A Korean Dol {Part 2}

We decided to have this party on Tuesday, just 3 days prior! And suprisingly, most people were able to make it. We had 18 people running around, which is a small number compared to the hundred or so that typically come to a real dol, but for us that was plenty. We started the evening with a Korean meal. Adam fixed some amazing bulgogi in the crock pot. Bulgogi is a tender marinated beef. We served this with rice, steamed vegetables, and watermelon. The food was a big hit and there was barely any left over. We will definitely have to continue cooking this meal.

After dinner, we got the boys dressed in their hanboks and let them play the doljabi game to find out their future. Neylan did a great job. He was placed at one end of the table and slowly made his way to the other end, checking out each item along the way.  

And, to everyone's surprise, grabbed the pencil first. He's going to be a scholar!!

And then, he grabbed the microphone. A scholar who performs on the side!! Even better!

Unfortunately, everyone had their doubts about Neylan being a scholar and no one voted for that. So, we went to the second item, the microphone, which only had one vote. They just don't know you well enough, Neylan, do they? David had the winning ticket and won a bottle of plum concentrate to make his own plum soda, a popular drink in Korea.

And then Grayson had his turn. And he chose the bowl of rice first. Not a shocker to anyone at all!!! This meant he will never go hungry. Which, I find a bit humerous, since there are days when the kid will try to convince you he's starving to death and all the food in the world won't fill him up. I guess he's just hoping that he will never have to go hungry again. 

Within a matter of seconds every item was being played with and the candy and fruit were being eyeballed and manipulated.

We changed the boys out of their fancy clothes and into different matching outfits (outfit #3- only you, Kasey would appreciate this!) for cupcakes!

Obviously, these were a hit! Neylan had no problem this time with his cupcake eating skills. Devoured the whole thing- well most of it- at least the part he didn't finger paint with!

And then, it was time for presents! Grayson got a few too, but can't sit still long enough to enjoy them or get a picture made with them.

After all of this indoor fun, it was time to head outside. So, into outfit #4- the swimming trunks

(Actually in these pics they are still in outfit #1, getting soaked without Mommy knowing it! But they did change and go back out to play after presents)

 Some of the guys enjoyed some yard games

We are so glad that Neylan is finally home and doing so well. He did great at the party, with no stranger anxiety. He is going up to other people and letting them hold him. I'm glad I took this challenge on to recreate- to the best of my ability- a traditional dol. With a bit extra time, I could have done better and invited more people, but this will be a party we will not forget. I hope Neylan and Grayson enjoy looking back at these pictures and hearing the stories.