Spring Is In The Air

We arrived back from our mini-spring break trip just in time to see the first inklings of spring in Busan. There is still a chill in the air. Coats are still hanging on the coat rack tenuously awaiting their impending trip to the far reaches of the closet. We are still using the heater in the car. But spring is in the air. It is so close I can feel it. And as of today, I can see it, too. The cherry blossoms are beginning to peak open, revealing the first signs of the whitish-pink flowers that will soon overwhelm the branches. It is one of my all-time favorite sights, and one I have been looking forward to for months.

In Seoul the blossoms were more spread out, found only in clumps here and there. In Busan (largely due to the slightly warmer climate) they are everywhere! Across the street from our apartment, behind our apartment, at the girls' school, stretching up the side of the hill. I'm not sure the cherry blossoms on the tidal basin in DC will ever be able to hold a candle to the blossoms that have surrounded me in Korea. Truly, beyond words.

When we lived in Seoul we had friends who had a baby in the spring. The husband was a caucasian American, the wife Japanese. They gave their beatiful little girl the middle name Sakura, which is cherry blossom in Korean. I loved it and asked Tyler what the word in Korean was for cherry blossom, thinking that could be a potentially neat middle name. He smiled slyly as he said "beotgot." In English it sounded too much like he said "butt-goat." Needless to say as much as I love the cherry blossoms it is safe to say we will NOT be using this as a potential middle name for children of either gender. I'm still not sure how such a beautiful flower can have such a hideous sounding name. 

To enjoy the early signs of spring, and the blossoms, we loaded up the girls and took a stroll up Dalmaji Hill with our friends the Cruzs. It was still a bit early in terms of blooms, but we loved being out and enjoying the spring weather. And just wait a week. . . .  I can hardly wait to see the results. It gives all new meaning to the song "Popcorn popping on the apricot tree."

Dalmaji Hill is at the opposite end of the beach from us. The entire hill is lined with cherry blossom trees, and is a neat walk/drive. The hill is unique and filled with much European influence. Tons of ex-pats live up there, and there are countless restaurant and little boutiques. It was a fun stroll. Owing much to the fact that we had 5 kids in tow between the two families, we ended our night with a few hour stint at McDonalds. We found the playplace version and scarcely saw the children the rest of the evening. Thank you, Mr. Kroc for providing such entertainment to my brood. And for making cheap ice cream cones.

Hannah and her friend Jake playing tag at the top of the pavilion.

Looks like Jake is it.

My cute girls. Notice Hannah's shiner. It got much worse after this picture. She had a serious run in with the play place at Burger King. Those play structures can be dangerous!

Emily and Cocoa Puppy. And Softie the blanket. Three best buddies.

Hannah and Cookie.

My Two Cuties.

Cool looking tiles.

The beginning stages of the blossoms.

I love these trees. You can still see all the green and buds, just wait a week!