The Helquist's Visit!

So, about a month ago, I had a spur on blogging and wanted to write about a lot of things. But, as June went by, I stayed off the blog. I don't know if our life was less exciting or what, but I had no inspiration for blogging. So, sorry about not having any update in a month.
But, since our last blog, we had some visitors: my parents! I saw my parents briefly at Christmas, but that was a little while ago. So, Jon and I both were very happy to have family see our life here and bring a little bit of home to us. Well, maybe it was a little more than a "little bit". My parents packed about two extra suitcases with things for Jon and I. Some of these things included Velveeta blocks, Velveeta shells, deodorant, a KONG and treats for Molly from Chippie, fresh rhubarb bars and pistachio bread, Cheetos (also used for padding in the suitcases), vitamins, and my very much missed Clark leather sandals! Whew! Being that they brought these things for us, they could also bring a couple things back to the States that we did not need anymore as well as their own souvenirs. So, we were so excited to see my parents and have them visit our home as well as being very happy to have these special treats from home!

My parents were in Seoul from June 17th-25th. It was a good amount of time, but it went by so fast! My parents arrived on Wednesday night and on Thursday spent the whole day at school with us. That afternoon, they also tried Korean food for the first time. I ordered them my favorites: bulgogi and bibimbap, this of course came with kimchi! On Friday, my parents, Jon, and I went on a Seoul city bus tour that dropped and picked up on many tourist points in the city. This was very convenient because they could go to many places and see the city for 10,000 won rather than using the subway and going to only one or two places. Jon and I had to leave early to go to work, but my parents were able to navigate and later get back to their hotel in Yeouido. Speaking of their hotel, I was able to stay their several nights and boy was I happy! First of all, this hotel room had many things that our apartment doesn't, like a clothes dryer, a dishwasher, a great bed, a full bathroom, a rice cooker, a microwave, and well, it looks great. Although, I didn't use all of these things, I was quite excited. When I opened the closet where the washer and dryer were, I think I screamed in amazement. I got to dry a load of clothes that never seem to dry in our apartment; how wonderful! But, on the same level of excitement, I was also able to relax with my parents after a day of work. One of my other surprises was the DVD set of Anne of Green Gables, so my mom and I were able to spend some comfort time together watching it. These nights at the hotel, often felt like I was back in Arden Hills staying at the Marriot with my parents as they came to see a concert of mine. Surprisingly, I often do forget that I'm in Seoul and being in that hotel room, really made me forget where I was living.

On Saturday, it rained all day and so we thought it would be a good day to take my parents to the war memorial and museum. This museum is one of the best museums I have been to and I thought especially my mom would appreciate it since her dad was in Korea for the Korean war. Afterwards, we had some good Korean galbi BBQ and then hung out with Miss Molly. Sunday, we were able to go to church together as well as growth group. After church, I had a surprise for dad because it was Father's Day! Last year, we were able to go to a Brewers/Twins game at Miller Park and so we thought it'd be nice to continue the tradition. So, we took mom and dad to a Mokdong Woori Heroes (formerly Hyundai Unicorns) baseball game. I have heard that the Heroes are one of the worst teams in the league, but we ended up winning 9-6!

On Tuesday, my parents went to the DMZ for a day tour. I only got to hear a couple of stories and see a few pictures, but it sounded like a great experience. One thing that they were able to do was travel down into the tunnels the North Korean's dug to try to secretly attack Seoul. Jon and I have not visited the DMZ yet, but we are hoping to go in the next few months.

The last two days, my parents were able to make a couple of other short trips around the city as well as having dinner with us at night and babying Miss Molly. Molly was so excited to have two new friends to play with. She especially liked the extra tummy rubs and treats! Jon and I have finally decided that we will take Molly to the States with us later this year. This should be a happy thing as well for the many friends and familiy who have been asking about this since day one. Yes, our dear Molly Pocket will immigrate to America and meet her other furry friends in Birchwood.

**Mom and Dad, thank you so much for visiting Jon and I, your love and encouragement was a wonderful gift to us in Seoul. I am so happy that you were able to come and see where we have been living and working. But, we do look forward to seeing you later this year! Love you!**

Anyways,
hopefully I will be updating more frequently. Sorry for the dry spell throughout June. One exciting event that is coming up is our Fourth of July dinner at our place. We are expecting to have some teachers from school come as well as friends from church. This meal will include Johnsonville Bedda Cheddawursts! So, stay tuned for a July 4th update!
Thank you so much for your comments when I do write posts, I love seeing them!
Anika