On the way to New Mexico

Caleb jamming with his California Cousins.

We had to pick up the van in California. This was great because my sister lives in San Diego. It was so much fun. I was worried about the kids meshing because both of our husbands are in the military and our families have spent very little time together. No need to worry we all had a blast. As the trip went on I was seriously bitter that the military won't put us in the same place.

We went to the San Diego Zoo in December. It was awesome. We played a game of picture Scavenger hunt. It was so much fun. This is Emma and Courtnay with their picture of 'put your self in a cage'. The kids were so busy looking for photo opportunities and checking off there papers that they left us alone it was great.

Here is Amy in 'Bigger then Life' she was my partner.

After California we headed to Utah.
Here we are introduced to Max & Nian, Our new cousins and the Kong Kone.

Max

Nian

Here is Caleb with his Kong Kone. This is ridiculous and pretty much impossible to finish.

On December 23rd my parents' celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. We have been planning this celebration for years, we all gathered at a cabin in Provo Canyon. It was one of the coolest things our family has ever done. The Whole family was there except for John who is on a mission.


Views from the Loft.

Grand kids on the stairs. They were all there except John.

This is what we call our 'Brady Bunch Picture'. Here we all are in order from oldest to youngest. It was truly a blessing to have us all together for this.


Here is a blanket that my sister in law Shelby made for my parents' 5oth. It was beautiful.



There was a lot of snow the kids had a blast. Seriously one of the best Christmas ever



Gift Exchange

We had Joydell's name this year. One of the gifts we gave her was this toad purse we got in the Philippines. They were so gross and so cool at the same time. Micheal is not impressed. It was totally worth it to see Joydell Laugh.

Leaving Korea 'Sigh'

It is a unsettling feeling to see all that you own packed in boxes and crated. All ready to go on a ship to a home you don't have.

I can't believe how much Koreans can carry. I mean they aren't very big people. This carry on the back thing is crazy. My friend said when her dryer broke one man came and carried it away(down the stairs and everything) like this.

So here is the wall of growth. This wall brings tears to my eyes. I really am sad to leave it here. Man My kids have grown-up so much in a little over three years.

Last Beef and Leaf
We say good bye to one of our favorite Korean Meals.

Koreans Love their Kimchi. Really they do. They eat it for every meal. I may miss it a little but not the smell of it.

Harold found a Korean restaurant here in Albuquerque last week. He ate there for lunch. When He came home 6 hours later. The first thing I said to him is"why do you smell like Korea? He laughed so hard and told me where he had went for lunch.

Tuesdays with More(E)

This is my last Tuesday in Korea.
Tuesday's have a special meaning. A couple friends(sniff, Sniff)of mine decided that we were wasting to much time and we stared 'Tuesday's with More(E)'. You Know playing off the book. Every Tuesday we would get together and try to learn more. Mostly we would eat. Man, I miss them Every Tuesday. I need entertainment. Glad to have spent my last Tuesday with two of my friends. Kimberly and Jen. We had a great time. Good memories. We just drove around taking pictures.

sexy Santa
My kids think this is the funniest Santa ever. Logan came home and told me, after he had gone to sing at the Dragon Hill Lodge. "there is a Santa there and he is doing a sexy pose" Love it.


This cut out is hilarious. It is in the theater on Yongson. As luck would have it, and much to our joy, the building unlocked. Jen has always wanted pictures with this little man. I hope this is not illegal.

Mine

hum

Jen with three

Here he is with Jen's hat. Priceless.

Also these metal MP's are a crack up.



Goodbye Korea.

Thanksgiving in the Philippines

Harold had to be in the Philippines for Thanksgiving so we decided to go to him. He has spent a lot of the three years we have been here in the Philippines so I am so happy we got to finally go see it.






These jeeps are everywhere. People just hop on and off all the time.


It is like anyone can charge for a ride. There were so many autos like this just stuffed full of people.

This is Rally Harold's(his company) driver He makes about 40$ a week and is contracted to be available 24 hrs. a day 7 days a week. I felt bad because his pants were always ripped. Still this is more money then a lot of Philippines make. The maids at the hotel make around 6$ a day, also a lot of them travel 2 hours a day each way for these jobs. It made me feel so grateful and also like a putz.
I don't know how they eat. We grocery shopped there and it was not much cheaper then normal.

So many shoes.

Need a knock off purse? We saw millions.


Dinner at the Hobbit House. Yes it is owned and ran by little people. I thought it would be fun but I have to admit, it felt a little like the time we stopped in Oklahoma to see the cow with 6 legs.

Here we are in front of the world famous Hobbit House door. I swear the little person who took this picture was like under three foot high.

So many Jelyfish
This is me being artsy at the aquarium. those are also Jellyfish.





Thanksgiving dinner back at the hotel. It was pretty good. Nothing like seeing the Philippines to make you truly grateful.

"sister Stylist"

A few weeks ago Emma decided that she wanted bangs. Miranda felt up for the job. The older sister always does. I know because I have 4 of them.


Not to bad.

This sister cutting is something I swore I would never allow in my house and this is why. I grew up a product of the"Sister Stylist" Here is the sad proof.


Really mom you let me go with that hair and that shirt on picture day. And then you actually paid for the picture.

I remember this cut. I have to say I am not quite sure which sister was the cutter. Why am I not the one with a towel on my head. (Yes, I am shacking my head again. Ridiculous!)

Online Bonding

Normally I would not be a fan of online gameing but with Harold being gone so much it has actually been a blessing. Whenever it is convenient he will get online and play with the kids. It is kinda cool. I also have to say "yay for skype!"
I took these pictures one day when he was home.
I would like to title them "the boys being super nerdy"

Harold in the office

Logan in the living room.

Caleb in the dining room.
(yes, I am shaking my head right now, it is rediculous!)


They play while Emma runs around serving them drinks and whatever else they can think of. This only applies if she is wearing the Apron and chef hat. I myself have taken advantage of her in this state.