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
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!
Pretty statues (plus check out the gorgeous blue skies, we are 2 for 2 in Seoul so far!)
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!
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.
