Olivia's First Piano Recital

It's been several months since my last post. I've thought about not blogging anymore. My life feels so crazy some times, with several trips this summer, company, home improvements, surgery (tonsillectomy at my age, ha ha), healing, getting Hilary back to school, working, a new granddaughter and another grandchild (boy) on the way in less than three months that I didn't want to have to do anything extra. But when Olivia had her recital tonight it sparked me to do a post. It feels good to post again. Life can be so rich and full. I feel blessed.

Olivia as Little Red Riding Hood on her way to her first piano recital.

Olivia had her first piano recital tonight. It was held at the Utah State University, (Logan) performance hall. She got to dress in her Halloween costume too, as Little Red Riding Hood. She did great and wasn't even nervous. I put my children all in piano when they were her age. It brings back memories I had forgotten. Very special.

The last minute of her recital. I hope she stays with piano. I always wanted to play the piano, but never had the opportunity. I gave my girls the opportunity and now I love that Olivia is getting to try it. I love the piano. Tomorrow Rick and I get to see The Piano Guys in concert at BYUI where Hilary is at school. I'm excited about that. I love piano music.

Olivia, Michael, Will, Cordie, and Ian. My oldest daughter and her beautiful family. I'm a proud mom/grandma.

Cora Mae

 

Cora Mae, born June 18, 2014; 8lbs 9oz.

Born to my daughter Lea and her husband Jeff. Their third child and third girl. She is a miracle as Lea and Jeff haven't been able to get pregnant for several years. The doctor told Lea she was very lucky that she was able to get pregnant before.  Well, here we are with another blessing and my sixth grandchild. 

                      Lea went full term with no pregnancy issues. She did with the twins too. We couldn't be more blessed and proud. Congratulations Lea and Jeff!!

 

      Rick and I are so excited to meet her. We will be kissing those chunky cheeks in just a few days!

 

                                            Her looks change everyday. So dang adorable.

                                            Right after Cora's birth. Tired, but happy mom.

                                                      The not as tired happy dad.

Meeting their new sister at the hospital. Madi and Gracie, 6 years old are the best big sisters already. They are in love with Cora.

 

 

                                                                     LOVE AT HOME

 

 

South Korean War Memorial Performances

Our visit to South Korea's War Memorial was a very enlightening experience. It was a fabulous part of our trip. We appreciated what the Koreans have had to endure throughout so many centuries. So many wars and being occupied by other people, mostly the Japanese. Even to this day they have an indifferent relationship with the Japanese.

Lots to see inside.

Lots to see outside.

We happened to be there when several performances of military, traditional drummers, traditional dancers, and reenacting traditional battles were performed. So very cool.

These guys were my favorite. Later they were inside walking around when we were inside and Hilary told them great job in Korean and they were very surprised to hear an American speak Korean to them. They were very gracious.

Impressive military.

 

We took video of these performances but I couldn't get them to load because they were too big. So I found a couple of the same performances on youtube to show. During our trip we just happened to always be in the right place and the right time in everywhere we were to see and experience so much culture.

Inside the Palace Walls of Gyeongbokgung

Palace guards.

The grounds were so vast.

The guards entering the grounds.

The beauty of the architecture.

Hilary and Rick.

Where the kings throne is.

The palace.

The Kings throne. The painting behind the seat is seen in many places throughout Korea. It has a lot of representation. We bought Hilary a hand painted one for her birthday. It is so beautiful to see in person.

The ceiling over the throne.

Where the ordinary folks lived.

Museum.

Short video of the changing of the guards.

Gyeongbokgung Palace

Gyeongbokgung  Bukshon is the historic district in Seoul located between two main royal palaces. Gyeongbokgung (Greatly Blessed by Heaven) is sometimes compared with the Forbidden City in Beijing. The history dates back to 1395 during the reign of Taejo, three years after the founding of the Joseon dynasty.

We walked around the palace walls at night and toured the grounds during the day. Such a spectacular place.

Gwanghwamun Square: Above is Admiral Yi Sun-Sin. Below: King Sejong, he invented the Korean language characters and alphabet.

 

Hilary is standing at the base of the King.

This short video shows Gyeongbokgung Palace. A lovely member of our church wanted to take us out to lunch. So she picked us up at our hotel and while driving to the restaurant Rick took this short video of the Palace.  It was the coolest thing for us. The video isn't the best however, sorry.

SUWON

This is one of four gates of the Hwaseong Fortress in the city of Suwon. Suwon is located about an hour's ride south west of Seoul. My daughter lived in this city for 5 months. We spent the day there. I really liked it there. So many wonderful things to see and do. The folk village I posted about before  was in Suwon too.

Hwaseong Fortress was built from 1794 to 1796 by King Jeongjo of the Joseon Dynasty to house and honor the remains of his father Prince Sado, who had been murdered by being locked alive inside a rice chest by his own father King Yeongjo after failing to obey the command to commit suicide. The Fortress includes King Jeongjo's palace Hainggung.

The sign that tells some of the fortress' history in four languages.

We walked along the wall and some parts on top. The fortress was badly damaged during the Korean war and was restored.

It's a pretty good walk. We did a heck of a lot of walking everyday and rode the subway's.

An area of Suwon near where Hilary lived. You can see the fortress in the background.

The apartment Hilary lived in. She lived on the fourth floor.

Night time in Suwon in the major shopping district. There's a mall there that is 12 stories high. I've never seen such amazing stores. Not to mention the fantastic street shopping/vendors too.
Later we met up with friends of Hilary's for dinner in Suwon, where Rick and I had our very first authentic Korean meal. So dang fun.

Loved it in Suwon. I wish we could of spent more time there.

Hilary's good friends that we had the pleasure of meeting and having dinner with. The man on the far left (Hoon) is getting married to an American woman in Utah next month. It will be fun for us to attend that and see him again.
This was our second day in Korea and Rick and I were pretty wiped out from losing a day and having very little sleep. Crossing the International date line was tougher than I thought. I have a new respect for pilots and flight attendants who have to do that regularly.  I think we ran on adrenaline and endorphins the first few days.