Happy 7th Birthday Boys!

Oliver and Ronan's birthdays started with parties at school and their after-school program and gifts from their teachers.  Their first-grade teacher gave them socks--practical, and very much appreciated!

The boys have two friends who share birthdays at about the same time, and these boys are gearing up for a year in the United States.  So, we decided with their moms that we would do a joint birthday.  That way we could all have at least one birthday in the community lounge (not a cheap venture--not because of the rental fee, but because of the food and activities it takes to fill the place) and we could have a really big bash before the friends part ways.  After days of torrential downpours, floods, mudslides, and tragedies in and around Seoul, this was a welcome bright spot of the week and the weather totally cooperated!  It was clear beginning in the morning and the sun came out shortly after lunch.  Perfect!

The other two moms and I coordinated on decorations and food and activities.  I made cupcakes for the kids and one of the moms got an icecream cake from BR, and we had tons of fruit, juice, etc. ready. For lunch, we ordered from a local pizza place and also got some boneless chicken nuggets from a local chicken place.  One of the moms made ddeokbokki--her speciality and it was very, very good.

 Above, Dahin delivers the pizza and, below, the tables are all set and ready to go.  The kids were so excited about the great weather that it was hard to get them inside so that we could start the party.  But once they got settled in, they ate really well and seemed to have a great time.

 Above, the table is all set and, below, the boys in their natural habitat: trading Pokemon cards.

 Above, the birthday boys with a bit of attitude.  I think, like most kids at their own parties, were a bit overwhelmed and anxious to get things going.

 Above, the boys marvel at Chaneuk's ability to eat with gusto--I wish my boys would eat like that.

 The balloons were undoubtedly the big hit of the party.  The kids rushed to claim one a piece after the completion of the birthday song.

For a craft, we had them create spinning tops.  The kit included a cd the kids decorated and then screwed a metal piece in the middle and--voila!--the spinner was complete.  A lot of the kids got very creative with their art work.

Next, another activity as we waited for the pools to fill with water.  Dahin and her friend Enseo held up a string across which we strung onion ring snacks that the kids raced to eat.  Dahin and Eunseo, while waiting for the kids to get organized, argued about how much taller Dahin really is compared to Eunseo.  Good use of some downtime, girls.  The kids had a lot of fun racing to eat the snacks off the string.

Then, finally, it was pool time.  The kids went crazy at first.  Keep in mind that these kids have spent a good part of the past month inside.  They went nuts splashing each other and, below, staged an impromptu battle of the sexes.  Note that one girl uses a wise strategy as the other girls plot--or gossip--and the boys expend all their energy in the moment without much thinking.  So typical.

 The boys had so much fun.  It was not easy getting some good shots of them, especially with Mr. Attitude at large (guess who below).  He walked into the birthday party super grumpy--I think it's because we had asked people not to bring presents.  Still, you could tell he had a good time.

We set up a table by the baby pools so kids could keep snacking.  It was a good thing since we had an over-abundance of food.   The kids devoured chicken, pizza, fruit, and cupcakes, and then the icecream cake (which took a whole 5 minutes to disappear).  Nothing was wasted!

Some of my favorite moms, and one grandparent, living in faculty apartments.  In the foreground wearing pink is Chaneuk's grandmother--am really going to miss her when they move away next week.  Second from left is Yeonguk's mom--the party queen.  Seriously, she is an amazing party planner.  We planned Halloween together 2 years in a row.  I really wish she weren't heading to Chicago for a year.  She's a lot of fun.

Above, me and some of the moms and, below, Dayeon's mom pulls out the manicure kit and the party gets a bit girly during cleanup.  She calls it "spa time." It was really cute and a lot of fun.

Above, Tashi enjoys his granola snacky thingy from Bubbie and Grrandfather and, below, Ronan shows off his money that he already has plans for.

Dahin was so sweet and got her brothers presents.  She got Oliver some erasers that look like candy and cake, etc., and she got Ronan a little towel that he can wet and wrap around his arm or wearever when he gets hot.  They were very thoughtful gifts.

The boys spent most of the evening glued to their birthday present from me and Jack--a Nintendo DS.  Hey, they're expensive, so we got one they can share.  Oliver, above, plays back seat driver to Ronan's gaming.  Happy 7th birthday boys!  Cannot believe how fast time has flown.  Mommy and Apa are proud of how you all have grown and are glad we could spend the whole day celebrating together.  We love you!