Grandpa & Grandma Visit Korea

Brrrr! Grandpa & Grandma came to see us during the coldest week we have had here this winter. Temps started the day in the single digits and we were happy to see the 30s on Thursday and Friday. I think my mom nearly froze to death a couple times. They were real troopers and we had a blast spending time with them and showing them our new home.

 

One their first full day here, we went up to the Seoul Tower and it was FREEZING!

The leopard jammies have made their first public appearance. Poor Hayden was randomly throwing up that day.

Grandma & Grandpa brought Christmas gifts!

On the coldest day EVER, we went to each lunch with Brent. They got to see the US Embassy. And yes, I remember living in Moscow for 2 winters. I'm still cold looking at this picture.

Their first experience spending won. Grandpa bought the boys a snack and paid with his 10,000 won bill.

I promised my mom a trip to the amazing fabric market. 

She loved it and has already requested for me to return to buy her some more.

 

Finally, I have sewed something! My mom has been giving me some lessons in the past year or so, so I was thrilled to create something! Also intimidated because she is like a professional and her things are perfect.

I made two of those pillows and a little curtain for the boys' bathroom.

Poor Hayden! Another cold (but fun!) outing for shopping and dinner on Itaewon.

We made them eat a traditional Korean dinner.

Hayden had his Thailand diet of white rice and Fanta.

G started off pretty good, then decided he liked none of it.

Colter and Grandpa loved the beef. I was so proud of all of us (except Brent, he'll eat anything) for trying almost everything that was on the table.

And they sat us by the window. She was still freezing!

This area is so much fun. Come visit us and we'll show you!

My little subway rider. He knows the lines, and how many stops we're taking. He takes this all very seriously.

Another Korean experience- Star Wars in 4D. The chairs moved, exhaust, air and water shot out and we were occasionally hit in the back during some of the fight scenes.

Who are those big boys and where are my babies?!

 

 Sniff, sniff. Although, mama enjoyed Star Wars more than Baby Einstein.

Since it was 30ish, we went to walk around the Gyeongbokgung Palace on Friday. They were having a changing of the guard ceremony.

Still freezing.

The ceremony one more time as we were leaving.

Then we walked over to Jogyesa Temple.

 

The boys who were too cold and tired to walk any more, had to take Grandpa up the stairs that play music and count how many calories you have burned.

Heading out for another adventure!

Myeongdong- another super fun place to explore and try all the street food. We'll take you here too.

After we watched the guy make this, we felt obligated to buy a package. I realize that it kinda looks like a spider nest, but it was yummy!

I believe this is called dragon beard candy. Similar to spun sugar, it starts off as something hard (sugar?), dipped in cornstarch and stretched over and over. After it's this thin, they add peanuts and chocolate. Hard to give it justice. Better just come and try it.

Dad found shrimp.

And although we were cold, Colter picked fried ice cream. Can't blame him. It was good.

Grant really wanted Grandma to try his beloved tornado potato.

Aren't they cute?! I couldn't get a picture without a photo bomb.

Stumping for the dog café....

 

...and the cat café. Sorry, probably won't take you to either of those.

 Leopard lover couldn't find any churros, but he came home with this prize. When I see those legs, I still see...

 

...these...

 

...and these.

...and, well, I guess they have changed a bit. 

Grant had a ball game. This is his third year to play and he loves it although he initially was not thrilled about being a Longhorn.

 This is Lotte World Mall. It was fancy.

Grandpa wanted to check out the Hard Rock- something we used to do on family vacations. The boys are giving their best rock-n-roll pose for their cousins who love this place.

We had a nice view.

Hard to see, but on the far right is the Lotte World amusement park.

G wanted to make sure he got a photo credit here ;).

After dinner treat courtesy of Grandpa. Funny name for a candy store.

The next morning we rode the KTX- the bullet train- to the southern city of Busan. Hat hair!!

She's still freezing.

We topped out at 301kph!

A quick stop in Busan for lunch and back on the train since all the evening seats were sold. We just rode for the experience.

Grandpa watching the blur.

Coming back into Seoul- the icy Han River.

Our last day, I took Mom to the flower market and to Shinsegae department store. Here she is on the city bus.

Colter and Grandpa looove orange!

Then Hayden and Grandma realized they were twins too :).

We had the best visit...

...but this is how we really felt about them leaving!

 

So, we've officially hosted and worked out all the kinks and stuff. Your bed, tour guides and home cooked meals are waiting.