Almost Disney World. . . Almost

Happy Be-lated Independence Day! We actually had a fantastic time celebrating America's birthday here in Korea. The base held a "Liberty Fest" with games, music, food, and fireworks and, even though we're in the heart of monsoon season, the rain couldn't stop the Draggins. It made me realize just how wonderful all of our friends are here that you can enjoy an American holiday so far away from home and ALMOST not even miss it. ;)

Anyways, our good friends the Mannings just left Korea yesterday, but we were fortunate enough to get to spend their last day on the ROK with them and a few more of our friends from our previous base (there are were so many of us that came from Spangdahlem to Osan that we're sometimes called 'Spang East' or the 'Spang Mafia.') Tim and Nicole decided they wanted to spend their last day in Korea at Lotte World, the world's largest in-door theme park. It also houses an outdoor amusement park, a shopping mall, a hotel, a Korean folk museum, sports facilities, and a movie theater--all in one place.

Here's a view of the inside portion of the park from our "hot air balloon" ride:

So happy for a day off of work! :)

There's an ice rink in the middle of the park, and there were this little Korean kids learning how to speed skate. Aren't they so stinkin' cute?!

I made Jonathan take this picture. He was not happy.

The out-door part of the park, called "Magic Island." I love the giant castle. It's almost Cinderella's castle. . . almost, but not quite.

The boys were the only ones brave enough to get on the "Gyro Drop."

The journey home involved lots of walking, fighting with the Seoul Metro system (literally--Tim has the bruises to prove it), and a long ride on a kimchi-smelling bus. However, the youngest of group also had the highest spirits. Here's Ava, Matt and Erica's little girl, playing "Let's do whatever Jonathan does" as we were waiting for the train.

Good-bye Tim, Nicole, Meg, and T-Bone! We'll miss you guys!