Happy New Years Eve

Today we were on our way to take a day trip to Solvang but while on our way we decided to go to Santa Barbara.  We started off at the harbor and had lunch at Brophy Brothers... Jawsh said it was the best fish and chips this side of the Pacific.  Then we went to the Santa Barbara Mission and ended our time at McConnell's Ice cream.  It was a great way to end the year, wouldn't you agree???

The Griffith Observatory

The last time we went to The Griffith Observatory was when I was pregnant with Noah!  So, needless to say, it's been a long time.  We saw a movie in the Oschin Planetarium called, Water is Life.  The film showed the search for water in space... Micah fell asleep and Noah watched while covering both ears with his hands.  Later that evening, Noah had a nightmare about volcanos inspired from the movie!  When will he be able to watch a space film and not have a nightmare???

Chess

I didn't expect this... Noah's Queen captured my King!  The student defeats the master... the son surpasses the parent...  I wasn't prepared for this but I lost.  I am very happy with Noah's progress and I hope he continues to enjoy chess... I know he enjoyed capturing my King... can't you see it in his face???

Merry Christmas

We celebrated Christmas with family and enjoyed all the holiday food and treats.  Earlier in the day, we took the kids to see the movie, Rise of the Guardians, and of course, the kids had a great time opening their gifts.  What will Christmas bring next year???

6th tooth

Noah lost his sixth tooth tonight!  He and Micah were playing "magician."  They were pretending to make diapers (and the contents inside the diapers) disappear and at one point, Noah slapped himself in the face.  This made his tooth pop out!  Quite a magic trick, wouldn't you agree???

Fifth tooth

Noah lost his fifth tooth in his kindergarten class right after the winter program!  The upper right lateral incisor is out!  I was volunteering at the Korean BBQ Lunch Sale (yes, we sell Korean BBQ at the winter concert) and his teacher, Cathy, brought me his tooth inside a tooth-shaped case.  It was very cute!  When will the left later incisor fall out???

Noah's kinder winter program

Noah's kindergarten class performed three songs in the winter program: Dreidel Song (Jewish), Song-ee Song-ee (Korean), and Mele Kaliki Maka (Hawaiian).  It was a very cute medley that the kids practiced a lot.  Noah had extra support from my parents who taught him the correct pronunciation of words and my cousins sent me links to show him how it was sung in Korea.  He practiced so much in the car, at home, in the bath, etc that Micah has now learned the song.  I wonder if they will sing the same medley when Micah is in kindergarten???

Art class

The wonderful thing about Noah's school is that he gets access to art, garden, library, technology, and music on a weekly basis... and the sad thing about this is that this is not how it is for the majority of schools in California!  Noah's art teacher, Ms. Marya, is currently teaching his class about Claude Monet.  The last art piece he did was this awesome owl (his piece was the only one with a mini-owl in the back).  Isn't this great???

Korean class

Noah finished his 14-week course of Korean language class.  He has learned to identify some characters and sounds, he knows his colors, he can count, and he really enjoyed his time there.  I have to admit, I won't miss the drive to K-town twice a week so I will enjoy this time off until the next course starts in February.  Will Noah learn how to read Korean better than me???

Happy Chanukah with the Shields

The tradition of the Smith-Shields Chanukah celebration continues to year five! Last year we went to their home and this year we hosted.  It was so much fun catching up with everyone and watching the boys dress up like super heroes.  We made Barefoot Contessa's brisket and Wolfgang Puck's latkes.  It's so nice to have the families together. When will we see them again???

Noah's last soccer game

Noah's last soccer game as a Blue Shark was this afternoon and he scored!  What a way to end the season... he received a medal and he was so proud!  Can't you see it on his face???

Rainbow award

Rainbow awards are presented at the school wide assemblies every week.  I was very proud as they announced the following, "This Rainbow Award is presented to Noah Smith for approaching learning with enthusiasm and confidence."  I love the fact that Noah was proud of his own achievement which is the best thing you can ask for as a parent.  Would you agree???

2nd place

What a surprise... when I arrived to pick up Noah from chess club he was holding a second place trophy.  He was awarded second place in his age division (Kinder-2nd) for game play.  I was very proud of him because this is the first trophy based on skill, not simply for participating.  Will Noah want to continue in chess club for the next session???

I did it!

For the past four years, I hid behind the camera and did not touch any of the reptiles or spiders.  The only thing I would touch was the wallaby, but now that this was our last visit from Mr. Valentine I was determined to hold the tarantula and a snake!  The tarantula's feet had soft padding and was very light to hold!  I still can't believe I did it.  The snake was not my finest moment... it was too active and it's head bopped around too much!  But at least I could say that I did it!  What fear will I conquer next???

Mr. Valentine's Nature Class

Today the preschool had a very special guest, Mr. Valentine and his animals.  Mr. Valentine has been an annual guest but this is his last visit as he is retiring!  Micah got to touch a Wallaby, a Kinkajou, reptiles (like a bearded dragon), frogs and snakes. This time around, Micah held a very large snake.  At first he was okay but then he started to cry.  Mr. Valentine called him up and then showed him a few baby snakes and preceded to wrap a very small still snake called, Pinky, around his wrist.  He then told Micah to show everyone his new bracelet which made Micah feel much better.  But I had to post this picture because Micah is just so darn cute!  When will the kids get another experience like this??? 

Hungry Caterpillar birthday

Noah's kindergarten class celebrates monthly birthdays all on one day... so today Noah had a Hungry Caterpillar themed party with friends.  The kids had a great time making book markers, caterpillar hats, and they loved their cake pops.  Doesn't it look like a fun party???

Hungry Caterpillar cake pops

These took so long to make... I had to post a picture.  Jawsh was a trooper and he helped me melt all the chocolate to decorate the pops but swore to never help with this again.  Can you blame him???

Chess rules

Noah received a medal in chess today for completing his workbook and scoring the highest in his age division.  Ten minutes prior to receiving this award, he scored his first check mate against his buddy, Nicky.  Noah had a pretty memorable chess session today, wouldn't you agree???

Deja vu

Today is Noah's birthday and he wanted one thing... to head right back to the Santa Monica Pier to purchase a small bag of marbles.  It was a crazy request but we made it happen and we went back to the pier.  While we were there, Daddy and Noah tried the rock wall (something we didn't do yesterday) and then we went to CPK.  Anything to make his day... wonder what he wished for???

6

Noah's 6th Spiderman themed birthday party was at Pacific Park at the Santa Monica Pier.  The kids enjoyed all the rides, especially the bumper cars and the roller coaster.  They even got to meet Inky the Octopus.  I can't believe that Noah is already 6 years old... where did the time go???

70

Happy Birthday Harabujee!  He was with all his grandkids blowing out the candle... I think he got his wish, don't you???

Happy Thanksgiving

We had a delicious Thanksgiving dinner with traditional American fare and of course kimchi. This family get together was extra special because we were celebrating my Dad's 70th birthday!  It was so nice to see my family and we look forward to Christmas... what will that be like???

CSC

Noah spent the day with friends at the California Science Center.  We had a fun time going through the various exhibits. The kids liked the Discovery Rooms, especially the Transportation section where they got to design their own cars.  Noah loves hanging with these two guys... wonder what we'll do next???

Karaoke Bleu

Our annual Fall Social was a good evening full of beer and bowling.  Afterwards, a few of us went to Karaoke Bleu to sing the night away.  It was really fun to watch friends on stage belting it out.  A few hours into the singing, a woman went on stage, who looked really familiar.  I recognized her as the lady on The Voice.  Once it was confirmed by her friends, I was super excited and felt the need to get a picture.  Erin Willet and I at Karaoke Bleu.  Is it obvious that I don't go out that much???

Camping with friends

This weekend we camped at Leo Carillo State Beach with 14 other families from preschool.  It was quite a weekend with all the kids running around.  Camping with our preschool friends was such a great experience because there was always someone to hang out with and all the kids got along very well.  When will we go again???

4 more years

President Barack Obama was re-elected tonight!  We are so thrilled and excited to attend his inauguration in January!  What will that be like???

Trick or Treat!

Last year we dressed up in Pokemon costumes but this time around it was about DC Comics...  Batman, Robin, Catwoman, and The Riddler were in full effect.  We went out with Grandpa, Grandma, and the Tripp Family.  What will we decide to do next year???

FFF

Today Bubbe came to celebrate the Fall Family Festival at Noah's school.  We had such a great time... the kids loved the games, the bouncers, and Fairyland!  I spent most of the day, volunteering at the festival, but it was well worth it as we raised a lot of money for the enrichment programs at Noah's school.  I am so glad that he has ipad/computer access, music, art, and PE on a weekly basis!!!  When will we see Bubbe again???

Space Shuttle Endeavor

While the Space Shuttle Endeavour flew towards LAX, Noah's classroom was outside cheering the plane on as it flew over the school.  A few miles away, Randy's Donuts was busy making shuttle donuts in honor of this event and I was on my way to pick up the last two for my boys.  Here they are holding their shuttle donuts... a moment in history symbolized by a donut... does it get any better than this???

Noah's first fieldtrip

Noah's first field trip was to the LA Zoo.  He was very excited to ride the school bus along with 45 other kindergarteners and 30 parent chaperones... yes, 30 parents volunteered!  In all my years of teaching, I have never had that much turnout for a fieldtrip, which shows just how involved the parents are in this class.  Noah was in a group with a bunch of his friends and it was super enjoyable because the weather was cool.  Where will they go next???

Celebrate good times!

Today we celebrated both Micah and Bubbe!  We had a nice dinner and Bubbe made awesome Batman Cake Pops for Micah which Noah devoured!  I sewed the apron that Bubbe is pictured in and I was so relieved that she liked it!  Wonder what cooking class she will wear it to???

Happy First Birthday Liam!!!

We celebrated Liam's first birthday. Jawsh made an incredible slideshow that reflected upon his first year of life, games were played, and the food was enjoyed by all. A highlight of the evening was the Toljabee. Laid out in front of him was a stethoscope, pencil, thread, basketball, and money. It's said that the child's future is predicted according to what they grab and Liam grabbed the money (signifying riches).  Wonder what he'll be when he grows up???

Brown Bear

I volunteer in Noah's class on Thursday mornings... today the kids were reciting the book, Brown Bear, Brown Bear What Do You See?  Noah had the part of the red bird... this is such a classic Kindergarten moment that I had to snag a photo with my phone.  I can't express how lucky I feel that Noah is in this class, in this school, at this moment... will Micah get in???

Checkmate!

Noah is learning how to play chess after school in the Chess Club.  Jawsh and I debated whether we should hold off but Noah has a penchant for games.  Research shows that chess players show greater confidence, develop problem solving skills, logic and reasoning, develop mental discipline and concentration while learning good sportsmanship and strengthening rudimentary skills.  All great things, so why not???

Fun at the Fowler

A nice perk living so close to UCLA is the opportunity to visit the Fowler Museum.  The boys and I headed there to make their own crazy critter mask combining their favorite animals drawing inspiration from Fowler in Focus: Curious Creatures from Mexican Popular Arts.  Noah decided to make a zebra/ butterfly and Micah chose to create a peacock/ cat.  I think the get their creativity from their dad, would you agree???

4

Today we celebrated Micah's 4th Batman birthday at Giggles and Hugs.  It was a pretty relaxing evening for me since the venue provided all the entertainment.  The kids danced, played, were led in games, and the main attraction was the magician!  Micah loved it when the magician pulled cookies out of Noah's armpit!  I can't believe that Micah is already 4 years old... where did the time go???

Eve of the 4th year

Micah turns 4 tomorrow... I can't believe it...  I can honestly say since he started preschool 4 weeks ago he really has turned a leaf.  When I respond to his question and say, "no" instead of whining he says, "I don't mind."  And his preschool teacher told me that he told another kid, "if you are mean to people, I won't play with you."  Micah has started writing his name independently, he knows his letters and sounds, and his drawings are really improving... my baby is almost 4.  Where has the time gone???

5773

We had such a Happy Rosh Hashana in Reno because we could spend time with Great Grandpa Art and Great Grandma Tina.  We enjoyed a lovely dinner by Aunt Julia (Micah ate 3 bowls of matzo ball soup) and the boys enjoyed dipping their apples in honey.  We attended family service at the temple and the boys got to hear the shofar.  Jawsh and I also had the opportunity to spend time with GGA and GGT in their new home.  When will we see everyone again???

Catfish cove

The boys went down to Catfish Cove with Uncle Steve and Daddy to skip rocks across the water.  The boys walked through marsh and Noah explained it like this, "the mud tried to eat our shoes."  It's so beautiful and peaceful here and I hear that there is a lot of catfish in these waters... when will the boys learn to fish???

Cabin time

We flew to Reno, Nevada to go back east and head back to California to stay at Uncle Steve's cabin for one evening.  Micah loved helping Uncle Steve gather wood while Noah practiced his swing hitting branches off trees.  In the evening, the sky was so clear we could see the Milky Way galaxy and I saw two shooting stars.  The boys love spending time at the cabin and  are already asking, when are we going to go back???

Micah at school

Micah's day at school consists of outside play and then indoor activities.  I remember when we first learned that a third of the day was outside that we thought it was too long, but now that I am older (and hopefully a bit wiser) I see the importance and benefits of just letting the kids play.  Micah loves playing with his friends, S.C. and L.T.  as you can see on his face... he is a happy boy.  Once inside, the kids can choose to do art, play with manipulatives, or a whole set of other activities (i.e. kitchen, dress up, etc).  This is such a special year for Micah because he is no longer in the shadow of his older brother, but defining his own place at his preschool.  What will we learn about Micah this year???

Another 5K

Back in July, my friend wanted to run a 5k... fast forward to today.  It's time to run said 5K but I have not trained at all!  I decided to run it anyway and I had two goals... not to walk and not to come in last.  I hit both goals running 3.2 miles in 36:39 minutes.  I thought I did okay until Micah said, "what took you so long?"  Noah was excited to watch me run and now he wants to do a race... when will we sign him up for a kids' run???

Team X

Noah is playing his first season of soccer.  He was very accurate in practice and kicked the ball into the net. But once he started playing in the game, he was on the periphery of the action... not wanting to commit and waiting for the ball to come to him so he would not have to go after the ball.  It was very fun watching him play today... how will he do in his next game???

Micah's first day of school

Micah was excited to return to preschool.  After going with me to drop off Noah for the past few weeks he was looking forward to playing with his friends.  No longer will I hear the words from the backseat of the car, "Noah is at kindergarten and I am not in preschool.  That's not fair, Mom."  As you can see, Micah was very happy to be back at school with his Show and Share toy in hand.  How will preschool be without Noah this year???

Noah at school

Noah's kindergarten is really unique... the classrooms are combined with two full time teachers and two aides.  There are a lot of parent volunteers so there is usually an extra 5 adults helping!  I volunteer on Thursdays and the kids work in small differentiated groups.  With so much going on, it can feel overwhelming but the teachers know exactly what they are doing.  The kids were finishing up an apple unit where they had to cut the apples to make applesauce.  Here is Noah, as you can see, focused at the task at hand!  He loves his school and chooses to attend kindergarten over any other activity (such a good sign).  He was a big fish in a small pond in preschool and now the tables have turned... what will we learn about Noah this year???

Pier fun

The boys enjoyed going to the pier over Labor Day weekend.  Auntie Cathy scored us some tickets so how could we pass this up?  The kids loved going on all the rides and Jawsh was a trooper and went on  with the boys.  Noah loved the roller coaster and Micah is itching to grow.  When will Micah be tall enough???

Palm Springs

This Labor Day weekend we went to Palm Springs.  It was a nice little get away... the boys enjoyed swimming with Dad and Noah liked going down the 60 foot water slide.  When will we go back???  

Beach day!

A day at Venice Beach was just what Micah needed!  Even though the cast was taken off yesterday, Micah kept asking me if he could get his arm wet and if he could touch the sand.  Poor guy... I guess having the cast on for three weeks really affected him.  It was so nice to watch him play, splash, and even get on the boogie board while I dragged him around.  When will we head back to the beach???

Freedom!

We have been counting down the days to Micah's cast removal.  It's been pretty difficult keeping this cast dry (we already had to go in and change it once) and I'm just really glad that Micah can now enjoy his final days of summer.  The cast removal was pretty quick and his x-rays looked great.  What will Micah want to do now that his arm is free???

Color Me Mine

Color Me Mine was another activity that Micah could participate in with his cast!  I can not wait  until tomorrow when we can finally take the cast off.  What will his arm look like???