Day 1: Hwaseong Fortress

Between having our first wonderful guest, Sean Floyd, (ironically right after my Be Our Guest post) and a four day weekend for Dave, we had entirely too much fun for our own good the last few days. I have weeks worth of writing and probably over 100 pictures to post, so I will just take it one step at a time, starting with day 1, Friday.


Sean our good friend came to visit, yes we are so loved that our friends will travel for days just to be in our presence. Okay, only in my dreams all of my friends would pay for flights to Korea just to come see me. Actually, he and his wife Sam are teaching English in China right now and have to leave the country every so often to renew their Visas. We were ecstatic that Sean chose Korea for his leave of China! (Of course, a little bummed that his wife couldn't come along as well, but happy for her she was able to return to the states). We were good friends in our married student ward at BYU, but out here all alone in Asia and just knowing the Floyds are only an hour plane flight away in China, that seemed to create a special bond, or was it just the fact that Sean is one of the only fluent English speakers we have met in a long time! Either way we had a great time!


So on Friday we went to Suwon to find a Buddhist temple. The bus terminal was a little chaotic, but we finally made it to our town and then the real quest began. We were going off Dave's memory from having been there 5 years ago, so we weren't sure exactly where we were going, but enjoying the scenes along the way. Of course, Dave has never failed me yet and we made it with ease (after a pretty steep hill, that is!). The entrance, the huge statue, inside the temple...everything was gorgeous. There was a very serene feeling and not many other people. I felt lucky to be there, and especially lucky to have Sean there to take family pictures of us! (It might be a little lame to already be planning my Christmas picture, but I was worried how I would get a good family shot! The family shots we have asked people to take on the streets haven't turned out Christmas worthy thus far, but now I have an abundance of quality family shots to choose from. Thanks a million Sean! It's cheezy, but I will be honest, good family pictures are my dream come true!) I included many pictures in the slide show so you could really try to grasp the feeling that was there.

We hiked a little farther and found the fortress wall (of the Hwaseong Fortess which actually encompassed most of the city), complete with lookout towers and a huge bell you could ring for Filial Piety. So, of course, we rang the bell. We rang it three times. The first time is to honor your parents (so no worries Mom, Dad, Mark, Lisa, all of Korea knows that we honor you), second time is for you and your family's health (which I'm sure will come in handy as I still sometimes fail to protect Lucy from the many dirty hands that just want one soft touch of her cheeks or hair) and the third time is for the realization of your dreams (which means we might be traveling the world for a while, sorry guys we will miss you!) The bell was extremely loud and vibrated for forever! A very sensory experience, that I highly enjoyed.


As we walked along the wall Dave caught this gorgeous picture that I couldn't resist including here: Here is the difference between me and Dave when we take pictures: I take about a million pictures of the same thing with every setting, at every angle, with every possible facial expression. Obviously, I end up with good pictures! If you take 100, one is bound to turn out! Dave on the other hand, just takes one picture every now and then, when he sees something perfectly beautiful and it always turns out perfect on the first try. Now I go around touting that I am an artist and a photographer and love to capture beauty and live in the moment, but my question to you is: Who is the real artist here? Is it measured by the amount of time spent on your art, or the ability to see and catch perfection on your first try? So, I think you all know the answer to that question, yes I am definitely the one who married up. I think this difference in our personality is why Dave really doesn't enjoy photo shoots, especially when I make him smile 30 times at the same place. To him it is just too easy to take a good photo and so he doesn't understand the need for thirty. Luckily, he is patient with me and keeps smiling for me, even when his jaw begins to ache in the way that only the spouse of a photographer could understand! I couldn't be more thankful for your countless smiles and endless devotion to my proclaimed hobbies, Dave. Thank you, thank you for letting me live my dreams and take endless photos!


Oh, and I almost forgot to mention, Dave risked his life to get this picture. He had to climb up the stairs of a little hut and there was a spider, not just any spider, ginormous neon spider, right above his head. The amazing part is, he saw it right above him before he took the picture and still completed the project! Amazing, as usual. (See the slide show for a pic of the nasty critter).


We completed our day with a gorgeous sunset from the fortress, overlooking the entire city. This picture is compliments of Sean's great photography skills. (Thanks for letting me borrow it!)

So that is Day 1 of our exhilarating weekend. Stay tuned for Day 2, the Korean Folk Village, and Day 4, Daebudo Island. Until next time...

Be Our Guest

The title is in honor of my sister Sierra, who has recently acquired the leading role of Belle in "Beauty and the Beast" at their local theater(Star Theater, Oceanside, CA). My father will be playing the part of Belle's Father, so with an awesome father/daughter combo this will definitely be a show to remember! In fact, it will probably even top one of my favorite family combos, with my role as "Captain Hook" while my sister Lani played "Peter Pan" and we got to duke it out during the final scene, letting all the natural sibling rivalry pour out on stage! Congratulations Sierra, you have talent beyond measure and belong among the stars! Dave says when you are on Broadway, we will come watch you, no questions asked about the cost! And now for the main event:

I would like to invite you to "Be Our Guest!"

By request, (It took a little while, sorry Mons) I am taking you on a tour of our apartment today! I will be giving you a very specific walking tour, so if you pay attention to the captions be prepared to do a little brainwork! Feel free to just browse the pictures if the tour is becoming too intense!



Our Front Door, located on the second floor of our building, along with four other apartments.

Open the door and take a look at our apartment:

Please take your shoes off, as is custom in Korea, and come inside. Look to the left and admire our quaint little kitchen. No, there are no hidden appliances, just a sweet little burner for all your cooking needs.Now look behind you at our dining table/business center. Behind my handsome husband, you can see our door to the Laundry facilities which will be shown later in the tour. Say "hi" to Dave and then please face forward again.Now, advance down the hallway and toward our lovely bathroom door. (Yes, those are our toiletries hanging on the wall, a creative solution to the leftover nails in the wall)
Oh, what is that? You like the wallpaper. Well, please take a closer look.Now enter through the door in the previous picture to view our bathing and toilet facilities. Wait, please put on the bathroom shoes located at the door. Thank you. As you can see, the shower head is connected to the sink. The entire floor is tile and leads to the drain. No worries about splashing or shower curtains. Please beware while washing your hands to make sure the knob is turned to sink, rather than shower, or you may experience a slight dousing of water (and I speak from experience). Now, please remove your shoes and exit toward your right. Featured here is the spare bedroom, home of our clothing, all other possesions and television. You see the window at the back of the room. Outside is our laundry facilities. Take a sneak peak. A washer and a clothesline for all your laundering needs. Now observe the spare bedroom from the laundry room for a different perspective. You can now see our Television, dresser, and wardrobe. At the back of the picture you see another door. Please walk forward and enter for a look at the Master Bedroom.Originally, this was our sleeping situation...However, after a few weeks of enduring Lucy crawling from her bed over me and into the middle and then somehow wiggling completely perpendicular to us all in the one bed, we uprgraded and purchased another bed. Where is the baby bed...underneath the covers for some extra padding (as you may have noticed the padding is only 1 inch think, so every blanket counts!). A complete picture, with a sleeping princess and all. It is actually quite a large bedroom, especially considering it is completely empty other than our beds (we wanted it that way so it would be completely babyproof).

This concludes your tour of the Pendergrass home. We hope this inspired you to come and visit us soon! Please, if you are ever in the area, feel free to stop by, stay a while and most importantly "be our guest!"

Free time...?

Sometimes people ask me what I do in my free time while Dave is at work. I thought this picture pretty much summed it up!

Wendy and the Sunflowers: Part II

And the answer is YES!!! We made it during the day! Even though we only had about 10 minutes to take pictures before Dave left for work, we made it. Between Lucy just wanting to walk, and then being distracted by the many bees and butterflies, I didn't get the prize winning photo shoot I was looking for, but they turned out pretty:

And then Lucy (and David) were done (doesn't anyone else around here like taking pictures as much as I do?) I guess we have got to give the kid a break, she just wants to walk! And what kid wouldn't want to chase the butterflies...now David on the other hand, what is your excuse? He says it's a guy thing! Oh well, I worked on my artistic photography instead:What a gorgeous place and beautiful city we live in! These pictures were pretty, but I have to admit it in no way quenched my hunger for beautiful pictures. Really it only added fuel to the flame. I am just dying to go back and get all the shots I want. I guess I will have to beg! Wish me luck and keep your eyes out for "Wendy and the Sunflowers: Part III"

Wendy and the Sunflowers: Part I

Last Sunday we had a great dinner (spaghetti with oysters and clams) with this kind family from our church.

Their daughter really couldn't be any cuter...
On our way home we decided to take some detours and explore Ansan on a wonderful Sunday family bike ride. We found a gorgeous lake with a huge park, a great library, a field of sunflowers and this sweet Korean concert pictured below:
Complete with a Hot Air Balloon and everything!
I have been wanting to return to the sunflowers the entire week to take some pictures. We have tried to go almost everyday, but end up taking too long getting ready and then have to put it on the agenda for the next day. Finally, we made it yesterday, but alas we still took too long getting ready so it was dusk when we arrived (well we couldn't give up our Sunday naps for Sunflowers!) We still snapped a few shots, but I vowed I would make it in the light before the sunflowers die.
Check out our cute little Matador! You gotta love this hairstyle! What do you think...cute or over the top?

Will we ever make it for a photo shoot during the day...

To be continued...

A Korean Birthday Party

Last night was the funnest birthday party I have ever been to. Our church ward threw Lucy and the Bishop's son a birthday bash to remember. There were at least 50 people there, including the stake president, Dave's Boss, one of my Mom friends from the park, 3 teachers from David's school, some investigators we have become friends with, the missionaries, and half of our church ward!(I wish I had taken a picture of all of our guests!) I couldn't believe everyone came! I was thrilled! After the best dinner I have ever had in Korea (I couldn't believe how much delicious food there was!), they sang Happy Birthday in Korean and English. Then Lucy got to participate in a Korean tradition where the Birthday Child chooses from among many objects to see what her future will be. Lucy chose a pen and school books which meant she would excel in school and win the Nobel Prize. Her second choice was a business pen with money, which meant she would make lots of money, take care of her parents with it (yes!) and be generous to everyone. I am not complaining! The birthday boy (I can't remember his name except translated to English I know it means "King's Key" so I usually call him "Little King") chose first a ping pong racket which meant he will be in the Olympics, and then he chose a spatula which meant he would cook for his wife and be an amazing husband. This was such a fun activity! I think I will include this activity into our family traditions on a child's first birthday. Next, each of the fathers gave a speech about their child, which means, without any planning Dave got up and gave a speech in Korean. He says it was terrible, but I was impressed (not knowing what he said of course)! The cake was good and the members were very excited we brought some friends. Later the guests we brought said they felt very welcome, so I think this was a great introduction to our church.

I am anxious to do missionary work because I love the gospel and know how much happiness it has brought me, but I never want to seem overwhelming and scare people away. I worry that because I just came from a predominately Mormon area (Provo, Utah) now that there are millions of non-members around me, I might frighten people away with my enthusiasm for missionary work! There are so many wonderful people in this world, many of which attend other church's with good inspirational messages. I am getting to know the hearts of many people and I want them to experience the same joy and constant companionship of the spirit that the gospel brings. And thus my current favorite quotation, from President Hinckley:

“We recognize the good in all people. We recognize the good in all churches, in their efforts to improve mankind and to teach principles that lead to good, stable, productive living. To people everywhere we simply say, ‘You bring with you all the good that you have, and let us add to it. That is the principle on which we work’ ”

I guess at this point the best thing to do is just let everyone know that I believe it true, I know it will bring them joy and would love to share it with them. Invite them to ask questions, and let them know they are always welcome to attend with us. After that, it is a combination of their readiness and the spirit, so I will try not to be pushy!

SURPRISE PARTY!!!!!!

On Lucy's Birthday I was a little sad. I knew we were going to be throwing her a party on Saturday(today), but we hadn't done anything special to celebrate her on her birthday. I didn't want anything huge, just maybe a Happy Birthday song and a tender moment with David and Lucy reflecting on the wonderful year we have had with her. You know, something mushy only a Mom would enjoy! It was such a busy day, we didn't even have time to go buy her the toy we were planning to get her. We had to go to the immigration office with Dave's boss in the morning (which was sad because they said I could not get a working visa to do private tutoring, and if I did any private English tutoring it would be illegal) and then after a quick lunch, David left in a hurry for work and usually doesn't get home until after Lucy is asleep. I sat there alone with Lucy, wondering what I could do to make it special and really just feeling depressed over what a busy and boring day it was, filled with sad news. After about 10 minutes, I decided there was just no use being sad, said a humble prayer that I would be able to have a good attitude, and started thinking. After Lucy's nap, I went to go visit a friend I had recently made at the park. After a good visit, I was surprised by a call from Dave. It was only 8:00 p.m. and I was expecting him home around 10:00 p.m. "Where are you?" he asked, "I just got home to surprise you and you're not here!" Turns out, his last class, which is only 2 students (who happen to be the boss's children) had dentist appointments, so Dave was let off early for the first time ever! A coincidence that it happened to be on our daughter's birthday? I think not! The Lord is definitely working a lot of small miracles everyday for all of his children.

Soooo...quick let's plan a party! We biked to our favorite grocery store and bought Lucy her very own Pororo Push Toy! (Pororo is a famous Korean cartoon penguin) It was actually a gift from her Nana and Papa who gave us the money for it. (Thank you sooooooo much!) We strapped it to my back with a bunjee cord, so between that and the skirt I was wearing (yeah, I don't know what possessed me to wear a skirt on our bike ride) I looked pretty ridiculous (I really wanted a picture to capture the ridiculousness, but the camera was in the backpack under all of our groceries and after weighing the pros and cons, I decided against it). Anything for Lucy. I put a little cake together with our favorite Korean dessert, pronounced "duck" in Korean, which is sweet rice, mashed up into a sticky treat with different powders and beans on top or inside. We sang Happy Birthday right on the dot of her Birth time (7:53 a.m. September 4th in America, 10:53 p.m. September 4th in Korea). It was totally mushy, so I guess I got my wish! We let Lucy go for the cake, because duh, it's her birthday! Then we gave her the push toy and let her play for a little while (yes, we let her play at 11:00 p.m.). Our sweet little birthday girl loved it so much, but was so tired she would play with it and then lay down on the ground for a minute, get back up and play more. This was the first time I had a hard time taking her to bed because she was so involved in doing something. She seems older already, with her own set of distinct wants! It turned out to be a really special moment I will always remember. I love how situations in this life can change so quickly with a little prayer and a good attitude!Here is a picture of Lucy's "Duck" Cake
I love the expression on her face. It seems to say "It's my first birthday and this is all you could come up with?"She ended up liking it after allPushing her new push toy

As you can tell by that "Fall in Love with me" Lucy grin, she had a pretty fun night to say the least!

Ancient Korea and a Happy Birthday to Lu!

(This is a long, but good one, so gear up guys!)

On Saturday we had our first Ancient Korea experience, which I have been dying for ever since we got here. I just love the architecture and that, well, as Dorothy would put it "I'm not in Kansas anymore" feeling!

We stepped off the Subway to this beauty in the midst of all the traffic:

It is called "Dongdaemun" translated- the Great East Gate. One of the great gates of Seoul City in Korea. Originally there were 9 gates, 4 of which were in each of the cardinal directions (cardinal directions? Can you tell I got that from a tour book?). Now there are only 4 preserved gates (Namdae-mun, which we tried to visit last week, sadly burned down a few months ago). This gate was originally build in 1397, with renovations since then, of course.
Here is a cool Asian statue outside the Jongmyo Royal Ancestral Shrine. I liked it because we see so many statues in America of great Americans, and here the guys on the statues are just so Asian. You wouldn't think you could tell that much from a statue, but you really can! (You may have to click for a close up to notice it.)
As we entered Jongmyo, we thought this was a particularly typical Asian scene so Lucy and her Daddy stopped for a pose.

Dave asked some Koreans to do a little acting with him. We were thrilled they complied! Featured in the background, is the building where the spirit tablets of the kings and queens are enshrined from the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910). (Hey, when you start talking about Dynasties is just sounds cool!)
Here is Dave and I on the steps of the Changgyeonggung Palace (originally built in 1418, I guess this is Medieval Korea?) Where is Lucy? Peacefully dreaming in the stroller to the side. Thankfully, she is finally learning how to take naps on the go as we travel on our many adventures!
As we walked in the doors we were informed a reenactement of the Kings 50th birthday party was about to begin. Lucky us, stumbling on a cultural event without planning! The picture above is the entrance of the King.
Some cultural dancing

Traditional Korean masks...I have got to get me one of those!

Lucy awoke near the end of the performance, just as cheery as ever! I wonder what it is like being a kid and just waking up in totally random places? Lucy just rolls with it!

These next few shots are all from the palace grounds: Pretty statues (plus check out the gorgeous blue skies, we are 2 for 2 in Seoul so far!)

"Haminjeong" or Pavilion. Sounds so dramatic in Korean, but you gotta admit it's a pretty cool pavilion! And here is a our little fish watcher. Whenever she sees a bird or a fish it absolutely melts my heart. She points and says "ooooooo, wow." Whether they are live fish in the grocery store or when we are on the go, I can't resist getting her out of her stroller for a minute. She even does sign language for "Bird" and "Fish" now. Dave is excited he will have a buddy who wants to stay up late and watch random National Geographic Shark Features, because I generally turn in once those start popping up on the screen. (Plus you gotta love those Daddy-daughter matching sandals!)She is also beginning to insist on walking everywhere. Where has my baby gone? All grown up and one year old and everything! Aren't these palace grounds beautiful. I feel like we should be turned into cork art with that weeping willow and little island in the background. And then, no, this shot is not from the palace or ancient Korea. It is mostly just a shout out to Steven Daines and any other serious "Lord of the Ring" fans in the audience. May Gandalf live forever!!!Even in Korea! I couldn't believe we saw this ginormous statue just walking through a small shopping district! Go Gandalf!

We finished the evening with another trip to Namdaemun Market to spoil our daughter and buy a Korean "Hanbok" for her birthday. It is their tradition to wear one on the first birthday and since we are planning a party, Dave let me splurge (after many puppy eyed pleadings).

Apparently Lucy likes playing dress up, because when I took it off she wanted it back on. Not only that, but as you can tell she is totally turning into quite the poser for pictures (no need to explain where she got that!)

So it's a little too long. Guess I didn't communicate well enough when I bought it. Oh well, she can wear it next year too!So the truth about this picture is, I think I look good in it, so I posted it. I figured I could make up something to say about it or just tell the truth! I know what I will say, thank you Dave for letting me splurge and get this Hanbok. I am just bursting with joy about it! I guess it is a Happy early Birthday to me! Or maybe we should always give Moms the presents on the Birthdays, I mean last year at this time wasn't so easy you know! And then a few hours from now (okay 4 hours and 27 minutes to be exact) we were blessed with this little bundle of joy we had no idea what to do with! We didn't know then how our lives would change.

And now a Birthday Message (because I am sure when she is like 10 she will read through my pages and pages of blogs...okay...not that likely, but I can dream)

Dear Little one: Happy First Birthday Lucy. Thank you for coming to our family and being the little light that you are. You put smiles on the faces of those around you with your cute little waves and 3 tooth grin. You bring the spirit of living life to the fullest to many and especially your parents. I couldn't wish for a sweeter baby (or should I be saying toddler now?). I hope you always know what a precious little child of God you are. I am so lucky that God has let me borrow you for this short time we are here on Earth. I hope I will live up to the great calling it is to be your mother. I know there are great things in store for you, but for now I hope I enjoy all the moments while you are still little. I love you more than you will ever know (at least until you have a baby of your own). Love, Mom

And just like that...she was one. There is nothing like having a child to show you how fast your life is really going.