We did it!!! We finally left Korea after three long years. It was truly bittersweet leaving somewhere where we have actually lived the longest. Not to mention, all four of us have learned so much from living in a foreign country. So, with the bad, of not being near family, or malls, or normal food, we left Korea with the love of a culture, besides our own.
Then, after a LONG and tiring plane ride, we landed in paradise. Hawaii. And what an amazing paradise it was. It was our first real vacation since the kids were like 2 and 3 years old. This vacation was LONG OVERDUE, as well as much needed. We went to a luau. Checked out how Polynesian's do things. Drove all the way around the island, seeing the North Shore and awesome scenery. We went to the Dole Pineapple Plantation, and seen how pineapples grew. (Did you all know they grow from the ground? I didn't.) We went to Hanauma Bay, and snorkeled with some pretty neat fish. We were sad though because we didn't see any turtles... Tim and Mason had to eat off a famous shrimp truck, that was interesting... We boogie boarded. Ate at Jimmy Buffet's, which I highly recommend to everyone if going. Spent lots of money, that's for sure, but will have a lifetime of memories forever. And along with a vacation, Tim and I renewed our wedding vows with the kids by our sides. It was so beautiful and so real. Our first one was just the run to the courthouse, say 'I Do's' and that was that. This one had a lot of meaning and especially to show our kids that their parents love one another and cherish one another. And have survived TEN amazing years. The good and the bad, and the never giving up. We wanted the kids to witness our renewal, and so they did. They were our only witnesses, aside from the normal beach goers and tourists. But that was ok.
Now, We are FINALLY stateside, and at our current duty station at Fort Sill, Lawton Oklahoma. It has been such a LONG and tiring move, but we are here and settled into our home on post. The Army has graciously given us a older historic home from the 1900's and we are absolutely in love with it. It is 2700 sq feet and we also have a basement, where the home gym will go, along with our safety room for bad weather, lol. The rest of the house is pretty much done and set up. We had a timeline on getting everything unpacked and in it's place, due to a reception that we had in our home. Well, in the backyard, but people traveled through the house. We wanted things to be as neat and cozy as possible and I'd say that we got it done and done nicely! Between painting, unpacking boxes, putting things together, getting rid of empty boxes, rooms set up, and a place to just be able to "sit", we put this home together in record time. It is what it is =)
We are all settling nicely, aside from not enjoying the Oklahoma heat! We have had some brutally hot days, up to 112, and coming from Korea, this heat is taking getting use to. Tim and I have decided that with being here in Ok, we are going to try to become 'outdoor-sy' and enjoy more of what nature has to offer. We recently purchased some kayaks, and took them out to the lake here on post. Can I just say, I have never enjoyed being on the water like I did that day. I found my NEW love. Kayaking! It was the most peaceful and enjoying thing that I have done in a while. And, I now want to go every weekend. Maddie hung out on mine, and Mason tried to paddle his own, which didn't last too long. Guess we need to get him use to using certain muscles. Tim ended up pulling Mason's kayak with his, and well, needless to say, he won't be doing that again for a while. Just Tim and I will have to go next time, so we can enjoy and exercise the whole lake..
Kids are well. Maddie already made a lil girl friend. She lives two houses down from us and Maddie and her have bonded. They already had a sleepover the other day! Whenever the two get together, they are not to be found for several hours. Lol. Mason, not so lucky. There aren't many kids in our area, and if there are, they are in HS. So, so far his summer has consisted of whatever we are doing at the time, and his Xbox. Ugh. But, it keeps him occupied for the time being and I just feel horrible that there isn't other boys near by for him to meet. =( I still haven't registered the kids at their schools either. We found out that Mason, going to middle school already, will have to attend OFF post. Unfortunately, there is only two elementary schools on post. And, well he has outgrown elementary. Time sure flies. Maddie will be attending one of the one's on post, just don't know which one yet. We will be registering them next week, and so that will be done and taken care of then. Nothing we can do before that. Mason is excited to hear that the middle school has tackle football, me, not so much! I see broken bones in my future....
Tim's Change of Responsibility took place on the 6th, and that also began his return to the grind. We are figuring that we won't be seeing him as much as we have this vacation.. I guess a man has to do what a man has to do, right? It's been a nice family oriented time since we left Korea and we are looking forward to what Oklahoma has to offer. Until next time...
