Chuseok!

Saturday evening we went to an event at the Korean Community Center up in Houston.  It was hosted by the Houston Korean American Women's Association.  They advertised it as an event to build friendship among adoptive families, introduce the rich Korean culture and traditions, and to increase understanding of Korean heritage.  I am so glad that we went.  The women of KAWA were so sweet. Talk about being treated like guests of honor.  It was very obvious that they had planned the entire evening with us (adoptive families) in mind.  The event coincided with the holiday of Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving) and they served an incredible feast of traditional Korean dishes.  It was delicious.  Even C liked it.  I was so proud of him.  He tried something new and ended up eating all of it.  Guess I need to learn how to make japchae. :)  Ambassador Suk-Bun PARK, the Consul General of the Republic of Korea was there and gave a welcome speech.  In it he asked if anyone knew what holiday was on Monday and promised a KPop cd to the person with the correct answer. A kid stood up and said Thanksgiving.  The Ambassador said that was close but asked what the Korean name was.  C raised his hand (while furiously whispering across the table "Mom!  Mom!  What is it again?")  One of the women grabbed him and took him up to the podium so he could answer into the microphone.  He proudly answered Chuseok (correct pronunciation and all) :)  The Ambassador gave hubs his business card and told him to email him our address so he could send C his prize.  Hubby did and got a very nice note back.  There was a full program, most of which I watched through the windows of the lobby as baby just mastered walking and wasn't happy unless he could practice his new skill.  He was quite the hit in the back of the room and out in the lobby.  They all thought he was so cute.  (He is, of course) ;) And I had offers to watch him while I went back inside and   Hubs and the big boys had front row seats for all the action.  Tae kwon do, Korean flute, Traditional Farmer's Dance, Korean Fan Dance, Korean drumming...so many neat traditional art forms that we got to see.  

Can you see spot baby and me? :)

We were so grateful to KAWA for hosting this wonderful (free!) event and welcoming us so warmly. They expressed the desire to make it an annual event.  We sure do hope to attend again next year!