Happy Typhoon (Tropical Storm) Day

Yesterday we had a pretty disappointing Tropical Storm roll through here.  There were some stiff winds all day and maybe a little rain.  But, it was enough for Eric to get a 1/2 day of school off!  In the evening, Eric took Emma up to our roof to check things out.  He took this video and it's just too cute not to share.

On Thursday we're supposed to get another tropical storm coming through.  Maybe this next one will be something more to write home about.  Or... maybe it'll bring on labor???  :)

August

Hello Friends!  We are back in Korea and in the full swing of things already!  Today is Eric's second day of school.  Things are going well for all of us.  We were able to do a lot of helping the new teachers get oriented right when they arrived a few weeks ago.  It's been really fun to get to know the new staff.  There are about 8 of them this year.  Emma and I have also gotten to go out to school to visit and/or help several times, too.  (they had training the last week and a half).  We have also been able to hang out with some of our Mommy/Toddler friends and even went swimming twice so far!  Oh, and then there's that little thing called getting ready for our new baby!  Only 3 weeks left until my due date. Mostly, I have stayed inside during these hot, hot, humid days with the AC on and that has been really nice.  And usually we just lounge around.  But today I woke up really motivated to get some cleaning done so it's been nice having that little "extra burst of energy" they say comes at the end.  We'll see how long it lasts.  I'm getting pretty ready to be done with this pregnancy.  And we're all looking forward to having TWO kids!  Emma is really cute because she is now really into babies and even points at my belly or hugs it and says "bebe" all the time.  :)  Hope she likes the real thing just as much!!!

Here are a few pictures of Emma from the last several weeks.  She just cracks us up with everything she gets into.

 Trying on Daddy's swimming goggles.

 "I see you!"

 Someone gave us this winter "bear" hat so Emma had fun trying it on.

 "Pick me up, Mommy.  Please!!"

 Anybody want a chocolate chip cookie?

 Mmm... Daddy kisses!

 My little helper!

 Keeping cool with a new "do."

Sporting her swimming hat.  She just loves this thing.  BTW... interesting fact about Korea:  Whenever you go to any type of swimming pool/water place you have to wear a swimming cap... no matter who you are.  Thankfully, the swimming pool we have been going to lets Emma wear this floppy hat instead of a regular swim cap!

Well, that's all for now!  We'll keep you updated as the next few weeks progress!

Summer 2012: Part 4

Part 4:  Chicago (again)

After our time in Kansas, we flew back to Chicago for a final week of family time, LOTS of shopping (when you only go to Target once a year, think of what you'd spend, too!),  and getting ready to head back to Korea.

 Emma learned a new word in the Omaha airport.  "Airplane!"  She loved staring out the window saying and waving "byebye" to all the airplanes that passed by.  It was cute.  However, after a long delay in Omaha and then sitting on the tarmac in our plane for 2 hours AFTER we had already landed made this 8pm bedtime girl VERY upset at getting home at midnight.  Shortest flight yet probably the worst of the summer.

 This child loves being outside even in bad heat.  She also has a new love of "bubbles!"

 Eric and I celebrated our 3rd anniversary that final week by taking an overnight trip into downtown Chicago, staying at a neat, old hotel, and going out to eat a a FAB restaurant.  This is us at the train station waiting for our train.

 On the train going into Chicago.

 The restaurant we ate at:  Aria.  Eric and I are fans of the TV show, Top Chef.  And this last season there was a chef from Chicago who also happened to be Korean/American.  We really enjoyed her and rooted for her on the show, feeling like we understood her more and had a connection with her.  Well... this is the restaurant she is the Chef du Cuisine at AND we got to meet her and have a little chat with her.  Definitely a highlight of our anniversary.  And the food was probably the best I've ever had in the States.  SO GOOD!  I wish we had gotten a picture with the chef, but at least we got this one, outside the restaurant.

 Cousins James, Jane, Will, and Brian came to visit us and it was fun to see the kids interact and play together.

 We finally got some good pics of Emma with her Grandparents the LAST night we were in Oak Brook!

 Emma and her laughing buddy.

 Saying goodbye at the airport.

And we're off!  The final 14 hour flight wasn't actually that bad, even with Emma sleeping only about 4 hours (which is more than she slept on our 1st flight to the US).  I think we have a good traveler on our hands!  Next time... we'll have TWO!

Summer 2012: Part 3

Part 3:  Lincoln

After our stay in Smith Center, we headed up to Lincoln to spend several days with our good friends, the Boysens.  We had such a good time hanging out with them, getting to meet 2 week old baby Molly, and watching Emma interact with all 3 of their kids.  It was really good for her, especially to be around the baby.  I think it helped get her used to what a baby will be like for us soon, too!  

 Emma's 1st shared bath time.  :)  Just getting ready for when little brother comes along!

 A few highlights of our time in Lincoln were getting to go to Pioneers Park Nature Center and also the Lincoln Children's Zoo.  

 Kaylee (4), Josiah (2), Emma (15 months)

 We also had lots of fun in the hot sun just chilin' outside at the Boysen's house.  The garden hose seemed to be a big hit with all of the kids (and one adult as you'll see below.)

 I thought this was a pretty good picture.

 Crystal, Molly, & I.  Amazingly, we've been friends now for about 11 years!  And our friendship even included a few years when we all lived in Korea.  That's how Eric became friends with them as well.

 Guess who has the hose now?

 1st dunking experience.

Emma was always so concerned whenever Molly cried.  And she kept saying "bebe" all the time and wanted to go see her.  It's a good start I think!

At the end of our time in Lincoln, my college roommate, Rachel, came up to visit as well.  Unfortunately, we didn't end up taking any pictures with her.  Such a bummer.  But thank, Rach, for coming!  It was great catching up with all of you!