Happy New Year 2016

Happy New Year!!!  Tonight we went to the Westerfield Home to have dinner, game night, and to bring in the new year (at 9:00PM).  I wonder what our new years resolutions will be???

The Broad Museum

The Broad Museum... what a zoo.  There were so many people in line and we were fortunate enough to have tickets to enter the main museum but we missed out on the Infinity Room.  We still had a great time going through and looking at all the art.  We saw so many of our favorite artists like Kruger, Warhol, Murakami, and here are the boys in front of Basquiat...  when will we visit again???

DTLA

We love heading into Downtown LA to try new places.  We went to Back Mercat for brunch.  The boys were not that impressed but Jawsh and I liked the food.  I don't think I would return for brunch, but I could see why it's a popular place.  There were a lot of bold flavors and interesting pairings.  After brunch we headed to the Broad Museum...  when will try another DTLA hot spot???

Journey into Space

The kids Christmas present from Uncle Jawsh and Komo was a trip to the California Science Center.  We took the kids to see Journey into Space 3D and to go through the exhibit.  The kids were not that impressed with the movie... Kaitlyn and Emma insisted that  this was not a movie because there was no characters in it.  When we went through the exhibit, it held their interest for a bit but they were definitely ready to move onto another part of the museum.  Next year we will have to think of another outing that they will enjoy... I wonder where will go???

Santa Monica Beach

Our next stop was Santa Monica Beach... the kids made their way to the pier and they got to ride the rollercoaster!  It was such a fun filled day!  Zach's parents enjoyed the walk down the pier and the ocean breeze.  Afterwards, we went to Shutters on the Beach to have dinner.  It was a great day... when will we spend time with them again???

Getty Villa

We spent the afternoon at the Getty Villa with the family.  The views were so beautiful and the kids were very well behaved walking through the grounds.  They spent a great deal of time sketching the gardens and running around outdoors.  When will we visit again???

Merry Christmas

The kids really enjoy spending Christmas together.  They are so happy to celebrate and sing songs in front of the family.  This year, Micah played the piano while Emma sang, Jingle Bells and Noah played the piano while Kaitlyn sang, Deck the Halls.  This was a special Christmas because Kelly's inlaws came to California to spend the holiday with us.  I wonder what they will think of Christmas with the Mins???

We believe...

  The boys still believe in Santa Claus and had an exhaustive list of things they wanted to receive.  Micah's list revolved around candy and gum, whereas Noah's list was very tech heavy.  I wonder what Santa will bring these two???

Candy Cane Lane

It's only taken us two years of living in Westchester, but we finally made it to Candy Cane Lane in El Segundo.  The whole block is lit up in beautiful lights and at the end of the cul de sac is a Santa Claus!  The boys and a great time walking the neighborhood with their friends.  Will we go back before the year ends???

Peter Pan

This afternoon we went to see a live play, Peter Pan and Tinkerbell's Pirate's Christmas, in Old Town Pasadena.  It was a small theater but I can honestly say that every seat in the house was a good seat.  The boys enjoyed the play and I hope that we will be able to go next year with Kaitlyn and Company.  There was a lot of singing and dancing and I hope that it inspires the boys to sing more... will they ever go on stage???

JibJab Holiday party

Jawsh has made some good friends, Mauro and Rubens, at JibJab (and of course they are from Italy).  Here we are in the booth acting super silly.  In the next few months, we will be transitioning to a new work situation for Jawsh... hopefully we will keep in touch with the guys and their wives.  When will we meet up again???

Winter Concert

The boys' class and two songs:  "You Got A Friend In Me" from Toy Story and "We Go Together" from the musical, Grease.  Overall the class sang very well but you could tell that they were nervous.  Next year, the boys will be in separate classes again... what will they sing next???

Happy Hanukkah

Happy Hanukkah!  We had to cancel our family Hanukkah dinner because I was sick...  but the boys continued on and sang the blessings.  When will we reschedule our dinner with our loved ones???

Soccer- Most Valuable Defensive Player

Micah's soccer team, Strike Force, had a great season. Micah played really great defense through the whole season.  We're glad that he had a great time with his friends.  What sport will he play next???

Soccer- Most Improved

Noah had a great season on the Blue Thunder team. He was named the Most Improved Player even though he missed part of the season due to ankle injuries.  I hope that Noah will be able to play with his friends next year.  What sport will he play next???

Watts

Oh Watts... every time we see you we just can't help but hug you and love you.  You still have your puppy face but we know that you are getting older.  When will we see you again???

Happy Birthday again Noah!!!

Again, a celebration is not a celebration without the Min kids.  Today we went to John's Incredible Pizza to have lunch and play.  The kids enjoyed glow and the dark mini-golf, bowling, bumper cars, and rides.  I think it's safe to say that we celebrated Noah's 9th birthday!  I wonder what we will do next year???

Happy Thanksgiving (and birthday again)

We had a delicious Thanksgiving lunch with the family.  We played Rummy Q again and Grandpa and Micah came out victorious again.  Afterwards, we had another opportunity to celebrate Noah's birthday.  What did he wish for???

Happy Birthday Noah (again)

Today is Noah's actual birthday... he wanted to see the Peanuts movie and then we went out to his favorite restaurant, California Pizza Kitchen.  Uncle Zach met us for dinner with lego in hand and Noah enjoyed a slice of key lemon pie.  Wonder what he wished for???

Brothers

There are moments when I catch the boys being really sweet to each other... we were walking in Target of all places, and I caught them arm in arm watching an extreme sports video.  This makes my heart so full.  I wonder what they will be like when they get older???

Happy Birthday Harabujee

Happy birthday to my dad!  I wonder how old he is???

Happy Birthday Noah

Happy 9th Birthday to Noah!  In true Jedi fashion we had a Force Awakens slumber party complete with a Jedi scavenger hunt, Who is Kylo Ren? game, and of course, iPad time.  We set up the tent inside the house and the boys loved sleeping in there.  This was a huge parenting moment for Jawsh and I... to have a slumber party with this many kids... but we made it!  How we will celebrate his birthday next year???

Dinner with Dre

I had such a nice time catching up with my college roommate, Andrea.  She was in town to catch a flight and we were able to meet up over sushi and her favorite, Dunkin Donuts!  It was great to catch up.  Wonder when we will see eachother again???

Rainbow Award

Micah received a Rainbow Award!  We are very proud of him.  The Rainbow Award says: 

This Rainbow Award is Presented to Micah Smith for being a kind and caring friend.

Jawsh and I have always wondered about how Micah does socially but what we realized is that we really don't need to worry.  Micah is working hard to be a great student in his class and he really likes being there with his brother (which can be hard to be in the same class).  When the boys receive special recognition, we like to celebrate by taking them out to dinner... I wonder where Micah will choose to eat tonight???

Lego Day

Tonight we were invited to go to Uncle Zach's office where the kids participated in a Lego 2 Monster Engine Theme Focus Group.  The kids invited a few friends (the focus group needed girls) from their co-op so it was nice reunion. They spent the evening eating pizza, playing lego ,and drawing.  The highlight of the night was when they asked the kids to imagine they were a 5 year old girl and to draw a scene... Micah drew a big box and labeled it "liquor store."  Who brought this kid???

Republique

The boys went to the doctors this morning with Jawsh so you know anytime they are together these guys will end up at a bakery or coffee shop.  So, Jawsh took them to Republique.  The building was built in 1928 by Charlie Chaplin and later became a restaurant in 1989 then a bakery in 2012.  The boys got to eat yummy baked goods while learning a little about Charlie Chaplin.  So, now when they want to eat here they mentioned "Charlie Chaplin."  Will I get invited next time???


 

Happy Halloween

The boys insisted... they had to be part of The Force Awakens.  I personally did not like the idea of the Dark Side but I was overruled.  Micah knew he wanted to be Kylo Ren and Noah had to be a First Order Storm Trooper.  I went as the heroine, Rey, and Jawsh was Han.  The masks stayed on for about 5 minutes and Jawsh and I found ourselves carrying the masks and their bags of candy while they ran down the street Trick or Treating with friends.  I wonder what they will want to dress up as next year???

Mr. Bones

After school, we went to Mr. Bones Pumpkin Patch with our neighbors the A family.  J and Micah are such good friends that they refer to each other as "twins."  It's really nice to have a friend who lives down the street.  Will we go trick or treating together???

3rd Tooth

Micah lost his 3rd tooth this evening chewing on a tortilla chip at his friends house.  I can't believe that he lost his tooth but we're still waiting for his upper teeth to come out!  Micah's no longer afraid of the tooth fairy so now he is looking forward to receiving a visit.  I wonder how much the tooth fairy will leave???

The Lion King

The boys went to their first musical with Bubbe this afternoon to see The Lion King!  The boys had a fun time with Bubbe and her friend.  Afterwards they went to Red Robin which the boys also loved.  This is one of those times that they will always remember.  When will they go to their musical???

Bubbe's birthday

Happy Birthday to Bubbe!!!  We had a nice dinner at King's Fish House and it's always wonderful to celebrate her birthday!  Wonder what she wished for???

Hotel Transylavnia 2

We were here... at the theaters watching Hotel Transylvania 2 with Micah's friend, E.  E's dad worked the first and second film.  The kids had a great time.  When will see E again???

KCRW Food Pie Contest

Today we split up... Jawsh took Noah to KCRW's Food Pie Contest at UCLA and I took Micah and his friend to a movie.  Jawsh and Noah ended up at a coffee shop and enjoyed the afternoon together.  When will they go on their next Daddy Date???

Happy Birthday Liam!

Liam is now four years old and more loveable than ever.  He is still getting into mischief and he still likes to play rough, but he's the baby of the five grandkids and we love him so much.  I wonder what he wished for???

Happy Birthday again Micah

A birthday celebration is not complete until we celebrate with the Min kids... what did Micah wish for???

Camping at school

Now that I am a teacher at the boys' school, I wasn't sure if I wanted to spend the night at school...  I work there, I volunteer there, I live across the street from there... but Micah really wanted to go and wake up on his birthday in a tent so we did it!  The boys had a great time at the drum circle, playing games, and eating s'mores.  It was a fun time.  Will we do it again next year???

Donating Doggy Goods

This afternoon, Micah  went to the animal shelter to donate over 30 lbs of dog food, toys, shampoo, treats, and bowls.  These were the items that he asked his friends for in lieu of gifts.  It's pretty amazing that Micah is not that into gifts and prefers helping animals...  it's makes us very proud.  When we walked in with all these items, the volunteer walked to the back and brought out a 4 week kitten that she allowed Micah to hold for his good deed.  It was very special indeed.  Afterwords, we walked through the shelter and saw so many dogs looking for homes and Micah said, "at least they will have food and toys to play with" which is true.  Will Micah continue to do this at his next birthday???

Happy Birthday Micah

 Happy 7th Birthday to Micah (9-27-08)!  We celebrated his birthday at Ocean Park Beach with a Pokemon theme.  There were all things Pokemon (his donut and treasure poke balls   The kids had a great time playing near the water but the highlight of the party was the pokeballs that the kids had to find full of Pokemon candy, figurines, and gum.  I can't believe Micah turned 7... where has the time gone???

Pokemon!

We are gearing up for Micah's 7th Pokemon birthday at the beach.  Jawsh spray painted over 40 poke balls that are filled with Japanese candies, Pokemon figurines, and Pokemon gum!  The lengths that we will go through to have a fun party for our son... will the kids appreciate them as much as we do???

Roy Choi

Tonight my girlfriends and I went out to dinner to Sunny Spot, one of many restaurants owned by Roy Choi.  As we sat on the terrace, my friends saw Roy himself walking around and I called him over.  He graciously took a photo with me but my friends refused!  So, I had to throw up a peace sign and a smile with Roy Choi!  This was my second celebrity chef sighting (my first one was Robert Irvine at California Disney).  Who will I meet next???

Happy Birthday Kaitlyn and Emma

Happy Birthday to my nieces who turned 9 and 6.  They had a fun birthday party at a jump warehouse and although we could not stay for the whole party (the boys had a soccer game) we were glad that we were able to come for the time that we did.  I wonder what the girls wished for... and Liam where are your clothes???

Blue Thunder

Noah is also playing AYSO this season.  He is on the team with one of his best friends, Jack.  Noah has a great coach and is making new friends on his team.  Here is a shot of his playing goalie.  Will Noah enjoy his season???

Strike Force!

Micah is playing AYSO in Westchester.  He is back on the same team as many of his Astros buddies.  We feel very fortunate that his teammates live on our street so we can take advantage of carpooling to games and practices. Micah has such good friends and we are lucky that he is making solid friendships.  How will the boys do this season???

Love the walk

I just feel very fortunate that I can now walk to work.  We are saving so much time and gas by walking to school.  This is a photo of the boys walking together hand in hand.  I love this and appreciate the fact that I get to be with my kids everyday.  I am lucky and I know that.  And I will try my best to remember moments like these when all I want to do is pull out my hair!  When will the boys walk to school without me???

The best

Nothing beats my homemade chocolate chip cookies and organic vanilla ice-cream...  wouldn't you agree???

Rainbow Award

Noah received a Rainbow Award the first week of school!  We are very proud of him.  The Rainbow Award says:

This Rainbow Award is Presented to Noah Smith for starting off the year demonstrating hard work and excellence and leading by example.

Noah is working hard to be a great leader (meaning he was in the same cluster last year) in Orange Cluster and we can see that his hard work is paying off.  When the boys receive special recognition, we like to celebrate by taking them out to dinner... I wonder where Noah will choose to eat tonight???

Happy Birthday!!!

Thank you to my partner teacher's mother for this birthday cake...  even though I had to go to work on my birthday I had a fun day.  What will we do this weekend to continue celebrating???

Double Rainbow

My partner teacher, Tina, is really great to work with.  The school is unique because the classrooms are larger, multi-age, and have 48 students!  This has been an adjustment, but I feel very fortunate that my teaching partner is so upbeat, positive, and patient.  As we were getting to know one another over the summer, we discovered that we share the same birthdate as well as the same anniversary date!  So, we celebrated our birthdays with a "double rainbow" theme.  We wore the same "double rainbow" t-shirts, and invited the staff to our classroom during lunch where we treated everyone to Double Doubles from In N Out, Rainbow Sherbet ice cream, and Double Mint gum.  What will be our birthday theme next year???

Spago

Jawsh took me out for my birthday dinner to Spago.  The last time we were at Spago, I was pregnant with Micah so it has been quite awhile.  We had one of the best cocktails in the city here and we would come back just for that!  The meal was great but we walked to Bouchon Bakery across the street for dessert.  Where will Jawsh want to go for his birthday???

Go Noah!

Noah had a great season with his teammates.  I don't know if he'll continue playing next season but he enjoyed his time on the court.  Noah learned a lot and now he can make a layup and dribble with confidence.  We saw a lot of growth this season and I hope that he will want to play again next season.  Will Noah want to sign up???