So tired

The Nature Girl and I hung out and she helped me around the house today while her sister was at camp. She helped me "fold" laundry, practiced touching her nose and rode her bike around the playground. Then she went with me to post to pick up the Artist from camp. I would not have called it a exhausting day, but my little one must have thought so... she fell asleep... at the dinner table... without eating! Poor thing! LOL!


Helping with the laundry


I can touch my nose


Sleeping is more important than eating


That can't be comfortable

Locks of Love

I am so proud of my little baby girl. She wanted to give her hair to Locks of Love. Her hair has been growing for about 3 years. Both her and I have been wanting to cut her hair for awhile... at least since Dec. My mom wanted me to wait until after my brother's wedding in June so her hair would still be long. And, of course, she did look sweet with a french braid crown. So today we finally had the opportunity to cut her hair. We cut about 12 inches off. She looks adorable! I love the look on her! Great job, baby!

Dongdaemun

I went on a "field trip" with a bunch of ladies to one of the biggest markets in South Korea. The train ride there took about an hour and we never had to switch trains, so no confusion in getting there. The group I was with was going to buy fabric for some upcoming sewing classes. Since I shipped a bunch of fabric with my HHG, I didn't buy any. I was mostly going to look around and see what was there for future reference. Unfortunately, it was raining when we got there, so we only ventured into one mall. I met a sweet gal in the group named, Lady, from the Philippines. We wandered around with the other ladies and had lunch together. I really enjoyed the trip and I can't wait to go again with a friend and preferably... without children.


Commonly known as Dongdaemun is a prominent landmark in central Seoul, South Korea. The Korean name "Dongdaemun" means "Great East Gate," and it was so named because it was the major eastern gate in the circular wall surrounding ancient Seoul during the Joseon Dynasty, and is situated on the eastern end of Jongno ("Bell Street").


Dongdaemun Market is located near Dongdaemun of which it takes its name. It is the largest shopping center in South Korea. In total the market has 26 shopping malls situated over 10 blocks, 30,000 speciality shops, and 50,000 manufacturers. The market sells goods ranging from just about everything but notably silks, clothes, shoes and leather goods, sporting goods, plumbing and electronics, office supplies, toys and food areas specializing in Korean cuisine.


Walls of fabric everywhere


They sell it by the yard


A shop that makes Hanboks.


Hanbok is the traditional Korean dress. It is often characterized by vibrant colors and simple lines without pockets. Although the term literally means "Korean clothing", hanbok today often refers specifically to hanbok of Joseon Dynasty and is worn as semi-formal or formal wear during traditional festivals and celebrations.


A shop selling traditional Korean dress for children. They are just beautiful.

Herb Land

The Nature Girl and I were able to join the Artist on her field trip to Herb Land with Camp Adventure. The campers from our post went to the neighboring post and picked up their campers so they could go on their field trip together. It was a fun day with crafts, bubbles, plants, animals and friends. The girls made candles and a sand art picture, saw a greenhouse filled with plants, had a picnic surrounded by ladybugs and got to feed a bunch of sheep. The Nature Girl, of course, loved all the bugs and the sheep. The Artist was thrilled to have crafts and she jumped right in. The girls had a great time. I am so glad we went! I especially love the picture I caught of the Nature Girl with the sheep. It captured her perfectly!


Welcome to Herb Land


Check out these big bubbles



Craft Time







If that's not my Nature Girl, I don't know what is!

Rainy Day Fun

When I heard that Korea gets about 49 inches of rain a year, I decided that we needed raincoats and boots. I found rain boots in AZ, but I had trouble finding raincoats. While we were in NY, I finally found them. The girls were so excited about their new apparel that I had to promise them that they could play in the rain with them one day. Well, the Artist never forgets anything. So, every time it rained, she kept after me begging to go play in the rain with her new gear. Today, I finally caved. It is raining outside and my girls want to go play. What do you expect? They've grown up in AZ. So, I got the girls dressed in their new raincoats & boots and gave them their umbrellas and let them run around in the rain for a bit. The Nature Girl found a water-logged bug and kept her eye on him more than anything. The Artist just played on the playground equipment without a care in the world. I can only imagine what the Koreans who saw us must have thought of those "strange Americans" playing in the rain.


The girls can't wait to go play in their
new coats and boots in the rain


Umbrellas up







Even in the rain, she can't help but watch bugs




Wet or dry, merry-go-rounds are fun!