I've been putting off writing this post, because it's hard to say goodbye.
When we were asked to take this expat opportunity nearly two years ago, we weren't sure what to expect life would be like in Korea. But we accepted this challenge and faced it with optimism and excitement. I have to say, it was the hardest decision we've ever made together in 14 years, but it has been more amazing than we ever thought possible.
So much has happened in the 18 months we've lived here. Not only have birthdays and holidays been celebrated, but our boys have grown up so so much. When you think about it, Parker has spent equal amounts of his little life in Korea as he did in the U.S.. The weird thing is that he has actually become a little boy in this foreign country. And Connar, man oh man, he has just matured so much. When we first got to Korea, he was just starting to talk in phrases, but now you can literally have an entire conversation with him. It's just crazy to me how much these boys have changed over the last 18 months.
I cried today as I looked out our window, just thinking about all that we've been able to experience during our time here and just how much I'll miss so many things about the expat life. This opportunity has a lot of perks, but I believe one of the best perks of all is that I was able to stay home with my boys. A lot of women wish that they could stay home with their kids at one point or another, and I'm no different. But to have it actually happen has been fabulous and fabulously difficult, all at the same time...and I wouldn't trade it for the world. The time that I've had with them is priceless, and I'll forever be grateful that I was able to spend so much quality time with these precious littles of mine. I try to remember "they'll only be this age once", so being a stay at home mom has been such a blessing.
The memories we've made in Busan are unlike any other we'll ever make anywhere else. Talton and I know just how lucky we were to get this opportunity....and also just how crazy we were to take it on. But I believe things happen for a reason, and I believe that this was where we were suppose to be at this time in our lives. I'm so thankful for this time and so grateful for a wonderful support system in our family and friends back home. Being so far away from family and friends has been the hardest part of the entire deal. That has never gotten easier, but I must admit that I'm super proud of us for doing this together. I think there's something to be said for moving to a foreign country where everything is done differently, and the only person you have to rely on is your partner. We did this, and I couldn't be prouder to be married to Talton. He's a rock star as far as I'm concerned.
Thank you, Busan, South Korea, for everything you gave us. We'll be leaving a little piece of ourselves here tomorrow and will carry a little piece of you with us always.
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I figured one of the last things I take the boys to do should be one of the first things we did upon our arrival in Busan. So I took them back to the slide on the beach. :) Enjoy the pictures comparing them in June 2012 to last week. This turned out to be our last trip down to sink our toes into the Haeundae Beach sand and to dip our tootsies in the water.
They were just so little...
Now, look how much bigger they are!
Really, look at the difference in Parker! Where did the rolls and creases go?
Then...Going down together, holding hands with each other and Daddy.
Now... See ya!
Still loves to go down head first. :)
Loved sand and rocks then...
...and still does today.
Wow, time flies when you're having fun! :)
