Sunday, September 23, 2007




I have been pressured into writing another blog. I am also on leave again and have a bit of extra time on my hands so I thought I would send a few pictures along as well as the latest news. By permission, Jenna has let the kid out of the bag, so to speak. After thinking we were done on changing baby diapers and waking up at all hours of the night and all the good hugs and special looks a baby brings, we get to experience it all over again. May sometime is the best guess for the new arrival. We are all excited about the prospect but the kids are the most excited. Devin told everybody in school and his class bet on whether or not it was a boy or girl. 11 girl vs. 9 boy.
We have had some other events since last I wrote. Dillon is now attending school and Cari is now 11. I wish she would slow down because the older she gets, the older I get. It doesn't seem fair but not much I can do about it.
We had to cancel our planned trip to South Africa because it would be hard to package up a new born and travel half way around the world. We are happy that we have a great incentive to get mom and dad to come visit us here in Korea.
Work has been interesting as we have been practicing the equivalent of a drive by shooting or the official term - Convoy Live Fire Exercise. We also were able to practice with Claymore Mines, Hand Grenades, and our individual weapons. We spent 10 days working on all this fun. The days were long but rewarding and better than all the paper work that comes with the army.
We still don't know what will happen to my request to get another company at a location closer to Seoul. It is that more important now since Kwona would like to have the baby at the army hospital in Yongsan (Seoul). We are now about 4 hours away but if we get the other location we would be maybe 1 hour.
The army has offered me and many other captains a bonus to stay in the military for another 3 years. I am deciding what bonus I want since they gave us some options and how each will effect our future. I am still planning to get out of the military in four and a half years.
The pictures show the first day of school (Cari's friend is in the picture but not Cari), Tae Kwon Do class for Devin and Cari's 11th birthday traditional pancake breakfast.

8 comments:

Sioux said...

HOW EXCITING IS THIS?! I've been away from the computer for a few days -- so did not know about the baby. I am so happy for all of you. If you don't think you've had anything to write aboat up til now -- you will be able to redeem yourself with this new addition.

Anonymous said...

Serge told me that you called over to our house today. Thank you for your call...and Jason would love to hear from you. Call ASAP, don't worry about it.
Now on to less cryptic comments. WE ARE SO THRILLED ABOUT THE NEW LITTLE KWONA!!!! We have voted for a little sister for Cari. Danille and Cara are 10 years apart and still the greatest of friends. Kwona needs a another daughter and so does the crusty old Army dad. And I know what you mean by how fast your kids grow is in direct proportion to how old you feel. It was just yesterday that you and your cousins were little twerps doing all sorts of fascinating things.
Congratulations and all our love to each of you. Hope you get your transfer.

KickButtMommy said...

Congratulations Ben! That is wonderful news!

Anonymous said...

A little girl would be wonderful but I have to admit I have loved every minute of four little boys following after Coree! What great helpers you will have! Congratulations Ben and Kwona!

Cara said...

Mom forgot to mention that her first daughter is turning 40 in the Spring. Talk about feeling old :) Sorry, Mom, couldn't resist.

Anonymous said...

AGHHHH!!!! You could have gone all day without mentioning that, Cara. But I do have to admit that my oldest daughter will be the most strikely beautiful 40-year-old in the world. Guess that will make you 30 in the Spring and just as beautiful, too.
So let me see, how old does that make Ben?

jmr said...

Korea in August is the best place to be! I can't wait! I don't know what to vote for. Girl/Boy... I'll get back to you. I guess I just don't care either way, I'm just too stinkin excited about it! I'm glad to see I can still bug you enough to get what I want, in this case, a post on the blog! :) little sisters have all the power huh? I'm glad you had fun with your drive by shooting practices. good thing the army provides a little fun in the mix with all that paperwork!

jmr said...

ps I love dillons outfit for school, so him!