just two more sleeps

and we leave for Seoul!

I have also set up a blog for the kids.  Don't know if or when they'll actually post, but it's a free place for them to diary the trip.

http://kidsinseoul.blogspot.com/

See ya soon!!

no words....except we did have to add just one more bag

School's Out!

We survived another year with 4 in school.  They all had good grades, some B honor roll and some A.  The elementary still gives awards by class, so Kaelin got one for completing the Presidential Fitness test and Chelsi got Top Reader and Top Musician in her class.

Good job girls!

Big Changes

I shouldn't really say changes, but they are, but maybe they are more adjustments....for me.  Cole got his license.  He's a pretty good driver, but it still scares me because he's an impulsive teenager and there's a million really bad drivers out there driving with him.  I'm happy for him.  I know this is a sign he's growing up.  I just pray God is with him all the time.  Hopefully his St. Christopher medal protects him as he's out there.

Chase is 13

Brought this guy home on Mother's Day 13 years ago. He's a blessing too.

Good Choice

I'm so glad that since we've had 7 years of saving, we've also had 7 years of planning our Korea trip.  Needless to say there is A LOT of planning for a family of 7 to leave for 2 weeks.  I've had so many lists going for the last several months.  I have to-do lists, packing lists, itinerary, lists of maps in Seoul, etc.  I've spent the last few weekends working hard around the house every single weekend, of course, that also means every one else in the house has been working hard too.  We got all of the flowers in, the garage cleaned up (that wasn't planned until the septic backed up), windows are washed, Spring cleaning is done.  I knew May would be terribly busy and I didn't want to stress any of us out anymore than we'd already be getting ready to go and getting ready for school to be out.  So this weekend, I cleaned the windows one last time, so much pollen on the outside, and am just sitting back to enjoy.  I've printed my coupons for my last shopping trip before we leave.  Chase had his birthday party last night and is enjoying spending the day fishing with his brother, dad and his friend for his birthday.  Mother's Day I'll spend doing my monthly shopping and finishing laundry up.  I spent some time earlier in the week to do the meal planning for the next week and 1/2 so we don't end up with an abundance of left overs or perishables.  I have one last grocery list; no perishables allowed.  So far, very relaxing!

Next week will be very busy, but we knew that.  I have the 5K for a fundraiser for our neighbor's grandson, a local celebration will be the rest of the day, possibly dependent on weather.  Then, Sunday is set to clean the house one last time and set all of the suitcases out and realistically pack everything.  Monday, the boys have their sports physicals and of course I have to work.  Hopefully, Cole will get his license this week.  That could help a bit, bur Brian has to have time to take off and take him first.  Tuesday I'm taking off early to take the girls for some couponed pedicures for their first time.  Taking the in-laws to dinner for their anniversary (40th) and then packing up the van to leave.

Chelsi is so excited she wants it to be here so bad.  Jaemin wants it to be in 2 days, he says.  I hope it's not a beach incident like Chelsi had.  She was so excited to see the beach for the first time, got knocked over by a wave and that was the end of all excitement and beach going for the week.  Hopefully, Jaein's experience will be as awesome as Chelsi's was 4 years ago.  Afterall, this is the only time the 7 of us will be able to do this together.....or probably every again for any of us since it's SO expensive and took so long to save for.  So worth it.....I hope!

A little more planning time

Our trip is almost here.  Just have to wait until school is out...well, a little after that yet, but still it's finally coming.  Here is our itinerary (yes I'm kinda Willie-ish (Duck Dynasty), but it's not in stone, it's just ideas so we can see everything we really want to.  Then, I have some other things written down that we will try to squeeze in, if we have time.

Ø      Friday –  Jogyesa Temple, Gyeongbokgung Palace, Seodaemun Prison and maybe Nanta in the evening

Ø      Saturday – Hello Kitty Café and Hongik Free Market

Ø      Sunday – Myeongdong Catholic Cathedral and Seoul Grand Park

Ø      Monday – SWS(fostermom/babies home), Amsa Prehistoric Site and Coex Aquarium 

Ø      Tuesday – Suwon Folk Village/Hwaseong Fortress 

Ø      Wednesday - Holt (fostermom/reception center)

Ø      Thursday – ESWS (fostermom /unwed mothers home) for 10 appt and Trick Eye Museum

Ø      Friday  – Free

Ø      Saturday  -  Free

      Ø      Sunday – Seoul Tower and Korean War Museum

My alternates are Bukchon Hanok Village, Cheonggyecheon Stream and Rainbow Bridge.  We'll just see how it goes, but I would like to at least stop and see them.  I will definitely be venturing on my own to Etude House to stock up on my make up too.  That's a for sure, weekend thing.