Disneyland

Our annual passed to Disneyland expire in a few weeks, so we decided to go in the evening when it was cooler. I usually take the boys on my own in the morning, but since Jawsh joined us, Noah finally got a chance to ride the newly renovated Star Tours ride. They actually lucked out because a cast member gave them a fast pass they could use right away (all the fast pass tickets were gone by 11 AM), so they only had to wait 15 minutes. Meanwhile, Micah and I, were sitting on the curb on Main Street holding spots for a parade. Just when the boys finished the ride, they joined us to watch the Mickey's Soundsational Parade. Then we went on a few rides (Buzz, Autopia, Small World, and the Tea Cups) and finally went to watch the night show, Fantasmic. Noah didn't do so well because he was a little intimidated by the images and the music was too loud, whereas Micah's eyes stayed open and glued to the show! It's amazing how different these two can act sometimes. All in all, it was a nice time at Disneyland and we will probably have to head back at least once more to catch World of Color. When will that be???

Hi Friend!

Today we met up with my friend, Letitia and Asante! We ventured to Polliwog Park and the boys played on the structures while Letitia and I caught up. Her son, Asante, is growing so much and starting to walk. I remember the days of first steps and it seems so long ago. Whenever I spend time with my friends who have younger children, I am reminded of just how fast it truly goes. I can't believe Noah will be 5 and Micah will be 3 this year! So many exciting changes... what will we do for the boys this year???

33

Today is my birthday! I will say, it did not start out with pouting (like last year) instead it was whining. Jawsh told the boys to say Happy Birthday to me and they said, "Again? She just had her birthday!" I think the boys were ready to move on! The morning started off with my workout and then we went to lunch with Daddy. He took me to Sweet Lady Jane and we had a quaint lunch with some great desserts. Later in the evening, we met up with our friends, Cathy and Chie, and went to a new Korean restaurant on the westside. It was delicious and my birthday was complete! I got to celebrate with the people I love and I am so thankful for that. 33... wow am I ready for this year???

Venice

Today the boys and I met with friends at Venice Beach. They had a great time splashing around the water and playing in the sand. I feel so fortunate that we live so close to the ocean (and found free parking) which made this day free and fun (my favorite things). When will we head back???

Birthday bash continues...

Today we celebrated my birthday with Bubbe. The boys went swimming and then we went to a delicious restaurant to have Chicago style ribs for dinner. I really enjoyed the cornbread with honey butter and the macaroni and cheese! Afterwards we went back to Bubbe's where she made me a homemade Coca Cola cake. I think that was the most thoughtful baked good I ever tasted... as many of you know... I enjoy my Coke. It was a great day... when will we see Bubbe again???

Birthday weekend...

My birthday weekend started off in Ontario where my Mom made me traditional birthday soup, Miyuk Gook (this also happens to be served to new mothers right after childbirth). I read somewhere that seaweed soup should remind us of what our mothers ate after giving birth to us, so we should say thank you to our mothers on our birth day! I like that thought, especially now that I have two boys of my own. Should I start making this on the boys' birthdays this year???

Emo

After a fun filled week with Emo, we had to say goodbye to her after our lunch in Ktown. Emo took the boys to one of their favorite restaurants, Dragon, and they got their fill of jajamyun (black bean noodle). It's nice that the boys get to spend time with Emo because we usually only see her a few times a year (but at least we get to talk to her on a weekly basis). When will we take a trip to DC to visit her???

Long lost friends

Jawsh ran into his good friend from elementary school, Doug, a few weeks ago. Since then we have hung out and had a picnic in the park and today I met with Doug's wife, Donna, and their daughter, Gracie, for an outing with the kids. We went to Under the Sea and the kids had a great time. Grace is very cute and curious and we had a nice time together. When will we meet again???

Popsicles

As soon as they see Harabujee, Micah runs up and says one p word... not please, but "popsicle." Don't they look super happy???

Adventureplex

Today we went to Adventureplex with Kaitlyn. The kids were running, jumping, swinging, crawling, sliding, climbing and zipping through the five-level play structure packed with colorful mazes, tunnels, slides, zip lines and ball pits! The kids had a great time and we definitely will return... the question is when???

Slumber party

Noah and Micah had their first slumber party at our place with their favorite cousin Kaitlyn! It was so much fun having Kaitlyn over to play with the boys. From the moment they woke up to the time they fell asleep, they were playing (and sometimes arguing) with one another. It was interesting to watch Noah and Micah navigate their space with another person in the mix. Now I know what my Mom must of felt like having three kids (although she was only here for two days). Today we went to Under the Sea, where the kids had a great time on the jumpers and climbing structures. When will she come back over???

Hammer Museum

I love that LA has so many galleries and museums that have free admission days! Today we took advantage of the free day at the Hammer. We saw Paul Thek's exhibition, which was very interesting... the boys emotions went from curious to fearful to calm. It was a nice outing and I hope to go back again hopefully with Jawsh... when will that be???

C&F Museum

After the Petersen we made a quick stop to the Craft and Folk Art Museum. It was a free admission day and a few blocks from where we were. Micah fell asleep and Noah and I were able to go through the museum at our leisure. Noah's favorite exhibit was Jennifer Angus: All Creatures Great and Small. What appeared to be gorgeous wallpaper was approximately 3,500 brightly colored insects pinned directly to the wall in kaleidoscopic patterns. She also had a stop motion video which was very cool. We also saw Ann Weber's sculptures which composed of simple shapes like spheres and cylinders and common refuse materials like cardboard and other recycled paper. In her gallery, there was an area where visitors could contribute their own work which Noah loved. Here he is, my little artist... will he grow up to be an artist like his Daddy???

Batmobile!

Today we went to the Petersen Automotive Museum. The last time we were there, they did not have the Batman exhibit so the boys were very excited to take a picture with the Caped Crusader. The boys like to pretend that they are Superheroes and Noah will say, "I am Batman and Micah is Bat-Mite" then he will assign his loving parents roles of the villains. Daddy is often "Joker" and Mommy is "Cat Woman." I try to lobby for the position of BatGirl, but Noah often gives that role to Dolly. Will I ever make it to the good side???

ABC, 123

This summer Noah has been working in his Kumon workbooks. Although Noah knows his alphabet and sounds, he is still practicing how to write upper and lower case letters. He is starting to blend (read cvc words) a little bit more and I am still debating about how much I should teach him at this stage. He is excelling in math as he is able to count past 100 and he is independently writing his numbers to 30. Micah naps while he works so he is free from distraction. Noah has a great ability to sit and focus on the task at hand... will Micah be able to do the same???