Thanksgiving Weekend

Where's Ian???

Mirror, mirror, on the wall which of the three is the cutest of them all?

Ian snuggled in Juan's coat.

The many locks left behind on the chain link fence at the Seoul Tower. Wouldn't that be a fun Amazing Race Detour?

View from the top

Waiting for our Seoul City Tour Bus to arrive within seconds.

Hi Everyone,

It's been a very busy week for us as preparations for Thanksgiving were underway. Nevertheless, we took the time to say "thanks" for many things which we have been blessed. It's hard to believe that this year marks Ian's first Thanksgiving and as parents we have much to be thankful for indeed - thanks be to God!!!

We were fortunate that Juan had four days off to enjoy time with family. Thursday was off due to Thanksgiving and Friday was given off for the holiday. Like many others, we spent our Thanksgiving with friends near by. The menu consisted of...

- a 16lb ham
- turkey
- rolls
- cranberry
- green bean casserole
- spinach salad
- mashed potatoes with gravy
- stuffing
- 2 pumpkin pies
- pecan pie

Needless to say there was plenty of food to go around two, even three times. It was an eventful day where we all gathered around a table to eat and enjoy each other's friendship and fellowship. Even Ian was the highlight; he was the center of attention and entertainment for the three kids at dinner. At the end of the day, no one left hungry and we gave thanks for our family, friends, and soldiers, sailors, marines, and airmen overseas who could not be with their families for Thanksgiving because they are deployed.

The day after Thanksgiving, we enjoyed the day by exploring Seoul on the Seoul City Bus Tour. Since arriving in July, this was the first time, Juan has had a chance to go on the tour.

It was simply a pleasure to be on the bus and see all the sites. It gave us a new appreciation of how big Seoul is (fifth largest city in the world) and how accessible it is via the city's efficient subway system. The highlight of tour was the Seoul Tower - it's the city's most recognized icon! The view from the top was awesome, an amazing panoramic view of Seoul.

Unfortunately, the day was lightly overcast so the range in view was limited. Nevertheless, you could still see far enough to appreciate the vastness of the city. We have truly been blessed for being here. There is so much to do and it's literally within our grasp with a subway stop away.

The weekend is finally upon us. We expect that it will be a light weekend with much opportunity for rest and relaxation. A few chores still need to be overcome such as laundry and groceries, but our #1 priority will be checking-off the requirements needed to prepare for our four-day trip to Beijing, China during the New Year's celebration. Beijing has been a place that we wanted to go too but never had the time while we were stationed in Yokosuka, Japan for three years. Now the opportunity has presented itself and this time it will be our pleasure to enjoy the adventures of traveling as a Garcia with our new addition - Ian.

Yes, there is much to be thankful for this year. Amazingly each day is Thanksgiving for us in the Garcia Family. How can it not be? We wake up every morning to a new day and one of the first things we see is our smiling baby Ian. This is reason enough to give thanks each day. May your days be as thankful as ours - God bless you all and give God the honor, praise, and thanks he deserves as our God!!!

Praise Him!!!

Juan, Rachel & Ian