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My birthday started with the sounds of the boys pouting. Micah was upset about something and Noah was distressed because he could not find his Obiwon figurine. But we made it through, out to the kitchen, where Jawsh made me birthday crepes before he left to work. Nutella, banana, strawberries, and whip cream made everyone feel better. Jawsh came home for lunch and brought me a birthday donut and Noah sang Happy Birthday to me at least seven times. And for dinner, we went to Ktown where we ate Eun Dae Goo Jorim (a spicy black cod dish) and Bulgogi (for the kids). It was a great day where I got to spend all my meals with my three most beloved boys... 32... wow... am I ready for this year???

Birthday at Bubbe's

Today we spent the afternoon swimming in Bubbe's pool. Noah wore his goggles and went underneath the water to count how many fingers we were holding up while Micah loved to ride the noodles like a rocking horse. It's so nice to finally have the summer weather here. For dinner, Bubbe made this amazing Moroccan inspired meal with butter lettuce salad. It was so good. And for my birthday cake she made my favorite chocolate banana cake. It was such a nice way to spend my birthday with the people I love... what will we do on the 24th???

Father's Office

To kick things off for my birthday weekend, Jawsh took me to Father's Office (the original off of Montana). Cathy was kind of enough to watch the boys, and we enjoyed the F.O. Burger and a special menu item, fried shrimp. Yum. It was so good that I could of come back to have dinner (I really wanted to order the soft shell crabs) but I had the Noah's orientation to attend to. When will we head back???

Goodbye summer camp

Today was the last day of Noah's summer camp. We had a special outing to Santa Monica Beach where the kids were able to go to the Heal the Bay Aquarium and the pier. We missed the first half, but when we got to the pier, we let the kids go on the rides. Noah had a great time going on the rides with his summer camp pals. Since we bought an all day ticket, we may have to go back later in the evening with Daddy! Will Jawsh go for it???

Baking with Barefoot

Tonight I attempted to bake Barefoot Contessa's chocolate cake. I want to take this to Noah's preschool orientation meeting this weekend, so I had to try it out. I got a late start and with all the waiting for the cake to cool before icing it... before I knew it was approaching ten o'clock. We had a late dessert to say nonetheless but it was well worth the wait! What dessert should I tackle next???

Tooty-ta? I don't think so...

Noah's summer camp performed Tooty-ta and a few other songs. Unfortunately, Noah did not want to perform. He stood there, center stage, looking at the ground! It wasn't until the performances were over and Teacher Judy put on "I Like to Move It" (a 1994 music track performed by Reel 2 Real which is featured in the Madagascar film series) that he started to dance. What will his next performance be like???

Ina and Kim #2

Tonight we had Barefoot Contessa's baked shrimp scampi. The recipe called for butter, butter, and more butter. It was delicious (paired with a nice white wine). After tonight, I have to take a break from Ina but I will start exploring again in a few days! What will I make next???

Ina and Kim

Last week, Jawsh and I saw the movie, Julie and Julia. I was kind of inspired by it. Now, I am a big fan of Barefoot Contessa (Ina Garten) via my mother. And instead of going through all her recipes, I want to try a few a month. So I started tonight with her rib eye and cornmeal onion rings (paired with Blue Moon beer). Boy, was it good. Jawsh really loved the whole meal from start to finish. What will I make next???

4 little monkeys

Here is a recent picture of all the kids. It's near impossible to get all of them looking at the camera at the same time. Don't they look sweet???

Hi Reno Rubins

The Reno Rubins were back for a few days for their annual Camp Caryn summer trip. For some reason, I have absolutely no pictures of the crew! But I did find one image of Micah's typical reaction when he first met them. He just put his head down. It was completely hilarious because he's usually more outgoing. It was great catching up with everyone. When will go visit them in Reno???

Money, money, money

It's very unexpected when my parents come to LA. Today they had to run an errand that brought them to Koreatown. I took the boys to meet them for an impromptu lunch at the local Korean mall and of course, Noah made his way into the toy store. My dad, who is not known for buying toys, bought Noah a Thomas the Train wallet and let him have the change. The whole afternoon, Noah kept telling people what he would buy them with his two dollars! I would hear him say, "Micah I'm going to buy you a lightsaber, okay? You have to make good choices." Or he would tell me, "Mom, I'm going to buy you Luke's lightsaber okay?" I have to love his generous spirit. But how long will everything revolve around Star Wars???

R4 again...

To further illustrate the point.. here is Noah and his lego versions of the Star Wars robots. C3PO, R2D2, and R4. He's just a little obsessed, right???

R4

Here is Noah's latest drawing of R4. If you only know R2D2, you can't hang with Noah! Noah takes Star Wars very seriously... so much so that he quizzes Micah all the time. First it was Thomas the Tank Engine series, now Star Wars, what's next???

Star Eco-Station

Noah's summer camp took a field trip to the Star Eco-Station. It is a non-profit environmental education and exotic wildlife rescue center, dedicated to the mission of Preservation Through Education. They work in collaboration with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and other government and environmental organizations to provide a last chance for illegal or abandoned at-risk exotic wildlife. Noah got to meet several animals that were rescued and of course, he did not pass up a chance to hold a snake! I personally enjoyed learning about the programs and the animals... when will we head back???

Age of Mammals

Kaitlyn and Crew went with us to check out the Age of Mammals permanent exhibit at the the Natural History Museum. The Age of Mammals tells an epic evolutionary story that spans 65 million years! But its theme can be distilled into just six words: Continents move. Climates change. Mammals evolve. This picture shows Kaitlyn doing her tiger growl! We went on the first free Tuesday and it was way overcrowded with summer campers and families on vacation! When will we head back???

Air and Space Gallery

We went to Exposition Park to meet Kaitlyn and Crew, but we arrived earlier so we had time to check out the Air and Space Gallery. It was interesting to see the boys' reactions. There are life size satellites, airplanes, and helicopters on display hanging from the ceiling, so it was somewhat intimidating at first. Noah was hesitant but started to make connections to Star Wars (of course) and warmed up quicker than Micah. Micah on the other hand, was timid, walking slow, and clasping his hands together! I have never really seen Micah look so nervous! Noah really enjoyed going into the helicopter, but Micah wanted nothing to do with it. Will Noah want to be in aeronautics when he grows older???

The Getty Villa

Today we went to Malibu to check out The Getty Villa with Joel, Kristie, and Linnea. The landscape is beautiful and there is a amphitheater where they perform Greek tragedies in the evenings. The kids were able to paint frescoes and play in the family room. And we enjoyed walking around and eating lunch in gorgeous weather. Noah did not want to leave Linnea, but I promised him we would meet up again soon... maybe at the beach???

Roller coaster #2... Journey to Atlantis

Today we took a day trip down to San Diego and spent sometime at Sea World. Noah and Micah loved the Shamu Believe Show (again) and this time Noah and Jawsh went on a roller coaster called Journey to Atlantis. We weren't surprised that Noah wanted to go on (because he just had a great experience with Suzy). But Jawsh was surprised at how fast it went. There were many fast turns, high drops into water, and Noah was holding on to dear life. When Noah got off he said, "that was too fast." Will he want to ride a roller coaster again after this???

Noah's first roller coaster

My cousin, Suzy, flew in from Texas! She is getting married 1-11-2011! Noah is going to be a ring bearer so she spent some fun time with him this visit. Highlights were getting lunch at the Kogi truck, driving to Santa Monica, and eating it at the beach. It was such a nice day. Then we walked to the pier, where we let Noah choose one ride. He decided to go on the roller coaster! He barely made the height requirement of 42 inches and he was off with Suzy! I was nervous for him, but he did great. What will be his next roller coaster ride???

5

This morning we went back to the exact spot where we were married (7-24-05). Yes, it's been 5 years! Afterwards we took a stroll on the beach and had lunch at one of our favorite places, Cha Cha Chicken. For dinner, Jawsh and I ate at Providence. It was such a wonderful dining experience... we ate so many delicious things. Jawsh's favorite was the wild black sea bass with braised artichokes, candied orange rind, and basil and my favorite was the big eye tuna and kumamoto oysters! Yum! Thanks to Bubbe, Uncle Zach, and Dolly for watching the boys... where will we go next year???

Whole Foods Fieldtrip

Noah went on his a fieldtrip to Whole Foods with his summer camp. I always thought it was weird when kids go to grocery stores for fieldtrips, but it was sort of fun. The kids got to try all types of food, starting with the desserts! I think Noah's favorite part was eating the organic banana. His next fieldtrip is the Eco-Station... I wonder how that will go???

5 years tomorrow!

It's the night before our fifth wedding anniversary! I feel so blessed to be married to Jawsh... he is still ever patient and loving. And we both feel blessed to have the most wonderful boys. Tomorrow we head to Shutters on the Beach for a quick visit (no brunch this year) and then to a romantic dinner at Providence! Wonder what tomorrow will bring???

mygym with Micah

Micah has been enjoying mygym classes for the past few weeks. Since I did Gymboree with Noah, this is a nice change. mygym focuses more on gymnastics and there is a lot to do. Micah has been enjoying the trampoline and the ball pit. He also loves somersaults and flying down a zip line in a plastic airplane! Will Micah want to be a gymnast when he grows older???

Santa Monica Pacific Park

Today Noah and Kaitlyn went to Santa Monica Pier to enjoy all the amusement park rides. I got a great deal on groupon which gave them all you can ride passes. I originally bought these passes for Jawsh and Noah, but when we went Noah would not go on any of the rides with his Daddy! Of course, with "Kaitlyn Kourage" by his side, he went on all the rides with no problem. Here they are going up and down, enjoying the view of the Pacific, while Micah is on the bench enjoying his view of his older brother and cousin. Micah was a bit upset that he could not go on any of the rides, but all in good time, right???

Captain Rex

Noah's fascination with Star Wars continues. He is sort of into the Clone Wars (the library has first readers about this series) which upsets Jawsh because it's not the original. Anyway, we were at Toys R Us and even though I usually do not succumb to Noah's requests this costume was over 50% off. So, for 11 dollars, why not, right???

Pavilion of Wings (again)

It was time for our annual visit to The Pavilion of Wings. Like last year, Noah took charge of the camera and took many pictures of butterflies (and not the ground, his shoe, and his shadow like last time). He also identified different butterflies and the stages that they were in! He could work there as a volunteer! Micah, on the other hand, sat in the middle of the dirt path and played with the dirt. He also liked standing on the rocks and holding the signs. Now you might think, "oh Micah's just too young," but when I looked back at the blog archives, we took Noah at around this age and he did not exhibit the same behavior. I chalk it up to... they're just different! What will Micah really enjoy... spiders???

NHM

We took advantage of the Natural History Museum free day (the first Tuesday of every month). Noah and Micah had a great time at the Discovery Center. We also went upstairs to see the dinosaur fossils and as soon as Noah saw the teeth he said, "Mommy, that dinosaur eats kogi because it has sharp teeth and that one eats salad." Noah has a great memory, wouldn't you agree???

Bikes at the beach

We spent a few hours at Santa Monica Beach riding bikes and going to the play park. It was really crowded there today but a beautiful day nonetheless. When will we ride again???

Happy 4th!

This Independence Day was spent with family. My mom made kalbi, rib eye, and salmon and Jawsh played bartender (again) and made yummy blood orange mojitos for all to enjoy. Later in the evening, we watched the fire works in the backyard and my dad also lit a few. He was in a great mood dancing around the lights, holding Micah. Yup, Micah was not scared. But Noah was sitting in my mom's lap holding her hand over his eyes! Will he like the fireworks next year???

He did what?

I am beginning to think that my dad really loves Micah, not just loves but really loves. He bought a small inflatable pool for Micah. Now of course, Noah and Kaitlyn can enjoy it too... but it's really for a smaller kid. And if anyone knows my dad, he does not go to the store to buy things. As I was explaining to Jawsh, my dad's inner GPS takes him to only a few places: home, work, golf, LA, and occasionally Home Depot. So when I heard that he went to Wal-Mart and bought this I was shocked. As you can see on Micah's face.. he loves it. What will my dad buy next???

Gymboree (second time around)

We recently signed up Micah for play class at Gymboree. I take Micah to class while Noah is at summer camp. Micah enjoyed freeze dance and of course bubble time. Is this the beginning of enrichment classes for him???

Toy Story 3

The whole family came out for this event... Noah's first movie! Jawsh and I screened Toy Story 3 the weekend prior so he would know when to take Noah out for a bathroom break (Micah and I hung out at the mall while they watched the film). Noah had special treats like his Star Wars fruit snack and Honest Kids Fruit drink. Overall, Noah had a good time although he was scared at different points in the movie. What will he watch next???

Happy Shower Letitia

Today I spent a wonderful afternoon at Letitia's house at her baby shower. Yummy food, good company, and plenty of yellow gifts. But the gift giving would not be complete without her two loves: Prince and the Raiders. Jawsh made some onesies with the prints and I think Letitia was tickled by them. Everyone was making predictions about the gender of the baby so the question is... what will it be???

Long Beach Aquarium

Today we spent the morning at the Long Beach Aquarium, courtesy of Cousin Rebecca who sent us tickets that she won. Last time we went Micah was chilling in the Baby Bjorn watching Noah touch sharks and feed lorikeets, but today Micah got in on the action. He touched the sharks, helped Daddy feed a lorikeet, and he played in the splash zone. Noah had a great time as well... he followed directions and touched the animals with two fingers (here you see him petting the huge manta ray)! When will we head back???

Still life

The boys and I ventured to the California Science Center to check out the new wing, Ecosystems. We had a great time and somewhere between the kelp forest and the Discovery Room, it suddenly hit me how big they are. Noah's 3.5 years old and making connections about sea life, asking questions about nature, and exploring independently. Micah, 21 months, is fearless, climbing through tubes, running after Noah, and he didn't need his stroller! Towards the end of the trip, we went outside to an art space and Noah wanted to draw. He told me he was going to draw a ladybug (little did I know he had a figurine he grabbed from a station) and he proceeded to draw it and then he signed his art. Noah's first still life drawing (the yellow streak is from Micah's marker). What will he make next???

Summer Camp

Noah is signed up for summer camp at MarVista Park. He has eight friends from his preschool that are also there, so he is really having a nice time. Today they learned about lady bugs! He got to paint one (but he calls it a Star Wars spaceship) and he actually got to take some live ones home (but we let them go in the garden). What will he do next???

Micah's way

There's no wrong way to eat ice cream, right???

Happy Father's Day

This year we celebrated Father's Day at Grandpa's house. Uncle Zach, Uncle Jay, and Kyer were also there hanging out and watching the boys play. We had a nice dinner and some yummy desserts. I think that Jawsh is the BEST father to Noah and Micah, hands down! What will we do next year???

Go Torea!

Noah and Micah are sporting their Red Devil shirts in honor of South Korea's match against Greece. Noah yells, "Go Torea!" When will he get that "k" sound down???

Happy Birthday Aunt Michelle!

Today we celebrated Aunt Michelle's birthday. We had a nice time at Buca di Beppo with all her family and friends. Wonder what she wished for???

Vote!

It was a very long day today. My class had a fieldtrip to Exposition Park and then I had to pick up Noah from Michael's house and Micah from daycare. Then we drove to the senior center so I could vote and found out that they moved the location to Brentwood! Noah was not a happy camper and Micah wanted to be held... it was quite a sight to see me voting with a toddler close to tears and a baby on my hip. After tracking down the new polling place, and dragging Noah and Micah along for the ride, there was no way I could find the energy to make dinner. We ordered pizza from CPK and finally got home around 6:30 PM. It was a long day and to all those people who did not vote, you have no excuse! How else will we change the world???

Me, Myself, and I

Today I had an early dinner by myself. Noah was spending time with my sister, Micah was in daycare, and Jawsh was at work. It's been a while since I've been just by myself. I didn't have to cut anyone else's food, I didn't have to wipe mouths, entertain at the table, nothing. It was weird. I enjoyed my salad, in peace, and when I picked up Micah from daycare, I was rejuvenated and of course, happy to see him. When will I make a date with me again???

On a blog

We made it on the B&G Photography blog: http://www.bandgphotography.com/blog/ What do you think of the pictures???

Oh Micah!

Micah continues to get into all sorts of mischief! I set some rice on a plate to cool and the next thing I know, Micah has climbed his high chair and consumed the rice. He was trying to clear his area by throwing it on the floor, but the evidence is all over his face! Oh Micah... when will you learn???

Congrats Billy!

Billy graduated from Biola University today. We are very proud of him and his achievements. I wish this picture showed his footwear, as I think he was the only one wearing Kobes across the stage. What will he do next???

Happy Graduation Yohan!

My cousin, Yohan, graduated from Cal State Northridge with his BA in Liberal Arts! He has worked very hard to accomplish this and we are very proud of him. What will he do next???

Mommy and Noah

Noah's preschool yearbook will be designed by who else? Jawsh! So we took Parent Child photos at the school today. Here we are happy and smiley, but if you look closely you will see Micah crying at my side. He's in the jealousy phase where he can not stand Noah being held by me! When will it pass???

Spring picnic

Today we were at Cheviot Hills Park for Noah's preschool spring picnic. It was a nice afternoon, with plenty of food, games, and friends. I spent the whole time face painting, while Noah climbed trees, Micah chased dogs, and Jawsh chased after Micah. It was a great time had by all... but we think Micah had the most fun. Can't you tell???

Happy Graduation Yojin!

My cousin, Yojin, graduated from USC's prestigious Architect and Design School. We are very proud of her and all her accomplishments. She has worked very hard and leaves for China for an internship very soon. Will she stay in Asia to pursue her dreams???

Noah riding a trike

This is a short video of Noah pedaling Micah around preschool. At the beginning of the school year, Noah had difficulty doing this but as you can see, he is pretty quick now! When will Micah learn how to ride???

3 in the back

When we visit the IE, sometimes we take Kaitlyn with us in the car. This is what it must of looked like to my parents driving around with three kids in the back! How cute is that???

Family photos

As an early Mother's Day gift, we went to Santa Monica Pier to get family pictures taken by our favorite LA photographers. The great thing about Nate is that he likes to capture real moments... he got some great shots of the boys in the sand and playing in the water. Where will we go next time to get family photos done?