Go Heels!

Despite a valiant attempt to tape the Dook/UNC game, it didn't happen. It appears that the rainy weather was just crummy enough to keep the satellite TV from working on campus. And then Itunes was kind of featuring it so I thought maybe it would be available for download. But no luck so far. So we watched highlights on ESPN.com, which are actually pretty good these days. Anyway, it always brightens my day when the Dookies get whooped up on!

And the featured video of the week, Lebron makes the highlights with downright amazing shooting...


And for lack of other excitement, some pictures...

...from our little overall photo shoot today!

Kacy waiting for popcorn expectantly...

Hot news!

We saw it! In person! We had not dared to even think of it, let alone hope it would actually happen during our contract. But I saw it with my own eyes. In Dunsan, Daejon, South Korea, opening February 8th...Fat in new forms. Delectable circles of warm goodness. Originating in Winston Salem, NC--Krispy Kreme. Words do not express...

Our Eldest Angel?

So our daughter Kacy goes to the ELC every day. The other day we got some interesting comments back from her teachers...

1. While talking about sounds that quiet animals make (they were talking about the rabbit and trying to mimic a rabbit eating lettuce) when Kacy pops up with "That's not what a rabbit says, a rabbit says What's Up Doc?"

2. Kacy and a partner were talking about giving their parents pops when they grow up. A couple of minutes later Kacy's conscience got the best of her and she told her friend that they should not be talking ugly like that! Isn't she sweet?

3. The following is part of a "time-out" note that Kacy received the other day:

Kacy says that she was protecting her dog (a friend) from Batman (another friend) or so the story goes...When I came in I saw Kacy giving the best two punches I've ever seen in the ELC to her friend (Batman)...I think that Kacy was truly sorry when she saw how upset her friend (Batman) was. Has Darren been giving boxing lessons at home? It was perfect form.

Despite our first reactions of laughing (unbeknownst to Kacy), we did have a "strong" talk about not hitting, even if we are pretending or trying to protect someone. Kids are so funny and they are constantly learning whether that be good or bad!

And for our last trick...a little hide and seek!

A Night on the Town

We thought about updating this sooner, but not sure what we would write. It has been a productive, but work filled week. And let's be honest, those of you reading this really have no interest in our various work projects. That's probably a quick way to lose our already limited readership.

I was filled with hope of snow as they called for 5-10 cm Friday night and Saturday. I was sorely disappointed with about an 1"+ in a couple hours Friday afternoon and then it was gone by late afternoon because it just hasn't been quite cold enough. It has been spitting some flurries all throughout the weekend, but no accumulation. I'm still hoping for a chance to take Kacy out on her new red sled, but that may have to wait until another time.

We were blessed to go out this weekend with 4 other fabulous couples. Laura's parents, having kindness and compassion, took both our children for the evening so we could enjoy an evening out. We hit an Italian restaurant and then Starbuck's. It was quite fun, although a little sad that all 4 of these families are leaving Korea at the end of the year. However, hellos and goodbyes are part of international life. We feel blessed to have had anywhere from 6 months to 5 years with these folks. They are a blessing to us and we pray that God will direct their paths as they depart.

And for lack of anything else exciting, some recent pics of Sara.

UNO!

Kacy is learning her numbers pretty well at this point. She has the colors down pretty well too. So we were excited when she got UNO for Christmas. We thought she would like it. And, we were right. Actually (one of her new favorite words), she loves it. (Thanks Jeremy,Chrystal, & Emilee for the game!) A couple nights ago she trounced Daddy in 5 straight games. Perhaps there was some kindness shown the first couple games, but she straight up won after that. After 5 games, Daddy said it was time for bed. .. For this week, Uno has become a nightly ritual right before our bedtime stories.


Laura has returned to the "real world" this week in returning to work after maternity leave. She is tired at the end of the day but doing well. I won't say anything else about her week because she loves me and I want to keep it that way. No, really, it's good. Sara is getting used to the ELC...or maybe it is more the ELC getting used to Sara. She is rather particular on some things. Overall, things seem to be going well...at least for all we know! :)

Here are some pictures of the Price girls...aren't they cute?

Family Photos

We took some family photos during our travels.


We also have some pictures of our cohorts in Bali...

...like the Jeff, Robyn & Owen Steuernagel!

And Zach, Laura Jo and Zoe Evans!

Travels to Singapore and Bali

We just got back on Jan. 10th from a wonderful vacation in Singapore and Bali. By flying Singapore Air to Bali, we were able to make a 3 day stopover in Singapore. None of us had been there (other than the airport) before so that was a neat experience. Laura and Kacy in front of a fountain...

In Bali, we shared a villa with the Evans and Steuernagels, our good friends here. Between the 3 families, we managed 4 kids. It worked out well and was quite nice with our own private swimming pool at the villa. Below is a picture of Kacy playing ki-bi-bo (paper/rock/scissors) with someone at breakfast.

Sara is growing quickly. She is all smiles...well, most of the time.

Highlights of Singapore:

• Night Safari (and animal show there)
• Food (Thai, Indian, Western, and whatever else you want)
• Orchard Road and the Christmas lights
  

Highlights of Bali:

• Reading
• Darren= Pope Joan (historical fiction borrowed from Laura but good), The Broker by John Grisham (very good and recommended for a good read)
• Laura=I Don't Know How She Does It, The Red Tent (fictional story of one of Jacob's daughter and highly recommended to others)
• Kacy=Clifford's Tricks, We Love You Clifford
• Sara=She can't read. She's 2 months old...cut her some slack! :)
  
• Canggu Club (Aussie club that we had access to with nice pools and many unexplored amenities)
  
• Finding Krispy Kreme in Kuta on Bali which were an instant obsession with Kacy.
  

• The sunset was spectacular...probably had to be there.

Quotes (or as close as we remember) by Kacy:

• Upon sitting down on the plane leaving Incheon, "When do we get our peanuts?"
• To the taxi driver in Bali, "To Villa Sentosa. Turn right, then left and it's on the right."
• At various points in the trip..."I'm tired."
  
• After "tooting" (passing gas), "It wasn't me. The wind must have done it."
• After nearly headbutting her sister or catapulting her out of the bouncy seat or some other form of unintended harassment, "She (Sara) loves me, and I love her."
• Upon our return to Korea..."I don't like Korea, I have to wear socks, seatbelts, and coats."
  
• Yesterday..."We were in Bali, but now we are in cold Korea."
  

Check out some more pictures at http://darrenlaura.dell.shutterfly.com