Spring in Korea...

" In the spring, at the end of the day, you should smell like dirt."

-Margaret Atwood

   This spring seemed like it was never arriving.  I think part of that was due to the fact that we have not had a vacation since December.  This spring was beautiful full of cherry blossoms and with the nice weather we were finally able to get outside for a field trip.

     

These photos were taken at Seokchon Lake.  What lake doesn't need giant inflatable swans?  The building on the right is Lotte Tower.  It opened last month and is the tallest building in Korea and 6th tallest building in the world. 

We were able to go on our first field trip for the spring.  The best part of the field trip was having an open field for the kids to run.  They also made bead necklaces for their mothers for Parent's Day.  

These are all of our kindergarteners! My babies are on the bottom right corner.

We had an Easter party and made creepy bunnies.  This little spazz is JiHo.  I'm not supposed to have favorites, but he might be my favorite.  Look at that hat and bunny ears! And in the photo below his amazing overalls!

Spring is also the time for Buddha's Birthday and Children's Day.  I once again went to the lantern parade.  This year though we had chairs and returned on Sunday to participate in all the crafts! I love crafts! 

These are from a kid's cartoon.  I have never seen the cartoon but I love that a police car and ambulance transform into walking robots.

On the Sunday, many organizations in Korea set up tents and activities for people to try.  This also included tents from many different Buddhist countries.

Look at my pretty lantern!

Then we did some gold painting.  I chose the wrong painting to try.  I'm not super good at patience and taking my time.

 We then got to make a clay pot on a pottery wheel and do some ink stamping.

 And why wouldn't there be a tent for Indian Buddhism where you can try on Saris? 

These lotus headbands lit up!!!!

My friend Beth's parents and friend came to visit from England over my break.  We all decided to do a day trip to Nami Island and the Garden of Morning Calm.  Now I went to both of these places by myself last summer.  Turns out that we booked different tours, so I once again toured them by myself.  The gardens were beautiful and in the end I did enjoy the day, it just wasn't the day I was expecting.

I also had the opportunity to attend my first Korean wedding! My coworker got married.  She looked beautiful but the wedding was very impersonal.  Vows took about 2 minutes and then everyone went to eat.

Every spring the air quality in Korea gets terrible.  This is partly due to sand storms in Mongolia and China.  The sand wouldn't be that terrible but then the sand picks up all the pollution while going through Beijing and Seoul.  That car is not dirty that is all the dust.  

When Beth's friend was here we attempted the hanbok photo booth again.  I think this is the best one yet.  I also was able to see Katie's friend from Chile, Jenna, while her mom and her were touring Korea.

Today I finally got to return to the Single mother' home and cuddle with this chunky baby! I love having baby snuggles.

Now we are counting down the days until summer vacation! Only two more months!