Road trip Adventures

Hubs and I really like taking road trips together.  But it turns out they aren't quite as fun when you have to drive separate cars.  Especially when the drive is all the way from Nebraska to California.


I got bored.  A feeling that will probably be passed on to you as you read this post. . .

We drove through Kansas.

It was flat and windy.

Then we drove through Colorado.

It was not flat anymore.

Next was Utah.

Maybe it is because I have been away awhile and have a fresh perspective but I think I may have uncovered a clue in the mystery of America's weight problem. . .

Arizona.  Also, it appears Hubs may have been trying to loose me at this point. . .hmmm

I missed the sign for Nevada. But I figured a picture of a casino would work. . .

FINALLY (3 days later) California.

We drove so far they ran out of road names (in case you can't make it out that is Zzyxx Rd)

BUT.  It's all good cause we made it!!

Home sweet home for the next two (ish) years!!

Nebraska Adventures

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Sorry for the looooooooong delay between posts!  We have been experiencing technical difficulties with the blog but I think we finally have the kinks worked out so posting should be back to normal (and by normal I mean only two months behind instead of four . . :)).
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Our next traveling stop was my home state of Nebraska!  My immediate family all lives here so it is always a very fun/busy time catching up with everyone.  Most importantly of course is our other three nieces and one nephew.  Can't believe how much they have grown and loved seeing how their personalities have developed in just the one year since we saw them last.

Some quality time with the oldest. . .she is confident and wise beyond her years!!

The second  is such a beautiful little princess!

This fun little guy was very enthralled with this newly acquired bulldozer so it was pretty much impossible to get a picture of him that didn't include it.

And last but not least the youngest!  Doesn't that expression just ooze of spunk and cuteness?

Hubs 'parents made the trip to Nebraska as well and brought some fun yard games which made for a great afternoon of hanging out complete with lots of laughing and good food (two very high priorities in my family).

Home made ice cream is a staple at these gatherings and I was glad to see my Dad imparting the timeless art of making it to the next generation.

We spent a week in Nebraska but it seemed much shorter.. .partly because our time was kept busying helping my siblings with last minute plans for a secret party in honor of my parents!

I think they were at least a little bit surprised.

And although I'm not sure my Dad really likes surprises like this, he did at least seem excited that food was part of the equation.

Here is a shot of the whole motley crew!  I love this "pre-family photo" action shot/discussion of the best placement for the picture.  My favorite part is that our "little princess" is still photo ready despite the rest of us!!

Almost there. ..

Close enough!

It was so great seeing everyone and we are looking forward to the next visit!!  A special thanks to my wonderful sister in laws for all the hard work they did putting together my parents' surprise party (not to mention what you do on a daily basis keeping my brothers in line. :)).

Washington State Adventures

After leaving the wonderful paradise of Hawaii, our next stop was beautiful Washington State.  Hubs' brother and sister-in-law were fabulous hosts and let us crash with them for a week.  It was seriously one of the most relaxing and enjoyable weeks ever.  They truly have a knack for comfortable hospitality and we LOVED our time with them.  It also didn't hurt that they are the parents of one of our sweet sweet nieces and we loved getting to know her a little better.

What a precious family huh?  And what an AWESOME garden.  We were very impressed and JEALOUS!

Look at this little bundle of fun!!

We enjoyed a hike with some of our extended family who also live in this beautiful state.

Picnic lunch and taking in the view at the top (or if you are me, trying to mask the fact you are gasping for air and recovering since everyone else seems to be unaffected by the little "stroll").

We were so excited to find a Korean restaurant nearby and get to introduce our hosts to Korean BBQ.  They seemed to enjoy it as much as we do. . .or at least were good sports and played along. :)

Thanks for the great time guys!  Can't wait till we can get together again!

Hawaiian Vacation Adventures

After a stressful (is there any other kind?) first half of a move.  We couldn't think of anything better than a little stop over in Hawaii for a vacation!

Our hotel had a great view of Waikiki Beach that we enjoyed while recovering from jet lag.

Then we hopped on a boat for a few days to give us the chance to travel around and experience multiple Hawaiian Islands.  The cruise ship was called "The Pride of America".  It seemed very fitting for coming home to the United States after two years living overseas! :)

We got to go snorkeling and saw sea turtles (HUGE!) and a bunch of "Finding Nemoish-like" fishes!

This is all one tree.  Amazing!!

Our favorite Hawaiian experience was hiking a volcano crater.  It felt remarkably like we were the last two of the "Fellowship of the Ring" making our way to Mordor. . . 

. . .so we thought it would be a good place to reenact the scene where Frodo almost falls into the volcanic Mount of Doom after Gollum and the ring.  If you aren't a Lord of the Ring fan then never mind. ..just consider this yet another picture of me acting like a crazy person.

A lush rain forest complete with waterfalls was a very welcomed sight after the harsh, dry volcano.  It felt so strange that the same island has such drastically different scenery within a short distance of each other.

We barely scratched the surface of all there is to do in this beautiful part of the world and I'd love to go back again someday.  Just look at all the area that needs exploring!!

Hawaii, thanks for the wonderful relaxing vacation. . .until next time!

Moving Adventures

It's moving time!  (truthfully it WAS moving time about a month and a half ago. . but we are a little behind on blogs. . ..anyway. . .)

Here is Hubs overseeing the operation.  "Lampes" box and all.  Just for the record the moving crew labeled these not us.

This picture makes me giggle mostly because I actually watched the movers write the "Up" instruction and draw the arrow while the box was in the position.

For some reason the labeling on the lower right hand box worries me.  Hopefully the files weren't "consolidated" IN the shredder. . . hmm. . guess we will find out in a few months when we see our stuff again!  

Soooo sad to leave Korea. . . .BUT excited for some American adventures soon!

Redefining Normal Adventures

While living in Korea we happen across random and sometimes odd things on a daily basis.  Honestly after awhile these things have become so common that we start to think of them as normal rather than unusual.  I guess you could say two years in a different country has just redefined what we consider "normal".


For example, guys on stilts usually mean a "Grand Store Opening!" or  "Special Sale" is happening somewhere nearby.  We came across this one dancing around in the middle of the street to alert us to an Electronic Shop opening.  These store events also often include live dancers, clowns, and lots and lots of giant inflatable characters and wind sock people.

I really have no explanation for this one.  But no one around seems to think it falls in the "odd" category so I guess it must be normal.

Old school claw machines are on many street corners.  

The prizes range from the expected snacks and toys to. . .the unexpected. 

   
(In case you can't make out the above picture, those are live lobsters.  Yes.  Live lobsters.)  Although  we played it several times I'm actually thankful we didn't win one because I wasn't too keen on carrying a dripping wet, angry lobster the rest of the way home.

Engrish Adventures Part III (back by popular demand)

I suppose "weedding" services might be useful at an outdoor ceremony?

Maybe this isn't a typo. . but I hope so for the sake of the poor girl that buys it.

An interesting advertising campaign from Mr Pizza. . .