no where to be found here! Easter Day was definitely different from when we're home. The day was actually pretty normal. I guess that happens when you live in Korea and most Koreans don't celebrate Easter (my kids don't even know who the Easter Bunny is, oh the horror!) I always call my Sunday runs my form of church, and we logged a gorgeous 8 miles on Easter. We did a first time route to the beach and it was one I know we'll run again and again- 2 miles to the beach, 4 along it, and 4 back.
This weekend we had a huge hiking trip planned. We were actually going to hike the highest mountain in Korea!!! The plan was to arrive Saturday, hike to our sleeping camp, then wake up at 3am to make it to the top in time to watch the sunrise. But...Korea had a different plan for us- as it decided to not rain the whole month of April and save it all up for the last few days of the month! We were super excited for a large adventure, but I guess it will have to wait until next weekend. We will be sure to post photos and write about our trip!
We love you and miss you. I hope you had a great Easter and ate for us :)

We always post photos of our kinders because we have them 1/2 the day..and oh let's not forget they're the cutest..:) So here are some of my other classes. The kids above are my worst nightmares and I'm not even trying to be funny. They are little demon spawns that came to me with zero English base. Oh and they are all boys and one girl. 

My 1B class. Yep he's flicking the camera off. What delights. 

Part Time Kinder 7.  Kevin (front right) just got a perma. 

Happy what?

My new all day kinder kid, Ryan. If you ask him what his name is..he says...Lion. He loves food so much and likes to drag his arms when he walks.

Lia Teacher, Alice and Sally. I like Alice here.

Package from Grandma and Papa!!

Wendy scored during the hunt.

Alice is little and less fierce at grabbing candy while elbowing other children. :)

After the hunt. Happy Easter!

Matty.

I FINALLY had my camera when he wore this. 

Blossoms Everywhere!

Here are the cherry blossom photos I promised. We were out early enough Sunday morning to get out in the middle of the street with no cars. This was after our Sunday run :)

Just down our block.

This is my makeshift pup while I can't be with Belle. I've never touched him because he usually looks like he wants to eat me, but I find comfort in saying hello to him every day when I walk to and from school. 

And this is the most giant dog I've seen in Korea. 

Sunday was sunny and 71, warn enough to roll up the jeans and walk in the sand.

Oh this boat was open and the owner was nowhere to be found. Photo op!

Yep. All about the couple and family look here. 

Mt. Apsan

The past two weekends have been awesome. Last week we climbed our highest mountain yet AND got to eat Bennigans :) and this weekend we ran in the Gyongjju Cherry Blossom race. Mt. Apsan is in the middle of Apsan park and it was GIANT. The park had temples, a war memorial museum, archery, horse back riding, a gym and a the giant mountain!  We could have easily spent two days hiking those trails, but we went right to the top and saw breathtaking views at each point. The terrain was a bit treacherous at points and we got quite the workout but it was totally worth it and a great day.

And while we are on the topic of hiking mountains, I'd like to take the opportunity to tell you about the badass that is the Korean hiker. Koreans are s e r i o u s about their hiking. They do it to it in every way possible when it comes to mountains. From the clothes, to the shoes, gear, bandanas, hiking sticks and picnic lunches , they don't play. More than half of the stores downtown are dedicated to hiking equipment, gear and clothing- that clothing being bright neon colors- all of the time. Oh and, Korean hikers come in all ages. People in their 60s and 70s climb rocks with coordination and speed I can only hope to have by the time I leave. Every time we get passed by a group of old ladies, I tell Brendan it's because Koreans learn to crawl, and then they learn to hike. :)

P.S. Uncle Chris, Brendan says mad props for giving him those hiking boots. he is getting a ton of use out of them. He says thank you tons.

 I told you it was big! 

Outside memorial.

We want you!

It was pretty cloudy that day so I had to play with some of the images to get a better view. First stop.

Second stop.

Favorite spot. Tallest spot. 

It was SUPER windy and cold up there. This is how the Koreans do it with the bandanas. I think they're onto something...

More favorite spot.

Still favorite, to the right a little.

There are outdoor gyms everywhere. Mine as well get a quick one in...