Walking with Emma

When we arrive at my parents' home, the boys jump out of the car and run full speed to see their cousins.  They have a quick embrace with my parents,  quickly pet Watts and Peanut, and then they run for the room and play Minecraft. or Pokemon.  I always ask who wants to walk the dogs and usually Emma is up for the task.  I love these quiet moments that we can share with our niece.  When will we walk the dogs with her again???

Love note

Having boys two years apart is a good and not so good thing.  They spend a lot of time with one another at home and at school, so there are times when they bicker.  There are times when Micah cries out: When will I beat my brother in chess???  But there are also times when I find them sitting too close to one another reading a book or sharing an inside joke.  Or when Noah is in Micah's bed laying down with him.   I found this on the floor the other day that Micah wrote to his big brother.  I thought it was sweetest and hope to find more in the future.  What will their relationship be like when they get older???

Translation:
Der Noah I lov you
kis kis
frum Micah

The wall #2

The wall is slowly taking shape into a beautiful Oaxacan woman in a dress.  I wonder what it will look like when Jawsh is done???

Date with Mom

Jawsh and Zach took their mother out for Valentines Day to The Forum to watch Paul Simon and Sting.  I thought this was so sweet that they surprised her with tickets and by their smiles it looks like they had a great time.  Will Noah and Micah treat me the same when they are older???

Cousins forever

Noah loves his little cousin, Liam.  It's fun to see the boys interact with one another.  Liam is now trying to get in the mix with the older kids and it's really nice that the kids can grow up with their cousins.  When will we see them again???

Valentines Day

Tonight we went over to a friends for Valentines Day dinner and Noah got to see his special friend.  Last year he wrote this in kindergarten: "This Valentine is for my friend Nora because she is nise.  She is my preescool frend.  She likes swinging on the monkey bars and she runs fast." It's one year later and although they don't see each other often, it's nice to share a cupcake with a friend.  Isn't this adorable???

Chess

Micah is learning how to play chess after school at Chess Tutors.  I originally wanted Micah to play fiddles but he chose to play chess with his brother.  Noah is in the advanced level and Micah is now a beginner so they do not have a lot of interaction after school.  However at home, I have seen Micah's understanding of the game and his confidence  grow. Research shows that chess players show greater confidence, develop problem solving skills, logic and reasoning, develop mental disciple and concentration while learning good sportsmanship and strengthening rudimentary skills.  When will Micah capture Noah's king???

The wall

This is the wall.  It's the side of Cinco Restaurant.  Jawsh was commissioned to paint a mural.  What will he do???