A quick stop to The Zimmer

We weren't planning a trip to the Zimmer Museum, but it was raining and we felt that the boys needed to let out some steam. So we made a quick stop to the Zimmer. Micah really enjoyed the padded room where he could jump freely. Noah was in the room for a bit, literally jumping off the walls and doing somersaults, but he actually enjoyed playing in the Blue Bagel Cafe making food. We will not be surprised if he has a culinary future. Maybe Noah and Micah will be like the Voltaggio Brothers on Top Chef???

Pinks or Bon Chon?

Instead of taking a vacation this break, we decided to visit spots in our own city. So on the list of places to visit was Pink's Hot Dog Stand. I know, after almost ten years in LA, I have never been! Well after seeing that the lines wrapped around the building and the fact that it was sprinkling, I opted to go to Bon Chon Chicken in Ktown. Now although we frequent Ktown quite a bit, we have never been to Bon Chon Chicken, which serves really good fried chicken. When will we try to go to Pinks again???

GGA and GGT

We were so fortunate to see Great Grandpa Art and Great Grandma Tina over the holidays. We had a relaxing evening at Bubbe's house and we even found sometime to play a few games of Rummy Q. Grandma Tina has skills because she won the last game! When will be able to play again???

Merry Christmas

Last year I asked, "What will Christmas be like next year when Micah is one???" Well it was full of new memories of fun. Micah enjoyed standing on top of wrapped presents and pulling down ornaments (breaking a few). He had no desire to open or even play with the wrapping, but he did enjoy throwing things. Noah and Kaitlyn were all about the presents. Kaitlyn understood the concept of her presents and she knew who Santa was while I think Noah just enjoyed opening and passing out gifts. Chanukah Harry was there with packs of socks for Jawsh. Speaking of Jawsh, he made his homemade lasagna which was a hit. It had a lot of competition with prime rib roast, green beans and bacon, sweet and mashed potatoes, cornbread, and much more. All in all, it was a nice time spent with family and a ton of good eats! What will it be like next year when Emma gets into the mix???

Merry Christmas Eve

It's been sort of a tradition for us to go to Kaitlyn's house on Christmas Eve so the kids could open presents under her Christmas tree. Last year, Uncle Bill surprised Kaitlyn and Noah with their very own Thomas the Tank Engine ride! And I asked at the end of my post, "How is Billy going to top this next year???" Well it was definitely topped. This year he bought Kaitlyn her very own Cadillac Escalade! It's a bit excessive if you ask me, but the kids enjoyed driving down the cul-de-sac in their new ride. Dare I ask: How is Billy going to top this next year???

Dino time

We headed to Exposition Park and went to the Natural History Museum with Kaitlyn and family. Lately, Kaitlyn has really been into dinosaurs so this was a fun experience for her. Noah and Kaitlyn really enjoyed looking at the dinosaur fossils and they learned that dinosaurs with sharp teeth eat "kogi" (meat) and dinosaurs with flat teeth eat "salad or lettuce." When will visit again???

Happy Birthday Linnea!

Today we celebrated Linnea's 2nd birthday. The boys had a great time playing with her and all of her toys, but the biggest hit for Noah was wearing Linnea's butterfly wings! If you know Noah, he definitely has a love for butterflies! Micah on the other hand, liked picking up rocks and sitting in dirt. How many times do we say that these two are different???

Happy Chanukah!

The tradition of the Smith-Shields Chanukah celebration continues to year two! Last year they came to our place and this year they hosted the last evening (yes, we know we were a day off). Jay's triple fried latkes and Delee's matzo ball soup were a big hit! It was so much fun catching up with the family and watching the boys play, and I'm referring to Jawsh and Jay. They were in the garage on the instruments, playing dreidel, and flying Jay's model helicopter while toasting away with donuts! Of course, the other kids were having a great time too. Next year we celebrate back at our place... will I be able to make the matzo ball soup???

Chanukah oh Chanukah

Here is a short clip of Noah singing on the last night of Chanukah...
"Chanukah, Oh Chanukah, come light the Menorah. Let's have a party; we'll all dance the hora. Gather round the table, we'll give you a treat. Dreidels to play with, and latkes to eat. And while we are playing, the candles are burning bright. One for each night, they shed a sweet light, to remind us of days long ago. One for each night, they shed a sweet light, to remind us of days long ago." Wasn't that beautiful???

3 candles

We celebrated the third night of Chanukah at Bubbe's house. We were so excited to eat homemade latkes and brisket! Noah had a wonderful time singing "Chanukah oh Chanukah" and Micah loved climbing up and down the stairs. What will the next night of Chanukah bring???

100 days

In Korean tradition, on the 100th day after a child's birth, a small feast is prepared to celebrate the child's life. The number 100 has an inherent meaning of maturity and perfection. Our family celebrated Emma's Baek-il with rice cakes and Billy made her a special 100 Day Cheesecake. It's crazy how fast time is flying... I remember when we celebrated Kaitlyn's Baek-il like it was yesterday but then I hear her roaring like a dinosaur and hear Noah chasing her down the hall with Micah right behind and realize that they're growing up fast! Before we know it, Emma will be joining in... can I just stop time now???

Mr. Valentine's Nature Class

Today Noah's preschool had a very special guest, Mr. Valentine and his animals. Noah got to touch an opossum, a Wallaby from Australia, a Kinkajou, reptiles (like a bearded dragon), insects, frogs and snakes (including a Desert King Snake). I am so bummed that I missed this special event but Jawsh was able to go and take some awesome pictures. Mr. Valentine even threw an insect at Micah, which landed on his stomach! Noah's favorite animal was the snake, so this is the picture that I posted. I wonder if he'll want one when he gets older???