Felix and the boys

The Reno Rubins have three adorable cats... Sampson, Brutus, and Felix. Felix, being the youngest, was very playful with the kids and Noah was very proud of himself that he could pick him up. When will Noah start asking for a pet???

Reno: Day 2

The agenda today was to get the boys out in the snow. We took them sledding with Uncle Zach, Mary, and Aunt Julia. We had a great time. The boys started off going down with adults and then eventually we just let them go down with one another. That evening we had another family dinner and the boys just loved being in the house. Noah even said that he didn't want to leave... How will he react when we have to depart???

Reno: Day 1

Today the boys had a great time hanging out at the Reno Rubin abode. Aunt Julia took the boys out back for a nature walk to the creek and as soon as they got there, Micah instinctively started throwing rocks while Noah tried to get as close as possible. We also took the boys to a small play park to ride and swing. In the afternoon, we went to the Nevada Museum of Art and when we left it was snowing! It was amazing to see the boys reactions to the snow. Later that evening, we had a great dinner with the whole family and then Uncle Steve took the kids out to play in the snow. What will tomorrow bring???

Friendly skies (again)

Micah's second trip on an airplane went really well... we flew to Reno to visit the family. The trip was smooth thanks to the boys' dispositions and Uncle Zach traveling with us. It was nice to have an extra set of hands to help! Micah was so excited to be on the plane and even more excited when they handed out mini-snacks. Micah munched on his snack saying "mmm, pretzel baby." Noah was in the row across from us with Dad playing his new DS. Now we know that we can take the boys anywhere! Next stop: Maui. Anyone want to join???

Merry Christmas

This Christmas, we had a delicious holiday meal which consisted of prime rib roast, green beans and bacon, sweet and mashed potatoes, four cheese mac and cheese (and a bunch of other tasty foods). We were also serenaded by Noah and Kaitlyn who sang, "We wish you a Merry Christmas." And last but not least, the adults played White Elephant gift exchange (I came home with Star Wars pancake molds and Jawsh got fragrance diffusers)! What will Christmas bring next year???

A gingerbread house

Today we spent the day with Cathy! We had lunch at Pitfire Pizza and had a blast hanging out. Cathy brought over a gingerbread house to complete with the boys. Micah lost interest pretty quick, but Noah worked very hard alongside Cathy. Isn't this great???

California Science Center

Today we ventured to the California Science Center with Y.H., V.D., and A.C. We had a great time going through the Ecosystems and various exhibits. The kids liked the Discovery Rooms and we all liked looking at our thermal output. In this photo, I am holding the camera and Noah up with one arm (Micah was napping in the stroller). Cool, don't you think???

Welcome Back Zach!

Uncle Zach is back from Louisiana! Will he like his Barefoot chocolate cake???

Central Library

For years, I have been saying that I would like to visit the library downtown and today we finally did it! Sure, it was raining... but it was well worth it. We only stayed an hour (we had to feed the monkeys... I mean boys...) so we hit the second floor, Children's Section. As a teacher, I was in awe. So many wonderful books, art, kid friendly furniture... everything was so inviting... If I was alone I could of stayed the whole day. The boys loved reading in the amphitheater and of course Micah gravitated toward, "No David" while Noah liked "The Three Billy Goats Gruff." We definitely have to come back again... the question is when???

Hi Asante

Today I got to meet Asante for the second time... the first time around he was about three weeks old and sleeping soundly in his crib. Fast forward to a few months and he was wide awake and hanging out with Micah (Noah was at school). Micah liked saying his name when prompted and Asante just took it all in. He is such a cutie pie (look into those deep eyes) and I can't wait for him to be mobile so he can play with my boys. When will we see him again???

Nice!

Have I been naughty or nice this year? According to Hanukkah Harry and Santa Claus... I have been nice! With my new Kitchenaid mixer, I have already made a few of Barefoot's desserts, like her chocolate cupcakes, chocolate cake, and homemade frosting. I even make my own whip cream which the boys love eating with their challah french toast. I can't wait to use the dough hook and make some bread... wonder how that will turn out???

8th night

Tonight we celebrated the last night of Chanukah with friends from Noah's school, the H Family. Nagat and I have become good friends and there is never a dull moment with five kids running around. Noah likes to play with E.H. and Micah loves to play with Y.H., all while Baby Yexplores. When will we break bread again???

Mr. Valentine's Nature Class

Today Noah's preschool had a very special guest, Mr. Valentine and his animals. Noah got to touch a Wallaby, a Kinkajou, reptiles (like a bearded dragon), frogs and snakes (including a Desert King Snake). This time around, Noah was not interested in the insects (he refused to hold the tarantula and the scorpion) but he was very much into snakes... I wonder if he'll want one when he gets older???

Happy Chanukah with the Shields

The tradition of the Smith-Shields Chanukah celebration continues to year three! Last year we went to their place and this year we hosted. It was so much fun catching up with the family and watching the boys play. Kyer and Micah got along very well, so I think we have best friends in the making. When will we see them again???

4th night

Tonight we celebrated the fourth night of Chanukah with Bubbe, GA, GT, and some of Bubbe's close friends. We had a great evening at Bubbe's house eating good food, opening gifts, and playing games. Now that Noah understands the rules of the games, I think he enjoyed playing Dreidel and Go Fish with GA and GT more than the gift opening! When will we see them again???

Happy Chanukah

We celebrated the first night of Chanukah with Grandpa. We had matzo ball soup and latkes for dinner (well the kids had pancakes). Noah had a wonderful time singing "Chanukah oh Chanukah" with Grandpa. Noah is also old enough to understand the Dreidel Game and it was fun watching three generations spin for chocolate gelt. What will the next night of Chanukah bring???