The Kang-Weyants headed East for ten days to see family, friends, the Atlantic, and a few New Jersey towns and houses.
We visited Westfield, NJ first, and happily, the Paik-Powells tagged along. Kate was thrilled to spend time with Cousin Kiki. After touring several houses, it was time to take a break, Jersey-style, at Dairy Queen. Jina wondered if this was what Jerseyites did for fun. I told her this was called "date night" in the suburbs.
Kiki napped while we ate our ice cream. She is, by far, the most easygoing baby I have ever seen in my life. I'm hoping Kang-Weyant 3.0 has at least an ounce of Kiki's disposition.
Chocolate soft cone. Yum.
After a harrowing bumper-to-bumper drive back to Bergen County, we all went back to Halmoni and Halabugi's condo in Edgewater and had dinner. Luckily, Kiki is the most easygoing baby in the world, and Kate decided to practice writing words in her notebook to pass the time. Believe it or not, the traffic in NJ is much worse than in LA. Ugh.
Halabugi held his grandniece for the first time.
The next day, we took the bus (Kate's favorite) into Manhattan to see Soo-eemo. Kate also took her very first subway ride. Chris was mortified by me whipping out the camera like a tourist begging to be mugged.
Soo-eemo made us lunch to welcome us -- a first! This was also the first time Chris and I had ever seen Soo standing in a kitchen and actually making something, and we had to record the historic occasion.
Lunch was delicious. Soo made lox-cream-cheese-cucumber and tomato-mozzarella-basil sandwiches as well as two different salads. She also served appetizers, champagne, and dessert! Thank you, Soo!
One of Kiki's favorite toys is a handmedown from Kate who got it from Emma. 
Chris and Kate hadn't seen Uncle Steve since Kate's baptism over three years ago. It was wonderful to see him. Not surprisingly, he's a natural with babies and kids. He listened intently to Kate's chattering, and made her laugh. "I really like Uncle Steve!"
Kate loves Kiki.
After our lovely lunch, we walked to Central Park.
Soo taking out the pebbles in Kate's sandals. What a good auntie.
Kiki rode in a swing for the first time. 
Kate tried out the "big girl" swings with Jina-eemo.
Uncle Steve and Appa explained to Kate the origins of the ancient rock formation she was standing on.
It was hot and humid. We desert folk aren't used to moisture.
Kate and Appa standing in Belvedere Castle overlooking the algae-filled pond. The location (and intense humidity) reminded me of watching Shakespeare in the Park many moons ago.
On Monday, Chris, Kate, and I saw a bunch of houses in Ridgewood and Glen Rock and liked what we saw overall. Especially the libraries. Kate and I are avid public library-goers and were really pleased to see how well-endowed and beautiful they were. Kate had a great time playing in puppet sections of each library and didn't want to leave. There was even a small section of children's books in Korean at the Ridgewood library. 
The next day, Kate and I met Jina-eemo and Kiki at the Museum of Natural History while Chris went to The New Yorker for the weekly cartoon submission meeting and apres-submission lunch with his fellow cartoonists. 
The first thing Kate wanted to see was the giant whale. There it is, lurking in the dark behind us.
Kate loved the "Early Peoples" exhibits the best. Especially the Korean one. Maybe she'll be an anthropologist one day.
Yesterday, while at home, Kate and I sat and sewed a sock puppet side-by-side. Kate said, "I'm like the Korean lady in the museum, and you're like the man!"
A giant prehistoric tortoise. "Taxi's cousin!"
Kate liked this prehistoric guy.
After hours of walking around and fighting the huge crowds of tourists and summer camp groups, we needed a food break or two. Kiki and Kate amused each other during a cookie break. I love the way Kiki is smiling at Kate in this photo. Kate was able to make Kiki smile all day.
We also took advantage of the pool at Halmoni and Halabugi's which overlooked the NY skyline. After swimming, Appa and Kate walked to the edge of the Hudson River.
Halmoni teaching Kate how to play Korean jacks with the colorful stones she got at the Museum gift shop.
Kate and Mom giving Halabugi a foot massage while watching one of the many movies that computer-savvy Halmoni downloaded for Kate. Halabugi was surprised by how strong Kate's little hands were. I think the loving gesture from Kate was the highlight of his month.
Kate was sad to say goodbye to Halmoni and Halabugi and all the delicious Korean food, but invited them to visit her and her new baby sister, "Lily," in October. Yes, Lily is the name Kate has firmly decided on. Next stop -- the Jersey Shore!
2 comments:
Looks like a great trip. Did you know that my roomate from college, Sydne, grew up in Ridgewood - and so did another one of my college friends. I have been there MANY times and love it. Especially the quaint downtown it has. The schools seem really good also. Her parents are still there.
Lily!!! I love it. But what happened to Mulan? :-)
Loved the blog entry. Makes me want to have more Paik-Powell-Kang-Weyant adventures!
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