tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22678638064882092622024-03-05T02:20:00.443-08:00Expressions from an Abnormal MommyAbnormalMommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07361641691960809646noreply@blogger.comBlogger267125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2267863806488209262.post-26926600141769250862019-08-08T22:50:00.000-07:002019-08-08T22:50:28.150-07:00Brooks Road Trip 2019: PennsylvaniaLeaving D.C. with full bellies, we headed toward our friends, the Millers. We met the Millers while in Korea. They were in our court group and we hit it off right away. We met up several times over our two trips and have kept in touch since. Our whole family was so excited to see them again, and to finally meet their two older boys. The drive was pretty quick and we needed a to get out a bit of energy, so we stopped for some playground time in Mt. Joy, just a few minutes from our AirBnb in Manheim. After getting sweaty and tiring out our kiddos, we headed to our home for the weekend.<br />
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We were so lucky to have been gifted our stay at our Airbnb by our friend's parents, who own it. They were the most amazing hosts and the space was just what we needed. They live on a farm with goats and chickens, a trampoline, waterfall with fish, lots of grass to run around in, and the living space was huge and had it all. We especially loved the possibility of a bit of separation. The kiddos could play outside or in the loft, and Joe and I could sit on the patio or read a book in the bedroom. We were given fresh eggs, which we made for breakfast each day and Liam got a lesson in handling chickens.<br />
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Our first night there, everyone came to the farm for a delicious dinner of Korean chicken, rice and veggies. More importantly than the food, we were surrounded by our friends, their family, and another family we have connected with through the adoption process. I don't think we realized how much we needed to be around other people, until we laid down that night, raving about the time we had. While our family has been doing amazingly well being together 24 hours a day, for three straight weeks, being around other kids and other adults was a great change of pace.<br />
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The next day, we headed out to Bird in Hand, a small Amish/Mennonite town about a half an hour away from our AirBnb. We began our day at <i>Abe's Buggy Rides</i>, a small farm that has a playground, horses, chickens, doves and goats. We paid for a thirty minute buggy ride and explored the farm until it was our turn to head out. When it was time our driver, Ervan, helped us into the carriage and started to tell us about the history of the area. Throughout the tour, he would point out landmarks and historical sites, explain local traditions and beliefs, answer our questions and share the occasional joke. He was an amazing tour guide. He even let the boys sit up front with him and drive on the quieter roads. They absolutely loved it!<br />
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While on the buggy ride, Ervan mentioned that if we turned down a specific road, it would take us to the <i>Bird in Hand Bakeshop</i>, which he said had delicious baked goods- including soft pretzels. Knowing that soft pretzels are a family favorite, and Pennsylvania Dutch are known for their recipe, we had to give it a try. After finishing our ride and saying goodbye to Ervan, we headed that way.<br />
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The shop is adorable! It is surrounded by Amish Rocking Poly tables, a handmade pretzel cart, goats and chickens to feed, and a small playground. We went into the store first and found a couple of souvenirs and some baked goods to try. I could have wandered that store for hours. Then we went outside, got our pretzels and found a table so we could enjoy them while rocking in the shade. While the kids love them, soft pretzels are usually something I can say no to. This was not the case this time. They were the most delicious soft pretzels I have ever eaten, and I will spend the rest of my life trying to figure out how they make them. We fed some farm animals, then headed to our next destination.<br />
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We wanted to see a farmers market and had planned to go to City Market in Lancaster, but the day had gotten away from us and we were all pretty excited to enjoy the AirBnb, so we did a quick google search and found the <i>Bird in Hand Farmer's Market</i>. When we pulled up it didn't look that big, but boy were we wrong. There were several sections of the building, some housing gift shops and handmade crafts, but the biggest area of the building was packed with local vendors selling food either made or grown by them. We were a bit overwhelmed by the sheer number of booths to look at and choices to make. <br />
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Eventually, we decided that we wanted to find items to make for dinner, so we could stay in again that night. We settled on fresh handmade sausages, peaches and asparagus. We also had the pastries from the bakeshop for dessert, which meant we would have a full Amish meal. We gathered our purchases and headed back to the house. That evening was just the best. We relaxed on the patio, ate a yummy dinner, played on the farm, then ended the night with a family movie night with shoofly pie and ice cream.<br />
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The next morning, we got up bright and early because we were headed to <i>Hersheypark</i> with the Millers! Other than Disneyland, the kids have never been to another theme park, so this was an extra special experience for them. Once we got into the park, Joe, Tim and the big boys headed off to ride the bigger roller coasters, while Tiffany and I stayed with the other four. We spent the whole morning walking right on rides, then moving on to the next one. Again, we met up with the other family who had adopted from Korea. We all met up for lunch, then headed to the water park portion of the park. We found the crowds there. <br />
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While there were a lot of people in this part of the park, the actual water areas were large and gave a lot of space to play. We started at the wave pool, then once again, split up so the bigger boys could do bigger things. It was absolutely wonderful to watch the kids bond and form connections immediately. Everyone got along so well and enjoyed being together. After a couple of hours in the water park, we were getting ready to head out when we heard an announcement over the loudspeaker. A storm was on its way, so the water attractions were being closed temporarily. <br />
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We were so lucky that we had planned to leave before the announcement, because everyone was heading to the changing rooms or out toward the amusement park portion. The crowds were bonkers! It was interesting to see/hear the impact of thunderstorms in the area. Initially the announcements were only saying that "due to inclement weather the water attractions would be temporarily closed". After a few minutes, the line "seek shelter" was added. Our crew walked toward the exit as quickly as we could. We were in the cars less than 5 minutes before the storm hit. It was a close call, for sure.<br />
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After the park, we headed to <i>Troegs Independent Brewing</i> a restaurant and brewery nearby. Again, the food was so so yummy. Joe and I shared pork belly lettuce wraps that were to die for. There were more soft pretzels, this time the size of Maylee, and some tasty drinks. When dinner was done, we headed back to the AirBnb for some final playtime and the hard goodbyes. Each of our goodbyes were hard, but they seemed to get harder with each one. We, once again, ended our day with shoofly pie, which helped us cope with our sadness.<br />
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The next morning, we started our day with an Amish Apple dumpling, then started packing up for the final leg of our trip. It was surreal to think that today would be our last driving day, that our road trip was nearing it's end and that we had just had our last goodbye. We will never forget the memories made or the hospitality shown to us by the Millers and their family and we hope to return it to them some day, when we can get them all out to Oregon.<br />
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Details and Links:<br />
<a href="http://mountjoyborough.com/parksrecreation/borough-parkkunkle-field/">Borough Park, Mt. Joy, Pennsylvania</a><br />
<a href="https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/19413645?guests=1&adults=1&fbclid=IwAR2f67kHFAAnk0fVURMk8o_ehNH1g4vSXuTLfhr-xitmqVyozZazxVRARnc&source_impression_id=p3_1565328143_dlhusnpWZUd6swii">Colebrook Cottage</a><br />
<a href="https://reallancastercounty.com/abes-buggy-rides/">Abe's Buggy Rides</a><br />
<a href="http://bihbakeshop.com/">Bird in Hand Bakeshop</a><br />
<a href="http://http://birdinhandfarmersmarket.com/">Bird in Hand Farmer's Market</a><br />
<a href="https://www.hersheypark.com/">Hersheypark</a><br />
<a href="https://troegs.com/">Troegs Independent Brewing</a>AbnormalMommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07361641691960809646noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2267863806488209262.post-87884340584826062662019-08-02T06:40:00.003-07:002019-08-08T20:40:25.089-07:00Brooks Road Trip 2019: Washington D.C.It was an absolutely lovely drive from Williamsburg to D.C. We passed so much lovely landscape, tiny towns and farm houses. It was a lovely way to spend the last longer driving day. We arrived in D.C. about an hour before check-in, so Joe went into <i>The Mayflower</i> ahead of the rest of us, to see if we could have an early check-in. It worked out, so we unpacked our car and left it with the valet. As we headed into the hotel, we were all pretty excited. We had passed the White House on the way in and it didn't seem that far, so planned to take a quick rest then head out for some exploring. Our hotel room was lovely, as was the rest of the hotel. <br />
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We had a quick rest, but realized almost immediately that we were all hungry. We decided to walk towards the White House and find a restaurant along the way. We got less than a block from our hotel, when we ran into my friend and past co-worker, Cristina, and her husband! It was so random to see them here, as I had no idea they were in the area and they had no idea we were. Imagine that! Two families from Sherwood, who just happen to be walking on the same street in the same city at the same time, across the country from their home. Amazing!<br />
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After a quick recap of both of our trips and shared amazement at our chance meet-up, we parted ways and continued on toward the White House. On the way, we walked through <i>Farragut Square</i>, where many food trucks were lined along the edges of the small park. We found several that sounded yummy and decided to divide and pick a few things to share. Next stop, the White House. On one side of the building there was a great deal of construction, so it was difficult to see. There were also a lot of people gathered in protest, voicing their frustrations with immigration policies in place.<br />
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We continued walking around the block and could see the Capitol building in the distance. The other side of the White House was easier to see, so we got a couple of family photos. We then went on to the Washington Monument, WWII Memorial, the Reflecting Pool, the Lincoln Memorial and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. All of these sites are so close together and were easy to see. It did end being about a four mile walk round-trip and we were starting to get a little tired, so headed back to the hotel. We were all still full from our big late-lunch, so we grabbed some frozen yogurt on the way back to the hotel instead of finding dinner.<br />
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The next day, I got up early and walked down to the nearest coffee shop, <i>Gregory's Coffee</i> to find some breakfast. After eating and getting ready for the day, we headed out to explore as many Smithsonian museums as we could. We started with the <i>National Museum of American History</i>. We spent over three hours wandering through the museum. We realized, about halfway through, that there was no way we could see it all and we would have to start picking and choosing which exhibits we wanted to see most. It was huge and there was so much to look at!<br />
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We grabbed a quick snack from a food cart, then headed to the <i>National Air and Space Museum</i>. While it was very cool with many interesting things to see and learn about, it was packed. I don't usually have anxiety in groups, but wow. I struggled to keep track of our kiddos so much so, that I didn't really get to enjoy the museum or pay much attention to the exhibits. Also, overall, this museum was a tad disappointing. It reminded us of a mix of the Evergreen Air Museum and OMSI. It was neat to see the Wright Brothers original plane and touch a piece of the moon though. Because it was so stressful for Joe and I, we spent far less time there than we had planned and decided to head to the <i>Museum of Natural History</i> next. <br />
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The kids LOVED this one! It was filled with exhibits on animals, their habitats and history of their survival (or extinction). We made it to the Ocean area, Dinosaur section and a portion of the Mammal exhibit, but there was so much more to see. Because it was getting later in the day, we didn't get to see a fraction of this museum and will definitely make it a stop next time we visit D.C. We could have spent hours in the dinosaur section alone. All of the Smithsonian Museums are free, as well as everything we saw the day before. <br />
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After pulling the kids away, we headed out to find a place to eat. Just a couple of blocks away was a <i>Hard Rock Cafe</i>, so we went there. The walk from the restaurant to the hotel took about 45 minutes, so we encouraged the kiddos to keep going with another stop for fro-yo. Once back to the hotel, we looked into options for the next day. We had decided to spend three nights in D.C. rather than our usual two and it was one of the best decisions we have made on this trip. While we are all still going strong, we are getting tired quicker and need more rest time between activities. We decided to stay three nights at our last three stops, so our slower pace won't be a big deal. <br />
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I knew I wanted to see <i>Fords Theatre</i>, so I ordered our $3 tickets online. Yep, I said that right, just $3 a person! I am so glad I did! When we got there at our allotted time, the line was down the block. Without a reservation, there is no way we would have been able to see it. This stop was a highlight for me. The entire museum was filled with information about Lincoln. Not just his death, but the history of his rise to greatness, the several attempts to take him from power, his final days and the days, weeks, months, and years following that were affected by is life and death. <br />
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The museum was informative and interesting, but being in the theater where it all happened and hearing the events of the day from a park ranger, was beyond words. After the park ranger's talk, we headed across the street to the Petersen House, where Lincoln was taken after being shot and later passed away. Once again, it was powerful to be in the last place our 16th president was alive. Through the boardinghouse, we entered into final exhibit, which focused on the aftermath of Lincoln's death and his lasting legacy in our country.<br />
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After the museum, we headed back to the hotel for a mid-day rest, then on to the <i>Shake Shack</i> for an early dinner. From there, we headed to the <i>Natural Geographic Museum</i>, which was just one block from our hotel. This was the only place we went in D.C. that had an entrance fee, but it was well worth it. They were featuring an exhibit focused on the Queens of Egypt and everyone loved it. Maylee started getting a bit tired, and with it her independence and fire was showing, so Joe took her back to the hotel and Liam, Nolan and I stayed. We closed the place down and only made it through one of the two buildings.<br />
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Knowing we had a pretty short trek to our next stop and a late check-out at our hotel, I did some research to find a good place to have breakfast the next morning. I found several fantastic reviews for a restaurant which was a 15 minute walk from our hotel and made reservations. Once again, I am so glad I did! When we got there the next morning, it was packed. <i>Founding Farmers</i> is one of the best breakfast restaurants we have ever eaten at! It is a farm-to-table restaurant and it shows in every bite. We shared beignets, Liam had his new favorite chicken and waffles, Maylee and Nolan shared a typical eggs, bacon and toast breakfast, Joe had eggs Benedict and I had vanilla stuffed french toast with banana fosters topping. We stuffed ourselves and didn't regret it.<br />
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After breakfast, we walked back to our hotel, finished packing and loaded up for drive to Pennsylvania and the Miller family! We absolutely loved D.C.! As much hospitality as we experienced throughout the south, D.C. blew us away with the continuous kindness people showed us. Strangers stroke up conversations and offered to help us carry things, take our picture, or offer us directions when we looked lost. A secret service agent even gave the kids presidential jelly beans just for saying hello to him! It happened over and over, every single day we were there. We saw the best of our country, right here where it matters most. We can't wait to come back! <br />
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Details and Links:<br />
<a href="https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/wasak-the-mayflower-hotel-autograph-collection/?scid=bb1a189a-fec3-4d19-a255-54ba596febe2">The Mayflower Hotel</a><br />
<a href="https://www.nps.gov/articles/600227.htm#4/34.45/-98.57">Farragut Square</a><br />
<a href="http://foodtruckfiesta.com/dc-food-truck-list/">DC Food Trucks</a><br />
<a href="https://www.nps.gov/nama/index.htm">National Mall</a><br />
<a href="http://frozenyo.com/">FroZenYo</a><br />
<a href="http://www.gregoryscoffee.com/">Gregory's Coffee</a><br />
<a href="https://americanhistory.si.edu/">National Museum of American History</a><br />
<a href="https://airandspace.si.edu/">Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum</a><br />
<a href="https://naturalhistory.si.edu/">Smithsonian Museum of Natural History</a><br />
<a href="https://www.hardrockcafe.com/location/washington-dc/">Hard Rock Cafe</a><br />
<a href="https://www.fords.org/">Ford's Theatre</a><br />
<a href="https://www.shakeshack.com/location/dupont-circle/">Shake Shack</a><br />
<a href="https://www.nationalgeographic.org/events/">National Geographic Museum</a><br />
<a href="https://www.wearefoundingfarmers.com/locations/dc/">Founding Farmers</a>AbnormalMommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07361641691960809646noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2267863806488209262.post-28949742365045567592019-07-29T15:41:00.001-07:002019-07-29T15:43:03.884-07:00Brooks Road Trip 2019: Emerald Isle, North Carolina and Williamsburg, VirginiaI'm a tad behind in my journaling, but that's okay because we spent our last two stops doing a whole lot of relaxing. After leaving Charleston, we headed for the beaches of North Carolina. We found a lovely hotel on the island town of Emerald Isle and it was exactly what we needed. We spent our two days there swimming in the Atlantic Ocean, sleeping in or hanging out by the pool. We got into town mid-afternoon, so we settled into the room then walked to a little diner called <i>Hwy 55</i>. They had the best pimento bacon cheeseburger and cherry custard milkshake. After dinner, we walked back to the hotel, changed into our swimsuits and headed to the pool. By then, we were beat and settled in for a family movie and early bedtime. <br />
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The next morning we slept in. A lot. Then Joe headed off to Urgent Care. He had been powering through a bout of gout since Charleston and just couldn't power through any longer. While he was out, the kids watch TV and I wrote my last journal entry and update links on each of the previous ones. When he returned, we headed off to grab some lunch. The town of Emerald Isles is tiny and thus has a handful of food choices. The first couple of restaurants we stopped by were packed and had long waits. Finally, we found <i>Lazzara's Pizza</i>. It was busy, but we opted to order and take it back to the hotel rather than wait for a table.<br />
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After lunch, it was beach time! I cannot begin to tell you how absolutely lovely the beach was. It was warm, busy but not packed and seashells are everywhere. We spent the whole afternoon building sandcastles, sunbathing, swimming and seashell hunting. It was the most relaxing afternoon we could imagine. When we finally getting hungry, we stopped by the pool for a quick swim in calmer waters. After taking showers (boy, was there a lot of sand in our swimsuits!), we headed back to <i>Hwy 55</i> for dinner. We couldn't pass up another delicious burger and shake. We ended our second day in North Carolina with another movie night and early bedtime. <br />
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The next morning, I woke up bright and early. I was already sad to leave such a beautiful place and just couldn't start packing without another trip to the water. I headed out solo, while everyone else slept and took a two mile walk down to the pier and back. It was so calming to watch the sunrise and enjoy the cool breeze and peace and quiet. I collected perfect seashells, watched birds find their breakfast and just listened to the water. It was the perfect way to end our time there. <br />
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Next, we headed north to Virginia. It was another 4 1/2 hour drive, so we expected to get there around check-in. This was, by-far, the best drive of our trip. The roads wound through small towns, fields, forests, near the coast and finally into cities. Because there was so much to see, the drive went by quickly. We pulled into our Williamsburg resort around 3:45, with check-in being 4pm. <br />
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I need to backtrack just a bit. Williamsburg was another stop without a lodging plan. We spent the two days before heading there, looking for a place to stay. For the first time, we were struggling to find a place. We found one, booked it, then the next day were contacted to say that they had overbooked and we no longer had a place to stay. This was while we were sitting on the beach, 24 hours from our stay. We quickly found another and had the same thing happen. At least this time it was almost immediately canceled by the owner. We started to panic. Finally, right before turning out the lights for the night, we found a listing in the <i>Greensprings Vacation Resort</i>, which is about 20 minutes from Colonial Williamsburg. We booked it, expecting another canceled reservation.<br />
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Fast forward to check-in and we were told that, not only did we have a room, but that the timeshare owner had requested that we get an upgraded room. <b>And the clouds parted and there was light across the land!</b> We walked up three flights of stairs to a two bedroom, two bathroom, full-kitchen, balcony suite. It was sooooo wonderful. It took mere minutes for us to decide to go to the store, make dinner in and stay put for the night. Another much-needed night of rest. While we are having the time of our lives and are not nearly ready to head home, we are feeling travel exhaustion here and there, and these moments of rest and relaxation are keeping us going.<br />
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The next morning, I woke up early to read on the balcony. A perfect start to our busy day. Before everyone else woke up, I started making a real breakfast. We have been living on bagels, yogurt and fruit for most of the last two and a half weeks and actually making breakfast felt so good. After eating, we headed to Colonial Williamsburg. It was so much fun. We spent hours and hours wandering the streets, talking to the actors, taking tours and reading a lot about the history of the town, the area, the government and the people. The kids loved helping to make bricks and especially loved that their names would be in their bricks forever. Even though we spent nearly seven hours there, we didn't see everything. However, between the walking, the 95 degree weather and the humidity, we were all ready to head back to the resort. <br />
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Again, we opted to stop at the store and eat in our room. I spent the rest of the afternoon on the balcony with a cool beverage and my book. After dinner, we were off to the pool for a cool-down and some fun before we starting winding down for the day. The resort has two pools. We started with the indoor pool since we had all seen enough sun for the day. After the sun went down a bit and the outdoor pool was in the shade, we switched. On our walk back to the room, we found two little friends, who hopped right up to the kids. It was another relaxing night from then on- ice cream, TV and lots of resting.<br />
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After Williamsburg, we are off to D.C. and all that it has to offer. I hope we survive the humidity. We have been hearing about it for weeks.<br />
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Details and Links:<br />
<a href="https://www.hwy55.com/locations/emerald-isle">Hwy 55 Diner</a> <br />
<a href="https://www.islandernc.com/en-us">Islander Hotel and Resort</a><br />
<a href="http://www.lazzarapizza.com/">Lazzaro's Pizza and Subs</a><br />
<a href="https://www.diamondresortsandhotels.com/Resorts/Greensprings-Vacation-Resort">Greensprings Vacation Resort</a><br />
<a href="https://colonialwilliamsburg.com/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=colonial_williamsburg_map_listing">Colonial Williamsburg</a> *Teachers get a huge discount with their school district ID!AbnormalMommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07361641691960809646noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2267863806488209262.post-59045281191873371212019-07-26T06:37:00.000-07:002019-07-26T11:00:11.996-07:00Brooks Road Trip 2019: CharlestonThe drive from Savannah to Charleston was a short two hours of lovely marshy land. Our first stop once we arrived was lunch. During the drive in, we did some searching for chicken and waffles, since that was a dish Liam has wanted to try. In our search we found <i>Poogan's Porch</i>, Even before we started our meal, we loved the place. The restaurant is in what once was an old Victorian home, full of character and history. The food was probably the best we had (until that point in the trip). Every single bite, of every single meal was so so so good. It started with biscuits and pimento cheese fritters to share, then our meals came. Joe and I shared a sandwich called the <i>Barbecuban</i> with a side of grits. First of all, I have never had grits before and boy have I been missing out. They are so yummy! The sandwich was delicious and I'm glad we shared because I wouldn't have stopped eating if there had been more. Liam's chicken and waffles were amazing. Everyone had a bite and then quickly developed food envy. He said that this chicken and waffles was worth the wait.<br />
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After lunch, we decided to wander the area around the restaurant until our AirBnb would be ready. The architecture of this city is unreal. Every block of the downtown area looks different than the last and each is gorgeous. We visited a tiny postal service museum then headed to <i>Waterfront Park</i>. It was a beautiful walk through the streets of Charleston, ended with beautiful walk through the park. The kids sprinted through the pineapple fountain and we took a walk to the end of the dock. The views were so so pretty. It was almost time to check-in, so we walked back toward our car. More interesting architecture, more lovely gardens, even a tiny cemetery right in the middle of it all.<br />
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Checking into our AirBnb was like a dream. The outside of the house could have been on a postcard and it only got better inside. Our apartment took up the whole second floor and felt massive. There were three bedrooms (one perfect for Maylee), two full baths, a lovely kitchen, a large living room......and then there was the porch. That porch! We were feeling a bit tired from all our travels and this house made us feel more than happy to stay put for the rest of the day. At dinner time, Joe walked half a block to <i>Bon Bahn Mi Southeast Asian Kitchen</i> and brought it back to the house. We ate the most lovely dinner on that massive porch. Later that night, as Joe and I sat on the porch with some beverages, a massive thunderstorm hit. We love a good thunderstorm, but boy, Oregonians have NO IDEA what I real thunderstorm is like!<br />
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After a great night's sleep, we headed to the <i>Boone Hall Plantation</i>. I have always been interested in the history of the south and much of it is centered around plantations, so we couldn't head north until we visited one. Boone Hall was absolutely gorgeous! The tree-lined drive was the same one you see on the Notebook and for good reason. It is breathtaking. The family that owns the property now has done the most amazing job preserving it and sharing the history it holds. I was particularly interested in the slave houses on the property. Each one shared information about an aspect of life for the slaves or a historical event that changed their lives throughout the plantation's long history. We also visited the butterfly garden, toured the house and took a wagon ride around the property. <br />
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We had planned to take a ferry to Fort Sumter later in the day, but we spent so much time at the plantation, that we missed the ferry and had to adjust our plans. Another outcome of being so absorbed by the property was that we totally forgot to eat lunch. It was mid-afternoon, so we decided to make a quick trip to the beach, then head to an early dinner. The beach was fantastic! It was warm, but breezy, the water was swim-worthy and we finally got to see a typical east-coast grassy beach. We put our feet in the water and searched for seashells for a bit, but our tummies were starting to rumble, so we headed back to the car. I did some quick research and found, what sounded like, a good barbecue place back toward the house and we headed there.<br />
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<i>Lewis Barbecue</i>. Hands-down, the BEST food we have eaten this whole trip. What a find! This is why we wanted to do so much on the fly. We would have never picked this place based on research done all the way back home in Oregon. Anyone who knows me, knows I'm not a big red meet fan. I eat mainly chicken and turkey, with pork and beef occasionally. But, lord help me, that brisket! We got pulled pork, brisket, bread, pickles and a side of macaroni and cheese (which apparently is considered a vegetable in the south) and shared it. Long story short, we got second helpings of brisket and mac and cheese and still could have kept eating. I felt like I was about to birth a brisket baby the rest of the night, but it was so worth it.<br />
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After relaxing at the house for a few hours- the kids watching a movie, Joe napping and me reading on the porch, we decided to walk to an ice cream shop we had heard good things about. Everyone was right. <i>Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams</i> are just that, splendid. I got the Atlantic Beach Pie. Again, the absolute best I have had. Apparently, they ship their ice cream. Do you think Oregon is within their range? After all the eating we had done, I was so thankful for the twilight mile walk back to our home for the night. More lovely architecture and a wonderful breeze helped carry us back.<br />
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Leaving Charleston was another tough one. The only thing carrying us through these last few stops is the fact that we still have so many places to see. Next on the list, North Carolina. We still didn't really have a plan- no sights we had to see, no reservations made, which was such a blessing. We were starting to feel exhausted. Not in "done" way, but just a "we need to take a minute" way. Knowing how we were all feeling, we found a hotel right on the North Carolina coast and booked a two-night stay. This marks the halfway point of our month long trip. What could be a better way to celebrate, then taking a ocean-view time-out?!<br />
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Details and Links:<br />
<a href="https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/24242815?source_impression_id=p3_1564163170_PIl6ost05EB6Zzvt">The Inns at Spring Street</a><br />
<a href="https://www.poogansporch.com/">Poogan's Porch</a><br />
<a href="https://www.visit-historic-charleston.com/charleston-postal-museum.html">Charleston Postal Museum</a><br />
<a href="https://www.charleston-sc.com/charleston-waterfront-park.html">Charleston Waterfront Park</a><br />
<a href="https://www.bonbanhmi.com/">Bon Bahn Mi Southeast Asian Kitchen</a><br />
<a href="https://www.boonehallplantation.com/">Boone Hall Plantation</a> <br />
<a href="https://sullivansisland.sc.gov/">Sullivan's Island Beach</a><br />
<a href="https://lewisbarbecue.com/">Lewis Barbecue</a><br />
<a href="http://jenis.com/scoop-shops/jenis-king-street/">Jeni's Splendid Ice Cream</a>AbnormalMommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07361641691960809646noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2267863806488209262.post-67774478206400395082019-07-23T15:02:00.000-07:002019-07-26T10:45:04.512-07:00Brooks Road Trip 2019: SavannahSavannah is going to be tough to beat! I absolutely love this city. A friend once described it as "a Disney movie at every turn" and boy were they right. Our first impression was our lovely AirBnb. The Victorian home was full of period pieces and character. It is my dream home. Every corner of the house shows it's history. I would have been totally happy to spend our two days in Savannah in the house, except Savannah was the city I was most excited to see, so I was willing to leave.<br />
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Our first night in Savannah everyone was tired from the 6ish hour drive from Chattanooga (which was far nicer than we expected), so we drove down to the historic downtown area to find a restaurant for dinner. Oh, we found our first Disney portal. The Pirate House is an adorable little restaurant with servers in costume and character. The food was good, but the experience was the highlight. After dinner, we wandered River street for a bit then called it a night.<br />
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The next morning we made a plan for the day. Another Trolley Tour (the same company as Nashville), the Riverboat ride and more exploring on-foot. While we found the trolley ride informative and a wonderful way to see many areas in a short time, the drivers weren't as entertaining as the ones we had been with in Nashville. After the tour, we got off at the City Market stop and found the Cafe at City Market for a lunch stop. The food was good, but the fresh peach sangria (to-go!) was delicious. Then we did a bit more window shopping, had some ice cream and played in a fountain.<br />
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Then it was time to take our Riverboat ride, so we headed back down to River street. A man was making lovely roses out of leaves from a plant native to the area. Nolan struck up a conversation with him and he gave each of us one. One of my absolute favorite parts of this trip, is how it is helping to mold our kiddos into friendly humans who see those that we meet as people with stories that they want to hear. <br />
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Next we got on the boat and found a table on the top deck. We tried to hold out up there, but the heat and lack of shade made it unbearable for the Joe and the kiddos, so we went down a floor into the "air conditioned" inside space. It reminded me of the inside of the Portland Spirit- nothing overly special. All of the window seats were taken, so we spent the first half of the ride seeing little and feeling a bit jipped. Eventually, a window seat opened up and we moved to the window and could see more of the view. Unfortunately, it was mostly industrial. Nolan and I decided to take a walk on the deck to see the paddle, but it wasn't moving. Apparently, it was just for show. : (<br />
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While, I am glad we did it to check off the experience box. I would not suggest doing the Riverboat ride, unless it is cool enough to sit on the top deck. I'm sure the views and overall experience would have been far better up there, but it just wasn't in the cards for the Brooks Bunch. After getting off the boat, we walked further down River street to Joe's Crab Shack for dinner. Nolan had been begging to try crab, so this was his time. He ended up not being a fan, but Maylee LOVED it and ate all of it by herself.<br />
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After dinner, we walked back to City Market to pick up some pralines from Savannah Candy Company, then off to our AirBnb. It was a little over a mile walk through the most amazing streets I could imagine. Picture <i>Lady and the Tramp</i> on every corner. Our final stop was Forsyth Park, which was only two blocks from our vacation home. It was the most wonderful way to end our day in Savannah. History, architecture, city squares, Spanish Moss and the friendliest people you could ever share the sidewalk with.<br />
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This morning was a tough one for me. I didn't want to leave. We got up, packed up and took one last walk through the park and surrounding neighborhood. We absolutely love Savannah and cannot wait to come back!<br />
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Details and Links:<br />
<a href="https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/17586967?source_impression_id=p3_1564162402_XG0Td0GDVPmUfFBt">Victorian Near Forsyth Park</a><br />
<a href="https://thepirateshouse.com/">The Pirate's House</a><br />
<a href="https://www.visitsavannah.com/the-ultimate-guide-to-exploring-savannahs-river-street">River Street</a><br />
<a href="https://www.trolleytours.com/savannah?phta=svtrolley&gclid=Cj0KCQjwyerpBRD9ARIsAH-ITn-GdTC6zESamMUKhTWsoYCRxDgPCu9WysKFz6-Pch3Os0Z_A2YdrucaAj_qEALw_wcB">Trolley Tour Savannah</a><br />
<a href="http://www.savannahcitymarket.com/">Savannah City Market</a><br />
<a href="https://www.thecafeatcitymarket.com/">The Cafe at City Market</a><br />
<a href="https://savannahriverboat.com/">Savannah Riverboat</a><br />
<a href="https://www.joescrabshack.com/locations/10773?gclid=Cj0KCQjwyerpBRD9ARIsAH-ITn_U9N8AQUj10ocu7adqu70jJWv8662AXXVr472f6aBp3YCiiIdtMj0aAhiQEALw_wcB">Joe's Crab Shack</a><br />
<a href="https://www.savannahcandy.com/?gclid=Cj0KCQjwyerpBRD9ARIsAH-ITn_LlKs9FhMx2n77QsKlxv3D2p5z9wwvJ2PvTCCBnkjeppUw3EiEQtcaAvXqEALw_wcB">Savannah Candy Kitchen</a><br />
<a href="https://www.savannah.com/forsyth-park-3/">Forsyth Park</a>AbnormalMommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07361641691960809646noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2267863806488209262.post-45479758837704173602019-07-22T05:20:00.000-07:002019-07-26T08:24:10.496-07:00Brooks Road Trip 2019: Franklin and ChattanoogaOn our way to Chattanooga, we stopped in the town of Franklin. Everyone I know who has been there raves about the adorable downtown area and the sites of the city, so we had to take a look. Everything everyone said is true and then more. The downtown area is idyllic. We spent over two hours wandering through the shops and restaurants. We ate lunch at a restaurant called <i>Biscuit Love</i>. After a week of BBQ and fried food, we were all looking for something different. The kids ended up with cinnamon swirl pancakes, Joe picked a chicken salad sandwich and I got an amazing salad. After lunch, we window shopped a bit more before heading out to Chattanooga. We definitely could have spent more time in Franklin and plan to on our next trip to Tennessee. The drive was so beautiful! There were parts that reminded us of Oregon- very green, lots of trees and rocky cliffs that look like the Gorge. <br />
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While we loved the drive, we were all so excited for our next stop. We connected with the Smiths through our adoption process and bonded with them immediately. While we had not met face to face before Friday, it has felt like we had known each other for years, and in every other way, we had. It was quite the explanation to the kids, when they asked who we were staying with. Here's the gist:<br />
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"So we have never met them?"<br />
"No, not face to face."<br />
"But...we're staying with them?"<br />
"Yes, we are."<br />
"But if we've never met them, aren't they strangers?"<br />
"No, Mommy and Alex "know" each other very well. We just haven't had the chance to meet face to face before."<br />
"Okay...."<br />
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Pulling into their drive way and seeing them in person was magical. We have been waiting so long for that first hug! The kids also bonded quickly and played so well together. They made us delicious Korea food for dinner, which was just what we needed after such a long string of restaurants. We stayed up late talking and playing Farkle. Just being there with them was surreal. <br />
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The next morning, after having breakfast, we headed out for a hike. The took us to North Chickamauga Creek Gorge state park. Again, it reminded us so much of Oregon! So much green and so much nature so close to the city. It was a lovely hike through the woods and river. We ended up at a swimming hole surrounded by rocky cliffs and boulders. The water was so warm and the kids jumped right in. Alex's brother joined us and the boys instantly fixated on jumping off the boulders after watching him and Todd jump in. While my mama heart screamed "NO!!!!", Joe and I agreed to let them try (wholeheartedly believing that neither would do it). Well, they surprised me and both jumped in with only slight hesitation. We headed back around lunch time. It looked like a storm may be coming and some naps were in order.<br />
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After resting, the Smiths were off to church and we opted to head into Chattanooga to do a little exploring before dinner. We ended up at the Chattanooga National Cemetery. Wandering the memorials to lives lost was powerful and informative. After the cemetery, we met up with the Smiths for dinner. They suggested a lovely Latin restaurant called <i>Conga</i>. Oh boy, was it delicious! The food was fresh and authentic. After dinner, we took a short drive to Coolidge Park so the kids could run and play. They wore themselves out in the wide open spaces and then running up and down Cardboard Hill (named for it's tremendous sledding potential). Once the kiddos were sufficiently tired, we headed home. Nobody lasted long after that.<br />
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Our visit was far too short. Those last hugs and goodbyes were so hard. We are already making plans for another visit, maybe this time in Oregon. <br />
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Our next stop, Savannah!<br />
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Details and Links:<br />
<a href="https://visitfranklin.com/">Franklin, Tennessee</a><br />
<a href="https://biscuitlove.com/">Biscuit Love</a><br />
<a href="https://www.cumberlandtrail.org/maps-and-guides/trail-segments/north-chickamauga/">North Chickamauga Creek Trail</a><br />
<a href="https://www.cem.va.gov/cems/nchp/chattanooga.asp">Chattanooga National Cemetery </a><br />
<a href="http://conga.restaurantwebexpert.com/">Conga Latin Food</a><br />
<a href="http://www.chattanooga.gov/public-works/parks/directory-of-park-facilities">Coolidge Park</a>AbnormalMommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07361641691960809646noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2267863806488209262.post-86864920620817427402019-07-19T06:26:00.000-07:002019-07-26T08:15:05.163-07:00Brooks Road Trip 2019: NashvilleWednesday, we drove from Memphis to Nashville. It was a much shorter drive than the ones we had done earlier in the week and we rolled into Nashville at 1 o'clock. Our AirBnb wouldn't be available until 3, so we decided finding lunch was our first order of business. We ate at a restaurant called <i>Sliders</i>, which was pretty yummy, then headed out to explore the area near our AirBnb until we could check in. <br />
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Within two blocks we found Centennial Park. Liam and I are huge Percy Jackson fans, and Centennial Park is where a pretty big scene in the first book takes place, so we pretty excited to see it in person. We parked near the Parthenon and walked around the giant replica before heading inside. We had no idea that the downstairs area was a museum with artifacts and photos of Centennial Park history and an art exhibit. But, what we were really there to see was the statue of the goddess Athena. She did not disappoint! After our tour of the Parthenon, we wandered the park a bit, seeing a playground, a pond, and many paths lined with trees and fields of grass. <br />
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By this time, we were ready to check into our AirBnb. This time, we opted for a condo. The kiddos love to swim and it has a pool, free parking, came with some discounts to local businesses and seemed to be in a great location. When we got here I was disappointed. While the condo looks like the photos in most places, the master bedroom was yucky and it is much smaller than it looked. It was listed as being able to sleep 6, which I guess it could, but the pull out bed in the couch is so uncomfortable, we couldn't use it. I am not picky and I hate confrontation, but I would definitely not recommend this particular AirBnb listing.<br />
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Anyway, back to the fun! Before heading to dinner, the kiddos had been begging to swim, so we took them done to the pool to burn off a bit of energy. In hindsight, that might not have been the best idea, since we decided to walk to dinner from our restaurant. It was only about a 15 minute walk, but boy were they all <blockquote>ttiiiiiirrrrrreeeeeedddddd!</blockquote>For dinner, we HAD to try Hattie B's. Everyone raves about their hot chicken and we love spicy food. The line was around the front of the building (which is an awesome sign), but it only took about a half an hour to order and find a table. Joe and I decided to share a meal with medium spice, but he was brave and wanted to try their hottest option, <i>Shut the Cluck Up</i>. Lets just say, our night ended pretty abruptly after dinner. <br />
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Thursday morning, we got up and made a game plan for the day. Again, we didn't really know what we wanted to see, but we knew we wanted to leave with a good sense of the city. One of the discounts offered through our Airbnb was a hop-on-hop-off tour, which also come with free admission to Madame Tussauds Wax Museum, so we settled on that. One of the stops for the bus was two blocks away, so we grabbed breakfast and walked to the stop. The bus comes every 20 minutes or so, so we didn't wait long. We did find out their are several similar tour companies and they all tend to stop in the same places, so we had to be careful to get on the right bus.<br />
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The tour was absolutely amazing! We saw so much of the city and learned a lot of history. The round-trip tour was roughly an hour and a half, so we decided to take the full tour once and keep track of where we wanted to get off for the second trip. By the time we made it back to the Broadway stop, everyone was hungry for lunch, so we got off and walked around to find some food. We found the <i>Ol' Red</i> restaurant and decided to give it a try. It is Blake Shelton's restaurant and one of his past <i>The Voice</i> contestants, Kameron Marlowe, was playing on the stage. He was so good! He did his rendition of Michael Jackson's <i>Man in the Mirrior</i> and I liked it more than the original. The talent wasn't the only thing that was good at <i>Ol' Red's</i> though, the food was delicious. I had to try this whole, pimento cheese thing, so I ordered a double-decker sandwich and tater tots. I get it! It's yummy.<br />
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After lunch, we wandered around Broadway and visited the GooGoo Cluster shop for ice cream. It didn't take long for everyone to be tired again, so we got back on the bus to head back for a rest. Little did we know that the bus ride was going to be an experience all it's own. Almost instantly, Maylee fell asleep on my lap and Liam was headed that direction. But then, the thunder and lightning started and Liam popped right up. Our tour bus was open air, with plastic windows that fold down in the case of rain. <br />
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If you have never been in a Thunderstorm on the Eastern side of the U.S., you've never been in a thunderstorm. The rain begins in an instant, and boy does it pour hard and fast! Everyone scrambled to get the plastic sheets down, while the rain drenched everyone. Several of the sheets were stuck and many of the passengers were elderly and couldn't stand and pull them down (all while the bus was driving). Joe got up to help the people across the way and Liam stood up to help the people in front of us. I was so proud of my boys! The women in the seats were so thankful to Liam. He got tons of praise and a fist bump. He beamed the whole way back.<br />
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Unfortunately for us, our stop was only two away when the rain began. We had a really tough choice- do we get off and walk to the AirBnb with sleeping kids in a thunderstorm without jackets, or do we stay on the bus for another hour and a half. Neither sounded like fun, but we opted to get off and risk the long, wet, whinny walk. We made the right choice. In true East thunderstorm fashion, it stopped just as quickly as it began. While it sprinkled a bit, we Oregonians could handle the aftermath and made it back safely and only minimally wet. We rested for a bit, but we wanted to make it to Madame Tussaud's before they closed, so we jumped in our car and headed to the Northern end of the city.<br />
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The museum was fun and the kids really got a kick out of "seeing" all the famous people up close. I'm glad it came free with our tour bus admission though. Normally it would have been about $100 for all of us to go in and it took our family about 30 minutes to breeze though. While it is a fun attraction, that would not have been worth it for us. After the museum, we headed to <i>Cock of the Walk</i>, a restaurant nearby. Yet another meal that did not disappoint! They served our meal family style, so we all shared shrimp, catfish, chicken, cornbread, coleslaw and fries. The cornbread and catfish were the winners of the meal. Soooo good! The restaurant itself was fun too. The waiting area is filled with rocking chairs and building feels like an old mill with wooden walls and high ceilings. It was such a fun place to wind down and rest after such a packed day.<br />
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Knowing that we would be moving on today, we weren't ready to end our day quite yet. We found a special treat near the condo so we parked our car, then walked through Centennial Park to find our dessert-destination. On the way, Joe abruptly stopped us and said, "Wait! I saw something!" We stopped and waited and say our very first fireflies! The kiddos were so excited and interested that they stooped down watched the little bugs fly and flicker. After a while, we decided to head on to the little shop called <i>No Baked Cookie Dough</i>. It was a horrible idea. A delicious, horrible idea. We ended our day in Nashville walking through Centennial Park, surrounded by fireflies, with cookie dough in-hand and the Parthenon with a sunset backdrop. What a day!<br />
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We will definitely be coming back to Nashville soon. You couldn't keep us from this city. Even the kids are already saying, "Next time, I want to do this!" or "Next time, I want to go there!". Our time in the Nashville area is not quite over though. Today, we are going to make a stop in the town of Franklin on our way to Chattanooga. Smith family, here we come!<br />
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Details and Links:<br />
<a href="https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/23322611?s=67&shared_item_type=1&virality_entry_point=1&sharer_id=36053702">Midtown Nashville Apartment AirBnb</a><br />
<a href="https://sliderhousensh.com/">The Slider House</a><br />
<a href="https://www.nashville.gov/Parks-and-Recreation/Parks/Centennial-Park.aspx">Centennial Park</a><br />
<a href="https://hattieb.com/">Hattie B's</a><br />
<a href="https://www.trolleytours.com/nashville">Nashville Trolley Tour</a><br />
<a href="https://olered.com/nashville/">Ole Red Restaurant</a> <br />
<a href="https://googoo.com/">Goo Goo Cluster Shop</a><br />
<a href="https://www.madametussauds.com/nashville/en/">Madame Tussauds Nashville</a><br />
<a href="http://www.cockofthewalkrestaurant.com/">Cock of the Walk Restaurant</a><br />
<a href="https://nobakedcookiedough.com/">No Bake Cookie Dough</a>AbnormalMommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07361641691960809646noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2267863806488209262.post-87983843212799504512019-07-17T06:19:00.000-07:002019-07-26T07:53:36.012-07:00Brooks Road Trip 2019: MemphisWell, our time in Memphis is coming to an end. We packed so much into our day and a half here. We had planned to get to Memphis around lunch time Monday, but road trips and three kids are not conducive to plans. Instead, we got here around check-in time at our Airbnb, so we came straight here. Let me tell you, this loft had us impressed with Memphis from the get go. It feels enormous! There is exposed brick everywhere, everything is open concept, one of the bedrooms used to be an old elevator shaft, there are two massive islands in the kitchen and three gorgeous french doors that look out over Main st. The kiddos especially love the put-put golf, Foosball table and the giant Jenga game. <br />
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After such a long day of driving, and ending up in such a lovely place, it was sooooo hard to get us all out on the streets of Memphis. Knowing that we only had until Wednesday, we powered through and headed to Beale street for some sightseeing and an early dinner. When we booked our Airbnb, we were mindful of it's location, but didn't quite realize how perfect it is until we made the 5-6 block walk. It is just far enough away to be quiet, but close enough for a quick walk to many sights.<br />
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On Beale st. we wandered down and back, then decided on a little restaurant called <i>The Pig on Beale</i> for dinner. It was delicious barbecue! Joe had a pulled pork plate and I had the sandwich. The BBQ sauce was spicy and sweet and the fries were crunchy (just the way I like them). After dinner, we wandered the street some more. When we first arrived on Beale, there were few people out, but now it was starting to get busier. We noticed that many shops are closed on Sundays and Mondays, so maybe that was one reason why it was so quiet. We did find a little shop called <i>The Sugar Shack</i> and picked out some sweets to take back to our loft. Then we wandered home through Main street to see what was near us. Once back, we all crashed. It had been a long day and a movie and some food was all that it took to convince us to rest.<br />
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Tuesday morning everyone (but me) slept in, so I got some time to read. Once everyone was up, Joe and I started researching plans for the day. Normally, we are plan-it-out people, but our plan for this trip was to find cities were wanted to see, but knew nothing about. Once we had a city itinerary, we did no planning. We knew that if we knew about all the sites in each area, we would get overwhelmed and try to pack too much in. Instead, we are picking prime location Airbnbs and only seeing sites within walking distance or on public transportation. No car rides between traveling from city to city. I have to say, I am loving this plan! At least in Memphis, it feels like we are really seeing the city, not just the touristy sites (but we are seeing a lot of those too).<br />
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Anyway, we decided on <i>The National Civil Rights Museum</i> as our first stop. Our loft is on a historic trolley line, and when I say <i>on</i>, I mean <i><b>ON</b></i>. Our front door is directly in front of a stop. So, we took the trolley to the museum. It was a wonderful way to see this part of the city and get to our destination quickly. The remnants of Tropical Storm Barry were passing through, so there was quite a bit of rain Tuesday morning and while we are Oregonians, our kiddos would lose steam quickly if we made them brave it too long. <br />
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The museum was AMAZING! The museum is housed in the hotel that Martin Luther King was assassinated. To have the view of the walkway where such an inspirational man died as the first thing you witness, is a powerful way to start. I felt emotional before we even stepped foot in the museum. Once inside, you are taken through the history of Africans being brought to America, their struggle through slavery, what they had to overcome after slavery "ended"- segregation, discrimination, poverty, harassment, brutality from the government, etc. <br />
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The kids had wonderful questions and took each part of the museum seriously. I have had so many people ask us why we do such "grown up" things with our kids. This is why. We want them to know and process and become who they are because they are aware of the world around them and the history that it has. Towards the end of the museum tour, we were pointed to the boarding house across the street, where the assassin hid in wait. It is now a part of the museum as well. Joe and I wanted to take time to read through all the information in this building, as we had in the last, but after two hours, the kids were hungry and beginning to lose interest. I plan to do some research to try to piece together what we missed.<br />
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After the museum, we walked a few blocks back to Beale street for lunch. We went to the <i>Blues City Cafe</i> and loved every bite! Joe and I shared a pork po boy and later we all shared a slice of pecan pie with the best ice cream we have ever eaten. It was exactly what we needed to keep our day of exploring going. If you are ever in Memphis, the Blues City Cafe should be on your list!<br />
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Next, we walked to the <i>Memphis Fire Museum</i>. It was so fun for the kids! The first building was a historic focus on the equipment used by fire fighters throughout American history, an area for kids with interactive information about when to call 911 and a monument for firefighters killed on 9/11. The second building was a firehouse themed playground. There was an interactive area with safety games, including a fire simulator and a maze where fire safety is incorporated into your ability to make it through. <br />
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After the museum, we headed to the gigantic pyramid housed by a <i>Bass Pro</i> shop. Oregonians think that Cabela's is a cool place to visit, we haven't seen anything! This place was huge and filled with outdoor scenery. It felt like a bayou that was teaming with animals. After wandering the shop, we took an elevator to the top of the pyramid to see the view of the city. We learned during our long ride up, that there is a restaurant at the top and a hotel in the pyramid. Our kids are convinced that we will be coming back to Memphis soon and will be staying there. <br />
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After taking in the view and a bit more exploring in the store, we took the trolley back to our loft and had a little rest before dinner. We walked a couple blocks to the very famous <i>Rendezvous</i>. Another amazing BBQ experience! This time we had pork nachos and brisket. I tried to get a picture, but everyone dug in so fast that there wasn't much left. Our final stop of the night was a repeat visit to the Sugar Shack for something sweet. Again, a movie and showers was all that it took for everyone to be ready for a long rest. <br />
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We have loved our time in Memphis and our home away from home, the Rock and Soul Loft. We can't wait to come back in the future. Today, we are headed to Nashville! It is about a three hour drive from Memphis, so we are hoping to head out soon and get there around lunch time.......we'll see.<br />
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Details and Links:<br />
<a href="https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/29624629?s=67&shared_item_type=1&virality_entry_point=1&sharer_id=36053702">Rock and Soul Loft AirBnb</a><br />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/PigOnBeale/">Pig on Beale</a><br />
<a href="https://bealesweets.com/">Beale Sweets Sugar Shack</a><br />
<a href="https://www.civilrightsmuseum.org/">National Civil Rights Museum</a><br />
<a href="https://www.bluescitycafe.com/">Blues City Cafe</a><br />
<a href="http://www.firemuseum.com/">Fire Museum of Memphis</a><br />
<a href="https://www.memphistravel.com/trip-ideas/bass-pro-pyramid-memphis?gclid=Cj0KCQjwyerpBRD9ARIsAH-ITn-uGp8XobuFGFFxsyAc6nkM4dMvBJKvMxvNIHjQe4YzXv5ceTjNIFcaAhhJEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds">Bass Pro Pyramid</a><br />
<a href="https://www.hogsfly.com/">Rendezvous</a><br />
AbnormalMommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07361641691960809646noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2267863806488209262.post-66591625050191343452019-07-15T06:31:00.000-07:002019-07-26T08:39:15.630-07:00Brooks Road Trip 2019: Minneapolis, Iowa City and Chicago I had every intention of writing a daily entry of our travels, but we are having so much fun and have been going until we drop. So much so, that this is the first quiet moment I have had to write. Fair warning, because so much has happened already, you are in for a long post. <br />
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Day One and Day Two: Portland to Minneapolis<br />
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Our family woke up very early Thursday morning to hop our flight to Minneapolis. For those who know me, you know that this flight brought panic at the thought. You will all be happy to know that it was a wonderful flight. The flight itself was smooth and uneventful, but more importantly, all three children were great. The only issue we had was Maylee's ears hurting on decent. That was a tough twenty minutes, but nothing compared to the flight home from Korea. This time, I understood why she was sad, we were able to talk it through, and it was a small portion of the trip. I felt terrible for her though. She kept saying, "There are bees in my ears!" "They are buzzing and stinging me!" Once we landed, we had a happy girl again.<br />
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From the airport, we traveled to Bloomington, just outside Minneapolis. This is where my dear friend Emily and her family live. She and I met on swim team way back in high school and have been close ever since. Last year, the Thell family came to Oregon to visit us, so we knew we wanted to start off our big road trip with them.<br />
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Minnesota was wonderful. Thursday, we ate our first Chick-fil-a meal,the kiddos played together and we had Chinese food for dinner. The big news though, was the movie/sleepover that was had by the kiddos. While it took several hours for them to fall asleep, the memories they were making we worth all the sleepy struggles.<br />
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Friday, We visited the Minnesota Zoo. Everyone in Oregon says that our zoo is the best. Now, I disagree. The Minnesota Zoo is huge, gorgeously laid out, has so many exhibits and other attractions including a carousel, an aquarium, a play structure and a splash pad. The kids had an absolute blast. We saw a really interesting bird show, saw lots of animals that we haven't seen before, and touched sharks!<br />
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After the zoo, we headed back to the house, rested for a bit, then paddle boat rides began. Alex and Emily's yard backs up to a large pond, so naturally my children begged to go out on it from the moment we arrived. The smiles on their faces, when Alex paddled each of them around, were priceless. After a delicious dinner of Tater Tot Hot Dish (a Midwest favorite), the kids played in the pool for a bit, then preparations for another sleepover were underway. This time, everyone was tired, so the movie night was much calmer and everyone drifted off to sleep easier. <br />
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Day Three: Minneapolis to Iowa City<br />
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Saturday morning, we had to get up bright and early to get on the road. We said our goodbyes, packed up the van and hit the road. Heading to Iowa was bittersweet. We were so excited to make to our next stop and the people we would see there, but we were going to miss the Thell family too. The kids really bonded this trip. Last year, when the Thells came to see us in Oregon, the kids played well, but not necessarily together. Also, this time there was a new member of the crew- Baby Charlie had joined the pack and Maggie and Maylee have grown into a more social stage. They were all good buddies from the get-go this time around and I hope that continues.<br />
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Our drive to Iowa City was about 4 1/2 hours of farms, corn and cows. It was an easy drive and actually felt like it went fairly quick. Our destination was the Iowa Children's Museum in Coralville. I was a bit nervous about this stop. Here we were going to meet the Avitt family. Claire and Maylee were loved by the same foster family in Korea. They were sisters for a year and we have tried to keep the connection strong. We talk about "Iya", as Maylee calls her, and look at pictures often. I was a tad worried though. Adoption struggles are unpredictable. One day talking about the past is great, the next it brings on waves of grief. I wasn't sure where an actual visit would lead us.<br />
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Guess what?! It was AMAZING!! I am so thankful that we could make this visit happen. It took a bit for Maylee to warm up, but once she did, it was like they had never parted ways. We saw the bond that was clear in Korea when we went to our family visits. Of course, the boys had no problems, whatsoever. Liam, Nolan, and Jacob bonded on our court trip and that seemed to come back instantly. We spent hours together, watching the kids play and talking about our first year and a half home. I can't find words to describe the magic we witnessed in the Children's Museum. <br />
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After the playing like crazy, we had dinner together and got to see how similar the girls still are. They ordered the exact same meal and ate it in the same order. It's now in hindsight, thinking through all the details of the day, that I realize who bonded these girls are. They share a history we were not a part of. They were there for each other before we could be. That is a powerful thing. These goodbyes were so hard. Giving our last hugs and talking about future trips, made it better, but boy was it hard to leave.<br />
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Even after our visit, I was a bit worried on the effects of our time together. Would Maylee grieve again? Would seeing "Iya" confuse her? Again, my worries were unwarranted. We have talked about the Avitt family nonstop since parting ways, but every word has been a happy one. Every mention has come with a smile. This visit was what our little girl needed and, I'm coming to realize as I write, I needed it too.<br />
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Our next stop was Chicago, which was about 3 1/2 hours from Iowa City, so we hit the road after dinner to make some headway. We made it to Ottawa, which is about an hour and a half outside the city. <br />
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Day Four: Chicago <br />
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We made it to Chicago Sunday morning. The only thing on our agenda was meeting up with my cousin Ryan and his wife Lisa. They had already planned a trip to the beach, so we met them there. We have never been to this area of the country and had no idea what to expect from a day on a Chicago beach, but we were blown away! It was warm, breezy, and the water was perfect. It took about 30 seconds for my children to be swimming in Lake Michigan. Because we are Oregonians and we can't even call out coast "beaches", naturally the water felt like a pool. We spent two hours playing in the sand, visiting and swimming. It was a perfectly low-key morning. <br />
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Next we headed into the city to see Ryan and Lisa's new home. It is in a lovely neighborhood, filled with tree lined streets, shops and restaurants. Next we headed to a nearby pizzeria to try Chicago Deep Dish Pizza. Let me tell you, it was delicious! It was also very filling, so one slice makes a meal. After eating, we headed back to pick up some laundry that they were nice enough to let us wash and say some more goodbyes. Again, leaving was tough. We absolutely love Chicago (at least the very small part of it we got to see), so we know we will be back. Also, of course, our visit was far too short. Next time, we'll make a proper trip of it. <br />
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Heading out of Chicago, our plan was to get as far as we could, so that our drive today would be shorter. Our next stop is Memphis, which is about an eight hour drive from Chicago. We made it a good portion of the way, stopping in a little town called Effingham. We totally picked it based on it's roughly halfway location and it's name. When I was doing some research into where to stop, I saw this town then poked around for potential restaurants and hotels to stay in. What clenched our plans, was finding the Effing Brew Pub on the list of possibilities. We couldn't pass up a trip to the Effing Brew Pub! Unfortunately, the pub was closed, so we found another cute restaurant and headed to our hotel. We finally made it to a hotel with a pool and made it early enough to swim, so that's how we ended our day. <br />
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Today, we are headed to Memphis and our first Airbnb. It's another 4 1/2 hours from here, so we hope to make it around lunch time.<br />
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Details and Links:<br />
<a href="http://mnzoo.org/">Minnesota Zoo </a><br />
<a href="https://theicm.org/">Iowa Children's Museum</a><br />
<a href="https://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/parks-facilities/north-avenue-beach/">North Avenue Beach, Chicago</a>AbnormalMommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07361641691960809646noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2267863806488209262.post-87042362758795603742019-01-20T08:31:00.000-08:002019-01-20T08:46:13.030-08:00A Letter to Teachers: Let this Ignite Us<div style="color; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px;">
<span style="background-color;">Dear Fellow Teachers,</span></div>
<div style="color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<span style="background-color;">After watching the horrifying video pictured below several times, a wave of absolute sadness hit me. Then, and without warning, a tsunami of anger. This is not our America. This is not what we stand for.</span></div>
<div style="color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<span style="background-color;">I have spent the past few years terrified and confused about the future of our country. I have buried my head in the sand, just waiting for things to get better. I am not talking about politics. I am talking about an epidemic of hate and the growing tole<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline; font-family: inherit;">rance for it.</span></span></div>
<div class="text_exposed_show" style="color: #1d2129; display: inline; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">
<div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 6px;">
<span style="background-color;">No more.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<span style="background-color;">The faces of those young men- smug, arrogant, yet so so so ignorant. Those faces are hiding in our classrooms. They are lurking in our halls. While I wish I could say with certainty, they are not, I know I would be wrong.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<span style="background-color;">We can change this. We can stop this.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<span style="background-color;">Yes, I know.....but social media, but friends, but parents, and youtube, and media, etc. etc.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<span style="background-color;">We are on the front lines. We are this country's first line of defense against what brought those boys to that spot. To stand in front of a Vietnam Veteran- a man who fought for them and the country they live in. A man who's ancestors have more right over this land than any other man ever has.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<span style="background-color;">Those faces haunt me. They also ignite me.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<span style="background-color;">We can hit this hard. We can make an impact. </span></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<span style="background-color;">You may say, "my classroom is small in comparison" and you would be right. But multiply your current student population by the numbers of years you have/will teach. Thousands of hearts to change and lessons to be learned.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<span style="background-color;">This battle is just beginning. I am awake. I am ready to take this one. I am ready to fight for MY country.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<span style="background-color;">See you Tuesday.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<span style="background-color;">Mrs. B</span></div>
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AbnormalMommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07361641691960809646noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2267863806488209262.post-46280830755937684182018-04-27T16:59:00.000-07:002018-04-27T16:59:28.034-07:00Sea Foam Green with Polka DotsThree years ago. Three, long, years ago. I wandered through Target looking for random gift ideas to fill our gift closet.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYG1Bi2-bHmuiiXGgfJHHvxBF1hDv8xg7d0MaZQGFyLgHiJqZpizEzyDpdwQ2kB1REypGyJIy4PnYPZfmLmIqVO1wjxACfCfP9vhTv6pFfxwfU8CtfrXfwIaR-Uv8Bma8XvzFU01sSAqk/s1600/IMG_5683.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYG1Bi2-bHmuiiXGgfJHHvxBF1hDv8xg7d0MaZQGFyLgHiJqZpizEzyDpdwQ2kB1REypGyJIy4PnYPZfmLmIqVO1wjxACfCfP9vhTv6pFfxwfU8CtfrXfwIaR-Uv8Bma8XvzFU01sSAqk/s200/IMG_5683.JPG" width="150" /></a><br />
<i>*Important Side Note: If you do not have a gift closet, I highly suggest you get started on one. Every time I visit a store, I take a look in the various clearance sections, to find things that could be given as gifts in the future. This is a huge money saver and is perfect for last minute birthday invites or those "oops, I totally forgot that is tomorrow!" moments. Also, if you find that something you purchased isn't being used, you can donate it to a shelter or a fundraiser. </i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcxgsKQS1nC8Gh19SYidFr8TwOtjUdbGYFhi_6gTmSjqAgb7sEHns6rXe2SFUOXA00YzV5zNTq9GrgEUxJ7alict_EWWtm4jDoUqXIKOIPlNfnbDbgwNR03SFHqIn5ztrtFh7Nqm6VbNc/s1600/IMG_5685.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcxgsKQS1nC8Gh19SYidFr8TwOtjUdbGYFhi_6gTmSjqAgb7sEHns6rXe2SFUOXA00YzV5zNTq9GrgEUxJ7alict_EWWtm4jDoUqXIKOIPlNfnbDbgwNR03SFHqIn5ztrtFh7Nqm6VbNc/s200/IMG_5685.JPG" width="150" /></a>Anyway, back to the story....<br />
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Three years ago, I was looking in the children's clothing section. I filled my cart with clothes of all sizes, for boys and girls, and for any season. At the time, many of our friends were still adding to their families and/or had little ones, so I knew that I could find an immediate use for most of them.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLw6xQjEVXZeByPaecZNq-mI6JDwLMxio7bVUpM1OQqn0LY6Op6MirP8Mad7sw7lpQyW2t339w1k_fq8M1WO0NRAOpv7KIEJO-V5daIj8LCzm0w6E0J-SxxaW3vz8ntmVIjTV34JPfyMw/s1600/IMG_5684.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLw6xQjEVXZeByPaecZNq-mI6JDwLMxio7bVUpM1OQqn0LY6Op6MirP8Mad7sw7lpQyW2t339w1k_fq8M1WO0NRAOpv7KIEJO-V5daIj8LCzm0w6E0J-SxxaW3vz8ntmVIjTV34JPfyMw/s200/IMG_5684.JPG" width="150" /></a>When I got home, I began unpacking my finds and organizing them into the sections of my gift closet. One particular outfit stuck out to me. The most adorable sea foam green top with white polka dots, with matching jean shorts with the same green swirling around the legs. I thought to myself, "If I had a daughter, this is what I would want to dress her in". Knowing that we had decided not to have more babies, I packed the outfit away with the rest of our future gifts. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj914Thu-ZuVcY-JIfffkm4ACVvnLr0-fzJu_RjtjUIoScRA06xHKMUGcojC-h6bY-47VCZGLVy7YMkatblzemQP47fSO0ZGYtUqkzQe5KG4mD3xTWT3pUDew-dWfB8_D2jLm4o63dPiF8/s1600/IMG_5682.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj914Thu-ZuVcY-JIfffkm4ACVvnLr0-fzJu_RjtjUIoScRA06xHKMUGcojC-h6bY-47VCZGLVy7YMkatblzemQP47fSO0ZGYtUqkzQe5KG4mD3xTWT3pUDew-dWfB8_D2jLm4o63dPiF8/s200/IMG_5682.JPG" width="150" /></a>Over and over again, I would go into this closet, looking for the perfect gift for the baby shower, birthday party, retirement gift, etc. etc. Each time, taking an extra look at that adorable outfit. Each time it would be an appropriate gift, I would consider giving it away- sometimes even putting it in the bag, but I would always change my mind and pull it back out. I couldn't, and still can't, explain my reasoning. It just felt right to keep it.<br />
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Each time I was reminded of the outfit, I was reminded of the daughter I felt was missing. Each time, it would rekindle the thoughts that led me to believe our family was not complete.<br />
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Fast forward three years. Yesterday, my sweet Maylee- the reason for my hesitation, the reason why our family was not yet complete, wore that very outfit.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0DUyOpQxKvUxgeuuj-cAs4JpenUGjQgxKeMhkEbplwY3UpBrtaVn9I3lX_xhbRZ7ZSvTk-TSz9Ller9vDKMmMrxV1WKAGNFf6tJLzJk2VD42MYob6MP2mHvhjmEEx7QmfTeQRmeEINh4/s1600/IMG_5687.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1079" data-original-width="1080" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0DUyOpQxKvUxgeuuj-cAs4JpenUGjQgxKeMhkEbplwY3UpBrtaVn9I3lX_xhbRZ7ZSvTk-TSz9Ller9vDKMmMrxV1WKAGNFf6tJLzJk2VD42MYob6MP2mHvhjmEEx7QmfTeQRmeEINh4/s200/IMG_5687.JPG" width="200" /></a>It was not deliberate. I have not spent the last three years eagerly awaiting the chance to clothe our daughter in this outfit. In fact, it was buried in one of her dresser drawers. I happened upon it, when digging for one more pair of 18 month shorts.<br />
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It wasn't until yesterday evening, scrolling through the pictures of she and I splashing in a fountain, that it hit me how long that outfit had been waiting for our little girl. I can not describe how powerful that realization was. AbnormalMommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07361641691960809646noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2267863806488209262.post-64396676451485080742018-04-20T11:24:00.001-07:002018-04-20T11:24:16.780-07:00Daily RemindersIt's been a while since I posted something. I have been waiting for this grand, interesting topic to appear. That hasn't happened. Each day looks very much like the last. The struggles we had a month ago, are the same struggles we have today (albeit to a much smaller extent) and the beautiful moments of bonding and love are the same (albeit more frequent than before).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNFYOwfSFETyJypcab_cQsBo5Xxl3-w9vldHds3QVCVfbUdfXmdSFRoD4-mMTaoahA-C0hic3yVYXGMYROAT6iLDZ4mdOTTtei-Ws1geRlxIW_UF5qWpdgTCbod3RXp8spDEYAmlUA9Q0/s1600/IMG_5603.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNFYOwfSFETyJypcab_cQsBo5Xxl3-w9vldHds3QVCVfbUdfXmdSFRoD4-mMTaoahA-C0hic3yVYXGMYROAT6iLDZ4mdOTTtei-Ws1geRlxIW_UF5qWpdgTCbod3RXp8spDEYAmlUA9Q0/s200/IMG_5603.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Uphill</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Each day is a baby step toward becoming whole again- for all of us. Each day, I learn a little bit more about our girl and these new brothers of a girl that I hadn't known before. Each day, I face failures and triumphs- most of which are not seen or measurable, but felt.<br />
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There are so many amazing things that come with adoption and I am so thankful to have found this path, and in turn, our little girl. We are so thankful for the bonds we have created with fellow adoptive families- those connections run deep. I feel like I need some profound words of wisdom, but there really aren't any. We just have to take our days hour by hour and learn about each other in a new way.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvxjAzyZ5Xg4ddVUDZlEpMDe9UjHDBzw4FGgXcnZ1F3BB7ZtPG9csEgW0T87LbXPZ97nmtO1dMGgZRHPm7WjC_XASng5FC83Lt8zXO0OsWw63fBlim2G0Gokm6CchrU2iuAWq-WAswxnQ/s1600/IMG_5621.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvxjAzyZ5Xg4ddVUDZlEpMDe9UjHDBzw4FGgXcnZ1F3BB7ZtPG9csEgW0T87LbXPZ97nmtO1dMGgZRHPm7WjC_XASng5FC83Lt8zXO0OsWw63fBlim2G0Gokm6CchrU2iuAWq-WAswxnQ/s200/IMG_5621.JPG" width="150" /></a>As our life settles in and we begin to feel as though each day is more "normal", we realize just how far we've come. From the first week, when all we saw and heard from our girl was sadness and confusion, to giggles and constant chatter (mostly in Hangul). From sleepless nights co-sleeping, to on average two wake ups in her own room, in her own bed. From frequent meltdowns without a clear reason, to more understanding, or as close to it as you can get with a two year old.<br />
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All of our relationships are growing and strengthening, and our daily schedules are solidifying and becoming the norm. Our family is adjusting very well for only being two months home, and there are aspects of the past three-ish months that I didn't plan or prepare for.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9mqRXPUGBIr0YOKotvwQpIolS4KDvgWn-jrAu1xrCmsBugEP10PhPqUp7K7iFk-LsIJMw9YN9CZIQf5TL_mQnykDwRYDjsu8Y8e9bC3aSBBcV2IDwAbRegoLX2t711n_5uRKaCCwPNNs/s1600/IMG_5644.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9mqRXPUGBIr0YOKotvwQpIolS4KDvgWn-jrAu1xrCmsBugEP10PhPqUp7K7iFk-LsIJMw9YN9CZIQf5TL_mQnykDwRYDjsu8Y8e9bC3aSBBcV2IDwAbRegoLX2t711n_5uRKaCCwPNNs/s200/IMG_5644.JPG" width="150" /></a><br />
My body is finally on the mend. With lack of sleep, feeling high stress and anxiety about the future, and a constant pull to focus on everything, my body started to panic. My skin (which has always caused me grief) started looking, well, old. The color was gone, my wrinkles intensified and the bags under my eyes grew in size and darkened. I remember the dark circles with the boys too, but the rest was new. In the first couple weeks home, I lost five pounds due to sleep/eating patterns being off and many other focuses than food. Now, eight weeks later, I have gained it all back plus some. That may not sound like much, but for someone who is under five feet tall, fluctuating almost ten pounds in less than two months is huge. I have felt run down and unhealthy the entire transition.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUSTTgRE5yOzh3bauOXx8PAcILCxEaIxo6Eq2x7lc861kHFUA79ONyEevv-NkMzEX3WByrMaM3R8mRKh9QzMX-mOOzjrF0Wnh36s-mwOg5jFlC09OTXRWQQT_-Xpq7lojfqMcBJr1EZr4/s1600/IMG_5606.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUSTTgRE5yOzh3bauOXx8PAcILCxEaIxo6Eq2x7lc861kHFUA79ONyEevv-NkMzEX3WByrMaM3R8mRKh9QzMX-mOOzjrF0Wnh36s-mwOg5jFlC09OTXRWQQT_-Xpq7lojfqMcBJr1EZr4/s200/IMG_5606.JPG" width="150" /></a>About a week ago, I started going to bed early. The first step in becoming me again. I can finally get out and exercise- thank you mother nature for giving us sun. Now that I am home and settled, I can meal plan better so we are eating healthier. I am finally feeling a tad like myself.<br />
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Life home has been both a huge blessing and challenging. I love my time with my kiddos and I know this will be my last opportunity for this kind of family focus. I miss my work and I miss it dearly. I love the time to bond with Maylee and I miss my time with adults (and middle schoolers). I love the snuggles and pace of being home. I miss the creativity of my classroom. I am so thankful that I was able to take the rest of the school year off to focus on my family and the transition with Maylee, and I did not anticipate missing my work quite this much, nor quite this early.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDJnGxHQPN3N90tDRuWbbaY1FeDShhYJvDtoVe4wXF9KxUkqza_RvNu5cveJbbH3mD0v4WVGERE-mXnY8jFWFzwjqQApiUCPzDmdZogKlDVOo9inVqpedLNkB16rkoYQVLtlVwTj9Ae4k/s1600/IMG_5617.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDJnGxHQPN3N90tDRuWbbaY1FeDShhYJvDtoVe4wXF9KxUkqza_RvNu5cveJbbH3mD0v4WVGERE-mXnY8jFWFzwjqQApiUCPzDmdZogKlDVOo9inVqpedLNkB16rkoYQVLtlVwTj9Ae4k/s200/IMG_5617.JPG" width="200" /></a>I am reminding myself every morning and every night (and any other quiet, calm moments throughout the day) that this is special, important time and I need to cherish it. Even when cherishing it is tough. Even when my students email me to tell me of their accomplishments. Even when I am tired. Even when the fighting between siblings is at it's height. Even when the stinker face is the only expression I have seen. Even when the words "no", "stop", "please", and "why?!" are the only things I have said.<br />
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All of those "even ifs" have happened today, by the way.<br />
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This is special time. Hard. Very hard. But very important special time.AbnormalMommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07361641691960809646noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2267863806488209262.post-50695340725378682052018-03-24T20:31:00.000-07:002018-03-24T20:37:59.548-07:00Too BraveWe have all faced painful loses in our lives. We all know the hurt that comes from the death of someone important to us- someone who has helped to shape us into the people we have become. We have all wished things could have been different, that they could have stayed with us a bit longer, that we had said what we needed to, that we could hold them just one more time. It is a universal experience that all humans share.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm7snugbyrARCmdAuyL8jAS2PAqw6NLm7hN2vohNVWvO6Wh07Kc2CwL1zsXIShqMEypZXtzBwJvapeOoxZTciHNPIX_YBeyKiOLc9I2989iqKh-gTiDE52Z1WQAMrOzDHhJSD8-aoLPks/s1600/IMG_5165.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm7snugbyrARCmdAuyL8jAS2PAqw6NLm7hN2vohNVWvO6Wh07Kc2CwL1zsXIShqMEypZXtzBwJvapeOoxZTciHNPIX_YBeyKiOLc9I2989iqKh-gTiDE52Z1WQAMrOzDHhJSD8-aoLPks/s200/IMG_5165.JPG" width="150" /></a><br />
Imagine the pain you would feel if you had lost both your parents.......four times. Think of the hurt your heart would feel and the challenges that would bring. Now, add being taken from the only home you have ever known- the culture, the language, the sites, smells and sounds. Imagine all of that is suddenly gone. Finally, add being a toddler. All of this pain happened in just two short years. Your first two years of life. This is what you have known.<br />
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This is adoption.<br />
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This is a happier version of adoption.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbBxTtsP1XhYK0eYx8oI6NlV6f9EMPKEzyM1hVOWa6thykMEz1K9cewYrsA-qwJqi263uwdvnh5oEHdtDFz3sWe44P5Jc3DBul9U5qkct92RE9BQRBxBDP9UMy31osbMSpPrgikn74qSo/s1600/IMG_5298.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbBxTtsP1XhYK0eYx8oI6NlV6f9EMPKEzyM1hVOWa6thykMEz1K9cewYrsA-qwJqi263uwdvnh5oEHdtDFz3sWe44P5Jc3DBul9U5qkct92RE9BQRBxBDP9UMy31osbMSpPrgikn74qSo/s200/IMG_5298.JPG" width="200" /></a>Many adoption stories come with so many more hardships.<br />
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Our daughter is "lucky".<br />
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Actually, I hate that word. Our daughter is not lucky. She is not lucky to have us, she is not lucky to have lost so many people throughout her journey to us, she is not lucky to be loved. Her past is not the product of good fortune and aligning stars. In turn, we are not lucky to have her. We were meant to be her family. We worked hard to bring her home. Luck had nothing to do with it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh90H0WMuWM9MpEEk2Alh9dt1xvUSQCpvBb3A8-KETSWtQnFSmmFLB0PiX8X4znBIe-bAEMISPMQ03MixZSDEFruDuek9Mks1VG3MsutkexhkntBDQXIefkOHE4Un6SrrNCouPAU84Adfs/s1600/IMG_5311.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh90H0WMuWM9MpEEk2Alh9dt1xvUSQCpvBb3A8-KETSWtQnFSmmFLB0PiX8X4znBIe-bAEMISPMQ03MixZSDEFruDuek9Mks1VG3MsutkexhkntBDQXIefkOHE4Un6SrrNCouPAU84Adfs/s200/IMG_5311.JPG" width="150" /></a>Many have/will say that she is lucky to be so young. "She won't remember", "You will be the only family she knows". But that's not true.<br />
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She will remember. She will always remember.<br />
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Maybe not true memories with her birth mother, or cuddles with her first foster family, or her first steps with her second foster family, or playing with her foster sister while with her third foster family. She may not actually remember these things, but she will always remember that they are absent. That there are so many parts of who she is that won't ever be the same.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMCDbg4zKeZhf_bLg7D8t4b4JzTtDxKl3SGZGoKhFXYc1ctgxG6PVLeQGd3yaL128LqwAwYFwON_sghE4J96nbJaH53HeSn4Ms-ylCNWrZx0LCzD52GYvr5seeiMp4KvbQmtPd2z79dE8/s1600/IMG_5334.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMCDbg4zKeZhf_bLg7D8t4b4JzTtDxKl3SGZGoKhFXYc1ctgxG6PVLeQGd3yaL128LqwAwYFwON_sghE4J96nbJaH53HeSn4Ms-ylCNWrZx0LCzD52GYvr5seeiMp4KvbQmtPd2z79dE8/s200/IMG_5334.JPG" width="150" /></a>Adoption trauma is one of the worst, in my opinion. Mainly because it is the only form of trauma not really recognized as such. So many people see her as being "saved". We did not save her. She had a beautiful life in Korea with her foster family. We took her away from everything that she knew. At this point, her experiences are more in line with being held captive- the opposite of being saved.<br />
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Our little girl has been through so so so many hard things in her precious life. She has recovered from things that adults can not cope with.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6tsFKQA5WJ5c0EEDZFkdFVfQpQL6fnvTTsCaTFHU425laHeJnAOmNabgphJlfPbTVwc0ttT-He8kARdGJcit9cxyzvE-iyvW4y9lQgMlyhUYft7aSE66HpG-eKs1ib0-oyn7jl6IgAxE/s1600/IMG_5332.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6tsFKQA5WJ5c0EEDZFkdFVfQpQL6fnvTTsCaTFHU425laHeJnAOmNabgphJlfPbTVwc0ttT-He8kARdGJcit9cxyzvE-iyvW4y9lQgMlyhUYft7aSE66HpG-eKs1ib0-oyn7jl6IgAxE/s200/IMG_5332.JPG" width="200" /></a>Yesterday, I watched my brave little girl fill ten-ish vials of blood without a squirm or a sound. Part of me was so proud of my beautiful girl- how strong and brave she is. Then it hit me- no two year old should feel the need to be that strong and brave. Not that I was hoping for screaming and flailing, but she showed no fear or concern of strangers poking and prodding her. None.<br />
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Although supporting our little girl has always been a given, we now see a very specific area of focus. We will prove to her that we are not leaving, and neither is she. She doesn't need to be so brave with us. We are safe, her feelings are safe, her memories are safe, and her past is important to us too.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVs5X2Yl3VjT8ZYFPK1GiFtS1QtCGhhQ2ahDCE8nyOB9LIK8W692Mq0Rlr5DuqlDno9GzWvuGnLpPbkw5SJOZjV4GJz0_Joe-sBdtRjpnsNjJ8uvp2zZW2wh4lhl-ZU666bjfTbHg_4po/s1600/IMG_5342.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVs5X2Yl3VjT8ZYFPK1GiFtS1QtCGhhQ2ahDCE8nyOB9LIK8W692Mq0Rlr5DuqlDno9GzWvuGnLpPbkw5SJOZjV4GJz0_Joe-sBdtRjpnsNjJ8uvp2zZW2wh4lhl-ZU666bjfTbHg_4po/s200/IMG_5342.JPG" width="200" /></a>This special little girl shows so much strength and love in her smile, in her hugs, in her giggles and in her tiny hand as she reaches for mine. Even after all that she has been through, she still has such a strong sense of self. She is confident, smart, kind, goofy, organized, and has no problem making her plan known (especially if it is disrupted).<br />
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We will ensure that these qualities won't get lost in her grief. We will preserve the truest version of our daughter. We will do all these things by checking our needs at the door- at least when she needs us to. We will be open and honest with her about what we know of her story. We will address the struggles that her trauma will uncover in the best way we know how. We will seek support for everything, because we know that she (and we) are not alone.AbnormalMommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07361641691960809646noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2267863806488209262.post-91913244923956317012018-03-19T12:59:00.000-07:002018-03-19T12:59:31.073-07:00Three Weeks InWe have been home three weeks. Part of me wishes I would have done a weekly recap, part of me is glad I didn't. Although so valid at the time, there are some emotions from our first weeks that I do not wish to revisit, nor do I wish to encapsulate and preserve them in time through writing them down. I have felt more mommy guilt in the last three weeks, than I have in my almost eight years as a parent.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikaD69_we0sFIF4jKxTkcp58mxD15u02fzSqFK_4jLKqQhgx_ZuVrE2niTKWsGhsqFGxxJo9YJkD1Azudw8r0XxmyCBxmc3MWZB3eKbT4YL8JfupLRPCV_mFcT7yuT_pTjo63xGvXY03E/s1600/IMG_5182.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikaD69_we0sFIF4jKxTkcp58mxD15u02fzSqFK_4jLKqQhgx_ZuVrE2niTKWsGhsqFGxxJo9YJkD1Azudw8r0XxmyCBxmc3MWZB3eKbT4YL8JfupLRPCV_mFcT7yuT_pTjo63xGvXY03E/s200/IMG_5182.JPG" width="150" /></a>The first week home was rough on us- at least Maylee, Joe and I. Liam and Nolan were extremely easygoing about the chaos that ensued. It wasn't until our fourth day home when Maylee had a fever, that we learned that she had an ear infection. This was probably a contributing factor for our traumatizing travel experience, as well as her extreme sadness the first week. We knew that she would be sad and grieve, but the first week was spent with her in my arms, alternating crying, whimpering and screaming. She refused to eat, wanted nothing to do with Joe or the boys, and was only truly calm when sleeping.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhetvGq6Da2yMabgX4d13xrqPDQc4Cp7wj9LXG8nrI9yMxFiSgfMX2NO-ZzkMwOLK04wnnCU-6hjjJytFQr-1WnP2jW4FZ83suLFn41PGp3EeoG8tOu_xMKSHDArMHe3Hi-6yrIfM1YMrQ/s1600/IMG_5185.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhetvGq6Da2yMabgX4d13xrqPDQc4Cp7wj9LXG8nrI9yMxFiSgfMX2NO-ZzkMwOLK04wnnCU-6hjjJytFQr-1WnP2jW4FZ83suLFn41PGp3EeoG8tOu_xMKSHDArMHe3Hi-6yrIfM1YMrQ/s200/IMG_5185.JPG" width="150" /></a>This was so hard for us. We thought we knew why, but all of the skills we had spent over a year learning were not helping and we had no idea why. Maylee had been such a happy playful child in Korea and she had warmed up to her brothers instantly, but once home she seemed like a different child.<br />
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Again, we were prepared. We knew about the grief, we knew about the confusion and frustrations she would be feeling, but even as newly adoptive parents, this all seemed somehow "not right". Hearing news of her ear infection brought down our stress levels and our hearts were once again at ease. Our intuition was spot on.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRNlve9SZKVAuoDklGHoAYS5CxPbFUKjrnlrUluacJXAMoKkxhyphenhyphenRdJPqjaK_p4yhx0rKjTi99g_MQdcKkPM7E9fS78awIUcfzvFrekv1tfhe_lzKFKH1fA_dxCRPbNbkHqc0lOIo6wR8o/s1600/IMG_5259.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRNlve9SZKVAuoDklGHoAYS5CxPbFUKjrnlrUluacJXAMoKkxhyphenhyphenRdJPqjaK_p4yhx0rKjTi99g_MQdcKkPM7E9fS78awIUcfzvFrekv1tfhe_lzKFKH1fA_dxCRPbNbkHqc0lOIo6wR8o/s200/IMG_5259.JPG" width="200" /></a>Within a couple of days of antibiotics, the little girl we knew from visits and photos began to slowly emerge. She started smiling and giggling now and then, her appetite grew, and the very best sign- she began bonding with Joe and the boys.<br />
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Although she was so happy to play with the boys and interact with Joe if I was around, she continued to be upset when I left her sight and when Joe returned home from work. She would whimper or cry, which broke my heart. Of course, I was sad for her. All of this must have been so unnerving and confusing, but I was also so sad for Joe. Like me, he had waited so long and loved her so much and now she was rejecting him over and over again. He was so patient and understanding of her needs, where I found myself being increasingly more frustrated. It hurt me to see her dismiss her daddy.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj21b4s_8Z7b1I281hZb9G_ZwnBnSjKiRHtcGgj6nW5tpkZbLwfVhnAMhVzaBgqBUK9cc6sT8Z9b3dWyzE-x2hsjsAbEe14ZP4rDlR_9AfzbQEtdNgZZRiLiSGRAsRNhtEwHz1CzmF2wB4/s1600/IMG_5269.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj21b4s_8Z7b1I281hZb9G_ZwnBnSjKiRHtcGgj6nW5tpkZbLwfVhnAMhVzaBgqBUK9cc6sT8Z9b3dWyzE-x2hsjsAbEe14ZP4rDlR_9AfzbQEtdNgZZRiLiSGRAsRNhtEwHz1CzmF2wB4/s200/IMG_5269.JPG" width="200" /></a>For the sake of my sanity and out of pure desperation, I decided to tune out her screams and head up stairs to take a bath and read for a bit after Joe returned home from work one day during week two. The first ten minutes were torture. She screamed so hard and called for me in a voice that could only have come from a place of pure fear. But Joe and I held strong. Soon her cries quieted and by the time I came back downstairs, she was fine- happy to be sitting with her daddy, eating a snack. Every mommy fiber of my being and everything I know about adoption-based trauma told me what I was doing was wrong, and yet it was the right call.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPIFagMY1E2QMDyi8LSRC3KvUJLbGjUfAZYA9eu8AbxRafauy7k-k8akgXu-6ilADKVWT863-oopD51kdRPhWYItfkfBN7PELxtN0x0O7p_DQRQt5umLRL9RdzWCOhRYPTqpXcsuBS6ps/s1600/IMG_5285.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPIFagMY1E2QMDyi8LSRC3KvUJLbGjUfAZYA9eu8AbxRafauy7k-k8akgXu-6ilADKVWT863-oopD51kdRPhWYItfkfBN7PELxtN0x0O7p_DQRQt5umLRL9RdzWCOhRYPTqpXcsuBS6ps/s200/IMG_5285.JPG" width="150" /></a><br />
She still whimpers a bit and protests my husband's presence each time he returns home from work, but if I leave quickly, she warms up quickly. During our post-placement meeting, our social worker told us that this is extremely common. She is upset with him for leaving her each day and her response is a direct effect of that frustration. In short, she does it because she loves and trusts him. Such good news for this worried mama!<br />
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Now, our little lady loves legos, playing chase, stickers, and rolling around on the floor with her brothers. She gets sad at every oppa drop off and when she needs to say goodnight to them on our way to bed. She loved to eat anything and everything (except extra crunchy carrots and lettuce without ranch). She is sassy and smart. She is cuddly and creative. She loves being outside and snuggling Maizy.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgim7X0pKuPyJPLeZZFyToC9UQA5z2zBektEJ8F3eBMhV8jeZ0tQXBTddWxvz-5GIJcJo6ROSbMKCMyhVuqeWC7NqNDMZR_phHl-qVxodnWNDAGrr4XT7xL_NrW1fssGjSBX5vSi-98bKE/s1600/IMG_5298.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgim7X0pKuPyJPLeZZFyToC9UQA5z2zBektEJ8F3eBMhV8jeZ0tQXBTddWxvz-5GIJcJo6ROSbMKCMyhVuqeWC7NqNDMZR_phHl-qVxodnWNDAGrr4XT7xL_NrW1fssGjSBX5vSi-98bKE/s200/IMG_5298.JPG" width="200" /></a>Each day is a bit better than the last. Each day, our bonds get a bit stronger. Each day, our family of five solidifies a bit more.<br />
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Last night, when putting Maylee to bed, I kissed her cheek and told her that I love her. Then it hit me, "I actually do!" Not that I haven't loved her all along, but until now, I have loved the idea of her. I have loved the future that I imagined. I have loved a picture and words on paper. Now, I love HER. I love her for the child she is. For the personality that she has. For the new future I see. <br />
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AbnormalMommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07361641691960809646noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2267863806488209262.post-31833224139404207152018-02-28T16:07:00.000-08:002018-02-28T20:11:37.714-08:00HomecomingIt has taken me almost a week to be ready to relive our travels home. Those 48 hours will forever be some of the hardest hours of my life. Ask anyone, this particular piece of the adoption process has terrified me since day one, and for good reason. We headed to the airport early, around noon. Checkout was at noon, so we arranged for the driver Holt scheduled for us, to pick us up at the hotel then. Although our flight wasn't until 6pm, we knew that there would be many time-consuming hurdles which would help to pass the hours. The taxi ride to the airport was nearly an hour, so we were already that much closer to flight time.<br />
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We dropped off the WiFi egg, checked in, dropped off our luggage and ate lunch. All of this soaking up some of our wait time. While finishing lunch, our first meltdown of the day occurred, right in the middle of the airport food court. It was a pretty big one, maybe the biggest public tantrum I had experienced as a mama, yet it was nothing in comparison to what lie ahead of us. After finally calming Maylee, we found our gate and decided to continue to wander, exploring the airport to kill more time. We found a Pororo play area, which kept Maylee mildly amused for a bit, then we shopped a bit, specifically looking for snacks to pack away for the 9 hour flight ahead.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWfe4FzOOw03BL_LQf8d_bAOpGwGp7X7OgdKRV1on4o9P_RTSp0AV4zYtNKEWFXuf8tg4U62hwIRdzERjWMyjcJtcO61Jl7nRCbiwGBeKy6hR1oyC5plzSsYwJgtN07VtWUGHI7EGs2mU/s1600/IMG_5187.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1345" data-original-width="1080" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWfe4FzOOw03BL_LQf8d_bAOpGwGp7X7OgdKRV1on4o9P_RTSp0AV4zYtNKEWFXuf8tg4U62hwIRdzERjWMyjcJtcO61Jl7nRCbiwGBeKy6hR1oyC5plzSsYwJgtN07VtWUGHI7EGs2mU/s200/IMG_5187.JPG" width="160" /></a><br />
We finally found the only convenience store in the entire airport, which just happened to be right next to the food court from earlier, then filled a basket with anything and everything Maylee seemed interested in. We headed back to our gate to wait to board the plane. We played with stickers, colored, and took walks around the terminal to keep everyone's nerves a bay. Finally, it was time to board the plane. We got to go first, as I was "randomly selected" for another security check right before entering the plane.<br />
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We got settled on the plane without incident. We were prepared- snacks, activities, toys, kindle, TV/movies, water. Even through take off, everything seemed great. Maylee was calm, happy and I had hope for an easy flight. However, it was already past her bedtime and dinner time and dinner service hadn't even started yet. As soon as the "fasten seat-belt" sign went off, Maylee began getting restless. I unbuckled her and she stood in her space near the window for a bit- happy to be unstrapped. Then her dinner came. She ate very little and it seemed to make her anxious. She began fussing more and more.<br />
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My dinner came and S%$* hit the fan. Her fussing became full out screaming and jumping up and down, resulting in hitting her head repeatedly on the chair in front of her. She also hit my tray several times. Of course, right then, the "fasten seat-belt" sign came on and we hit a pocket of turbulence. More screaming and more of my dinner being jostled. I eventually gave up on eating and sent the tray back, so that I could focus on calming Maylee. Finally the seat-belt sign went off and Maylee and I tried walking the aisles. This worked for a bit, but Maylee was tired, so she didn't want to walk long and started pointing at her seat as we passed. Although, sitting didn't make her happy either. She wanted to be held, but didn't want to be held.<br />
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As she became more tired, her screams became louder. Of course, the lights stayed on far too late for her and this already was not the ideal place to fall asleep, so she was not having the whole "just rest" thing. At some point, she and I made our way to the back of the plane, where the most amazing flight staff ever tried to help me distract/calm her. It would work for a minute, but then she would scream and cry again. A bit later, I got her to sleep, but only while I was holding/rocking/shushing her in unison. I spent what felt like an hour doing this, feeling like my arms and back would give out at any minute, and not quite feeling like this was real. Was it real? Did this REALLY happen? Yes, yes it did.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAbuxMuSpmoP86qsb5XT2IAD0_XxBICvacw6b0LfZzPs2vOOjt8t5tRNeSfDJZPDSD4_Knysc-eXqvi8uZ6cr3vs2MVtBvUJ6B4e_WORO1dNdOAAVBhHhFJKM-n7V5OXTADDkQHLv-s34/s1600/IMG_5177.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAbuxMuSpmoP86qsb5XT2IAD0_XxBICvacw6b0LfZzPs2vOOjt8t5tRNeSfDJZPDSD4_Knysc-eXqvi8uZ6cr3vs2MVtBvUJ6B4e_WORO1dNdOAAVBhHhFJKM-n7V5OXTADDkQHLv-s34/s200/IMG_5177.JPG" width="150" /></a>Thinking she was finally out, Cassie prepared our seats for her to lay down and I brought her back, where she promptly woke up more mad/sad/scared than before. This time, her screams were so loud that they attracted several flight attendants in the back of the plane, all trying their hardest to reason with the terrorist that was my toddler. None of it worked. In a last ditch effort, I got the ergo, knowing it helped her to sleep before. We avoided this up until this point, because Maylee hates getting into it and we thought she was already screaming enough without it, but at this point, what could it hurt? We were wrong. New level of screams.<br />
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She was so upset that a flight attendant walked right up to us and took her out without a word to either of us. Then Cassie took her so I could use the restroom. When I came out, Cassie had her on her back, bouncing up and down. This had worked! She was falling asleep finally. As long as she was bouncing, she was asleep, but no one could keep this up forever and after awhile we tried to lay her down again. More screaming. This went on for the first four hours of our nine hour flight. Finally, Cassie and I were too tired to stand with her, so we sat with her in the middle and turned on Pororo. Maylee spent the next hour alternating between quiet grunts while watching Pororo and more screams. Right around hour five of the flight, she finally curled up on the seat and fell asleep. Hallelujah!<br />
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She slept for about two hours, then woke up crying. I scooped her up quickly, held her like a baby and shushed her until she fell asleep again. I held her this way for another hour or so, even through the "fasten seat-belt" sign being lit multiple times. NO ONE could make me wake that girl up. NO ONE was going to make me belt her in. If it got scary, of course I would have, but there were only a few bumps and her rest and our sanity prevailed. The last hour of the flight Maylee laid with her head on my lap until just before we landed, when she woke up a bit sad but manageable.<br />
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After landing, collecting our things, and getting off the plane, we went through what felt like hell on earth. You would think that nothing could have been worse than the flight we had just endured, but you would be forgetting the damn immigration line. We were told to head to a special line to hand over Maylee's visa/immigration paperwork, which would need to be submitted for her to enter the US. I was excited as we zoomed right past the very long line for the average passenger. Finally, something would go faster than usual! Then we found the line we were looking for and there were only three people ahead of us. Score!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghtzGbJmUzymcDDpFEL7IYTIq2FiOcES6Ls84RF01oQ0YdMFW8_mfHkGcMJ-x-NrZd5BH7_ANbUgtD_c1wsGrNfJHf3RabGLeFUOq-qKj194TLUtAkFSZjN2dIttqYM6bJDn9DxU_Cekg/s1600/IMG_5188.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghtzGbJmUzymcDDpFEL7IYTIq2FiOcES6Ls84RF01oQ0YdMFW8_mfHkGcMJ-x-NrZd5BH7_ANbUgtD_c1wsGrNfJHf3RabGLeFUOq-qKj194TLUtAkFSZjN2dIttqYM6bJDn9DxU_Cekg/s200/IMG_5188.JPG" width="200" /></a>Nope. Each person/group in front of us took 20 minutes to be processed. You've got that right, we waited over an hour! Over an hour!!! When it was finally our turn, we handed over our passports and paperwork and were on our way within five minutes. Who knows what the people in front of us needed to accomplish with their 20 minute meetings at the counter, but I was so glad ours was fast. We then had to pick up and re-check our bags. Yep, you heard that right too. Although this was easy and fairly quick, we were all losing control of our bodies and minds. Yet another hurdle- security, then another- three trains to get to our terminal, and another- a crowded walk to a crowded seating area. Finally, we arrived at our plane, more than two hours after landing.<br />
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Our wait to board was very fast. Cassie and I each ventured out for a drink and a snack, then it was time to get back on a plane. This one was a breeze. Less than 40 minutes in the air and Maylee fell asleep near the end of it. We spent more time on the plane waiting to go, than we did in the air. Finally, something that was easy. Landing in Portland was like a dream come true. Maylee was sleeping in the ergo, I was nearing delirium from exhaustion, but my boys, family and friends were waiting for us, so I felt the energy to get there quick.<br />
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Seeing my boys, knowing that the tough two days of travel were over, and knowing our family was FINALLY together poked holes in the floodgate which had been building. I lost it. I sobbed as I hugged my boys. So happy to be home, too tired to hold in the tears. After my needed hugs, the chatting between family and friends began. Everyone was so happy to meet Maylee, even if she was completely passed out.<br />
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At my lowest, most defeated moment on our first flight, I had completely planned to call Joe during our layover and tell him to call off the welcoming committee. At that point, I couldn't even comprehend seeing anyone and felt like it would only make Maylee's experience even more traumatic than it had already been. Although at the time, that totally would have been the right call, I'm so glad that I chose not to do it. I needed to feel/see the love of my family and friends. I needed them to be excited to welcome our sweet girl. I needed it more than I ever thought I would. Even though she won't have those memories, they are special to me.<br />
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Putting Maylee in the car began as the plane had- screaming, thrashing, pure hatred in her eyes. But as quickly as she had become upset, she calmed right down and fell asleep before we had even left the parking lot. The drive home was wonderful. Chats with my boys, a sleepy girl in her car seat, and a tired mama "off travel duty". The heaven after the hell.<br />
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AbnormalMommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07361641691960809646noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2267863806488209262.post-9019154894057117472018-02-23T12:38:00.000-08:002018-02-23T12:38:26.690-08:00Our First Days TogetherThe last couple days have been busy and exhausting, in the best way. Thursday, we had our Visa Interview which was at noon. This meant that we couldn't do much before, as all of the families were meeting in our hotel to head to the embassy together.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaTQrvUCfEPITGziW-E1x371vaQaUW7CD8cXUWcN6pkTjaEoMV-zdEIle5QwPVH3-eBQMyXomcuitToiBP253rA-1xLbAjnksJO0VEi_RCPWwJ3RPViPC7tFMjoYhg9yNHBtIprepsCDM/s1600/IMG_5152.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaTQrvUCfEPITGziW-E1x371vaQaUW7CD8cXUWcN6pkTjaEoMV-zdEIle5QwPVH3-eBQMyXomcuitToiBP253rA-1xLbAjnksJO0VEi_RCPWwJ3RPViPC7tFMjoYhg9yNHBtIprepsCDM/s200/IMG_5152.JPG" width="150" /></a>We started the day with cartoons and snacks. Eventually, this led to a completely naked girl, refusing to put on any clothes. She is quite good at communicating even through the language barrier. I know when she wants something, and everyone knows if she doesn't. This lack of clothes lasted a long time, until we couldn't take it anymore and needed to get some breakfast. She was not happy about it, but we got her dressed. My sweet Maylee is an awesome eater.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxzZGJIFtBIa2qKSd9-6Mldzb-M_p7V9HYPO_vaCKQySgL9FQkQJCECrcQ5VxIpDNC-cTflZStcvD9hT4qKtJ0mPx0WHGwfYFQipgKxDTWOMeCkQZfAmcKEzIpODv0BIu-1rfbNf9fuoY/s1600/IMG_5151.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxzZGJIFtBIa2qKSd9-6Mldzb-M_p7V9HYPO_vaCKQySgL9FQkQJCECrcQ5VxIpDNC-cTflZStcvD9hT4qKtJ0mPx0WHGwfYFQipgKxDTWOMeCkQZfAmcKEzIpODv0BIu-1rfbNf9fuoY/s200/IMG_5151.JPG" width="150" /></a><br />
The rest of the morning is a blur. We tried the playroom, but there were too many people and Maylee seemed overwhelmed, so we left pretty quickly. Other than that, I think we just hung out in our room, until it was time to meet our friends in the lobby.<br />
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It was so fun seeing everyone again! Three other families were with us- one of them Maylee's foster sister's family, one from Oregon too, and the family that we met for dinner earlier this week. It was the best to have gone through all of this together. We shared so many memories of our court trip and now here we were with our new babies. So surreal.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyqfCuD3pCy3vO5w9td-WADrMnbfYnpFl6msUHb_HYv8zHjA6EoHzI-OYJfoQlCfMiF_-K3gO5lQ7lLoElIH3syynsjBYY7N81oQSEoUdnEKim4ugB5FnA-gPkGXfZjTQwPx6aLGXo9Cw/s1600/IMG_5153.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyqfCuD3pCy3vO5w9td-WADrMnbfYnpFl6msUHb_HYv8zHjA6EoHzI-OYJfoQlCfMiF_-K3gO5lQ7lLoElIH3syynsjBYY7N81oQSEoUdnEKim4ugB5FnA-gPkGXfZjTQwPx6aLGXo9Cw/s200/IMG_5153.JPG" width="150" /></a>The Visa Interview was a breeze. Nothing to worry about at all. Just simple questions and a wait. The kiddos ran around each other and parents doted on them. I was hoping that Maylee would be excited to see her foster sister, but it looked as though they were both in shock. While they interacted a bit, neither showed signs of excitement. This made me so sad.<br />
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After our Visa Interview, we went back up to our room to drop off our things and headed down to get some coffee. Little Miss got a pudding cup (we doesn't Starbucks have these in the US??). We planned to venture further, but the wind was blowing and it was too cold, so we headed back and ordered chicken from the front desk. We visited the playroom again. This time it was quiet and she had a blast. Her silly side really come out then.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX1cKRVwefvMR4asZQAPxrlDZrOJWYXz8EA5-XphwZ5EaFY2_kc2yEYMaUrZcEAQzcsCKTAOCuL6Vsf9koWsIDnn_Ko-adfpQTa2Q0bhaNApQLUf94pFNlyjBjNAP51Xf31h6YBxITtiQ/s1600/IMG_5158.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX1cKRVwefvMR4asZQAPxrlDZrOJWYXz8EA5-XphwZ5EaFY2_kc2yEYMaUrZcEAQzcsCKTAOCuL6Vsf9koWsIDnn_Ko-adfpQTa2Q0bhaNApQLUf94pFNlyjBjNAP51Xf31h6YBxITtiQ/s200/IMG_5158.JPG" width="150" /></a><br />
Bedtime we tough. Maylee was grieving so hard. She kept yelling for her appa (foster dad) and ayia (foster sister), over and over again. It was almost two hours of sadness and confusion. Our little girl has been through so much and the grief is so hard. She wants comfort, but not from me. Then she wants me to hold her, then she doesn't. She knows that I'm the one who took her from them and that makes it hard to want comfort from me.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBcwGDvM0AGCll9S0vP2euPwy3ySuvdBZ-QooO_qy2z1VtS6ir3fDC2jfmOpAzF7nRnd1A132y3LPoIEm7q9cAfEhHWy8OizV2p4EZl8Hn-oUCwvayRhe2KlcXHERzlsOXiWvZ7uhRBzY/s1600/IMG_5164.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBcwGDvM0AGCll9S0vP2euPwy3ySuvdBZ-QooO_qy2z1VtS6ir3fDC2jfmOpAzF7nRnd1A132y3LPoIEm7q9cAfEhHWy8OizV2p4EZl8Hn-oUCwvayRhe2KlcXHERzlsOXiWvZ7uhRBzY/s200/IMG_5164.JPG" width="150" /></a>Yesterday, we tried to stay busy. We all do better when we're busy. There were a few things Cassie and I wanted to pick up before heading home, so it was our errand day. We started with a walk to the square where the Olympic shops are, but they weren't open yet, so we went to a coffee shop to kill some time. Maylee had fallen asleep in the ergo, so it was a calm was to rest. After picking up some souvenirs and playing in the snow a bit, we headed to the subway station.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaKP78Neh5icxazGDDuuTKLhHwjUhirqdc4i8RH6ky-gDKoLfuZoLpBo7a3nCL3y66_Hn4t0c20Eu6JYaPdOQt0YrEbcjJ05bxnvpTjtOOllEiOJp11rH5pRbegzIrgHs5-MRidhTQzqU/s1600/IMG_5171.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaKP78Neh5icxazGDDuuTKLhHwjUhirqdc4i8RH6ky-gDKoLfuZoLpBo7a3nCL3y66_Hn4t0c20Eu6JYaPdOQt0YrEbcjJ05bxnvpTjtOOllEiOJp11rH5pRbegzIrgHs5-MRidhTQzqU/s200/IMG_5171.JPG" width="150" /></a>I wanted a hanbok for my sweet girl. Holt gave us one, but it is for a much older kiddo, so I needed one that will fit her in the next few years. Hanboks are the traditional dresses worn by Korean kiddos on their birthdays and other special holidays. Out destination was Gwangjang market. This is the best place to go for street food and a variety of shopping needs. We wandered the aisles of food and fabric for a long time. We finally found the perfect hanbok, then headed back to the food area for a snack.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjguoLSlvomXqvABz9aID-8cg_8yx5RmjMrvC8-oywK8DBMcZpCXFFwbvAO03iYDFm_VdkFTS6pBarLYX3vaN2ss58ixTk9IR9h5fKTA1LSsAraMDq3rKaWvU0v6LdcWch2vYGaHXv0fJ8/s1600/IMG_5172.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjguoLSlvomXqvABz9aID-8cg_8yx5RmjMrvC8-oywK8DBMcZpCXFFwbvAO03iYDFm_VdkFTS6pBarLYX3vaN2ss58ixTk9IR9h5fKTA1LSsAraMDq3rKaWvU0v6LdcWch2vYGaHXv0fJ8/s200/IMG_5172.JPG" width="150" /></a><br />
We found one with kimbap and tteokbokki. Maylee loved the kimbap. I loved the tteokbokki, which is very spicy. After our snack, we headed back to the hotel. Mommy was losing steam quickly and needed a break. We played in our room for a bit, then went down to the playroom again.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUM9Un7tX61UH7mWKPYSw7Ypwn-GtZHLHUSk4EBxlKyTrrObz_A_JzRnWt1kDJXDWYV3-3PpAdpZEyQKl08RGG-2CtJWa-8AJhkcnxMCoGD7olO09Ee_tBOsZN0szQlY-1qMzAHFtTyI0/s1600/IMG_5175.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUM9Un7tX61UH7mWKPYSw7Ypwn-GtZHLHUSk4EBxlKyTrrObz_A_JzRnWt1kDJXDWYV3-3PpAdpZEyQKl08RGG-2CtJWa-8AJhkcnxMCoGD7olO09Ee_tBOsZN0szQlY-1qMzAHFtTyI0/s200/IMG_5175.JPG" width="150" /></a>Finally, it was dinner time, so we headed back to Insadong. I found the last few things I needed and we ate at a tiny restaurant, hidden in an alley. Maylee had hit her limit though- her crazies were showing, so we hurried our meal and headed back to the hotel for our nightly routine of bath, snack, bed. This time, bedtime was a breeze. She was too tired to grieve and laid down and went to sleep. <br />
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We are leaving Seoul today. We are leaving Maylee's home, the only home she has known. We are going to begin our journey to her new home and forever family. By this time tomorrow, we will be in Seattle, just a 45 minute plane ride from home and my boys. I have missed them all so much and can't wait to see all of our babies together. Finally!AbnormalMommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07361641691960809646noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2267863806488209262.post-20332689181284628342018-02-21T12:48:00.002-08:002018-02-21T13:18:00.413-08:00CustodyYesterday was a whirlwind of activity and emotion for everyone involved. Although we have been waiting for so long and were so ready and excited for the day to come, it also brought doubts and fears and grief. I woke up nervous, but okay. Then my husband decided to write me too many sweet messages and I broke down. Cue a shower to sob in silence.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhecBuqioXcEy2QqFH_biHbLURjKEIudAzcUdGb9Zfbts4QaVEtPqtRy0fgj_mZO49CsORCSGthXlBydFzaVF5gblUc5x6tLa1QmDlElz0tKRXhA3pmTjEIM-lhIwQ-Qlj4VC0tAYpsA9I/s1600/IMG_0291.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhecBuqioXcEy2QqFH_biHbLURjKEIudAzcUdGb9Zfbts4QaVEtPqtRy0fgj_mZO49CsORCSGthXlBydFzaVF5gblUc5x6tLa1QmDlElz0tKRXhA3pmTjEIM-lhIwQ-Qlj4VC0tAYpsA9I/s200/IMG_0291.HEIC" width="150" /></a>After collecting myself just enough, Cassie and I headed to breakfast. It was so strange knowing it would be our last before Maylee would be joining us. After breakfast, we headed back to the bookstore a few blocks away. I got some gifts for the Holt staff and a few things for Maylee. On our way back we stopped for our second coffee of the morning. It was extremely cold out then and we needed warmth more than anything.<br />
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By this time, we had about two hours until our meeting. We headed back to the hotel, requested a taxi, and headed upstairs to pack for the day. I have struggled for many weeks on how to write to the family who loves our girl just as much as we do. How do you thank someone for being their mommy and daddy while you couldn't be? How do you share just the right words to show that you will love them forever and be your family always? Well, due to procrastination, I had about ten minutes to write this note. It was not enough, but it never would be.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ2_-lQhzJtOeUyqn4OaZVB6IEsomPK3iemo3vf_3T3N7c05dz_o98iNi8E9Qq59uml45_GXEQKzYrVER0BV5Mj3MgwP1GDEIWMrBaJrkyQnbweRsGKksJrGnWD_NQabILDdErG6IT4jY/s1600/IMG_0298.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ2_-lQhzJtOeUyqn4OaZVB6IEsomPK3iemo3vf_3T3N7c05dz_o98iNi8E9Qq59uml45_GXEQKzYrVER0BV5Mj3MgwP1GDEIWMrBaJrkyQnbweRsGKksJrGnWD_NQabILDdErG6IT4jY/s200/IMG_0298.HEIC" width="150" /></a>We scrambled downstairs to meet the taxi and I spent most of the drive packing the gift bags for the staff. All of this rushing was so good for my nervous mama heart. We got to Holt about 45 minutes early, so we waited in the coffee shop in the basement. Babies and foster mamas rushed by throughout our stay, which offered the best possible distraction. So soon it was time to head up. Maylee and her foster family had not arrived yet, so I gave the staff their gifts, then waited nervously in our meeting room.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkUh5bgavIPBn1qTkMXXQqg2ETvyGd2wmxqWFOOjSd9ce6-ZFm9Kmcx_w-0ABGfRJANPCNiNzeZJerBBEzllIcZ2Xfdk-Yrjz-k-4muVyxG5bJnRAIqaQQtM3DkLHL0SeBQDOcfsHhEgE/s1600/IMG_0341.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkUh5bgavIPBn1qTkMXXQqg2ETvyGd2wmxqWFOOjSd9ce6-ZFm9Kmcx_w-0ABGfRJANPCNiNzeZJerBBEzllIcZ2Xfdk-Yrjz-k-4muVyxG5bJnRAIqaQQtM3DkLHL0SeBQDOcfsHhEgE/s200/IMG_0341.HEIC" width="200" /></a>I heard them coming before I saw them. Happy greetings and excitement seeped into the room through the open door. Then, in walked my daughter and the loving couple who have been her support for so long. They all looked so happy to see me and Maylee gave me several hugs right away. We chatted for a bit- talking about Maylee, their family, our family, Maylee's foster sister, and exchanged gifts. They had so many clothes, toys, snacks to send with us and to be honest, who knows what else. I still have yet to open those bags. All the while, Cassie was taking so many special pictures of our time together.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJULwvv7yULumF-vtIyKx-8fWDeGIfwCDfnyPVTNcoZAlFgjKKrue1RS2EPlfj8Z_U-LA8PaynK4icAOtVS7KTGm1rG8sTr1fxJ1InWYV9cDM2i5e-oM0fEH7vLz2X2A1H6u8Pgu8IXX8/s1600/IMG_0387.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJULwvv7yULumF-vtIyKx-8fWDeGIfwCDfnyPVTNcoZAlFgjKKrue1RS2EPlfj8Z_U-LA8PaynK4icAOtVS7KTGm1rG8sTr1fxJ1InWYV9cDM2i5e-oM0fEH7vLz2X2A1H6u8Pgu8IXX8/s200/IMG_0387.HEIC" width="150" /></a>Soon it was time to head down to the Holt doctor. She did one last check up for Maylee, then sent us on our way. We headed back up to that special room on the second floor and continued to talk. But all too soon, we were headed out to meet the van that would take us back to our hotel. This was, by far, the hardest part of our entire process. Maylee loves her foster family, Joe, Liam, Nolan and I love her foster family and separating Maylee from them was heart-wrenching.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwyJM2_h8CSMcd46AiD72HVlyxV5_nhWsENnA7RQW-VuBI2Txyh2ahcMXxyIlL64i35V5yaMZ9pyjrAPchTs8uuqO18-0wVBXZngsh-iBsbo0CRfIK5MSKQcOGkotPBv_aChYhPoCq4bw/s1600/IMG_0388.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwyJM2_h8CSMcd46AiD72HVlyxV5_nhWsENnA7RQW-VuBI2Txyh2ahcMXxyIlL64i35V5yaMZ9pyjrAPchTs8uuqO18-0wVBXZngsh-iBsbo0CRfIK5MSKQcOGkotPBv_aChYhPoCq4bw/s200/IMG_0388.HEIC" width="150" /></a>The second we reached the van, I lost it. I hugged foster mom so hard and just sobbed. I did the same with foster dad and then quickly whisked Maylee and I into the van. It was such a rush of emotions- excitement that our sweet girl was finally with me, grief for her and her foster family, terror of what our life would look like in the coming days, relief that this long, hard process was finally coming to a close.<br />
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My little Maylee was so brave. She waved goodbye to her foster family- they prepared her so well. She smiled at me while I cried, giving me the strength to be brave too. As soon as I had it together, the grief hit her and she began to cry for her foster parents. It was as if she knew exactly what was happening and it had hit her in that single moment. The tears only lasted a few minutes, then we found ways to distract one another. Finally, Maylee snuggled up to me and fell asleep.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ5rh-45Sukt6aVxYt8nkiM14I4BCxmNI4PZf4ZgmIa7MRk9SGRSxnAFlUOe_d0KbK8zloQgMBNoK3aWQR7Z1Rhi3elJlJQ5hzqS9z7lLFZL6IBC-Y4XReBWXHw9nSXnonE3gXadle_7Q/s1600/IMG_0395.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ5rh-45Sukt6aVxYt8nkiM14I4BCxmNI4PZf4ZgmIa7MRk9SGRSxnAFlUOe_d0KbK8zloQgMBNoK3aWQR7Z1Rhi3elJlJQ5hzqS9z7lLFZL6IBC-Y4XReBWXHw9nSXnonE3gXadle_7Q/s200/IMG_0395.HEIC" width="150" /></a>Once we made it to our hotel room, Maylee explored and played with some of the toys I had laid out for her, but all too quickly our feisty girl needed a change of pace. We headed down to the playroom in the hotel. That didn't last long. She loved it and played well, but there were other adults and children there, and I could see it was confusing for her. She is still learning who I am supposed to be to her. I am still not her mommy in the sense that I am to the boys. That bond and role needs to develop with time.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4uTqil1WUkyCjpUrC95tLZOtqlMg5U_FmBYy9G-0SoMwYXi6M6SChuL92SjyULhfWPfj1catWdp__-_WulFW40pnyt03LhCv4H_nemVs6o-4RYjm9aKCYzhoTOqIAqbff37GtQumsGoQ/s1600/IMG_0414.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4uTqil1WUkyCjpUrC95tLZOtqlMg5U_FmBYy9G-0SoMwYXi6M6SChuL92SjyULhfWPfj1catWdp__-_WulFW40pnyt03LhCv4H_nemVs6o-4RYjm9aKCYzhoTOqIAqbff37GtQumsGoQ/s200/IMG_0414.HEIC" width="150" /></a>We headed back to the room and Cassie went to get us dinner. Maylee and I wandered from toy to toy, window to window, while we waited. After dinner, we went for a walk. This was a the best experience! Maylee loves piggy back rides, so she rode on my back in the ergo. This gave me a bit of a break from her massive energy stockpile, but still felt like a bonding experience. After returning to our room, Maylee took a bath and got into her pjs. I tried to keep her up a bit longer, since it was only 6:30, but within a half an hour, bedtime with needed.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB_rz5KVSWpa9S2RzFQ7frXu3NI7N67bID7eBLNuTG0VDNbTJ0E_4sj8yCcwFVQZArKpBnYNGOb5nPTdEDQwH3KNODYxwKinxPVW9QhabrHAUVYuxCI6lohBtIJOhBy_0-vguKe6D46Y8/s1600/IMG_5145.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB_rz5KVSWpa9S2RzFQ7frXu3NI7N67bID7eBLNuTG0VDNbTJ0E_4sj8yCcwFVQZArKpBnYNGOb5nPTdEDQwH3KNODYxwKinxPVW9QhabrHAUVYuxCI6lohBtIJOhBy_0-vguKe6D46Y8/s200/IMG_5145.JPG" width="150" /></a>She and I laid on our bed watching Korean cartoons on a very quiet volume. She found some snacks that her foster family had packed, and even though we had already brushed teeth, she nibbled on them while she faded. As she neared the point of sleep, her grief got stronger. She began calling out to her foster family and pointed at the window, knowing they were out there somewhere.<br />
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I tried to comfort her, but she did not want me to touch her. She slowly laid down and soon her cries were quieter, then fewer and farther between, until she finally closed her eyes and fell asleep. That was 8pm last night. It is now 5:30am and she is just starting to show signs of waking. Throughout the night, she would cry out here and there, but would go right back to sleep on her own.<br />
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Yesterday, while it was the most emotional day of my life, it went much smoother than I had anticipated. I don't know what is ahead for today. We have our Visa Interview and Maylee will be reunited with her foster sister while we attend our interviews together. While I can't wait to see them together again, I know that this may throw a whole new focus of grief into our world.AbnormalMommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07361641691960809646noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2267863806488209262.post-78106583865274174362018-02-20T14:18:00.001-08:002018-02-20T14:18:32.889-08:00Keeping Busy<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx9pnAKNCYQTQEPXfhoTkXAwHBlEPkpPF0tvl0TGvFX-dAQjS18CaeoOQ-8DAO217IyE63Duv8wOV35y42nVScAEcwPGQXbGRngvyfRtLOs77YYQfXAZmzZAF5jwf-ife5WWSDAs6DZ0A/s1600/IMG_5108.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx9pnAKNCYQTQEPXfhoTkXAwHBlEPkpPF0tvl0TGvFX-dAQjS18CaeoOQ-8DAO217IyE63Duv8wOV35y42nVScAEcwPGQXbGRngvyfRtLOs77YYQfXAZmzZAF5jwf-ife5WWSDAs6DZ0A/s200/IMG_5108.JPG" width="200" /></a>Yesterday, was the day of distraction. Cassie and I ate breakfast, then headed out early and did not return until late in the evening. It was long and exhausting and a perfect day to come before the one where your life will change forever.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3fGpbsUmUhdwU3grGS5Ydk23b4U285xA_0CJoDwYzHxTaG1MuPCzLSplXaku52ziEjM1iEf-Bms1a0TVdBebF9KnFDgrpLJpve-1RP9T09XG7s65095nR31kN7CYbrPXUQttBITmujNg/s1600/IMG_5130.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3fGpbsUmUhdwU3grGS5Ydk23b4U285xA_0CJoDwYzHxTaG1MuPCzLSplXaku52ziEjM1iEf-Bms1a0TVdBebF9KnFDgrpLJpve-1RP9T09XG7s65095nR31kN7CYbrPXUQttBITmujNg/s200/IMG_5130.JPG" width="150" /></a>We started with a very unexpected scene. At the entrance of Insadong was a teeny, tiny car accident involving a taxi and the glass window of a shop. It was an exciting way to start the day, and we hope everyone walked away unharmed.<br />
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Then we were off to Namdaemun Market (my favorite market). We spent a lot of time wandering the children's section, looking for adorable clothes for our little girls. It was overwhelming and wonderful all at the same time. Nothing at Namdaemun is done on a modest level. Everything is overwhelming.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigipA8j7BMt22WVNTuY4n4vZvk6yV1NVoD5F_1mjv-1VSv8as6tACti7nS-eE81rKCjF8Fz_ekssC5pv5jWrkaAzbcNArR_mZUyhifV1G5kOGjCdtb_yFHoWM5dVLZ74fASvs_V8VSYlA/s1600/IMG_5109.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigipA8j7BMt22WVNTuY4n4vZvk6yV1NVoD5F_1mjv-1VSv8as6tACti7nS-eE81rKCjF8Fz_ekssC5pv5jWrkaAzbcNArR_mZUyhifV1G5kOGjCdtb_yFHoWM5dVLZ74fASvs_V8VSYlA/s200/IMG_5109.JPG" width="150" /></a><br />
The Children's section is an alley filled with booths and vendors with shoes, clothes and accessories. But there is a series of buildings where the clothing vendors pack into very tiny spots and just fill them with the most adorable clothes you will ever see. There are tight corridors where people push past you trying to find what they need, and the floor is covered with the vendors' shoes. I hope to bring you pictures later in the week, if/when we return.<br />
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After spending way too much on clothes, we headed through the rest of the market. We found the bread vendor and picked up some snacks. Then we found a tiny restaurant right off the main aisle. It was the best ramen I have ever eaten and it was only 3,000 won, or about $3. Yum!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgILs_cpOWKBUiK1Jd4J6rb4arc3wKjQKLE3AKtVcMcpWcWL7738o4X_FzPQsTn2LBhG_7I11jha6JUtkYLwlypPfKmCGQkBJTW1fJnOBexxFSG-o9FU9TRP1b8MflAnJ0YmKI7gKfLCp0/s1600/IMG_5127.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgILs_cpOWKBUiK1Jd4J6rb4arc3wKjQKLE3AKtVcMcpWcWL7738o4X_FzPQsTn2LBhG_7I11jha6JUtkYLwlypPfKmCGQkBJTW1fJnOBexxFSG-o9FU9TRP1b8MflAnJ0YmKI7gKfLCp0/s200/IMG_5127.JPG" width="150" /></a>After eating, we headed further down the main aisle to browse. Although I looked and looked, my beloved egg bread was nowhere to be found. Don't worry though, I will not stop until I have some!<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgarpNvOYWKdxv5fvywVepw6FkFuMLNAAmbzb2p-mrH1Qi2hhedJO4W3Y9UiBpIVdCHC3XzHRXdqSXWSJLtmECbYFnB7pDu3-FWaU5oNbpVXnE23oo84Ug2noqfEhaTUm67xAgC-LDjCwo/s1600/IMG_5118.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgarpNvOYWKdxv5fvywVepw6FkFuMLNAAmbzb2p-mrH1Qi2hhedJO4W3Y9UiBpIVdCHC3XzHRXdqSXWSJLtmECbYFnB7pDu3-FWaU5oNbpVXnE23oo84Ug2noqfEhaTUm67xAgC-LDjCwo/s200/IMG_5118.JPG" width="150" /></a><br />
From Namdaemun, we walked toward the North Seoul Tower. We made a couple of inadvertent detours, but enjoyed seeing what could be found off the beaten path. Eventually we found the path that would lead up to the tower. We took a very odd elevator up to a tram, then were finally at the top of the hill/mountain. The views were absolutely breathtaking! I know that Seoul is a huge city, with a population nearing 10 million, but until I saw the city in this way, I had no idea what that meant.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7RKXfs0cYFToQs2-wFHwfgxgELnuQPjtoGwlpUNYmk1kRfAJXXC-cBDtXL-IS4pXs3UZ8u5HCsT6FQvt8d-acgcS5cGyQJfHFD-_5vxRkRalakggSpVfaYjXQIOM58bBE7sEGoGq9eZ4/s1600/IMG_5113.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7RKXfs0cYFToQs2-wFHwfgxgELnuQPjtoGwlpUNYmk1kRfAJXXC-cBDtXL-IS4pXs3UZ8u5HCsT6FQvt8d-acgcS5cGyQJfHFD-_5vxRkRalakggSpVfaYjXQIOM58bBE7sEGoGq9eZ4/s200/IMG_5113.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzobao5IEt2qb7oNUDQlRO8NmE8TZLoruReIwoQBCSssYfeOzOJ9j0uUPuYraP3vORw-j9MMqvc6syO8t0oEW9C-9SJGb6ZbjOrFlzPCInri5P0Pj2Fj-j3oxqoy-0xoB__P8xZ7lY72w/s1600/IMG_5116.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzobao5IEt2qb7oNUDQlRO8NmE8TZLoruReIwoQBCSssYfeOzOJ9j0uUPuYraP3vORw-j9MMqvc6syO8t0oEW9C-9SJGb6ZbjOrFlzPCInri5P0Pj2Fj-j3oxqoy-0xoB__P8xZ7lY72w/s200/IMG_5116.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfwZXWuYA_7pp6rsB2_SJLMnaGsyirSW_8bieYQt4R_lFQ0BqQa2w6iOH22MhrgoFuzSD9-cQ-uhvOPteAP1q-XyTour7eAQpz2nGuXC4fpWvQak94gaTMZaNa4KEBcpSYhD1K6qbqpDQ/s1600/IMG_5117.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfwZXWuYA_7pp6rsB2_SJLMnaGsyirSW_8bieYQt4R_lFQ0BqQa2w6iOH22MhrgoFuzSD9-cQ-uhvOPteAP1q-XyTour7eAQpz2nGuXC4fpWvQak94gaTMZaNa4KEBcpSYhD1K6qbqpDQ/s200/IMG_5117.JPG" width="200" /></a>We walked around taking in view after view, each one more spectacular than the last. We took a look in the gift shop, then shared a snack in a restaurant. After eating, we headed out to a performance that was underway in the area in front of the tower. It was so neat!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3gw3H-RLHfNfoMuqoAOg1TYT95_dSfPegp_n2Nr3kcTWpvzrfr3sZXJhiygT8LHpDZ7RUafuBSe79Az85Ivi2-_SBIKLLRJ2DRrdgwujcVtbHBTjCunCTFxIRlu9qZmreV3rNY6mQagE/s1600/IMG_5124.MOV" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3gw3H-RLHfNfoMuqoAOg1TYT95_dSfPegp_n2Nr3kcTWpvzrfr3sZXJhiygT8LHpDZ7RUafuBSe79Az85Ivi2-_SBIKLLRJ2DRrdgwujcVtbHBTjCunCTFxIRlu9qZmreV3rNY6mQagE/s200/IMG_5124.MOV" width="200" /></a>After watching the performance, we needed to head back to our hotel, to then meet another family here to take custody of their sweet boy. I was so glad that we had the chance to reconnect. Our family met theirs during our last trip to Korea and it was so wonderful to get to share a bit of our time here again.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglBVX0MxGaPl2hdmd6vMm9JJ7G5dzMpAICqK4XMrNK9rfj-10Odzrvd0d3beLgbkoKxftPPPRKpC6HAJRW3UZO-ptcbDrHHXdqRNwLRrXIOKyAgZY5bBG_QHg1z8QlZfeToPcmznZW5Zg/s1600/IMG_5112.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglBVX0MxGaPl2hdmd6vMm9JJ7G5dzMpAICqK4XMrNK9rfj-10Odzrvd0d3beLgbkoKxftPPPRKpC6HAJRW3UZO-ptcbDrHHXdqRNwLRrXIOKyAgZY5bBG_QHg1z8QlZfeToPcmznZW5Zg/s200/IMG_5112.JPG" width="200" /></a>We met them in our hotel lobby, then took a cab to the Brooks' old stomping grounds- the IFC. This is the mall that is attached to the hotel we stayed at during our last trip. It was surreal to be back in that mall, wandering the same bookstore. It feels like so much time has passed since then and also none at all. We met one of their high school friends who lives in Seoul, then headed to a Korean buffet for dinner. It was so yummy. It was so nice to be able to try so many things without worry that we may not like them. I ate way too much.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSDvcrDu1H79OuLl2S6FPyzQtvBc90P7AlsEBgyZ7MCefQKvMwoMwpEbKuZAa8PfjwPYlm9jRtUrKyqI7BIdGL84nLtheasskxhiqCDUJwG_UqHcSg3pvzp3JVplpVzJ25-Q7Ds2vttck/s1600/IMG_5128.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSDvcrDu1H79OuLl2S6FPyzQtvBc90P7AlsEBgyZ7MCefQKvMwoMwpEbKuZAa8PfjwPYlm9jRtUrKyqI7BIdGL84nLtheasskxhiqCDUJwG_UqHcSg3pvzp3JVplpVzJ25-Q7Ds2vttck/s200/IMG_5128.JPG" width="200" /></a>During our dinner, we chatted about so many things. Our families back home, our babies waiting to join us, food, sightseeing. It was a wonderful experience to be able to hear about Seoul/Korea from someone who lives here. It was also fun to try out our Korea as he laughed at our pronunciations. After dinner, we took the familiar walk to the subway attached to the mall and took it home. It was a long day- a 10ish hour day in all, but it was the perfect distraction from the nerves that were/are bubbling inside of me.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi34oZHrXkbXnvuw4V-Qf__KXwkPa4PoxF5Gn4ZNcDPSmLPT9ZF9Kcygj9kYqprDqlZsM9LH7Qf9q5GIrWlQdw46LgqWTpMe5T14ZL4J3s4ius_AmwGIGD3l3dbdAF7mHraBqhPddjwPQ/s1600/IMG_5119.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi34oZHrXkbXnvuw4V-Qf__KXwkPa4PoxF5Gn4ZNcDPSmLPT9ZF9Kcygj9kYqprDqlZsM9LH7Qf9q5GIrWlQdw46LgqWTpMe5T14ZL4J3s4ius_AmwGIGD3l3dbdAF7mHraBqhPddjwPQ/s200/IMG_5119.JPG" width="150" /></a>This morning again, I woke up around five, with a racing mind and a "To Do" list scrolling. Nothing will truly prepare me for what is ahead today, but it will be incredible and beautiful and hard and sad. In six and a half hours, I will see my daughter again and we will begin the meeting which will change both of our lives forever.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHvfT9sxM3-KatGsRkn08THU1xTyK5korEZLb8V76GIULNCNRMNHyCkDeCCwxz6V7el1Yz3ZoFoI2gQa_-pyJuEK9zmOj9LnSsz27xQuxW1zqcDg55MWKIPFOaWS99XNQeyRYKUO51EnM/s1600/IMG_5129.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHvfT9sxM3-KatGsRkn08THU1xTyK5korEZLb8V76GIULNCNRMNHyCkDeCCwxz6V7el1Yz3ZoFoI2gQa_-pyJuEK9zmOj9LnSsz27xQuxW1zqcDg55MWKIPFOaWS99XNQeyRYKUO51EnM/s200/IMG_5129.JPG" width="200" /></a>I don't know if I will have the time or energy or emotional stability to post again while on this trip. I hope I do, but the next few days (and beyond) will be so unpredictable. So, bear with me. Know that I will tell the story of our first days together soon. In the meantime, pray for little girl, send positive thoughts to my boys, shower us with the love we have felt throughout this process. We need it now, more than ever. AbnormalMommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07361641691960809646noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2267863806488209262.post-70761770949848965792018-02-20T05:53:00.001-08:002018-02-20T14:20:58.147-08:00Planes, Trains and Automobiles<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibIYJAfbdb1LJS3oid2fi2lyAi-0KazgvIWMq8Mq0JtFrW-Y059ol8k-QjeO-Xri6OXtbA_QwURR9cNSj3QcI3lKx0tWyX6GxuNRE89ZO9krPI0hgtFcJxbxPeNCkHnKOqdzm2Ab9xLbs/s1600/IMG_5088.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibIYJAfbdb1LJS3oid2fi2lyAi-0KazgvIWMq8Mq0JtFrW-Y059ol8k-QjeO-Xri6OXtbA_QwURR9cNSj3QcI3lKx0tWyX6GxuNRE89ZO9krPI0hgtFcJxbxPeNCkHnKOqdzm2Ab9xLbs/s200/IMG_5088.JPG" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVtcnNAVPuRmAWu4giKeJn8GBCo6e_YMGrgHQPq8WSr528PkdSyrwMLyN39wbKmcaOP9TKYzE8hGq8UBtVkG-A8pbTzh2E-x2Jlsa6kLGTQ1hLISP08OBTYVO-hcFsl6c6m6gx71JK28Q/s1600/IMG_5134.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1203" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVtcnNAVPuRmAWu4giKeJn8GBCo6e_YMGrgHQPq8WSr528PkdSyrwMLyN39wbKmcaOP9TKYzE8hGq8UBtVkG-A8pbTzh2E-x2Jlsa6kLGTQ1hLISP08OBTYVO-hcFsl6c6m6gx71JK28Q/s200/IMG_5134.JPG" width="150" /></a>It has been harder than I thought to sit down and right about our first days in Korea, this time around. Saturday morning, Joe and the boys drove Cassie and I to the airport- bright and early. We spent MANY hours on the plane, but it was a pretty uneventful day of travel. Due to the time change, we landed in Seoul around 5:30 Sunday evening. After a long wait in the immigration line and trouble finding our bags and our driver, we were finally at our hotel. We were so exhausted, we went right to bed and slept well.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj67gBpWWt-6pL0f4sGrFvar1REtSaHUC50B9M4_qJedvmviYSWufv5BzzywxZk5BVgu69kXo-9N1rYly5XpTeV-7vgg4OIH6xJtiYGbUKaNHxdJLulNMBVHFZ2dLk7AFUA5qiHzgR7kVc/s1600/IMG_5080.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj67gBpWWt-6pL0f4sGrFvar1REtSaHUC50B9M4_qJedvmviYSWufv5BzzywxZk5BVgu69kXo-9N1rYly5XpTeV-7vgg4OIH6xJtiYGbUKaNHxdJLulNMBVHFZ2dLk7AFUA5qiHzgR7kVc/s200/IMG_5080.JPG" width="200" /></a>As was the case with our last trip, I woke up at 4:15 wide awake. It was nice to relax a bit. Read a book, check in at home, watch Seoul out my hotel window. When Cassie and I were both ready to start our day, we headed down to breakfast. After breakfast, we headed to Insadong. On the way, Cassie took me to our beautiful Buddhist temple. It was absolutely gorgeous! So colorful and peaceful.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuGwIJdIKK3D2SD3a_8Ze06Jkw5Q8yI6KrMIRSsykR_9QWbSOKV1k3VKWkY_EAn1jG7HNrJ8x98lw9sZab-7P58bQhsjynWYPkYFz74N2ngABIIKcurf9hvw4vgv7jPwIvsZtDFQ_STzY/s1600/IMG_5083.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuGwIJdIKK3D2SD3a_8Ze06Jkw5Q8yI6KrMIRSsykR_9QWbSOKV1k3VKWkY_EAn1jG7HNrJ8x98lw9sZab-7P58bQhsjynWYPkYFz74N2ngABIIKcurf9hvw4vgv7jPwIvsZtDFQ_STzY/s200/IMG_5083.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="200" /></a><br />
Just like last time, when we got to Insadong it was too early for any of the shops to open, so we walked the street, got coffee and people watched from the second floor of the Starbucks building. When we left, shops were finally opening up. We started to take note of what we saw and what we planned to come back to. Knowing this was the beginning of day one, we wanted to pace ourselves.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnd8e8AENeDRP-PwA3y-o_XH41E2y46Dsiaobt2OjtSmXG7WOjtfuVjfdRsmJkgnvKSO431pIe2lJSsaEZoOi-eml_GR1rItQwFu650L8QG5J-uyG9Yoms4dH970yMUN4txXHfVK2J1GM/s1600/IMG_5133.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1576" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnd8e8AENeDRP-PwA3y-o_XH41E2y46Dsiaobt2OjtSmXG7WOjtfuVjfdRsmJkgnvKSO431pIe2lJSsaEZoOi-eml_GR1rItQwFu650L8QG5J-uyG9Yoms4dH970yMUN4txXHfVK2J1GM/s200/IMG_5133.JPG" width="196" /></a>Then we headed to Gyeongbokgung Palace. Our family visited this palace on our last trip, while on our guided tour, but it is so beautiful, I was excited to see it again. We wandered the grounds, seeing many things our family had not seen last time. In fact, there were several things we missed last time. The changing of the guards, gardens, and a beautiful structure build on an island, surrounded by a frozen pond.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhchif6XBGj8ZdM9UqMudqiW_VIDAV8a9cu7SUZQhlGXpEOOzotIoHfauHua23kQyySKKXNUJfSPwQ6hj4g1GEOzOIhb4JfPkqwAcPAqPt4eXTvKtp-KRytq7IbV80nIgXn3bLMHH1wOHQ/s1600/IMG_5096.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhchif6XBGj8ZdM9UqMudqiW_VIDAV8a9cu7SUZQhlGXpEOOzotIoHfauHua23kQyySKKXNUJfSPwQ6hj4g1GEOzOIhb4JfPkqwAcPAqPt4eXTvKtp-KRytq7IbV80nIgXn3bLMHH1wOHQ/s200/IMG_5096.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0ZdC4lToS2EaSiTkxkMGtRin7JJyMnEwuitiFZTf4NwMB_xTbs97OC5p9NpPjQf94NgBBXcGhJ2GMuQGf-bRnikldiz78Ue4TZx2Q2vFSVbBHs5yOBqxbhbZMuqFcGPwIGvESs4fSfKw/s1600/IMG_5106.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0ZdC4lToS2EaSiTkxkMGtRin7JJyMnEwuitiFZTf4NwMB_xTbs97OC5p9NpPjQf94NgBBXcGhJ2GMuQGf-bRnikldiz78Ue4TZx2Q2vFSVbBHs5yOBqxbhbZMuqFcGPwIGvESs4fSfKw/s200/IMG_5106.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCWE0grKDZ5vmvA6hg9JJ_4AGCuDPM0yce1r6eCofALvzOfZ2GBfyOrCR-xOpS8NB8NtaEtzmuobIg-N9LGBeVyMo5cvHvjem0759mgxR_juH9A2EzjkJBpQxzyF6Z7d0uSWGuWvOWnQE/s1600/IMG_5090.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCWE0grKDZ5vmvA6hg9JJ_4AGCuDPM0yce1r6eCofALvzOfZ2GBfyOrCR-xOpS8NB8NtaEtzmuobIg-N9LGBeVyMo5cvHvjem0759mgxR_juH9A2EzjkJBpQxzyF6Z7d0uSWGuWvOWnQE/s200/IMG_5090.JPG" width="150" /></a>After leaving the palace, we walked down Gwanghwamun Square. Once again, we say this on our last trip, but this time there were several tents with Olympic activities and souvenirs lining the middle of the square. Next we went to the Kyobo Bookstore and wandered for a bit. It was huge. So many books!<br />
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Next, we headed toward Holt, so that Cassie could meet with her daughter's foster mom. This was an eventful trip. Beginning with the subway and ending with a frantic taxi ride, but we made it just in time. I feel so fortunate to have been able to witness this meeting. It was so wonderful to watch them come together and spend time sharing their love for a little girl who has been theirs at different times. It was incredible to observe.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6z9u8aEynbRc0b_i7Rt1BcvZLPbISKZ3K8nUYUfu4TSbeC7g7jdcMDPUWVGXZw6t50arIZ9ql1BnQuuGwxVreSuEV4Cc_WPxsCLL_ED4_6y95pnZxw8Z_wYeROdjE_kkNEFMuRVsfPHk/s1600/IMG_5104.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6z9u8aEynbRc0b_i7Rt1BcvZLPbISKZ3K8nUYUfu4TSbeC7g7jdcMDPUWVGXZw6t50arIZ9ql1BnQuuGwxVreSuEV4Cc_WPxsCLL_ED4_6y95pnZxw8Z_wYeROdjE_kkNEFMuRVsfPHk/s200/IMG_5104.JPG" width="200" /></a>Then Cassie and I went shopping at Home Plus (our family went there several times during our last stay). After picking up a few things, we headed to dinner. We ended up finding this lovely restaurant within the same mall as Home Plus. It was some of the best cashew chicken I have ever eaten, but that could have been that we had not really ate anything since breakfast-we were just too busy for food. After dinner, we browsed a few shops, then headed back to the subway. It was a long, long day, but it was such a wonderful one!AbnormalMommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07361641691960809646noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2267863806488209262.post-76422121901525171002018-02-04T07:40:00.002-08:002018-02-04T07:40:17.808-08:0013 DaysThe last week and a half was a whirlwind of sleepless nights and busy days. Jet lag is a real beast when coming home and we are just now getting back to our usual sleep schedules. Just now, twelve days later. We are finally settling back into our work and school schedules too. It took me last weekend to grade all of the assignments that I had missed and sort out a plan moving forward. Liam is just starting to get back into the groove of school and the expectations that he has while there. Nolan is only fighting preschool on a minimal level. Thank goodness. We are finally settled.<div>
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We came home from Korea with high hopes of a quick return to get out daughter. We hoped to be back sometime in February, but also prepared our hearts for March. </div>
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When Joe called me at work on Thursday, I expected some questions about our taxes. He hardly ever calls me at work. Like never. So I should have known something big was to be discussed, but I didn't. Finally, after making sure I didn't have students and I had lots of time talk, he told me the shocking news. </div>
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Just one week and one day after returning home, the judge had decided on our custody day and our agency had scheduled our visa interview. I would be heading back to Korea in just two weeks! </div>
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It took, at least, a good 24 hours to process this amazing news. Neither of us expected such a quick turn around. We hoped for it, but didn't expect it. The timing was so very odd in that, I had my first moments of feeling anxious about news just the night before. I had been calm and patient and content for the first week home and for the very first time since returning home, I felt the slightest bit of impatience. </div>
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Thursday was just for processing and communicating the news to family. Friday, we booked our hotel and flights. Yesterday, we celebrated Maylee's arrival with an adoption shower. In just 13 short days, I will take that long trip back to Korea to bring Maylee home. </div>
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We have waited 16 months for this. We have planned for it and daydreamed about it and now it is here. The first 14 months of this process could be categorized as "long waits" or "snail's pace". Since December 28th, the day we learned of our court date, everything has been on hyper-speed. It has been just over five weeks since that day, and here we are- having already planned and gone on our first two-week trip, met our daughter, stood before the judge, traveled home, finally adjusted back to normal life, received our custody call, booked all travel arrangements, and now are preparing for our final trip and Miss May's arrival. Bonkers, this is just bonkers.</div>
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This is going to sound silly, but I had a massive panic attack yesterday morning, when I realized that we have no underwear to take for Maylee. Of course, I have more than enough time to get some and of course there is underwear in Korea, so my panic attack was totally unwarranted, but it happened nonetheless. The next thirteen days will speed by, whether I'm ready or not. Thirteen days to be a family of four. Thirteen days to repack suitcases (there is still one that has not been unpacked, so there's that). Thirteen days to prepare my heart for the transition ahead and moments of shear exhaustion that both Maylee and I will feel. Thirteen days to brainstorm how to get through that dreaded plane ride home. Thirteen days.</div>
AbnormalMommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07361641691960809646noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2267863806488209262.post-53280129686501832322018-01-22T17:33:00.000-08:002018-01-22T19:55:40.336-08:00Our Final DayYesterday was our last meeting with our sweet Miss May. The day began with breakfast as usual, then the boys headed back up to our room and I headed down to the bookstore in the mall attached to our hotel. I still hadn't gotten books with characters from Korea for Maylee. I found several fairy tale books and picked out a few. Then I found one that shows the main character, a little girl, who shows many characteristics as compared to animals. Although the whole book is in Hangul, I was able to get the gist and loved the message.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA0y3Omkk8LsrhCoEY0o-9M-U736h4tL7ksBSzuTptz4-XARLCQwLPyzEP14lIToUG_HqGsR2rXTsX45nef_UzNphC0lGsuuSkX_0tASZkPDtNz0gO3VnWvZa3Br5uk5txBv5Watr2Y8U/s1600/IMG_4996.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA0y3Omkk8LsrhCoEY0o-9M-U736h4tL7ksBSzuTptz4-XARLCQwLPyzEP14lIToUG_HqGsR2rXTsX45nef_UzNphC0lGsuuSkX_0tASZkPDtNz0gO3VnWvZa3Br5uk5txBv5Watr2Y8U/s200/IMG_4996.JPG" width="200" /></a>Finally, when we all went to the bookstore many days ago, Joe had found an toy that says the Korean alphabet, numbers, songs, and sayings and then also has all of these in English. I got this as well, knowing that it will be so nice for Maylee to hear words that she understands when she comes home, and will also be able to hear the same things in English to help learn our language quicker. The boys (of course) noticed a poop symbol on the top of the toy. This plays a song in Korean, complete with fart noises. I'm already done listening to it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4yKJRHldW1vC-9XlK5KrAhCFaEIdBrFUtjL7Wsmcdi4qS8zFN2GK6L5WY9GMUxXRMSlt0tM0ffxoDdsN5sS4rkbtpYnFUUDvucejV574ilT6z29ZtxJwnsd9yJltDQLA0kU2nlctLm5g/s1600/IMG_4998.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4yKJRHldW1vC-9XlK5KrAhCFaEIdBrFUtjL7Wsmcdi4qS8zFN2GK6L5WY9GMUxXRMSlt0tM0ffxoDdsN5sS4rkbtpYnFUUDvucejV574ilT6z29ZtxJwnsd9yJltDQLA0kU2nlctLm5g/s200/IMG_4998.JPG" width="150" /></a>After hanging out in our room for a bit, we decided to head to Holt early. We wanted to make another visit to HomePlus, a store similar to Fred Meyers. We shopped for snacks to bring to our meeting and some for our flight home. Maylee LOVES snacks! Food is definitely the way to our girl's heart, so we felt as though they were essential to our visit.<br />
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We headed up to our meeting room a bit early and Maylee was already there. Before we had even gotten into the door, FM was excitedly handing us photo album, after photo album. We settled in and started looking through them. So many photos of our girl growing up! Although we wanted to pour through every page, we also desperately wanted to interact with our girl as much as we could in our short time together, so we ripped ourselves away from the photos and began playing and talking to our sweet girl.<br />
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This was our first meeting with Foster Dad and Maylee's foster sister and it was so fun to watch the whole family interact with one another. I love the bond that our daughter shares with her sister and it breaks my heart that so so soon they will be separated. I hope with all my heart that we can continue their bond in years to come. I opted to take a lot of videos at this meeting, hoping that they will help our hearts be patient for the wait to come.<br />
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This meeting was even better than the last two. Maylee is still not okay with us holding her or hugging her without initiating, but she was happier and more at ease with us- laughing and playing and singing and dancing the whole time. She continued to call Joe appa and my mommy. She gave the boys big big hugs and interacted with them more than in our previous meetings.<br />
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Our girl has sass and I love it. She is so independent and smart and funny and adorable and she knows what she wants and has no problem telling you so. She loves to pretend she is putting on makeup, stacking blocks, and sharing with her sister. She has the best smile, which warms our hearts, as we have not seen many happy faces in past pictures. But she does smile all the time and it is the best.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXGsGpg-juxMqnRYxSj6lZ_MR7dKVZO3UFQBm2E8wUrq9X39ce_jTLwaHRsRoOuP6qYQUpToQgWVOQwFGCNaMGJAwdpGN1xEY_tkUeOgGPoGnjJ6b8geci0wlFyQrrgCacEQOvoBPPJCA/s1600/IMG_5030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXGsGpg-juxMqnRYxSj6lZ_MR7dKVZO3UFQBm2E8wUrq9X39ce_jTLwaHRsRoOuP6qYQUpToQgWVOQwFGCNaMGJAwdpGN1xEY_tkUeOgGPoGnjJ6b8geci0wlFyQrrgCacEQOvoBPPJCA/s200/IMG_5030.JPG" width="150" /></a>During our meeting last Wednesday, FM had asked that we bring Maylee some new shoes. We found a couple of pairs throughout our market visits, but they ended up still being too small. We decided to give them to her foster family for their next foster children- they are already preparing for a new little one after Maylee and her sister come home, so they were very happy to have them. We made a plan to run to Namdaemun Market after our meeting to get new, bigger shoes and then would drop them off at Holt, to be given to Maylee the next day.<br />
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Because Joe and the boys will not be coming on the custody trip, we decided to give our big gifts to FM and FD this time. We gave Maylee's FM a locket that matches one I have. We took some pictures during our meetings, which we will put into the lockets. We gave FD an engraved pocket watch that matches one that Joe has. It says Maylee's name, birth date, and "Always thankful Forever Family". They were both so thankful for their gifts. Foster Mom said several times throughout our meeting, "We are family now!" and we are. They will always be our family, They will always be in our lives.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_xkbe3vlnRS2NniYLdMakOUvv8Y5CR9caD5F-9r9KCO2T2U5mIfol7ZJADaXaqakr3FQOUCHtM9qziTmeKNLAAi4UAbk5BTO4ssDRANQg1HFgPLm60swAqZsIVtOBy4pQVCg2991PNLQ/s1600/IMG_5031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_xkbe3vlnRS2NniYLdMakOUvv8Y5CR9caD5F-9r9KCO2T2U5mIfol7ZJADaXaqakr3FQOUCHtM9qziTmeKNLAAi4UAbk5BTO4ssDRANQg1HFgPLm60swAqZsIVtOBy4pQVCg2991PNLQ/s200/IMG_5031.JPG" width="150" /></a>Our meeting came to an end so much faster than we would have liked. Everyone seemed so sad for it to end. FM and FD left as slowly as they could, we did too. Trying so hard to stretch every last second as long as it could go. We stayed behind in the room a few minutes longer to clean up and pack our things. When we left the room, gave the Holt Korea staff hugs and said our goodbyes, we headed to the elevator. Who was still in the hall waiting for us? Our family's other half! We rode the elevator together, sharing our final seconds. When it was time for us to go, Maylee waved her tiny hand and blew us kisses.<br />
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Leaving her is so so hard. Harder still with the passing minutes. And we know she is loved and cared for. We know she will be happy and safe. We know that these final weeks with her foster family are essential and special, just our final weeks of a family of four will be essential and special. We know she will be home with us soon and forever. These days are fleeting for all of us.<br />
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As hard as it was to leave her, having a job to do helped. We quickly headed to Namdaemun and found two new pairs of shoes. I wish I would have taken pictures of them, but they were similar to the original pairs, as I loved them so much. Instead, the Mary Jane's were a plum color and the boots were a tad different, but still pink and fleecy. It was raining hard while we were there, so we didn't stay as long as we had planned, but instead headed back to Holt. After dropping them off and having our last goodbyes with the Holt staff, we found a cab to take us back to our hotel.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp7EAcjzFXstqS-9m2PxARFx9f7wBmFGTc8QwD_I1_W6ppW-n8zdSJ87vb6RdwqG0ogTpP07746rdfdi5ULm90TstjMbg4uhe1WHhEjRWBLQ2bNyeCwRj_qJyQdnwnZvfjtQpFAaKF0W8/s1600/IMG_5024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp7EAcjzFXstqS-9m2PxARFx9f7wBmFGTc8QwD_I1_W6ppW-n8zdSJ87vb6RdwqG0ogTpP07746rdfdi5ULm90TstjMbg4uhe1WHhEjRWBLQ2bNyeCwRj_qJyQdnwnZvfjtQpFAaKF0W8/s200/IMG_5024.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our last dinner in Korea</td></tr>
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Once back, we headed down to the mall for our final dinner in Korea. We opted for the delicious Italian restaurant, which we had gone to a few days earlier. It's funny- we will miss so very much of what we have experienced in Korea, and an Italian restaurant in the mall will be one of them. The food is SO good!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLsUpqKGMTdUa2h5ZjRbeDmvFAkdHMgd4qUHXYUY22CoF5vwHajJke0It96jJ76H0Tkbd71hVXd0OiOgDNH9e8TI0E6flGjgl_QZgiCD9pLwRU4tN8gljGwFzKcV_tArWe9RWV375W4gc/s1600/IMG_5032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLsUpqKGMTdUa2h5ZjRbeDmvFAkdHMgd4qUHXYUY22CoF5vwHajJke0It96jJ76H0Tkbd71hVXd0OiOgDNH9e8TI0E6flGjgl_QZgiCD9pLwRU4tN8gljGwFzKcV_tArWe9RWV375W4gc/s200/IMG_5032.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The best gift ever!</td></tr>
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After dinner, we headed back to our room for our final movie night and snuggles in one big bed. Before picking a movie, we poured through the photo albums given to us, finally having the time and energy to do so. I sobbed as we flipped through the photos which ranged from when Maylee was an infant all the way until now. Many were with her second foster mom and what looks to be a foster brother. My favorite photos though, are of her dol ceremony- her first birthday. Our sweet girl looks so adorable in her hanbok (traditional Korean dress), surrounded by others who celebrated with her. Although we haven't been given many photos of a smiling Maylee, many of the photos in these books show her so so happy, with that big beautiful smile we have come to love so very much.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbYq8zzLpnzYIfmtNKCHr1YbW3rv9cxnf5pPid8rKbOu5FD14jVAGHO5UrSzXSR-kadYEaSh_kaQK0G8XjG35cehZgFsmJcy6SDE6wdnP-whuapGyZB0BMofA-NunNjvTNKhINmwFwZ3Q/s1600/IMG_5025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbYq8zzLpnzYIfmtNKCHr1YbW3rv9cxnf5pPid8rKbOu5FD14jVAGHO5UrSzXSR-kadYEaSh_kaQK0G8XjG35cehZgFsmJcy6SDE6wdnP-whuapGyZB0BMofA-NunNjvTNKhINmwFwZ3Q/s200/IMG_5025.JPG" width="200" /></a>Looking through these photos was such a blessing and so emotionally draining on our last night here. It made me long for her more than before and sad for all the moments we have missed. I am so thankful to both of Maylee's foster families for sending us such cherished gifts. We are so blessed to have them, but for Maylee they will be an invaluable connection to her roots and her memories of her first home, here in Korea. Although she is little, we hope with all our might that we can help her preserve as many of her memories here as possible and these photos will help.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyl8BW13Fe7kk8Ausfgvs52LR-cM69CIUYipYbg3r1g4EHQOlsCCwk5DHMtoxUqcMhbhyApB7wyhRWGeox-Y-i6qwaPvnOByk_M4_X2TNShp0Wj3W29PMFJLU_VS4Scuq2TpD_jZP_17Q/s1600/IMG_5028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyl8BW13Fe7kk8Ausfgvs52LR-cM69CIUYipYbg3r1g4EHQOlsCCwk5DHMtoxUqcMhbhyApB7wyhRWGeox-Y-i6qwaPvnOByk_M4_X2TNShp0Wj3W29PMFJLU_VS4Scuq2TpD_jZP_17Q/s200/IMG_5028.JPG" width="150" /></a><br />
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We woke up today to clearest view we have seen since arriving 12 days ago. The mountains that circle this beautiful city are gorgeous and Seoul Tower has been a constant. We will miss so much of Seoul. We will miss the food, culture, people, and most of all our sweet Maylee Grace and her incredible foster family. We are the luckiest family on the planet!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwKRC_y-4akzW2SjiRK2Q5Kp0Yn5MPMBNiun7OVZyjY4HxJZCxwQwRCt1u-LlNJhNiUy983juFt6gLbx7uY1FNk2mTbhhPKXnf4QKEeQolt9wkXUStAnirjnXeBKfz5KFoCzJdEqeuObk/s1600/IMG_5026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwKRC_y-4akzW2SjiRK2Q5Kp0Yn5MPMBNiun7OVZyjY4HxJZCxwQwRCt1u-LlNJhNiUy983juFt6gLbx7uY1FNk2mTbhhPKXnf4QKEeQolt9wkXUStAnirjnXeBKfz5KFoCzJdEqeuObk/s200/IMG_5026.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
We are packing up the room that has been our home for nearly two weeks. We are so excited to see our pets, our family and our friends. Although we will miss so very much of our time here, we are ready to be home. Ready to make our final preparations for our girl to come home. I am ready to wrap up my time in my classroom, sharing as much time, energy and focus as I can with my students who I miss tremendously while on leave.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjctxpO7V806NFZidR9tKJK_z8ofoHVW1v5LnikiWe4US80j7OAGFLGq5jdV1tILX8NJBHKgQnKyyB2EEyJLBmipSTksDHwVtrzcLYMrYLgNE_VdFLne-8MG14D9DJpJ_b0SJjB1t3Bfdo/s1600/IMG_5029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjctxpO7V806NFZidR9tKJK_z8ofoHVW1v5LnikiWe4US80j7OAGFLGq5jdV1tILX8NJBHKgQnKyyB2EEyJLBmipSTksDHwVtrzcLYMrYLgNE_VdFLne-8MG14D9DJpJ_b0SJjB1t3Bfdo/s200/IMG_5029.JPG" width="200" /></a>We are ready to sleep in our own beds and drive and interact with others without a language barrier and make our own meals and have more clothes to chose from, than what was held in our suitcases. These may seem like silly, little things, but they matter to us today.<br />
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Maybe these are the little things that will help our hearts deal with the ocean between us and our daughter. Maybe they will distract us from the struggle we will face as the plane takes us farther, and farther away from our girl. I doubt it will, but at this point, all I can do is hope that we will fill these final weeks with so much fun and love and preparation, and continue to remember that these days are so important to our girl and those who love her here in Korea. I hope.<br />
<br />AbnormalMommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07361641691960809646noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2267863806488209262.post-10385815375627822862018-01-21T15:30:00.000-08:002018-01-21T15:30:43.471-08:00The War Memorial of Korea<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1mSQWt1t5O3mbH6XHaxKTd2blHRr94xwbhPLLxgXawfzvehagjUUBEnFFkfTZjeHZkzfzcamnFfGe1726Z8mquyOCzGo8jhzdV2n_Mp3wt44UW26EP0eL1UFMhJy8OajNhYyNvoWDkDw/s1600/IMG_4955.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1mSQWt1t5O3mbH6XHaxKTd2blHRr94xwbhPLLxgXawfzvehagjUUBEnFFkfTZjeHZkzfzcamnFfGe1726Z8mquyOCzGo8jhzdV2n_Mp3wt44UW26EP0eL1UFMhJy8OajNhYyNvoWDkDw/s200/IMG_4955.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ45WdUTxcckb0t0PkzraCwY5pq95H7eWWLo6PoBX4dOsEpByKkAi946JPUysTPySx-_7s3wRxDr8kJQiDWbCWOfO86cKklBQ9_qQyNZlu1wCNxOu7cH1N-FQZciA7mmV0I0Bjl632nWU/s1600/IMG_4957.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ45WdUTxcckb0t0PkzraCwY5pq95H7eWWLo6PoBX4dOsEpByKkAi946JPUysTPySx-_7s3wRxDr8kJQiDWbCWOfO86cKklBQ9_qQyNZlu1wCNxOu7cH1N-FQZciA7mmV0I0Bjl632nWU/s200/IMG_4957.JPG" width="150" /></a>Yesterday was a very special and exhausting day. We got up early, ate breakfast early, then headed out as soon as we could. Yesterday was our last day in Korea without time constraints, and we knew we wanted to do and see a lot. We headed toward The War Memorial of Korea first. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP5mxQrum2N6u5Sok6ni-mz7Uu3-7EX4iMtHC1KuhMUveiTJ-_HWdd_EsYqFcW0Zj5kEudVAXUBsc_kimAsVVAecBiyAuTMoGKvK-D-debOzweTQzQw0vak3WmEkKn8nGBYS45nghK3bk/s1600/IMG_4958.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP5mxQrum2N6u5Sok6ni-mz7Uu3-7EX4iMtHC1KuhMUveiTJ-_HWdd_EsYqFcW0Zj5kEudVAXUBsc_kimAsVVAecBiyAuTMoGKvK-D-debOzweTQzQw0vak3WmEkKn8nGBYS45nghK3bk/s200/IMG_4958.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjq5VuY8vpSk5VvQWeDu8-6dC3vIUXj0zIUqdUs2MnFgSk2zYf6VM3wW5rqgD7Nm7UszSgl4YF7NEq-6TfPg8rrdYU6Jpo6ZZPieyTr_4YiukbufgYSuM8bmhNaybIjLE91nHVSL5pucA/s1600/IMG_4959.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjq5VuY8vpSk5VvQWeDu8-6dC3vIUXj0zIUqdUs2MnFgSk2zYf6VM3wW5rqgD7Nm7UszSgl4YF7NEq-6TfPg8rrdYU6Jpo6ZZPieyTr_4YiukbufgYSuM8bmhNaybIjLE91nHVSL5pucA/s200/IMG_4959.JPG" width="200" /></a>We had heard really great things about this museum from others who had visited it before, but we had no idea how amazing it would be. We spent over an hour just in the outdoor space. It was 26 degrees, mind you, so an hour straight outside is a pretty big deal. As we walked past the main gate, we noticed a monument that is quite famous. I have seen it in pictures before, but had no idea it was here. It is a huge statue of one soldier holding another at the top of a dome. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiABGZdeRXo5phuQYhJJFdyJmLBYmhe8nDC64qBsWDAwXhAs3OQ7aq8a8MrmvHl2x-SQhd2IzSs95umVPRwa7mUCW5sE9WbVgASzO3UZuisTrSl-an6_kAwdDlqyhPNYy9SWE4CAhwSPuU/s1600/IMG_4960.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiABGZdeRXo5phuQYhJJFdyJmLBYmhe8nDC64qBsWDAwXhAs3OQ7aq8a8MrmvHl2x-SQhd2IzSs95umVPRwa7mUCW5sE9WbVgASzO3UZuisTrSl-an6_kAwdDlqyhPNYy9SWE4CAhwSPuU/s200/IMG_4960.JPG" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhta93Fs0pHAPWrqvbwaaLrfN5S4kJ_QUMqx8P62qsl1kA-tPpm5X6VFZjj-UZW87EdoNhePm_l0PnJL36ZxKatV8eK8ghFEMmebYH49Nqvt6guSVkR71xaBq8q_UHnSdHfaCtrUH6nNkw/s1600/IMG_4962.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhta93Fs0pHAPWrqvbwaaLrfN5S4kJ_QUMqx8P62qsl1kA-tPpm5X6VFZjj-UZW87EdoNhePm_l0PnJL36ZxKatV8eK8ghFEMmebYH49Nqvt6guSVkR71xaBq8q_UHnSdHfaCtrUH6nNkw/s200/IMG_4962.JPG" width="150" /></a>Although it was beautiful, it set the tone for us and even the boys were instantly calmer, ready to learn. Inside the dome underneath the statue, was a beautiful mosaic and an etched plate for each country that helped protect South Korea during the Korean War. We continued walking down a long path, which led to another statue depicting soldiers in battle. Again beautiful and heartbreaking. As we continued down the path we noticed a small group of planes, then tanks, then a ship, and it just went on and on. There were rows and rows of military vehicles for us to see. The boys were so excited to see and hear about each one. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCnDl_P6ti59SLFIkvuxuJVGulLUWBc8z_Gq1LQ3wehb1y9PBJaQ5UDxyfUqm1jhE3ffg5nKRsHmsYDHhAQqXoy6qAwN90FU47Uo2_x25xmdsaEyoEjbk9nm92QfKebUNuLOfP_Tl8icQ/s1600/IMG_4968.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCnDl_P6ti59SLFIkvuxuJVGulLUWBc8z_Gq1LQ3wehb1y9PBJaQ5UDxyfUqm1jhE3ffg5nKRsHmsYDHhAQqXoy6qAwN90FU47Uo2_x25xmdsaEyoEjbk9nm92QfKebUNuLOfP_Tl8icQ/s200/IMG_4968.JPG" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGt3jEsBZBhyphenhyphenT9rmWJned5rWkpjUHtMU3fp7arZAtF4auiGsY8B15ZM5OP25LVc6U-XMA98uR36J9mU9vMWhtIaT5t-fss0EL3MFbuuBFhsNyg9Omd3aH6sqdEEAuQYGL3-7G8LjAYlJ4/s1600/IMG_4969.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGt3jEsBZBhyphenhyphenT9rmWJned5rWkpjUHtMU3fp7arZAtF4auiGsY8B15ZM5OP25LVc6U-XMA98uR36J9mU9vMWhtIaT5t-fss0EL3MFbuuBFhsNyg9Omd3aH6sqdEEAuQYGL3-7G8LjAYlJ4/s200/IMG_4969.JPG" width="150" /></a>We started with the planes nearest the path. Some were small and one in particular was huge. Joe loves history and his Grandfather was a POW in the Korean War, so he had loved explaining all he knows as we went from plane to plane. He told them about the different jobs each of the planes had, why they looked different, how parts worked or why they were there. The boys were so interested in learning all they could and asked great questions.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwr8WWqN-mxYG1C76HrOzTRz08ZN6RFlTCsvKZkclxEWrMpYaO0EaAt6BZWBHJj4zzM-DutOPUXWlS7a9BiqDQ-yAt1z8tb5DD3Po0M4Q9pNS76_CAi2aN6LZy0bl53vRP3GVXLXxCB6Q/s1600/IMG_4970.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwr8WWqN-mxYG1C76HrOzTRz08ZN6RFlTCsvKZkclxEWrMpYaO0EaAt6BZWBHJj4zzM-DutOPUXWlS7a9BiqDQ-yAt1z8tb5DD3Po0M4Q9pNS76_CAi2aN6LZy0bl53vRP3GVXLXxCB6Q/s200/IMG_4970.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnmXQMmxOlv0WJihHELzPwFCI7NxWdbZGHFcZf5uUFCSFqspndeNUQKH6JJWBzSMTL0dNA1eELYi-vwguGg0evz6ZpUWCjCoT3s5nQ0YFclBgIxG37SaCInRMoXn7bnFDoBZ2kQdvGHI8/s1600/IMG_4972.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnmXQMmxOlv0WJihHELzPwFCI7NxWdbZGHFcZf5uUFCSFqspndeNUQKH6JJWBzSMTL0dNA1eELYi-vwguGg0evz6ZpUWCjCoT3s5nQ0YFclBgIxG37SaCInRMoXn7bnFDoBZ2kQdvGHI8/s200/IMG_4972.JPG" width="150" /></a>The one thing they wanted to spend the most time exploring was the battle ship that was on display. It was a replica of a South Korean war ship, which had been attacked. The most powerful thing about this ship, is that each area where damage was done was identified with a hole and a red border. It was horrifying to see just how many there were and how many of them would have been where soldiers would have been. Although the boys were extremely interested, they were also very thoughtful about the impact of all they were seeing. Asking real, hard questions, with real, hard answers.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXjmXFgbAcBJ9EkrHa5f_8rR-8K5NPuzUKvxFi_SJw82P0DyAV7ChuhwAnuYMC24ZjKixFA0doUGCOIh1KAk8sYPgvWD4zsPVcuSo_qvBQgg5VifHfpQoTNpgzQ3hiqUzGNogbSPi4w_g/s1600/IMG_4974.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXjmXFgbAcBJ9EkrHa5f_8rR-8K5NPuzUKvxFi_SJw82P0DyAV7ChuhwAnuYMC24ZjKixFA0doUGCOIh1KAk8sYPgvWD4zsPVcuSo_qvBQgg5VifHfpQoTNpgzQ3hiqUzGNogbSPi4w_g/s200/IMG_4974.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh7SEX2su8NO79Q21tNVuDDnm_4CgKQfJtaMmVc_GbeNR7GJRI6CI7drTbcdWEjE22INmSLMtpqyLDl-s2WlzW2ywYF_If0I-cQP9Jzk4eptm_R5CQ2nB9OZgKddtGtZ1fDdG4GtnizgM/s1600/IMG_4975.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh7SEX2su8NO79Q21tNVuDDnm_4CgKQfJtaMmVc_GbeNR7GJRI6CI7drTbcdWEjE22INmSLMtpqyLDl-s2WlzW2ywYF_If0I-cQP9Jzk4eptm_R5CQ2nB9OZgKddtGtZ1fDdG4GtnizgM/s200/IMG_4975.JPG" width="200" /></a>After the ship we continued on looking at the rows of tanks and weapon launchers. The boys bounced around, guessing at how each on worked and what the parts would do. This was about the time when we were losing feeling in our fingers and toes, so we headed back toward the main entrance to the museum. As we reached the building, we walked through a hall filled with the names of South Koreans who had lost their lives in the war. It was hard to explain this to the boys. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimw2AKCN2nXwgS_4WCksHGEBzqGS9PGCek_liIdu8-6ncpAYttr7Teshb6mKfyC380ICJnb8DmMNg8YQGdIUERK8YCKCAW_-yuGg40cYcOcbApUiA9QuskQePoJCIZ78DfLsMNYkDLplM/s1600/IMG_4976.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimw2AKCN2nXwgS_4WCksHGEBzqGS9PGCek_liIdu8-6ncpAYttr7Teshb6mKfyC380ICJnb8DmMNg8YQGdIUERK8YCKCAW_-yuGg40cYcOcbApUiA9QuskQePoJCIZ78DfLsMNYkDLplM/s200/IMG_4976.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD_tXH9exoTnFZZ1Ko7FCdcqyLqSvDqZ51Ksn44y8qwvDOd37ZXdRt3hyphenhyphenkf6zZ0Yu8uK2mNrG3ygJI3GrqCozk9Q6Jcd_H0EZvhPnTUJ6Up4tBiUQZxmCDcJmjxjzRbppRFrA_Yqnw0cg/s1600/IMG_4977.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD_tXH9exoTnFZZ1Ko7FCdcqyLqSvDqZ51Ksn44y8qwvDOd37ZXdRt3hyphenhyphenkf6zZ0Yu8uK2mNrG3ygJI3GrqCozk9Q6Jcd_H0EZvhPnTUJ6Up4tBiUQZxmCDcJmjxjzRbppRFrA_Yqnw0cg/s200/IMG_4977.JPG" width="150" /></a>Then we turned the corner and found ourselves in an identical hall. This one filled with the names of soldiers from other countries who also lost their lives. Each American state had their own list, showing just how many men fought and died for our friends in South Korea. About three fourths of the way down the hall, other countries were listed. There were names from many European countries, but also places that surprised us like Ethiopia, Thialand and Columbia. Many of the names had flowers beside them or at the base of the monument. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXAPLi7SGQLBj3prvMurGFlUBPVc6mY_lMW3HOrk7p0JJU3zt9gMkiCXdfXQ1q28V_pTjf5k0YbTZa2FIGuFwATXBVyxWexsPcLeKcr954vm0cQW0OtWSKXz0CpAPQQGwAHvPfBnZMzHA/s1600/IMG_4980.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXAPLi7SGQLBj3prvMurGFlUBPVc6mY_lMW3HOrk7p0JJU3zt9gMkiCXdfXQ1q28V_pTjf5k0YbTZa2FIGuFwATXBVyxWexsPcLeKcr954vm0cQW0OtWSKXz0CpAPQQGwAHvPfBnZMzHA/s200/IMG_4980.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRbmQIUSOvqE0EY8tmMTChmdjL1OSH9rueP7s4iVZqetqopbUShV0wS9KDoNnWdOmwEuefks6IzWinwzYcw2kbQmEY0fDaqQaKYnd5snKZ2CNpvHYIDYmA0lhhvqiE92IN8_rd7C5Yxe0/s1600/IMG_4978.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRbmQIUSOvqE0EY8tmMTChmdjL1OSH9rueP7s4iVZqetqopbUShV0wS9KDoNnWdOmwEuefks6IzWinwzYcw2kbQmEY0fDaqQaKYnd5snKZ2CNpvHYIDYmA0lhhvqiE92IN8_rd7C5Yxe0/s200/IMG_4978.JPG" width="200" /></a>Entering the museum was a bit overwhelming. We chose a side and went down the hall. This hall was lined with ever piece of ammunition used in the war. Bullets, missiles, hand grenades, thousands of them. Then we were in another area of vehicles- small planes and fancy cars, one was a gift from President Eisenhower to the first South Korean President. It was an armored Cadillac. Next came a row of communication devices used throughout the war.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjapXj91MwZjhFi9AKbS9W8PflNHLDr4nyTrosS-kJHxORrUvilI3GyPwEdAnONFic6rxwOAcY-zRMT8qySfj92efAYQxfZf3dmE-Lezl5cp0VO41BFFKbolOu5Qhd8-Xs06KYeMbW5i2A/s1600/IMG_4984.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjapXj91MwZjhFi9AKbS9W8PflNHLDr4nyTrosS-kJHxORrUvilI3GyPwEdAnONFic6rxwOAcY-zRMT8qySfj92efAYQxfZf3dmE-Lezl5cp0VO41BFFKbolOu5Qhd8-Xs06KYeMbW5i2A/s200/IMG_4984.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgahML845fmDz0jbrXPaP479Zl_gtg3IWSZrLxs91qPqXV5ZEzfY0WfREiDs1wipZNjHFlpnckXzObgp7BBx6Ck2eAe-Ddd3YZTlFrmsGEyPtxZLgilI2AcRG9FHbWvw22BSjqr2cisNm4/s1600/IMG_4981.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgahML845fmDz0jbrXPaP479Zl_gtg3IWSZrLxs91qPqXV5ZEzfY0WfREiDs1wipZNjHFlpnckXzObgp7BBx6Ck2eAe-Ddd3YZTlFrmsGEyPtxZLgilI2AcRG9FHbWvw22BSjqr2cisNm4/s200/IMG_4981.JPG" width="200" /></a>Next, we went down the into the dark hall in the middle of the main hall. This area was somber and sad. We walked down a hall and into a dark room with a large black fountain. It was so peaceful, yet incredibly sad. Even the boys could tell that this was a very meaningful and powerful place and wandered the room in silence, only asking questions in whispers. This room led us down a hall and into an area of the museum where the history of Korea, and later South Korea, and their fight to remain a free and independent country. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN-FUggREJomf_a_92nwo3Q7FCfVx43cWLfNKZ2FxNzi9LgLst7VCyneexKBagKS1LssE6ozeuUqTmjXRvb_32znpCAWzd0dEFtjHVQvnHlhNHblYLmig6NfrkSsaYxhArfLI4J3h5sh4/s1600/IMG_4985.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN-FUggREJomf_a_92nwo3Q7FCfVx43cWLfNKZ2FxNzi9LgLst7VCyneexKBagKS1LssE6ozeuUqTmjXRvb_32znpCAWzd0dEFtjHVQvnHlhNHblYLmig6NfrkSsaYxhArfLI4J3h5sh4/s200/IMG_4985.JPG" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOSyTUB8KIDR_unOtaUXL2O7JLud5zTD3jqGKWrmgy45tysQk5FRRRRfxwJUBLvDRW71r4hzuk9vNjqUI16QOK7wzzQSYReD1nUqi7ZNV9pVcTYnFmpQ6wCRIUhoTaD3A7o1ks3g3hlQE/s1600/IMG_4982.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOSyTUB8KIDR_unOtaUXL2O7JLud5zTD3jqGKWrmgy45tysQk5FRRRRfxwJUBLvDRW71r4hzuk9vNjqUI16QOK7wzzQSYReD1nUqi7ZNV9pVcTYnFmpQ6wCRIUhoTaD3A7o1ks3g3hlQE/s200/IMG_4982.JPG" width="150" /></a>We wandered through the maze of artifacts for about another hour, then realized we would never have the energy to see it all. We decided to head to our next destination- Insadong for more shopping and a late lunch. We have heard that there are indoor play cafes all over Seoul and thought we would try to find one. The boys had been so calm and reserved all morning and we wanted to let them get some energy out. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnVXPtlmqj4eLBI9TPGXLyFA9L3XFPXCUZE4pO3iIIJPuNuLokE-isPAKzRblGBvM2IZGk9Jh_I79_HRytoDWmZkHd38CiA3A3CTFPZnPUXGPqFCWUKGqaOgl2eOuPTTWlEaCBcCr_A0s/s1600/IMG_4988.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnVXPtlmqj4eLBI9TPGXLyFA9L3XFPXCUZE4pO3iIIJPuNuLokE-isPAKzRblGBvM2IZGk9Jh_I79_HRytoDWmZkHd38CiA3A3CTFPZnPUXGPqFCWUKGqaOgl2eOuPTTWlEaCBcCr_A0s/s200/IMG_4988.JPG" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZq9ICJFBK6i72ZdDb9xmTIftgW2ZllG8abVmTQa2lf30VZEEumklC26b2cSXmQbClSMZQ2zogEfU0pXbd-RO2hfNQAjzIFMRW_DPtm2c6Xe4yLlcyzyC-ThTcjsQnqBgSqq540gHbYEs/s1600/IMG_4987.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZq9ICJFBK6i72ZdDb9xmTIftgW2ZllG8abVmTQa2lf30VZEEumklC26b2cSXmQbClSMZQ2zogEfU0pXbd-RO2hfNQAjzIFMRW_DPtm2c6Xe4yLlcyzyC-ThTcjsQnqBgSqq540gHbYEs/s200/IMG_4987.JPG" width="150" /></a>We found one on the CityMapper app, which was only a ten minute walk from Insadong, so we headed that way. What was supposed to be a ten minute walk, turned into a twenty minute walk and we when we reached the place on the map, we were told there was no play cafe near. Exhausted and hungry, we took the subway back to Insadong, the boys very unhappy about missing out on the play cafe experience. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwtxRJ4cRsBIwxf7iokkiUj__ByK_xIjgVysVVgqJzAtN5VTJv9SmR9U0SjzGUxpbF2uM-m948PFRd-JtCas61NSK42VxQqy_rmjq9RMauTdD1fbMDBKk90sc_-xe9cKRNgjgRXmnCfBc/s1600/IMG_4991.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwtxRJ4cRsBIwxf7iokkiUj__ByK_xIjgVysVVgqJzAtN5VTJv9SmR9U0SjzGUxpbF2uM-m948PFRd-JtCas61NSK42VxQqy_rmjq9RMauTdD1fbMDBKk90sc_-xe9cKRNgjgRXmnCfBc/s200/IMG_4991.JPG" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFQavyGRXPoWmWJKeiR1A-OzSpkYdNWRSf7uM0692f_s0Q3t9cnsG-1yQg0PF0738ZM8fXnhBNoCxxM6hRyLHbphymhEjkQkJmwWfsYX3a0cb9DCyw9TopgGyPouwtshl9A8Tsaicavcw/s1600/IMG_4989.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFQavyGRXPoWmWJKeiR1A-OzSpkYdNWRSf7uM0692f_s0Q3t9cnsG-1yQg0PF0738ZM8fXnhBNoCxxM6hRyLHbphymhEjkQkJmwWfsYX3a0cb9DCyw9TopgGyPouwtshl9A8Tsaicavcw/s200/IMG_4989.JPG" width="150" /></a>Luckily for us, the Poop Cafe was close by! We walked in the door and the boys were so happy that their frustrations and sadness was gone. We ordered four hot chocolates and Joe went out to the Poop Bread vendor right outside the cafe and got us each a chocolate filled poop bread. It was just what we needed! </div>
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We finished our shopping, then headed back to the subway, stopping for roasted chestnuts and another egg bread. We also stopped at a vendor selling hand painted fans. He then handed us a paper filled with awards he has received from all over the world. He then painted Nolan and Maylee's names in Korean on their fans (Liam didn't want one, but picked out Maylee's for her room). He also painted the characters for Insadong and signed and stamped each one with his name. What an experience!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvNDWQQqsBisZTqnHzs75ZF29_wLzIurBSO_l0hxmdmiIPECAE2XlXsZqYZtBoM3O9sSYWdD6MofU9o3YI6IsoLSt7v2AX6LzC1ByiNOIqU784QxEf4zKH8UFYEg-DsOeBEF7iwu4pfCA/s1600/IMG_4992.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvNDWQQqsBisZTqnHzs75ZF29_wLzIurBSO_l0hxmdmiIPECAE2XlXsZqYZtBoM3O9sSYWdD6MofU9o3YI6IsoLSt7v2AX6LzC1ByiNOIqU784QxEf4zKH8UFYEg-DsOeBEF7iwu4pfCA/s200/IMG_4992.JPG" width="150" /></a></div>
AbnormalMommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07361641691960809646noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2267863806488209262.post-58005482833616038022018-01-21T01:26:00.003-08:002018-01-22T19:52:09.540-08:00The (Almost) Four Market Loop<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtJGrZnNPA9KxZG87YIjIdlXFttPPUaBbc22C8UFc7e2-2iIeOu27Gs1-LhW8uQ-E57K88BGhgcX02VVPHfHW_fzYjOEm-6pKVg1jza3qsf9GxbFZ69XSi5v9XFFTOSpwGST6PMwaiKuI/s1600/IMG_4940.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtJGrZnNPA9KxZG87YIjIdlXFttPPUaBbc22C8UFc7e2-2iIeOu27Gs1-LhW8uQ-E57K88BGhgcX02VVPHfHW_fzYjOEm-6pKVg1jza3qsf9GxbFZ69XSi5v9XFFTOSpwGST6PMwaiKuI/s200/IMG_4940.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Myeongdong Market</td></tr>
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Yesterday we planned to make a subway loop that would include four of the most famous street markets in Seoul. We began our day much later than usual and regretted it when we reached our hotel's restaurant. Before that morning we had not waited a single minute to be seated, but at 9 am on Saturday, this was not the case. After breakfast, we went back to our room to gather our things for the day ahead, then headed to the subway.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7sYtQN6qXt7FuwvTBjVof8n3iUMoYz_3Ny9hyBaMNG5Az41sVlhzQdGx82j37pRPeWZUorMpSF3z0DRYwoz36A3y5IDeSvMCAjTmFa1EDOjxG8hEuqUZ8-ryl4NfGmcLsk1MgykjgxkM/s1600/IMG_4943.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7sYtQN6qXt7FuwvTBjVof8n3iUMoYz_3Ny9hyBaMNG5Az41sVlhzQdGx82j37pRPeWZUorMpSF3z0DRYwoz36A3y5IDeSvMCAjTmFa1EDOjxG8hEuqUZ8-ryl4NfGmcLsk1MgykjgxkM/s200/IMG_4943.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="150" /></a>Our first stop was a return visit to Namdaemun to take a better look at the children's section of the market. I could have spent days there, pouring through shop after shop of adorable kiddo clothes and shoes. Unfortunately for me, and fortunately for my bank account, my boys were not having it. We did spend a considerable amount of time sorting through the shops looking for some special items.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQI_BUIvz041Rvin2K3-ydnmIHdP4EX88JgALuw_Hsj13-aqqA9Xre8qaoYRdZp4ngHkua8TFOE5Gi8FHpSmif2lDoBOzz3YJMIS2XyRiuNAq1YD-Cu88Ix9fttDP-lt4UbokyBy7t9H8/s1600/IMG_4945.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQI_BUIvz041Rvin2K3-ydnmIHdP4EX88JgALuw_Hsj13-aqqA9Xre8qaoYRdZp4ngHkua8TFOE5Gi8FHpSmif2lDoBOzz3YJMIS2XyRiuNAq1YD-Cu88Ix9fttDP-lt4UbokyBy7t9H8/s200/IMG_4945.JPG" width="150" /></a>*I have already let Joe know that when I return for custody, I will be purchasing a great deal more, so he is prepared.<br />
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After Namdaemun, we decided to walk to Myeongdong. Namdaemun is a traditional street market, with a lot of street vendors, street food, and transitional/handmade items. Myeongdong is quite the opposite. It is more of a modern, outdoor mall. There are still some street vendors and some street food options, however, most are indoors and the items to buy are mostly clothing and skincare products. We walked through the market for a bit, but many of the shops repeat, so it didn't take us long to decide it was time to move on.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwZ4tmI7BBvHX65yrZueNvqxixW9GYPWJamC4t291Ovs4PGidV-QWXZqtJgcfgvK6VFN5ArqDaEMb5T9dfwwRUIbWz31FFNMtge4-yh6NV8yQ5tBkYLzBFaNjAdm_8XDO4K8-KFyXzAZI/s1600/IMG_4950.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwZ4tmI7BBvHX65yrZueNvqxixW9GYPWJamC4t291Ovs4PGidV-QWXZqtJgcfgvK6VFN5ArqDaEMb5T9dfwwRUIbWz31FFNMtge4-yh6NV8yQ5tBkYLzBFaNjAdm_8XDO4K8-KFyXzAZI/s200/IMG_4950.JPG" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnBpbuCWc64O29phw02DmfOxPf53IYb7mgEqEeg0L805Pypi7cUFK7XdHuFsMTt5tIzSToDpxT2j6HK3gwekWFS8AkT-4VK_Xs-RSnoB3UzjF64q8G4D7OOULSJ7G48ns9k1cl_qejRTQ/s1600/IMG_4946.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnBpbuCWc64O29phw02DmfOxPf53IYb7mgEqEeg0L805Pypi7cUFK7XdHuFsMTt5tIzSToDpxT2j6HK3gwekWFS8AkT-4VK_Xs-RSnoB3UzjF64q8G4D7OOULSJ7G48ns9k1cl_qejRTQ/s200/IMG_4946.JPG" width="150" /></a>Before leaving, we did find a candy store, which the boys had been searching and they did find some Kogo (Korean corn dogs). Liam got one filled with cheese and Nolan picked a sausage with a crunchy outer coating. We also had to get Oreo churros to share- obviously not Korean, but delicious just the same. Our next stop, Dongdaemun, which was too far to walk, so we hoped back on the subway.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL7EHPmSHP98Yi0rzL3JKaag9MtMwdd4koWZF26-mAR5oRzBadDRKT03O5AqrYKPj_dnHNpvB3VYtc8P3tzkc0q8zFrrb7B-eHQYCPSEKBNQKVu-VlY0R1_PEIrtfn1IrnbCqXv-Nf7cQ/s1600/IMG_4951.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL7EHPmSHP98Yi0rzL3JKaag9MtMwdd4koWZF26-mAR5oRzBadDRKT03O5AqrYKPj_dnHNpvB3VYtc8P3tzkc0q8zFrrb7B-eHQYCPSEKBNQKVu-VlY0R1_PEIrtfn1IrnbCqXv-Nf7cQ/s200/IMG_4951.JPG" width="150" /></a>We noticed that the last two stops before Dongdaemun were pretty close together, so we got off the subway a stop early to get a little extra walking in. We came out of the subway station to find ourselves surrounded by the Dongdaemun History and Culture Park. The architecture was amazing and we found several fun things to stop and look at.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8VAsIlfgFRrLTk0OLeDO0dKWp71uTOsYlEOqCxSGkSresCxv4S-7cUz1TdcWHDqBFCKWGRka6Ve8mJK39eYOR-dsVjFDqD0TLsHD5DmtCwdSL9EghhphP9f_DfrcPGWdc7gt2PKDWPVg/s1600/IMG_4994.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8VAsIlfgFRrLTk0OLeDO0dKWp71uTOsYlEOqCxSGkSresCxv4S-7cUz1TdcWHDqBFCKWGRka6Ve8mJK39eYOR-dsVjFDqD0TLsHD5DmtCwdSL9EghhphP9f_DfrcPGWdc7gt2PKDWPVg/s200/IMG_4994.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh29rU_Mu8OQnjLk-chEf8NaydU7Q6_s0cAdwp2KNFr4CZwGKPaIJIIDgnbLS4dObP1nw3xXUZCwO18_zg8ZlOAUItIKrettJN6k0n616v932WBvThBv_Y5HCXPQC-2a00WFtQkhY3hNWI/s1600/IMG_4953.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh29rU_Mu8OQnjLk-chEf8NaydU7Q6_s0cAdwp2KNFr4CZwGKPaIJIIDgnbLS4dObP1nw3xXUZCwO18_zg8ZlOAUItIKrettJN6k0n616v932WBvThBv_Y5HCXPQC-2a00WFtQkhY3hNWI/s200/IMG_4953.JPG" width="150" /></a>After a bit of exploring in this area, we started walking in the direction of Dongdaemun. We noticed one particular street, where both sides of the street were lined with vendors. We walked up one side, then walked back down the other. This is where I found my second favorite pair of shoes for Maylee. We continued on toward our destination, stopping at a vendor with the most delicious peanut shaped deliciousness.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW1gjhyaCHnaE6bVlpuzPSQZLTYdiYS7SXw1QbU24RDncwifooOazr45aGYiqrGmLWvNQndqoom9nQzgRKa68oG9eRqqxkg_3OuE5nrF5aMnCgjXn87OYRmnI4r_-WLMAINYwGXYNh8vo/s1600/IMG_4954.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW1gjhyaCHnaE6bVlpuzPSQZLTYdiYS7SXw1QbU24RDncwifooOazr45aGYiqrGmLWvNQndqoom9nQzgRKa68oG9eRqqxkg_3OuE5nrF5aMnCgjXn87OYRmnI4r_-WLMAINYwGXYNh8vo/s200/IMG_4954.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Toy Alley!</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3V6GbiWt1YdzHD6v45HsYm0N1rRDud3P6ZgQe8UKpSPG5eSQZoKHrIKeH_9PXCHdx10ts95G8I7zM8UuCnEBHCpIo2VN1gpEemlygMXwVu1MQa91S8xK778XTGfxtXVz6McAs57RRSd8/s1600/IMG_4993.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3V6GbiWt1YdzHD6v45HsYm0N1rRDud3P6ZgQe8UKpSPG5eSQZoKHrIKeH_9PXCHdx10ts95G8I7zM8UuCnEBHCpIo2VN1gpEemlygMXwVu1MQa91S8xK778XTGfxtXVz6McAs57RRSd8/s200/IMG_4993.JPG" width="150" /></a>We were now on the hunt for the elusive "Toy Alley". According to others who have been there, Toy Alley is the best place to go to find fun things for your children. The boys have spent the last week begging to find it. It took some time, but we found it. Boy, did it ever live up to it's name! Toys everywhere! The prices were not overly low, but they were at least typical for US prices and the boys had waited so long, that we let them each pick two things. We made it less than halfway down the alley, when they had both decided on their chosen items.<br />
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We were still planning to make it back to Insadong, but we were all so hungry and exhausted that we decided to put it off a day. I'm glad that we did, because by the time we ate dinner and got pjs on, we were all out pretty quickly. All that walking wore us out!AbnormalMommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07361641691960809646noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2267863806488209262.post-7678364602435868382018-01-20T00:46:00.002-08:002018-01-20T00:49:03.149-08:00A Tour Guide Named Hubert<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDTV7dp4JT47xoZYxRUvefO9_cW8Loet1Au0VqtDZFsHKZ020aYj1ba5I2IRyKhZU_Nc3DAgB8vTboEQ9UTsDMYv3Gfu_rKEtJPYU3LhxbSCiws9qMedQ24SFbY22tmLWLRx9rubBMhsc/s1600/IMG_4917.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDTV7dp4JT47xoZYxRUvefO9_cW8Loet1Au0VqtDZFsHKZ020aYj1ba5I2IRyKhZU_Nc3DAgB8vTboEQ9UTsDMYv3Gfu_rKEtJPYU3LhxbSCiws9qMedQ24SFbY22tmLWLRx9rubBMhsc/s200/IMG_4917.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Outside the palace walls</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhea87CY0wzSpeP99e1ioJF5bUTIvQhhP6vVoseoRJQWCubOynxiKBZgopgGQQQKrKEKgtUoz90WY_z_zzuOBU9ihTCGGSA9-9WEuFm94h6OWdXbF7A3cZ4Y5v4SKXcro6er6VTipxAjGg/s1600/IMG_4919.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhea87CY0wzSpeP99e1ioJF5bUTIvQhhP6vVoseoRJQWCubOynxiKBZgopgGQQQKrKEKgtUoz90WY_z_zzuOBU9ihTCGGSA9-9WEuFm94h6OWdXbF7A3cZ4Y5v4SKXcro6er6VTipxAjGg/s200/IMG_4919.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So beautiful!</td></tr>
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As part of the travel fee for the Holt Korea program, a guided tour is offered to each of the families while they are in Korea for court. Our tour was yesterday. We were scheduled to meet our tour guide in the lobby of our hotel at 9:30, so we took the morning slow. As soon as we exited the elevator in our lobby a young man walked up to us, asking for Joseph Oliver (I love that they use our middle names). After introductions, we headed down to the subway and from there to the Gyeongbokgung Palace.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip4YUi7mHJ5ms0OEqk61u64CD3fdvRU9ohqGkUs3VqQP_3K6jz97s3wYQVjhUpdRROlkQ3Tv-qwzvbl0OqYu5E5jLw_rdJ5mpuJlGvt8CXLfqW9Jza1ZYDdqBdozmBOet1602T3ETc4oM/s1600/IMG_4921.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip4YUi7mHJ5ms0OEqk61u64CD3fdvRU9ohqGkUs3VqQP_3K6jz97s3wYQVjhUpdRROlkQ3Tv-qwzvbl0OqYu5E5jLw_rdJ5mpuJlGvt8CXLfqW9Jza1ZYDdqBdozmBOet1602T3ETc4oM/s200/IMG_4921.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A history lesson</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguid005knkVpM4l70zpmGRaiVc900NVqkkSjNOCF_EatIwF5WWP2gCrae6uA_ecOoPrMXIL1BrtoLIMI22CRj4l9wxFA_GvbMAfyjjK-Q9Fg2x8XIVJbv14c871shyphenhyphenLgMTFEwfTygWexM/s1600/IMG_4920.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguid005knkVpM4l70zpmGRaiVc900NVqkkSjNOCF_EatIwF5WWP2gCrae6uA_ecOoPrMXIL1BrtoLIMI22CRj4l9wxFA_GvbMAfyjjK-Q9Fg2x8XIVJbv14c871shyphenhyphenLgMTFEwfTygWexM/s200/IMG_4920.JPG" width="200" /></a>It was a beautiful, beautiful place. Nestled right in the middle of the hustle and bustle of the city is the most peaceful and ancient set of buildings and grounds. Our guide knew so much about this history of site and the people who spent time there. Although he tried very hard to keep the attention of the boys, and sometimes did, he continued to share important facts and events with Joe and I as we wandered from building to building. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkBAQG1cdBke02TYnh1z_AxkXSzfcF-sFen5gyn7hpxKMUw8ZPdTigR_jALGLBtc7RvExcd2yrLCbfBuZU8PgamR5pNhst-jb19UIHDZZ-Pdl4kXErkufsjR75Ll30WoegPuXgKakXDRg/s1600/IMG_4922.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkBAQG1cdBke02TYnh1z_AxkXSzfcF-sFen5gyn7hpxKMUw8ZPdTigR_jALGLBtc7RvExcd2yrLCbfBuZU8PgamR5pNhst-jb19UIHDZZ-Pdl4kXErkufsjR75Ll30WoegPuXgKakXDRg/s200/IMG_4922.JPG" width="150" /></a>We were there for what seemed like an hour, but what was really two and a half. No wonder we were all starving! Hubert then took us to the restaurant right outside the palace walls, where we had traditional Korean meal which used some of the same recipes eaten by the ancient kings who lived in the palace. It was delicious! Our tour guide suggested I try the bibimbap. I have had this before in the U.S., but it has never tasted this good. Liam had his favorite, Japchae and Joe and Nolan shared a beef stake with a rice cake and veggies. Everyone loved what they had and we ended our meal with a dessert waffle with chocolate sauce, some sort of fruit sauce, honey and frozen blueberries on top. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Sdwf4rPz1Q-YJkhoNh2yW67ufJiPNtxU1uPMYND4AFShyphenhyphenIM89HiVaWMHo9L2HeWjEqVRe6ImUuuYot2Ta5m6IRll4Ay5Nn0WxnPLayEdmAze1C9BpuJj4DiUliO10Oq8f-xqNw1cRJU/s1600/IMG_4930.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Sdwf4rPz1Q-YJkhoNh2yW67ufJiPNtxU1uPMYND4AFShyphenhyphenIM89HiVaWMHo9L2HeWjEqVRe6ImUuuYot2Ta5m6IRll4Ay5Nn0WxnPLayEdmAze1C9BpuJj4DiUliO10Oq8f-xqNw1cRJU/s200/IMG_4930.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hubert!</td></tr>
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While eating lunch, Hubert, Joe and I had a great conversation about the political struggles that Korea and the US are facing in the coming years. Since we discussed our shared concerns, Hubert decided to take us to Gwanghwamun Plaza. According to Hubert, this is where all political action by Korean citizens begins. This is where historical protests have been and where the charge to impeach their last president began. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisfwN6j2vC_SoQGiNHsjkbrEDAzayagAht1KIlfUzbZmLjkczFWRUDJ_60MRw04-MMsz7z8AclDJaVEC-pNQNyFXc5hSv5Vqge_EGrohy3DA5igrD9uyYb9ZbmKRwqnjWl1CkAVMQtzNQ/s1600/IMG_4933.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisfwN6j2vC_SoQGiNHsjkbrEDAzayagAht1KIlfUzbZmLjkczFWRUDJ_60MRw04-MMsz7z8AclDJaVEC-pNQNyFXc5hSv5Vqge_EGrohy3DA5igrD9uyYb9ZbmKRwqnjWl1CkAVMQtzNQ/s200/IMG_4933.JPG" width="150" /></a>While there, we also saw the huge statue of King Sejong the Great and Hubert taught us (I use the word taught very loosely) the Korean alphabet. It was incredibly interesting to be on this square as it was the only area in which we have seen a huge police presence. There were dozens of them lining a building with a large wall and barbed wire. On the ally way next to the building, were several police buses. We later found out that this building was the US embassy and that this police presence is a typical occurrence- thank goodness.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL1AKSmGMCPetPFE37claDHtWZTEx3oft5bw8vEkY7luIodtZZF3JW7m0Xdl90PhhoRPY_BatT-T4rykygn5pspz1o95p26QHeB6nF3MSCcaZXw-UG-c5wo9qW3Wdzpyw1anOzf6ILRjE/s1600/IMG_4936.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL1AKSmGMCPetPFE37claDHtWZTEx3oft5bw8vEkY7luIodtZZF3JW7m0Xdl90PhhoRPY_BatT-T4rykygn5pspz1o95p26QHeB6nF3MSCcaZXw-UG-c5wo9qW3Wdzpyw1anOzf6ILRjE/s200/IMG_4936.JPG" width="150" /></a>On that note, we have never felt safer than here in Seoul. In the last week, we have only seen a handful of police officers and have not had a single moment of being uncomfortable- unless you count when older women and men insist on touching our children, especially the older gentleman that picked Nolan up and put him on his lap on the subway. Otherwise, we feel totally secure walking the streets of every area, at every time of day. It is so refreshing!</div>
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After visiting the square, it was time to head back to our hotel and say goodbye to Hubert. Before he left, we gave him a bag full of items from Oregon as a thank you gift. He was extremely thankful that we had thought of him and given him a gift. We took several photos together and he headed down to the subway, as we headed back to our room.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAq6GW04b1kvn7yH_mdMuzaCOFQE9D1rid5CJ-1XAr_s-CRHPJn4gd6WCQTm4L8B4qekBf-nVVjg_yikQE5SwiZEecX1sGp1QGDU1wxA5D0cbTF9TLTQMVUL5Xhsoy81HC3OzpOtEjpIo/s1600/IMG_4937.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAq6GW04b1kvn7yH_mdMuzaCOFQE9D1rid5CJ-1XAr_s-CRHPJn4gd6WCQTm4L8B4qekBf-nVVjg_yikQE5SwiZEecX1sGp1QGDU1wxA5D0cbTF9TLTQMVUL5Xhsoy81HC3OzpOtEjpIo/s200/IMG_4937.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqp5Q5hElpPlPswxwQocSKopaVt4P27i3EmJ5MftOkwKT7SrJtqBaRF4TTdY9S34lF8VsQ3Y8czGY-wVRlrKoaXs7YmD1ka7ZPBpVsPTQg2qeBghi3ZjOo1Q9fcYwkf8BexpvNEdWecO8/s1600/IMG_4934.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqp5Q5hElpPlPswxwQocSKopaVt4P27i3EmJ5MftOkwKT7SrJtqBaRF4TTdY9S34lF8VsQ3Y8czGY-wVRlrKoaXs7YmD1ka7ZPBpVsPTQg2qeBghi3ZjOo1Q9fcYwkf8BexpvNEdWecO8/s200/IMG_4934.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from the pool</td></tr>
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After resting for a bit, the boys talked us into another visit to the pool. Guess what?! Purple caps! I actually got a picture this time. The boys swam for a bit, then we decided to get ready for dinner. Once again we headed down to the mall for a quick and easy dinner. We love our hotel and we wish that there were more authentic Korean restaurants near by. There is a huge selection in the mall, delicious room service and a few other choices within walking distance, but we are so tired by dinner time and tend to not have the energy or patience to explore.</div>
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Today, we planned to make want we called "The Market Loop". Four markets in one day! We almost made it, but I will tell you all about that later.</div>
AbnormalMommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07361641691960809646noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2267863806488209262.post-10689373937364917352018-01-18T14:21:00.001-08:002018-01-18T14:21:34.342-08:00Our Day In CourtYesterday was a nerve-wracking, terrifying and amazing day. We all slept in- I made it to 5:30 and the boys were 7. We are finally finding our internal clocks here in Seoul. We knew we had all morning, so we didn't rush anything. We relaxed in bed, watching cartoons, took long showers and headed up to breakfast around 8:30- the latest we have gone since arriving. The restaurant was far more crowded at this time, but we still had no problem being seated right away.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3ysc8InerDZyN7cTAKp-hKFCVVaHD_pZ6mtN3taJZOh8peaQYenc26H4N1EIGKghznAxXCVE7aHrvaDxWlPV9LkJHcEFK_TgC5T5hWJadIBfb27Sb4ZrY4xazuZdAoaZXs26cZBhv1Eg/s1600/IMG_4909.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3ysc8InerDZyN7cTAKp-hKFCVVaHD_pZ6mtN3taJZOh8peaQYenc26H4N1EIGKghznAxXCVE7aHrvaDxWlPV9LkJHcEFK_TgC5T5hWJadIBfb27Sb4ZrY4xazuZdAoaZXs26cZBhv1Eg/s200/IMG_4909.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Court ready!</td></tr>
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After breakfast we went back to our room. We still had about two hours before we needed to head to Holt, so we continued being lazy. But this is when my nerves began to kick in. We were going to court. We were going to meet the judge who ultimately gets to decide if we are the right family for our sweet girl. She would ask us questions, to which we had some idea, but there were so many possibilities that it would be impossible to have prepared answers for all of them.<br />
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I quickly realized that, to get through today, I would have to find a way to stay busy. So I shifted my focus to getting ready. After I was ready to go, it was time for the boys. Baths, dressing, combing and bow ties later, they were ready as well. Just in time to head down to meet our taxi.<br />
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The ride to Holt offered a great, yet horrifying distraction. Although it is law here that children under 6 be in a car seat, apparently that is in no way enforced, so since arriving in Seoul the boys have just been sitting in the regular car seats with the regular seat belt to keep them safe. Obviously, not my favorite. I sit between then with my arms acting as a second seat belt on every car ride. This drive was so much worse than any other we have experienced here. The driver was the worst! He almost side-swiped other drivers several times, was driving 40 in a 70 speed zone and crossed lanes of traffic in a straight line- like we were perpendicular to the cars on either side of us. Eek! So scary.<br />
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Once we arrived at Holt, and took big sighs of relief that we had made it, we walked to a McDonald's which is a couple of blocks away. This was an important day, and we wanted to help the boys to behave at their best throughout it. The number one thing that affects Nolan is a hungry tummy, so we knew eating just before leaving for court would be very helpful.<br />
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After eating we headed to Holt to meet the other families also attending court. The lobby filled up quickly with the six families that were meeting at Holt to ride to court together. Three other families would meet us at the court house, as their hotels were close. The drive to court was faster than we had expected and playing an "I Spy" game with Nolan helped to pass the time.<br />
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When we got to court we were told to take out our passports and were ushered through metal detectors, then into an elevator. After finding our floor, we were told to take a seat in a hallway with chairs lining it. I am so thankful for the other families waiting with us, because our conversations before entering court made time go by without too many nerves hitting. But then, we were told we would be next.<br />
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As we entered the courtroom, an overwhelming feeling of calm came over me. We have been waiting for this day for 14 months, and it was here. As we sat down, Nolan noticed a computer and the microphone. He spent the entire meeting trying to touch them. No one seemed to mind and the judge began asking us questions immediately. Some were ones we had prepared for, a couple we had not expected, but were easily answered. Then the judge directed a question to the boys. "Are you ready to welcome a sister?" Liam's response was wonderful! "Yes, but I am a little afraid of dolls, so kind of."<br />
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The judge and translator laughed at his answer and then went right back to questioning us. It lasted maybe five minutes and we were asked 8-9 questions. As the judge asked the last question, we could tell in her tone that the mood had changed a bit. The translator began, "Up until this point, everything looks good and in order........" - cue long, ominous pause. My heart rate sped up. Then she continued, "The judge wants to know that she will not be abandoned again, so she needs you to swear that you will love and care for her forever. We both answered, "Absolutely" and that was that. It was a painless process and the judge was professional and warm. We shouldn't have worried about this piece for a second.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2JCRwy7M41l7pQu6-i9y033OGB_-TWU3Bb-scB9QBVX7M7qf2mghdMbPBE5MRXICqciXys_XtjGpZoepxyWrsm0DEdeQUwy5WZg1Qxg0ouxHbiIYWloFo-Fg9v08_7EWz4tog6XEMOyY/s1600/IMG_4914.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2JCRwy7M41l7pQu6-i9y033OGB_-TWU3Bb-scB9QBVX7M7qf2mghdMbPBE5MRXICqciXys_XtjGpZoepxyWrsm0DEdeQUwy5WZg1Qxg0ouxHbiIYWloFo-Fg9v08_7EWz4tog6XEMOyY/s200/IMG_4914.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Court Crew</td></tr>
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We walked out into the hallway, surrounded by other families who, although there for their own court appearance, for that moment were there for us. There is no feeling in the world like being surrounded by people who feel every single thing you feel, as the exact same moment. It is strange and incredible how quickly these bonds are made and how tight they hold.<br />
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Although we were the third family to go out of nine and we were told we could leave after our appearance, we opted to wait and support our friends as they went before the judge. When we had all finished, we had a very quick question and answer session with our Holt chaperone/translator/goddess. At this point we were told that custody would be around four weeks from court, if there would be no public notice and six weeks from court if there was. We are so hoping for four weeks!<br />
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We all left the courthouse together, walked to nearest subway station, and all piled on the same train. Once back at our hotel, we needed a long rest. Although we didn't DO much, it was yet another emotionally draining experience. Joe and I reflected on the questions asked, our answers, how amazing our boys had been the entire day, and our overall experience.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yum!</td></tr>
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After a bit, we decided to celebrate making it through our biggest outing in Seoul with another round of Korean BBQ. We were told of a place right across the entrance of our hotel, so wandered that way, got lost, found it, and were then promptly told they only take reservations. We then headed down to the mall to find something else, because it was far too cold to wander the streets and we were all too hungry to wait. We found a Korean BBQ restaurant in the mall. It was good, but nothing like the real things we had experienced the day before.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Round Two: Korean BBQ</td></tr>
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With court behind us, today we get to enjoy a guided tour of Seoul. This tour will be led by a student volunteer (usually in their early twenties) who wants to practice their English. This will be the first time we will have access to someone who knows the city very well, and can easily communicate with us, so we know it will be a wonderful way to experience Seoul.<br />
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AbnormalMommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07361641691960809646noreply@blogger.com0