Mike and Faye go to South Korea

Mike and Faye went on a quest for their visas to go to Korea. They bounced from Greensboro to Asheville to Atlanta several times trying to get it sorted out. This day, we went downtown to get old school candies at Mast General Store. It snowed! 

OK, this is a completely other day! Samantha and I went shopping to get her a few items she needed for her cruise. I slyly set up a surprise visit from Mike in the middle of our shopping trip. I think Samantha was surprised. Just a little bit. 

They were so happy to see each other. Awww... 

Now this is yet another completely different occasion. Dave and Rene wanted to meet up with us to bid Faye and Mike farewell. What better place to bid fond farewells but a bowling alley??

Another night, Bill, Mike, Faye and I went to Chef Mo's for dinner. Here's Mike posing up with mom... 

Unfortunately for all of us, Vardemis cannot accompany Mike and Faye to S. Korea. So Bill and I will cat sit. Mike will miss his boy!

So this is the morning Mike and Faye leave for Korea. Sam and Aaron met us in the morning. Here' Faye with the cutest kid ever, her nephew. Cameron? 

Checking in....

That looks like a lot of luggage! But it's just 2 50-lb. bags each. That is all.

One of the children was very well behaved. The other two? Not so much.

Little devils.

Mike plays tourist with his camera. Is this thing on?

Here we all are when it's just about time to go.

Faye's sister gives her a big hug.

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Stop taking pictures of me while I'm crying!!!!!

Sniff sniff sniff....  There they go!

"OK, let's do this!"

Vardemis, meanwhile, explores his new home.

Christmas 2012

Look who stopped by the country club kitchen to say hi! 

Mike does love argyle. Santa knew he was going to be leaving the country for a while. South Korea doesn't have a lot of 6 foot 3 men, so it was important that he take a lot of clothes with him.

Sam knows what her brother likes....

HA HA HA HA!!! Sam's onesie was a little too big. But it looks fabulous on Mike!

What what??? A pet petter???? How does it work?!? Wait... It's not a pet petter at all! Mike digs the Kindle Fire.

Nom noms are forthcoming. To be served in these little things. Thanks, Kath!

THANKS FAYE!!!!!

Sam looks like those boots just busted out in song!

Cute outfit, Sam. Chosen entirely by Bill. 

Kindle Accessories!

Bill is wearing his gifts all at once. AND a new computer since some of us simply cannot get used to new technology (like the iPad).

Just can't play it straight, can you Mike...

Ha! Gotcha! By the mini-tree...

And Sam doesn't wanna play it straight either....

Sammy Fierce!

So this is the day of the New Year party at the country club. Inside that box is a whole pig! Atop that box is some hot coals. Piggy is cooking from the top in there.

Jaytee is trying to figure out the exact time to check and flip him.

Jaytee and Matt flip that pig while Julie looks on.

This is the bottom side of the pig Pre-Flip.

Scoring the skin keeps it from forming blisters and popping out under the heat.

Mmmmm! That skin, by the way, is crispy and delicious.

These are little chocolate shells filled with Bailey's White Chocolate mousse and shaved chocolate. Piped chocolate decorations finish them off.

McCartney helps with the pig flip.

Many beef tenderloins are cleaned and marked off on the grill. Ready to go!

White chocolate-almond truffles. 

The Sunset Dining Room all decorated for a New Year's Eve party.

Mr. Piggy as he was served.

Little cherry cheesecakes topped with shaved white chocolate.

This is the little tree by our front door.

Some elves came by and put out some Christmas decorations while I was at work. :) 

This is the bigger tree in the living room.

Bill and I in our Christmas red at the country club's Christmas party.