Sara: The Early Months

Hitting the Slopes

I did it. I went skiing. I wouldn't say that I am an accomplished skier, but I did accomplish some skiing. It was my 2nd adventure out to the slopes, my last one being a year ago during Lunar. I started on the beginner slope where they were teaching all the new beginners (including numerous small children). I made it down that a couple times with some success at turning and not crashing, so we (Kirk was with me and much more proficient with his snowboard) decided that it was time to progress to something more difficult. We went for the 5.5 km trail that started at Dragon Peak, the highest peak in the immediate area and at the resort. We enjoyed the scenic 20 minute ride to the top. Upon arrival, we had some awesome views of the mountains. And then we ventured over to the slopes. On the left was the advanced slopes...looked plenty scary to me. A large sign pointed to the intermediate on the right. All I could see was the top of a tree dead middle of the slope and what appeared to be a sheer drop off. First, I was hoping to aim my skis in the right direction to hit the intermediate and not “accidentally” veer to the "certain death" (aka advanced) slope. And as I looked at this beginning, I had to ask myself if I was committed to 5.5 km if it was all like this. I could still take the Gondola back down and move to something more simple. After a short internal pep talk, I strapped on the skis and headed past the point of no return. The first part of the hill was more of a sideways slide for me than any skiing. However, after making it down the treacherous beginning, the trail got significantly better as did I. I was able to get confidence in having some control...being able to slow down and turn—intentionally. I was quite glad that I challenged myself with something more difficult and I was able to carve some “S”s down some intermediate slopes with some degree of confidence before the day was out. Dragon Peak actually got a couple runs. It is a great feeling to learn some new skills. Lots of fun.

All of this occurred at Yongpyong Ski Resort where we spent several days over our Lunar break. They are making a bid for the 2014 Winter Olympics here. It is a nice place and it was great for us because it wasn't very busy. We rarely waited for any lifts.

Below are some pics from the event...

Sara hanging out.

Sara, literally, hanging out...too much sledding and snowman building excitement.Our (well, mostly Daddy's) snowman.The Price girls, with Kacy munching a snack.Our sledding hill: Daddy is in the distance testing it out and Kacy waits for her turn, probably after trying to chase Daddy. As you can see, it was some nice long rides (which also lead to nice long walks back).

KK Doughnut Run

We had our first KK doughnut run tonight. It was quite good. I have to say that they were a little slack on the hot doughnuts. We got some in line but the box we bought had already cooled. But we'll cut them a little slack because I know they were prepared for the onslaught customers.

Kacy continues to crack us up on regular occasions. She is a lot of fun. Tonight she is with Grandma for a sleepover, the 2nd such event.

Kacy loves circle time in the ELC (Early Learning Center) as shown below.

Be careful what you do Auntie Jo, because it will be dramatized for us at home!

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.