Go Kings!

Today we went to the Toyota Sports Center, the official training center of the 2012 Stanley Cup Champions, for Open School's ice skating fundraiser.  This was the first time the boys ice skated.  Noah was terrified of falling so there were some tears shed in the beginning, but once he fell down, he realized that he would be fine.  By the end of our skate time, he was skating by himself.  Micah was not that intimidated and  enjoyed ice skating so much that he asked if he could take lessons.  Will Micah be the next Wayne Gretsky???

First basket of the season

Noah made his first basket of the season!  It was an unexpected baseline jumper.  He was so proud of his shot and afterwards he received a sportsmanship award.  Look at that smile, doesn't he look so proud???

Noah's Reflection #5

Inauguration Day

We knew that it would be crazy, crowded, historic, full of energy, etc... and it was all these things and more.  We ventured out a few hours before the ceremony and we were so far back (but at least not as far as CNN) that we had to rely on the jumbo screen to see what was happening and Jawsh lifted Noah onto his shoulders so he could have a better view.  It was amazing to hear President Obama's speech and afterwards we decided to head back to my sister's place (where Micah was) and to forgo the parade because there was just too many people and of course, it was cold.  We know that this was a special moment in history and we feel so happy that Noah could experience this.  When he is older, he will be able to tell his children that he was at Obama's second Inauguration!  How cool is that???

The National Portrait Gallery

Chuck Close created a pair of images on tapestry capturing his expressions.  It was so cool to see this up close and then to enter the President's Portrait Gallery.  Again, Micah referred to the Presidents as "Mitt Romney" and we had to clarify again that Mitt Romney was never elected as President.  When will Micah differentiate between all the white faces on the wall???

Noah's Reflection #4

Washington National Cathedral

The Cathedral Church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul, known as the Washington National Cathedral is the sixth largest cathedral in the world.  We had lunch nearby at a yummy restaurant called 2 Amy's and walked over a few blocks afterwards.  An interesting tidbit, in the 1980s, while the west towers were under the construction, a sculpture competition was held for children and a drawing of Darth Vader was sculpted and placed high upon the northwest tower.  The choir was singing, "America the Beautiful" and the boys were very solemn.  Noah said a prayer for his "kind dad" and Micah said a prayer for his "kind mom."  The magnitude and breathtaking beauty of the cathedral reminded me of Westminster Abbey.  When will we take the boys to London???

Noah's Reflection #3

Smithsonian Mall

Today we had such a wonderful day.  The weather was in the 40s and although it was cold, it was bearable.  We walked the National Mall and went through The National Gallery of Art Sculture Garden.  Then we went to the National Museum of Natural History where we saw fossils, the Hope Diamond, and the Insect Zoo.  The boys really enjoyed Nature's Best Photography Windland Smith Rice International Awards exhibit as well.  We had a fun time, can't you see the look on their faces???

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s Memorial

The Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial is located in West Potomac Park in Washington DC.  This was my favorite monument and I loved hearing Noah read some of the quotes on the wall.  My favorite that he read:  "Darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that."  Who can argue with that???

Noah's Reflection #2

"Washington C"

Micah used to say "Washing Machine" and now he refers to the capitol as "Washington C" (hopefully he'll get it right before kindergarten).  My sister suggested we visit some of the memorials at night because there would be less people and also because there were some designed to be viewed at night.  The kids loved the Lincoln Memorial, but our favorite was Martin Luther King Jr. (see next picture post).  Jawsh has a link to Lincoln because they share a birthday, February 12, and they are both upright, just, and moral men.  Isn't this a great photo???

Noah's Reflection #1

Washington DC

Our first cross country trip to Washington DC!  We have been looking forward to this trip so we could visit my sister, the nation's capitol, and of course, President Obama's Inauguration!  We started our first day heading to the Capitol and the Library of Congress (we secured tours through our Congressperson, but were unable to secure Inauguration tickets).  At the Capitol, we got to take the exact walk President Obama took to take his oath of office and we also went down under the Rotunda to the Crypt.  Noah made connections to Presidents that he recognized ("Mom, George Washington is on money") whereas Micah called every statue, "Mitt Romney."  There was so much history and beautiful architecture.  It was such a great way to start our trip, wouldn't you say???

Brooklyn Nets

Noah is playing his first season of basketball.  He is very excited because he is on the same team as his friend. We also had a nice surprise when we found out that his other friend was also on the team.  Just like soccer, he enjoys the game but plays on the periphery of the action... not wanting to commit and waiting for the ball to come to him.  It was very fun watching him practice today... how will he do in his game???

LA Zoo

Noah was recently at the zoo with his class and I realized that Micah's last trip to the zoo was when he was a baby!  We met our friends and enjoyed our day. The weather was overcast so it was a perfect day to walk around and see the animals in action.  It was definitely nice for the kids to burn some energy and enjoy the scenery.  When will we visit again???

Happy New Year!!!

Happy New Year!  We attempted to have a snow day but we hit massive traffic so we detoured and ended up at Scandia!  The kids had such a terrific time miniature golfing (well, for about 20 minutes) and then they really loved the amusement park rides.  It was so much fun watching them smile and laugh in the new year!   What will 2013 bring???