the eagles have landed.

Today we rolled out of bed at 2:30 am to make sure everything was ready to go by 3:30. We just had some last minute toiletry packing to do and then we were on our way to the airport. Unfortunately, that last minute toiletry packing took Autumn's suitcase out of the car. And it never made it back to the car.  When we started emptying out luggage, Autumn calmly said "I don't see my bag." I may have slightly freaked but Autumn never let her reaction go above that "I don't see my bag" level of a reaction. What a cool headed chica!  I sent Chris home to fetch it and it was Autumn that pointed out that this wasn't the end of the world and that, bonus, she was wearing her glasses vs. her contacts so she wouldn't even miss her contact solution.  As much as I feel like a complete ninkumpoop for forgetting a bag, I am so glad it was Autumn's bag.  It reminds me of Autumn's trip to Korea when she was 11.  The passport office had messed up her passport and we weren't sure if it would arrive in time for her flight.  I was freaking out. Little 11 year old Autumn calmly said "Mom, it's ok if I don't go this time."  So cool under pressure. I want to be like her when I grow up. Just saying.

Ok, so we're in Korea.  We are riding the bus to Daegu as I type. Why the bus instead of the super fast ktx train?  Well, folks, I'm traveling as a party of 6. We saved big bucks by taking the 4 hour bus ride BUT the bus leaves every 30 minutes, so we got to leave sooner than on the train.  My anti-public transportation self is quite impressed with this bus. It's pretty swanky with wide seats, padded leg rests and reclining seats.  Yeah for saving some $$ AND being comfortable.

Language update:  the kids refuse to speak Korean to anyone and my Korean class just got cancelled because I'm the only one who signed up. (They need three students and they won't let me sign up my kids because it's an adult only class). Once we get to Daegu, things are getting real. Chris' sweet family will pick us up from the station and none of them speak much English.  I'll let you know how that goes.  The highlight of the day: when Chloe told me that the more I encourage her to speak Korean, the less she wants to speak it.  I'm going to chalk it up to sleep exhaustion and hope she's back to her sweet self after a nap.

Blessing of the day: I was bracing myself for 90 degree weather with 100% humidity, which is pretty normal for Daegu at this time of year.  I was just hoping I could deal without looking like I was on the verge of death. Yep, Oregon has made me a moderate climate wimp.  BUT I can suffer through the sweat another day.  Daegu has a week of cooler weather with less humidity forecasted and I am so grateful fr the chance to slowly acclimate.  What a blessing!