Where were you.....

When you heard that Micheal Jackson had died?

Warm Weather and the Wild life....

As summer progresses the temps quickly rise and suddenly it feels like we are in a tropical zone. Soon after the parents left there was an increase of wildlife around the house. With Joon dropping grapes and sweet things all over the place ie...under couches and refirdgerators we had an overnight ant invasion. Very different from the small colonies of ants in Seattle or Alaska. These suckers are numerous and voracious. Of course it has forced us to clean the house which is probably a good thing.

Here is a shot of a swallow who has decided to live above our screen door. Occasionally they fly in the house but fly out with no problems. I have since put up a piece of styrofoam as a platform and poop guard. Seems to be working for now...

Also with the wamer temps we are able to have nice outdoor dinners and Joon can crack open his first beer(?) Don't remember that happening...

and fun days at the beach. Here is Joon trying his new Thomas floaty. Joon looks like he is having fun and dad looks like he is taking a crap...oh well, you can't always make everybody look good in a picture. Hope every one else is having fun out there during Joon, I mean June. They say it will get warmer. Having lived in the far north for so long I have a hard time imagining. Party on for now...

Weeks 2 and 3 of the parent's visit

The next two weeks of the parent's vacation began with a visit to the west coast to meet her grandmother. She Lives in the small community of Hallim in an area surrounded by cows, horses, vegetable fields and of course rock walls. Here is a shot of their meeting. There was not much to be said but all were happy to finally be seeing each other for the first time.




Towards the middle of the week we took a nice trip to the small island of Udo a half hour ferry ride off the east coast. It is a relaxing place to visit with spectacular views and on our visit, strong winds.



At the beginning of third week it was time to make the journey up the famous Hallasan Mountain, seen above. The peak is about 6000 ft and there are four trails one can hike. Two go to the top while the other two plateau at a nice highland vista. Since it was azalea seaon we decided to take the lower and more scenic Eorimok trail.



It was the shortest of the four trails on the mountain and also said to be the easiest but easy is a relative term in Korea. Most trails venture straight up with little time for switchbacks or flat meanders. And so it was with this trail. Mom and dad were ready and willing here but had little idea of what they were getting into. Fortunately we left early enough in the day so that everyone had enough time to make it up and down before sunset.



Of course the reward was worthwhie as we were treated to the beginnings of the Azalea blooms, friendly and supportive hikers who offered assistance and even a little dancing along the way as well as just beautiful views and a proud feeling of accomplishment. All were exhausted but there were no regrets.



Throughout this time it was Joon who was having the most fun. He joined us on all of our adventures and was super excited to have all the choices of people to take care of him. " I want grandpa to put on my shoes!" I want grandma to change my diaper" It was a real treat. Of course when Moon and I were at work was when the real fun began.


Joon was treated to daring rides downhill on his stroller wild games of kick the ball and good beach fun with grandma and grandpa. When we would return home scrapes on his knees were the signs of a good time had by all. He toughend up his legs and has learned a lot of new games for mom and dad to play.

the visit - Week 1

Well the grandparents have departed but they are not forgotten. Joon is asking for them frequently and doesn't seem quite sure where they went. Their visit was spent seeing the island and hanging out with joon.

The first week of their visit was an eventful one. We decided to take it easy and relax figuring they would need the rest. Amazingly they adjusted to the 13 hour difference in time and they were ready to go from day 1 and so we were off on our adventures.


Here they are at the airport in Seoul where they met Moon's brother Sangho. He took great care of them and helped them navigate their way to the next airport to get to the island.

Here is a super happy grandma and joon after a nice meal of sushi.



Our first adventure was a scenic drive and the folk village to get our fill of the history of the island. here you see the beautiful basalt coast


Here is Grandma trying on the traditional water carrier.


Here is Joon among the Rape Flowers that were just after their peak but still beautiful.


Next it was off to the manjangul cave, a huge lava tube that although dark was certainly a spectacular sight. I had no idea it was sooo big!


Finally we finished the week with a visit to Moon's Aunt and her newly established daycare.

It was a good start to their visit and we packed alot in including a little cool water swimming at the local beach. As we headed into the weekend it was time to prepare for a visit to Moon's grandmother and take in some more sights that jeju has to offer. stay tuned!