Like father, like son

Noah reminds me of Jawsh in so many ways... from the way he likes to stretch in the mornings to the way he has to start his day with a banana... from the way he loves to draw to the way he loves Star Wars... could it be the way they part their hair the same way or the way they both enjoy popcorn with a good movie... from their blood type to their quiet genius... Noah is truly like his father, wouldn't you say???

Later that night...

We had dinner with Dad at Cha Cha Chicken and then headed to the pier for some more fun. Noah's wish came true and he got to ride the West Coaster, a steel roller coaster with an oceanfront view traveling at 35 mph. The cool thing about this ride is that it goes twice, so once you think it's over, it goes back again. Jawsh also took both boys on the Pacific Wheel, the world's only solar powered ferris wheel that gives a panoramic view of the coastline 130 feet in the air (while I waited at the bottom of the ride). It was so nice to hang out at the pier on a week night, when will we do it again???

Pacific Park

Today we went to Santa Monica Pier to enjoy all the amusement park rides with Y.H. and his family. Last year, Noah went with Kaitlyn Kourage but this year, Micah was tall enough to get on the rides with Noah and his friend! Micah was so excited to get on the rides with big brother. They loved the Frog Hopper and crashing into each other on Sig Alert EV. They are electric vehciles that spin 360 degrees covered in bumper tubes! Since we have all day passes, I hope we can come back tonight with Daddy. Will he want to go???

100 pieces

Sometimes I don't know if I push too hard... there is a part of me that thinks I should let things happen organically and other times when I think I need to push... encourage... In teaching we refer to it as scaffolding but as a parent I don't want to push so hard that my kids don't enjoy what they are doing. But then again, there is that part of me that thinks, they won't really enjoy it until they are good at it (which reminds me of a quote that I read in a book entitled, Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother). So let's get to the point. I bought Noah a 100 piece Spongebob Puzzle. I knew it was going to be challenging (not only for Noah to solve it but to keep all the pieces together). On the box it says, 5+, which Noah also noticed. But I decided to give it to him anyway. He stumbled a bit here and there, he whined, he wanted to give up, but I made him (encouraged him) to finish. I even had to help, just a little, and once he got into the groove, he was fine. He didn't want my help any further and he ended up finishing this bad boy of a puzzle. You can see the satisfaction on his face in the photo... but did I do the right thing to continue to push even when he wanted to stop, who knows???

3 amigos

Cam was in town visiting from NYC and we got to have brunch with her. Before we left, we snagged this great photo of her and the boys rockin' out their hats... hers probably from some vintage clothing store and the boys' plastic hats from the local library for participating in the summer book club. Noah likes to refer to himself as the "man in the yellow hat" whereas Micah calls himself, "Woody." Isn't that too cute???

LBC

Today we ventured to the Long Beach Aquarium with S.C. The last time we were there was last June and this time around there were more exhibits and touch tanks. Noah loved touching all the animals like the jellyfish, sharks, manta rays, sea stars, and anemones whereas Micah would get his fingertip to break the surface of the water and then say, "no thank you." Micah could not stand getting his finger wet, yet he enjoyed the splash area (go figure). Noah had such a great time that he was asking (borderline begging) to go back the next day. When will we head back???

Playdate with Paloma

Today we went to the California Science Center with a few friends from Noah's preschool. Paloma has been a special friend of Noah's since last year. Noah would always make an effort to play with Paloma and in return she declared him as her "boyfriend." This year it was pretty funny hearing her tell him, "Boyfriend. Come here." Sadly, Paloma's family is moving to Houston, so Noah will have to say goodbye to his friend, but at least we got to spend the day with her today. Will Noah be able to maintain a long distance relationship???

Puzzlemania

Noah completed another a 48 piece Clone Wars puzzle. I am so thrilled that he enjoys them because it improves hand-eye coordination since he has to fit the jigsaw pieces properly. It also develops shape/size recognition which is an essential pre-reading skill. In addition, it develops logical thinking via matching activities, enhances spatial relation skills, and helps to develop perseverance since he has to concentrate to be able to complete the puzzle. Knowing this, who would not enjoy watching their kids put a puzzle together???

Disneyland

Today was our last trip to Disneyland for the summer. We did the usual... Buzz Lightyear Astro Blaster Ride, Jedi Training Academy Show, Mad Hatter's Teacups, Goofy's Playground, and Casey Jr. Circus Train. Although we have done these rides again and again, the boys absolutely love it. On the train ride, we actually sat in the caboose and went backwards so that was different and exciting for the boys. We have enjoyed the benefits of our Disneyland membership and once September rolls around they will expire and we will not renew. I hope the boys have fond memories of this place and will not ask to go anymore in the fall! What are the chances of that happening???

Happy Father's Day

This year we celebrated Father's Day a little early. The boys made him recycled robot cards to go with his new espresso machine and coffee grinder. Jawsh is the BEST father to Noah and Micah... they love spending time with him, greeting him at the door when he comes home, and look forward to Movie Nights with him. He is a great model for them and I am so blessed that his love for his children (and his wife) emanates from within. What will we do for him next year???

Vegas, Day 3

Today was our last day in Las Vegas. The weather was about 90 degrees this morning, so we let the kids swim before we left. The boys have such a good time with their cousins that we truly feel blessed that they have one another to play with. When will we go on another family vacation together???

Vegas, Day 2

This morning started at the Bellagio Hotel where we ate breakfast at Jean Philippe Patisserie. We indulged in nutella brioche, apple brioche, croque de madam, quiches, and some good coffee. Afterwards we went to Ethel M Chocolates expecting to see chocolate being made, however, there was no one really working which was a bit disappointing. The upside was the beautiful cactus garden and the kids enjoying their free samples and gummy worms dipped in chocolate. Afterwards we went back to our hotel for more swimming. In the evening, we met up with my family again and had a nice dinner. This truly was a family oriented trip... I did not gamble one single penny... isn't that crazy???

Vegas, Day 1

Today we went to Las Vegas for a quick family getaway. We stayed in a suite at the MGM Signature where Kaitlyn and Co were two floors down, so the kids had a great time at the hotel together. We went to the kid friendly pools with small waterfalls and the lazy river. The most surprising thing was that Noah was actually swimming (a few yards)! It was so fun to watch and he had no fear putting his head under the water. Later in the evening we met with my Uncles and Aunts and the kids liked playing in their backyard with their dogs. What will we do tomorrow???

Frisbee time

Today we were in Huntington Beach with Bubbe, GA, and GT. We went to a nearby park where Noah played frisbee with his new toy GA bought for him. It's called a "ball wheel" but we renamed it "Saturn." Noah is really good at throwing and catching the frisbee, so it's fun playing with him. As you can see, GA threw Saturn at Noah and he caught it! Wonder if he'll be any good at baseball? Do I see a left handed pitcher in his future???

GA aka Handy Manny

GA and GT came over to visit with the kids. The boys showed them their train set and also got Great Grandpa Art to fix their broken toys! Noah was overjoyed when his red race car started to drive again. What will we do tomorrow with them in Huntington Beach???

Unc Z is cool

Uncle Zach and Dolly came over to watch the boys so Jawsh and I could watch the movie, Bridesmaids. It's been a while since Jawsh and I went to the movies, but we had to go tonight to use these fandango coupons before they expired. We met in Santa Monica because Jawsh was coming from work... we snuck in some meatball sandwiches from Bay Cities Deli and had a great time. At the end of the movie, we waited for the credits to roll so we could see Unc Z's name (see picture above)! That's right, this is one of the movies he worked on this past year. Afterwards we went to Pinkberry where I enjoyed a caramel flavored yogurt! Unc Z is cool because he watched the kids, worked on the movie, and is willing to watch the boys again... when will that be???

Disney

Today we took a quick trip to Disneyland... my annual passes will be blocked out soon so I have to squeeze in some trips. We were only there for a few hours but the boys had a great time. Here they are on King Arthur's Carousel. I remember the days when Noah was too scared to go on and now he is asking for me to leave! Time goes by so fast, doesn't it???