Morro Bay

Morro Bay is famous for the Morro Rock, which you can see from just about anywhere in this small town.  The Morro Rock is a 581 foot volcanic plug (yes there was a volcano here 26 million years ago).  This photo was taken from the Natural History Museum rooftop.  We drove to the rock and the boys loved running around.  Will they remember this when they get older???

Santa Barbara

Today begins our trip north to San Francisco.  We decided to take the scenic 101 and to stop overnight in Morro Bay.  On our way to Morro Bay, we stopped for lunch in Santa Barbara to have the best fish and chips this side of the Pacific at Brophy Brothers.  We were there one year today and I must say that they were just as good as we remembered them.  Too bad we didn't have time to go to McConnell's Ice cream... maybe on the way back???

Merry Christmas

This Christmas we had a delicious holiday meal consisting of my Mom's rib roast, green beans and bacon, mac and cheese and of course, kimchi.  We were serenaded all night by the kids singing, "Let It Go" from the movie Frozen.  We did miss my sister (who recently got engaged to Zack) but we were overjoyed to see my cousin who is 18 weeks pregnant.  We did a white elephant gift exchange where Jawsh ended up with the present that he brought (movie tickets) and I got a much needed hand lotion by my favorite brand, L'Occitane.  The boys also received many more toys than they needed from "Santa Billy." My favorite part of the evening was when my parents gifted the boys with money and Noah promptly turned around and handed it to Micah so he could use it to buy his own mini-ipad.  What will Christmas bring next year???

Palm Springs

This was a first... Jawsh and I left the kids overnight at my parents' house while we went to Palm Springs!  Zach generously gifted us with a night away at the Parker Meridian Hotel where we ate the most delicious meal at Mr. Parkers.  The dinner was amazing and the best part about it was it didn't have to end right there... we also went out to a very late showing of American Hustle!  It was a nice quick getaway... when will we go again???

Noah's winter program

Noah's class sang two songs for the winter program:  "Everything's Gonna Be  Alright" by Bob Marley and Simon and Garfunkel's "Feelin' Groovy."  The kids did sign language throughout Bob Marley's song which was really neat to see.  What will he perform next year???

Micah's winter program

Micah's kindergarten class performed three songs in the winter program:  Drediel Song, Song-ee Song-ee, and Mele Kaliki Maka (which were the same songs Noah sang last year).  It was very cute and Micah really enjoyed singing.  Kaitlyn was on holiday break so she was able to attend and watch the performance, which Micah loved.  What will he sing next year???

Standing O

Noah has had a goal to purchase a mini-ipad for over one year.  He saved all his holiday money and allowance (even trying to skimp on his brother's birthday present).  After his last birthday he made the goal but we were still unsure if we should actually allow him to get this device. But after careful consideration, we wanted Noah to experience what it felt like to set a goal and to achieve it (because believe me he had a lot of temptation to spend money every time we walked into Target).  When Noah paid for his mini iPad at the Apple Store in cash (very cute seeing him count it out to the store manager) little did we know how impressed the manager was... he was asking him questions about his chores and also congratulated him on this goal.  After we were done setting up the iPad with parental controls we started walking out of the store and all the Apple employees in their red shirts stopped and gave Noah a round of applause congratulating him on his new iPad.  It was weird and wonderful at the same time.  I wonder if Noah will remember this when he gets older???

3 gifts of giving

It's so wonderful when I see the boys show empathy and love towards others.  On this day, there were many acts of kindness that I was really proud of.  It started at 8 AM this morning in the FOX Studio warehouse, where we sorted thousands of toys that would be shipped to kids in need.  Micah and Noah opened bags and sorted them by gender and age and then helped count them to go to specific charities.  They did a great job remaining focused for over three hours and many adults complimented their hard work!  Then, Micah went to the animal shelter to donate a bag of dog treats and a gift card he received for his birthday to purchase dog food.  The worker tried to give him the gift card back when she saw that it had "Happy Birthday Micah" on it but he replied, "no it's for dog food" and I think she was going to cry.  The last act, I will admit, needed some encouragement from Mom but Noah made the final decision.  We went to the school BINGO night and Noah and Micah both won two prizes.  Noah won a Crazy Loom and a Bubble Maker and Micah won 2 Power Rangers.  Every child that attended this event received a prize with the exception of one boy and one girl.  Micah immediately went over to the boy and gave him one blue Power Ranger toy and Noah went over to the girl and offered his Bubble Maker.  The girl politely declined but was sad.  I encouraged Noah to think about giving his Crazy Loom to the girl because he already has one at home but he really wanted the rubber bands in the box.  After I explained to him that I could go to the store and buy him rubber bands and clips separately he ran over to the girl and offered her the Crazy Loom.  By this time, she was crying but once Noah made this gesture, she wiped her tears, smiled really big, and said, "I feel super."  She gave him a big hug and Noah felt like a hero.  I was so proud of my boys...  I hope that they will continue to give and show others love... how will they help other next???

An yong ha say yo

Micah finished 14 weeks of beginning Korean and although he is repeating this class... I am very proud of him.  He is able to recite the Korean alphabet, use phrases in Korean, and he can write his name.  He made some new friends and enjoys going to class (and he hates being tardy).  The next semester starts in February so we have some time to enjoy the break before the Monday- Wednesday classes start up again...  what will he learn next???

Piano lessons

The boys started piano lesson with their teacher, Yolanda.  They meet once a week for 30 minutes which is much more appropriate than the one hour lessons I had when I was  younger.  Research shows that music has many benefits for the mind, body, and soul and I hope that Noah and Micah will thrive and enjoy this process.  What will they learn how to play first???

Night 4

The tradition lives on...  Jay and Kyer joined us, Grandpa, and Grandma for Chanukah dinner.  It is always a good time when Jay comes over... the kids enjoyed playing with one another and just pick up from where they left off.  I made a Barefoot Contessa brisket (this one will be the last one I make in a long while) and Jawsh and Micah made latkes.  We had a rousing game of Driedel and enjoyed the Randy's Donuts that Jay brought over.  When will we see them again???

Best cousins

Born only two months apart, these two are so good to each other.  Thanks to Billy's influence, Kaitlyn can speak the language of Pokemon and is fluent in Skylander.  These two have so much in common that they will be forever friends.  I love this little girl and have already explained to the boys long ago that they can't marry their cousin, but they can find someone just like her!  When will Emma start hanging out with us???

Happy Thanksgiving

This year we celebrated Thanksgiving at our home.  I was inspired by Barefoot Contessa so I followed her menu.  We started with Butternut Squash soup, Arugula Salad, Turkey, Carrots and Parsnips, Stuffing, and Green Beans with Gremolata.  Zach brought the mash potatoes and Bubbe made all the delicious desserts.  It was a nice time to enjoy our family and to be thankful for one another.  Will we celebrate Thanksgiving at our home again next year???

Happy Chanukah #1

Chanukah coinciding with Thanksgiving brings double the celebrations!  The next time this happens again is 2070 and then in 2165 so this is definitely a once in a lifetime thing.  Tonight, we read a story about Chanukah.  The boys love Chanukah... what will tomorrow night bring???

Happy Birthday Halmoni

November is a busy month full of birthday celebrations.  My mom's birthday is the last one to celebrate this month.  We had delicious seafood and a cake that Liam promptly drooled on while sneaking frosting.  What did Halmoni wish for???

After party

After Rolling Robots, we stayed in the neighborhood and went to the LA Zoo for a quick visit.  The boys love spending time with their cousins.  I truly believe that cousins are our first friends and if this is any indication of how they will be when they grow older, I know that these kids will always be there for one another.  How blessed we are, wouldn't you agree???

Happy Birthday Noah!

Noah's 7th Star Wars birthday party was at Rolling Robots in Glendale at the historic Seely Building. The kids got to battle robots and then make their own robots in the workroom.  I can't believe that Noah is 7 years old... wow... where did the time go???

Date night

We went out on our first date, November 17, 1999 and now 14 years later we are out again.  In 1999, Jawsh took me to a 50's cafe in Hillcrest called Corvettes where we noshed on hamburgers, salads, and fries.  This time we went to Connie and Ted's where we enjoyed Oysters, Portuguese Fish Stew, and a Lobster Roll.  I think we have come a long way in our culinary tastes since we were in college. It was so nice to spend some time alone... when will we go out again???

Happy Birthday Noah

Noah's class celebrated all the November birthdays together.  I was able to come and help at the end of the day, which made my day!  Noah was really excited to see me there.  When will I be able to come again and help???

Happy Birthday Harabujee

We celebrated my Dad's 71st birthday today.  After we sang Happy Birthday, Noah and Micah said "you're 71,"  Kaitlyn said, "you're 61," and them Emma said, "30" (I think).  Then my Dad gave Emma $20 for guessing "correctly."  Noah and Micah were so confused!  Liam helped blow out the candle with his saliva and everyone enjoyed the cake.  Wonder what my Dad wished for???

Fun times

Emo, Zach, and Sehee stayed with us for the weekend and the boys had such a nice time.  They love having people over and of course are especially spoiled when my sister is around.  When will they come back again to visit???

Happy Halloween

Last year I thought we were done with dressing up as a group but here we are at it again.  This year we we dressed up as the cast of Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs.  Noah was the scientist, Flint Lockwood, and Micah was his trusty sidekick, Steve the Monkey.  I put on large glasses to look like Sam Sparks but I don't think I pulled it off as well as Jawsh who was Chicken Brent! Will we dress up again as a group ensemble???

Trick or Treat

Trick or Treating with friends is exciting and full of fun until someone falls and lands on their monkey bottom and starts to cry.  Yes, Micah was running towards the door and fell hard.  But after he recovered he had a nice time.  Afterwards, we went back to our neighborhood where Micah preferred to stay home and pass out treats.  I wonder if he will want to do that next year???

Pumpkin carving

The boys loved carving their pumpkins.  Micah chose a cat and Noah chose a jack-o-lantern.  This will be the first time where the boys will be trick or treating in their neighborhood and where we will be passing out treats.  Our treat of choice this year: pretzels.  But hey, it's better than toothbrushes right???

Chaperone- Part 2

Noah's first field trip was to Underwood Farms. Jawsh chaperoned and took Noah and a few of his friends around the farm.  Again, I feel so fortunate that Jawsh can step up and be there for the boys while I am at work.  It's a great partnership and I hope the boys will appreciate their father even more...  is that even possible???

Go Micah!

The one soccer game I miss, Micah scores a goal and then receives the sportsmanship award with his good friend shortly after!  So bummed that I missed it, but at least Jawsh and Noah were witnesses to this event.  I wonder if Micah will score in his next game???

The Chaperone

Micah's first field trip was to the Los Angeles Zoo. Jawsh chaperoned and took Micah and some friends around the zoo.  It was a nice day, not too hot, and they got to see Tina the Elephant perform some mental exercise with a ball.  Afterwards the class headed to Travel Town for lunch.  I feel so fortunate that Jawsh can step up and be there for the boys while I am at work.  It's a great partnership and I hope the boys will appreciate their father even more...  is that even possible???

Rainbow Award

Open School recognizies students at the weekly school-wide assembly.  This week, Noah received a Rainbow Award for his achievement in Mathematics.  I am so proud of Noah and his love for math.  I appreciate the way Noah tackles a math problem and I love that he is so curious about numbers.  Although Noah professes to be many things when he grows up, I will not be surprised if he ends up in engineering!  Wouldn't that be interesting???

Happy Birthday Bubbe

Today we spent the day with Bubbe to celebrate her birthday. First we saw Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2 and then we went to dinner at Naples Ribs.  It was a great day...  wonder what she wished for???

Very blessed

When I accepted my position at my school site, I had no idea that this was a bus stop for the boys' school.  Every morning, Jawsh walks them across the street to begin their day and after school the boys hop on the school bus where their first stop is my school.  I feel very blessed that I do not have to drive back and forth to pick them up.  I don't know how this all "worked out" for us, but I am very thankful.  Jawsh is very thankful.  And the boys, well they'll realize how lucky they were when they get older... right???

P-ARRRHHH-TY

Happy 5th Birthday to Micah (9-27-08)!  We celebrated his birthday at Ocean Park Beach with a pirate theme.  There were all things pirate (his cake, his cupcakes, Pirate Booty snacks, jello cups (blue jello for the water and orange wedges for the boats), and of course Bay City Deli sandwiches and Joe's Pizza.  The kids had a great time playing near the water but the highlight of the party was the treasure chests that the kids had to find full of jewels, Ring Pops, and pirate ware.  I can't believe Micah turned 5... where has the time gone???

Taekwondo

The boys are signed up for Taekwondo through the Korean Cultural Center.  The nice thing about living so close to Ktown is the many opportunities the boys have to learn more about part of their culture.  The classes are very inexpensive because it is through the official cultural center.  Will the boys like Taekwondo???

Union soccer

Noah is playing soccer this season on a team with a few of his friends.  Their first game was today and Noah scored a goal although I think he was surprised that it went in.  He didn't put too much effort or strength behind the kick but it rolled in slowly... afterwards Noah said, "I kicked it soft and it went in."  This speaks to his amazing soccer ability or the lack of ability of the goalie... either way, Noah had fun.  Will he score again???

Where the Wild Things Are

Micah's kinder class celebrates the children's birthday once a month with the parents combining our party expertise to throw one big party.  When Noah was in Green Cluster, the theme was Hungry Caterpillar.  This time around we chose, Where the Wild Things Are.  The birthday kids wore crowns like the character Max and we did many activities based on the book.  The kids loved it and I must say, they were too cute!  What occasion will we celebrate next???

Homework

Micah has entered the world of homework.  Luckily for him, Green Cluster has made some changes since last year.  This year, instead of weekly packets, Micah has several activities he can choose from to work on at home without having to turn anything in.  Here he is working on AB patterns in math. Doesn't he look focused???

Happy Birthday Kaitlyn!

Kaitlyn and Emma had another fun tag-team birthday at Jumping Jacks.  The theme was Pokemon for Kaitlyn and Princess for Emma.  I was unable to attend because I had a meeting, but I don't think the boys' minded at all!  Kaitlyn is now 7 and Emma a big 4 year old girl... where has the time gone???

New home, new memories

We moved!  This was super unexpected but this opportunity could not be passed.  We are walking distance to the school, it's a small house that we can (hopefully) take care of, the boys love the space and backyard, and did I mention it's walking distance to the boys' school?  The house needs a lot of TLC but we know that this was a good decision for us at this time.  Who wants to come over???

First day of school

Today is the first day of school for me at my school site and for the boys at OMCS.  I was so sad that I could not be there for their first day of school, but at least Jawsh was able to be with them.  According to Jawsh, Noah ran off to find his friends and Micah stayed near.  Jawsh was able to walk Micah to class with the rest of the kindergarten parents and then they parted ways.  I wonder how the first day of school will be for everyone???

9-5

I am making the official blog announcement... I'm headed back to work!  I will be teaching first grade this coming school year.  I've been out of the classroom for 3 years and out of the district for 8 years so there has been a lot of changes.  This is an exciting time to go back but it's bittersweet... I wish I could volunteer in the boys' classrooms but I know they will be okay.  How is life going to change for the Smith family???

The Flaming Lips

Tonight Jawsh and I went to the OC Fair to see The Flaming Lips.  The show was great and we had a good time... almost felt like we were dating again and had no kids!  Thank you to Bubbe for watching the boys... when will we go to our next concert???

YMCA

Noah is playing basketball at the YMCA in the Rookies program .  He is one of the tallest boys so he gets the ball passed to him a lot but he is also quick to pass the ball to someone who has a better shot... I like to think of him as a little Magic Johnson.  I wonder if he will want to play in this basketball league again???

(Picture to come)

8

We went back to the exact spot we were married (7-24-05).  8 years!  We once thought that we would come back to Shutters on the Beach and re-create the moment... eat the same dinner (or get as close as we could) and spend time at the hotel reminiscing about the wedding.  But in reality, we took the picture and then we walked to the pier for some ice cream at Soda Jerks.  For our anniversary (no kids allowed) dinner, Jawsh and I ate at The Water Grill downtown.  It was not the most romantic spot, but we really loved the oysters!  Where will we go next year???

Swim lessons

The boys are taking swim lessons at the Y.  They are doing a great job considering they are not used to swimming in such a large pool (the last pool was a small training pool).  At the end of each class, the boys jump off the diving board at the deep end!  They have a few more weeks left, will they pass to the next level???

AYSO camp

Noah and Micah are enjoying a week of soccer camp with friends.  All the coaches are from the United Kingdom and love playing football!  Noah is really enjoying his time doing soccer drills and playing 3 on 3 games, whereas, Micah is in the "young group" that likes playing games other than soccer.  Noah wakes up every morning excited to play soccer and Micah wakes up every morning excited to see his friends.  Both boys will be playing soccer in the fall, will their game improve by then???

Puzzle-time

Micah completed his first 100 piece puzzle today.  This was not done in one sitting, though.  This puzzle was something he had to come back and forth to when he felt like he was ready to work on it.  Noah really wanted to help his brother, but I really wanted to see if Micah could do this.  After several attempts at getting him to sit and focus, he did finish and he was very excited.  When will he do his next puzzle???

Dodgers

The first Dodger game for the Smith family.  Pregame we went to Wurstkuche for some delicious sausage and craft beer.  It was a hot day but luckily we went with friends who knew where to sit!  We were in the shade most of the game and had a great time.  The best part of the game was the pickle between first and second base (the Dodgers made the out).  We left during the 7th inning (we were predicting the kids would only last to the 5th).  When will we go back to the game???

Obon Festival

Today we went to the Obon Festival and the boys got their shaved ice fix.  They liked playing the small carnival games and jumping on the bouncer.  It had a nice small town feel and it was nice to see the boys' basketball coaches from the Y at the YMCA game stand.  After watching the traditional Obon dancers we walked home.  Will we come back next year???

Reading with Barbara

Barbara is a reading volunteer who loves little children.  We have a routine... I sit with Noah and work with him while Micah takes every Curious George book off the shelf and walks them over to Barbara.  It's fun listening to her read with her Brooklyn accent.  When will Micah start reading to her???

Cat- 2 ways

We have drawing boards in the car which we use all the time.  While we drive, I ask the boys to write words, do math problems, or draw.  On our way to Hollywood, I asked Noah to teach Micah how to draw a cat step by step.  So interesting to see the final product... can you tell who did what???

Summer Sounds

Summer Sounds at the Hollywood Bowl is back.
We went to a Gypsy music show and the kids loved it.  The stage was set up very cool and the of course the character, Mr. Kay, cracked the children up.  The next show will be Bluegrass... what will they think of that???

Las Vegas- Day 2

Day 2 in Vegas brought more swimming and fun with cousins.  We also celebrated Sophie and Daphne's birthday with water fun on the Slip and Slide, a cupcake pinata, and of course a Baskin Robbins birthday cake.  We can't wait to see them again next summer... will we take a trip to Colorado before then???