Memorial Day

On Memorial Day this year, Mama had the idea to let Kayla have a mini party for her neighborhood friends. Dad cooked

burgers and hot dogs and we had cookies, chips and juice. Kids had a water gun fight before eating too. 

It was fun to watch them have a good time. Our neighbor Tracie also painted their faces before the BBQ. 

Caden got his new bike the night before and dad put it together for him to ride. His helmet was too small so he took off

Without it. He ended up falling off his bike and hitting his head really good on the ground. Thought for a minute we would be in the hospital. He had a huge egg on his head for a couple days. 

Seoul zoo!

Saturday it was beautiful outside and we needs sup taking a day trip to the Seoul Grand Park Zoo. Traffic was heavy in some areas so it took about an hour to get there although it was only about 35 miles from home. The Grand Park is huge. The zoo is only a part of grand park, and is the 10th largest zoo in the world. Originally is was built in 1909, and during the Korean War all the animals died, so in 1984 (my birth year) it was rebuilt in its current location. There are over 2,000 species of animals there. 

Before you reach the park there a lot of street vendors and corner stores, along with thee popular CU store. (Korea's small cheap convenience store) and Dublin donuts and KFC. We stopped at ladies vendor stand and Kayla got kimbpb rolls and the kids got fresh made donuts..all for 4 won. (We got more on the way out) 

Once you get to the Grand Park you walk a bit along a brick walkway and tons of flowers. Very pretty. 

We took a sky lift ride into the zoo. It was about $40 for the entire family to ride into and out of the zoo. You ride across a small lake and over the botanical garden and children's zoo. Awesome views. Probably about a 10 minute ride each way. 

This is the ticket booth. (Dad in the blue shirt) 

Girls on the ride on the way in.

The boys in front of us.

Boys on the way back.

Riding over the gardens.

Riding over thee water.

Riding past the pedestrian bride walkway to the zoo. En elephant train drives on this as well carrying passengers to the zoo for much cheaper which we will do next time.

The best part was there was shade, benches, grassy areas and parks all over the zoo! And bathrooms everywhere!!! 

Awesome zoo. Awesome day. Awesome expertise from all the walking. Super super kid and stroller friendly. Super cheap food and stores inside the park. And only about $6 for us all to get in! A must do while in Korea. 

Fitness progress

Current fitness progress:

Yesterday I ran 3.1 miles. Focusing on a goal time has proven to be much better than focusing on miles. When I set a certain amount of time to accomplish I go further in miles vs setting a goal in miles. My goal yesterday was 32 minutes. 2 days before yesterday I did 30 minutes. Tomorrow I'll try 33 minutes. 

I been trying to stay off the scale but every now and then I hop on. Yesterday I hopped on and shouldn't have. 126 lbs. back up again. I hope it's from weights but can't see 2 lbs worth of muscle. It's frustrating. 

But still, way better off than I once upon a time was.

First visit to Korean restaurant

I finally checked out the restaurant across the street from our house. I been a little hesitant to try because of all the unknown...not knowing how to ask anything or know what anything it is. But I sucked it up and went. Why did I wait so long? The guy in there spoke ZERO English, but he was so friendly and nice and was trying to hold Carly. She wouldn't though. Koreans love babies. I asked for take out. He did understand 'to go'. He held up 3 fingers. I held up 1, meaning just 1 meal. He kept holding up 3. My guess is that with take out you has to order for 3. So I figured whatever. It's a soup place. I'll take 3 bowls of soup. Dinner for Kayla and I, plus lunch tomorrow. NOPE. I walked out of there carrying a cooler full of food! A little bit of everything. A  bowl of many different traditional Korean dishes! Why did I wait so long to go?! Best part...all but 1 of the dishes was pretty darn healthy and guilt free for me! Annnnd, 18,000 won! About 15 American dollars. We could easily spend $15 at mcdonalds, and have no left overs for the family. I have a ton of leftovers. It was delicious! 

First visit to 4/9 market

2 weekends ago Das took us on Saturday to the 4/9 market. It's a local market that is held every day that that's ends in a 4 or a 9. Awesome place. Very crowded. There's tons of local fresh produce, fish, chicken, beans, candies you can pick and chose and pay by weight, tons of food made fresh on the spot. 

Squid.

Fresh hot Donuts. Melt in your mouth fresh coated in sugar. Kids got 2 for only 1 won. 

Mom had this food on a stick. No idea what it was but so good! 

Dad stopped at a cafe type place for a bagel sandwich. 

Caden and Carly chose a hot dog on a stick.

Kayla Got Chicken on a stick.

And we got all these strawberries for about $6. 

Definately was fun and definitely will utilize this market often! 

Fitness progress update

My workouts are improving. My running is improving. Yesterday I did a solid 30 minutes of running! My thighs today are on fire from doing weighted squats with 10 lbs! Yay progress. I believe I have about 6.5 lbs to lose and lots of tone to gain! I'll get there.