Wild Animal Park

Today we made a daytrip to see my sister in San Diego (she was there for job training). Kelly Emo bought the boys tickets to the Wild Animal Park so we spent the afternoon walking around the park. It was such a nice cool day, perfect weather, to be walking around and looking at the animals. We went to the Bird Show, which brought back a lot of memories for Jawsh, and we also saw a new show called, Cheetah Run (it was really cool to watch a cheetah take off at full speed). I really enjoyed the tram ride through the African plains, and we learned a lot about animal conservation. It was such a beautiful day... when will we head back???

Happy 3-0 Unc Zach

The big 3-0... Zach's birthday had to be memorable so we went to the pier so he could ride a roller coaster on his big day with Noah. They went on several times (I think 4 times) and while they had a blast, poor Micah was unable to ride due to height requirements and he went on several of the "kiddie rides" by himself in tears... all in good time... What will we do when Zach turns 40???

First t-ball game

Noah's first t-ball game was exciting. This is his first team sport and it's a little weird to see him in uniform with the rest of his teammates. In many ways, I can see how much Noah has grown as he is able to follow directions from his Coach and stay focused (like not playing in the grass). Noah is just having a great time. He really loves to be at bat and run around the bases. Will he want to continue and play 5 pitch next year???

Swim class

Micah has been taking swim classes at the YMCA for the past few weeks. I think after watching Noah swim Micah felt comfortable with the instructors... he did very well and acclimated to the water quickly! He passed to the next level and now he is an Eel! Will he catch up to Noah???

A's

Noah's first t-ball practice was today. He had the daunting task to choose his team number. He was searching for the #5 but his friend, Jake, already claimed it. His coach showed him a few numbers, 11, 12, 14... but then Noah saw what he wanted... he is #10 on the A's. What position will he play???

Runyon

We have lived in LA for so many years and we finally made it to Runyon Canyon. My friend, Rosette, and her dog, Ernie, joined us for a walk to the summit where we took in views of the city and the Hollywood sign. The boys did very well and were able to make it to the top and back down independently. It was a nice work out. When will we try the other trails???

Son of a Gun

Tonight Jawsh and I celebrated his birthday dinner over some delicious seafood at Son of a Gun Restaurant. The standouts were the kusshi oysters on the half shell and the mussels with tarragon, pernod, fennel and toast. This was the first time Jawsh tried an oyster and I was very proud of him! When will we head to an oyster bar???

35

Jawsh is 35!!! His wish was our command, so we headed to Venice to picnic at the beach. We ordered food from one of his favorite go to spots, Urth Cafe, and we enjoyed the sights (beach) and sounds (street blues player) with Bubbe, Uncle Zach, and Dolly. After lunch, the boys played, we hung out, and Jawsh sketched away on his big art pad using charcoals. It was really chill and most importantly, Jawsh was happy with his 3 loves: family, art, and beach. Afterwards, we headed home to enjoy Bubbe's delicious apple cake. What did Jawsh wish for???

Fab Hotdog

After such a healthy birthday brunch we decided to mess up our digestive systems by going to Fab Hotdogs. We love reading the food reviews of Jonathan Goldman and this was on his list of places to eat in LA. Fab Hotdog is the only place where you can eat different hotdogs from different regions. Jawsh liked the Fab Dog (charred all beef hotdog topped with sweet and spicy tomato relish, smoked bacon, deli mustard, and diced onions) and I liked the LA Street Dog (bacon wrapped all beef hotdog, with grilled peppers and onions, mayo, mustard, ketchup, jalapenos, and fresh tomato). Now that we have tried this place, it is only fitting that I make my way to Pinks. When will that be???

Star Wars Episode 1

After Jawsh's birthday brunch, we had a big decision to make... to see Star Wars Episode 1 Phantom Menace or to not see Star Wars Episode 1 Phantom Menace. Jawsh, being the big Star Wars fan he is, declared years ago that the boys would only watch the original trilogy and not be exposed to the likings of Jar Jar Binks. But George Lucas' Star Wars machine had already exposed the boys to characters like Darth Maul and Queen Amidala. This was a toss up for Jawsh because now that Episode 1 was being re-released onto the big screen, he was wavering on his previous declaration and it doesn't help when every other billboard we pass has Star Wars 3D displayed across it. After some soul and internet searching, we found a theater that was showing this movie in 2D (we did not want to bother with the 3D) and the boys eager with anticipation and excitement got to watch Episode 1 in their very own theater (there were only 2 other people there so it felt like we were alone). Never under estimate the power of the Dark Side (capitalism)... when will Episode 2 come out???

Birthday brunch

Let the birthday festivities begin! Today we celebrated Jawsh's 35th with Grandpa and Grandma at Gjelina on Abbot Kinney. The standouts were the roasted sunchokes with salsa verde, wood roasted parsnips with pistachio gremolata, and the Tuscan kale, salad with bread crumb, shaved radish, fennel and ricotta salata. Definitely a great place to eat your veggies! The boys enjoyed their pizza and all in all, we had a great meal! What will we do next???

Noah heart Stegosaurus

Rain days mean early pick up at preschool, so we played hooky and headed to the Natural History Museum for a few hours since it was First Free Tuesday. Last time we went to the museum, we went with a lot of friends so this time it was much more relaxing with just the boys. We spent more time at dinosaur exhibits and Noah purchased his first piece of jewelry... a fossilized Stegosaurus necklace. When will we head back???

Bye Reno Rubins!

Jawsh and I got to spend sometime with GA and GT today while Aunt Julia watched the boys. We went out to lunch and ran a few errands. Afterwards, we headed back to GA and GT's house for a bit. It was nice to spend time with them and I'm sure the boys had a great time with Aunt Julia. Today is our last day in Reno and I know the boys are going to miss this place... the house is full of so much warmth and love and the boys are free to chase cats, search for crawfish in the creek out back, and plenty of attention is bestowed upon them. It's been so nice to spend time with the family... when will we head back???

The Rubin Cabin at Lake Davis

Today we ventured to Uncle Steve and Aunt Julia's cabin near Lake Davis, California. There was more snow than anticipated which brought much excitement to the boys. They loved sledding, throwing snow balls, making snow angels, and snow men... every once and a while we would look back and Noah would be lying down on the ground head in the snow, eating away. It was too funny. After all the snow play, Uncle Steve lit a fire and we all enjoyed smores and snokes (Coke mixed and snow). The boys loved sleeping in the loft and they had a wonderful time at the cabin... when will we visit again???

Hello Reno Rubins!

Today the boys had a great time hanging out at the Terry Lee Wells Nevada Discovery Museum. The boys loved interacting with all the exhibits, especially the water play and the art areas. It was a nice time spent with GGA, GGT, and Aunt Julia. Afterwards, we went back to the Rubin abode and the boys had a great time chasing the cats and spending time by the creek. The boys are so happy here! What will tomorrow bring???