Star Wars Episode 1

After Jawsh's birthday brunch, we had a big decision to make... to see Star Wars Episode 1 Phantom Menace or to not see Star Wars Episode 1 Phantom Menace. Jawsh, being the big Star Wars fan he is, declared years ago that the boys would only watch the original trilogy and not be exposed to the likings of Jar Jar Binks. But George Lucas' Star Wars machine had already exposed the boys to characters like Darth Maul and Queen Amidala. This was a toss up for Jawsh because now that Episode 1 was being re-released onto the big screen, he was wavering on his previous declaration and it doesn't help when every other billboard we pass has Star Wars 3D displayed across it. After some soul and internet searching, we found a theater that was showing this movie in 2D (we did not want to bother with the 3D) and the boys eager with anticipation and excitement got to watch Episode 1 in their very own theater (there were only 2 other people there so it felt like we were alone). Never under estimate the power of the Dark Side (capitalism)... when will Episode 2 come out???

Birthday brunch

Let the birthday festivities begin! Today we celebrated Jawsh's 35th with Grandpa and Grandma at Gjelina on Abbot Kinney. The standouts were the roasted sunchokes with salsa verde, wood roasted parsnips with pistachio gremolata, and the Tuscan kale, salad with bread crumb, shaved radish, fennel and ricotta salata. Definitely a great place to eat your veggies! The boys enjoyed their pizza and all in all, we had a great meal! What will we do next???

Noah heart Stegosaurus

Rain days mean early pick up at preschool, so we played hooky and headed to the Natural History Museum for a few hours since it was First Free Tuesday. Last time we went to the museum, we went with a lot of friends so this time it was much more relaxing with just the boys. We spent more time at dinosaur exhibits and Noah purchased his first piece of jewelry... a fossilized Stegosaurus necklace. When will we head back???

Bye Reno Rubins!

Jawsh and I got to spend sometime with GA and GT today while Aunt Julia watched the boys. We went out to lunch and ran a few errands. Afterwards, we headed back to GA and GT's house for a bit. It was nice to spend time with them and I'm sure the boys had a great time with Aunt Julia. Today is our last day in Reno and I know the boys are going to miss this place... the house is full of so much warmth and love and the boys are free to chase cats, search for crawfish in the creek out back, and plenty of attention is bestowed upon them. It's been so nice to spend time with the family... when will we head back???

The Rubin Cabin at Lake Davis

Today we ventured to Uncle Steve and Aunt Julia's cabin near Lake Davis, California. There was more snow than anticipated which brought much excitement to the boys. They loved sledding, throwing snow balls, making snow angels, and snow men... every once and a while we would look back and Noah would be lying down on the ground head in the snow, eating away. It was too funny. After all the snow play, Uncle Steve lit a fire and we all enjoyed smores and snokes (Coke mixed and snow). The boys loved sleeping in the loft and they had a wonderful time at the cabin... when will we visit again???

Hello Reno Rubins!

Today the boys had a great time hanging out at the Terry Lee Wells Nevada Discovery Museum. The boys loved interacting with all the exhibits, especially the water play and the art areas. It was a nice time spent with GGA, GGT, and Aunt Julia. Afterwards, we went back to the Rubin abode and the boys had a great time chasing the cats and spending time by the creek. The boys are so happy here! What will tomorrow bring???

Year of the Dragon

We ventured to Chinatown to celebrate the Year of the Dragon! We parked our car in Koreatown and took the metro with my friend and her daughter. It was really easy getting in and out of Chinatown via the metro and the kids loved it. We saw part of the parade but the best part of the day was eating at Foo-Chow Restaurant and having the dragon dancers come inside. The dragon's movements traditionally symbolize power and dignity. Jawsh was born the year of the Dragon... what will this year bring???

Ode to Micah

Micah... where do I begin??? Micah is our little sous-chef. As soon as hears me in the kitchen, he will stop playing, run to get his stool, and will stand in the kitchen next to me ready to help (he is now shaving carrots pretty good). He also loves tamping the coffee grinds for Daddy's Americanos. Micah loves to ride his scooter, although we have to constantly remind him to use his brake (his little legs go fast). He is always singing a song and changing the words and you know you're really on his good side, when he addresses you as a favorite food, "goodbye rice, goodbye cookie, goodbye shushi." Micah is my little Asian boy who likes his sushi, rice, tofu, noodles, etc... At restaurants he likes to take the cucumber out of cucumber rolls and eat just the rice and seaweed and at preschool he will eat rice and seaweed and insist to everyone he is eating a cucumber roll! Only in his logic does that work. Micah is our headstrong boy who is growing more sensitive to others feelings (yes, empathy!), and those cutie dimples and smile will get you every time. Oh Micah... what will you get into next???

Huntington Beach

The boys are so lucky that Bubbe lives less than a mile to Huntington Beach! They had fun of scootering at the beach this past weekend. They also loved collecting shells and rolling down the sand hills. It's always fun for the boys to visit family and they love their Bubbe! When will we see her next???

Noah can read

Noah read his first online book (totally indepedent) today, Zac the Rat (I like the fact that it has his uncle's name in the title). Noah has been working on sight words and blending letters here and there, but today I can say as his mother (and teacher) that my son can read! It's very exciting... what will he read next???

Puppy luv

Noah and his friend, N-o-r-a (he never says her name, he just spells it) have been an item at preschool for sometime. I think N-o-r-a showed interest because Noah is the tallest and oldest boy at school and Noah showed interest when he saw that she was the only girl who could cross the monkey bars independently. They have been like "peas and carrots" at school swinging, hanging on the bars, and looking for treasures (confetti in the sand). At the writing table, Noah and N-o-r-a often exchange papers... Noah wrote his first love note that read, "Nora love Noah" and added his signature abstract geometric drawing and Nora draws him pictures of rainbows. Isn't that too cute???

Liam's Baek-il

In Korean tradition, on the 100th day after a child's birth, a small feast is prepared to celebrate their life. The number 100 has an inherent meaning of maturity and perfection. Our family celebrated Liam's Baek-il with beautiful rice cakes and a delicious dinner prepared by his two grandmothers. Liam is such a cutie... who does he look like more... Kaitlyn or Emma???

Birthday for Grace

We helped celebrate Grace's 2nd birthday at Music Stars and Masters. It was interesting to observe Noah because he would not participate in the group activities... he felt like he was too old to sing and join in with the rest of the kids. Instead he took Jawsh's camera and took pictures of the event. I couldn't believe he was acting like this at a birthday party and it made me realize that he is getting older and distinguishing himself as a "5 year old boy" and no longer just a "big boy." At the end of the party, we enjoyed cake and desserts while the boys dressed up as the true rock stars they are... can we say, Mick Jagger and Keith Richards???

Getty Villa

I have said it before, and I'll say it again... I love living in a city with so many free cultural activities. We went back to the Getty Villa so Jawsh could view the exhibition: Modern Antiquity: Picasso, de Chirico, Léger, and Picabia which focuses on how they reinvented and transformed the artistic legacy of antiquity. The boys were not so interested in this exhibition, instead they liked walking the Herb Garden that featured a mosaic of fruit trees and they enjoyed the Outer Peristyle that is adorned with hedge-lined pathways and circular stone benches around a 220-foot-long reflecting pool that has a breathtaking view of the Pacific Ocean. Here is a great photo of Noah relaxing at the Outer Peristyle... what was he meditating about???

Hooky

Micah went to school and Noah and his two friends went to the Petersen Auto Museum. They had fun racing cars, playing Marble Run, and of course, we had lunch at Johnny Rockets. Micah didn't mind too much since we brought him a small lemonade. When will we go back???

NHM

Good old free day at Natural History Museum... since the kids were all on school break we met up for a few hours playing in the Discovery Center and looking at all the exhibitions. It was kind of crazy walking around keeping track of all the kiddos but I think they had a great time. Afterwards, we went with Kaitlyn and Company to the Science Center. We did not have enough time at the museum, when will we head back???

Topanga Beach

Jawsh wanted to start the new year in Malibu. As we were heading out, my friend posted on her facebook that they were at the beach. So in this day and age, I just texted her and we ended up meeting up for a bit. An impromptu play date, how great is that???

Happy New Year

Happy New Year! We spent the night playing a traditional Korean board game called Yut Nori (Yunnori). Instead of dice, wooden sticks are thrown which determine the amount of spaces a player can move. Noah had a great time with Harabujee and really enjoyed the strategy behind the game. Should we teach Noah chess???

Happy New Year

Happy New Year!!! We enjoyed a quiet evening at home, drinking Martinelli's apple juice. What will 2012 bring???

Solvang

Today we went on a spontaneous day trip to Solvang, CA. Solvang means "sunny fields" in Danish. The city was founded by a group of Danes who traveled west to establish a Danish colony and is home to a number of bakeries, restaurants, and merchants offering a taste of Denmark in California. The architecture of many of the facades and buildings reflects traditional Danish style. We ate authentic Danish food like medisterpolse (sausage), frikadeller (meatballs), and of course, aebleskiver (pancake balls with powdered sugar and raspberry jam). We also went around the town on a surrey which the boys really enjoyed. It was such a nice afternoon biking to museums, eating ice cream, and enjoying the nice sunny weather. It was a great way to end the year, wouldn't you agree???

Take your head out of the sand, come to Ostrichland!

On our way to Solvang, we stopped at Ostrichland! It is a small farm off the side of the road. The highlight of our visit to Ostrichland was feeding the ostriches and emus. The landscape on which they roam is quite lovely and seeing them walking about on the plain that resembles their native desert is like being in another place and time. Noah was apprehensive at first, but Micah wanted to grab the bucket and feed all the birds by himself! Once they warmed up to the animals, they wanted to feed them again and again and again! Jawsh remarked, "This was an interesting stop along the way, something we will always remember but not necessarily have to do again." To which Noah replied, "When we come back with Kaitlyn we will do this again." So, I guess we will do this again with Kaitlyn if she ever goes to Solvang with us in the future... Noah is a thoughtful cousin, wouldn't you say???

Last night

Tonight we celebrated the last night of Chanukah. The boys loved opening their final gifts for the year and I think Jawsh and I are officially partied out. When Chanukah and Christmas overlap there is an extra dose of blessings, food, and presents!!! Next year, Chanukah falls before Christmas so it will be better spaced out. The boys had a great time with family and friends and we look forward to what the new year will bring... what will be our New Year's resolutions???

7th night

Tonight we celebrated the seventh night of Chanukah with Bubbe, Uncle Zach, and Dolly. We had a great evening at Bubbe's house eating good food, opening gifts, and playing games. Noah loved playing Dreidel with Bubbe and he spun gimel a record amount ten times (or so he claims) which made him very happy. Uncle Zach also set them on their path to rock stardom with their first real guitars! What will the last night of Chanukah bring???

Merry Christmas

This Christmas we are so thankful that we can celebrate with family and friends. Most of the family was in Korea so Billy's closest friends came over to break bread. We had a delicious holiday meal which consisted of prime rib roast, sweet and mashed potatoes, mac and cheese (and a bunch of other tasty foods). Jawsh made latkes (now a third time) and by far these were the tastiest. They were a big hit. Earlier in the day, we took the kids to see the movie, Arthur Christmas, and then we made gingerbread houses. And of course, the kids had a great time opening their gifts. Noah's favorite gift was the Legos Star Wars and Micah loved his green light saber. What will Christmas bring next year???

4th night

We celebrated the fourth night of Chanukah with Grandpa, Uncle Zach, Delee, and Kyer. I made Barefoot Contessa's matzo ball soup and brisket while Jawsh made the yummiest latkes. There was a lot going on in the kitchen but it was well worth it. The boys had a great time running around while the adults had time to eat dinner. What will the next night of Chanukah bring???

Happy Chanukah with the Shields

The tradition of the Smith-Shields Chanukah celebration continues to year four! Last year they came to our place and this year we headed to Simi Valley. It was so much fun catching up with everyone and watching the boys play. The guys made two types of latkes: sweet potato and russet potato and they were both delicious. Kyer, Noah, and Micah got along very well, however, at times there was two ganging up on one. It's so nice to have the families together. When will we see them again???

2nd Night

I just had to post these adorable hats the boys received from the Davis Rubins. Oh and how they loved those honey sticks!!! Isn't this just too cute???

1st night

Tonight is the first night of Chanukah and the boys are very excited. They have been singing, Chanukah Oh Chanukah, for the past several days and Noah has been reviewing the rules of Dreidel. As the boys get older, we are able to explain more about the origins of this special occasion and the holidays have more meaning to them. As we run errands, Micah is always the first to find a menorah and shout, "Chanukah Mom!" and Noah quickly corrects him by saying, "No Micah, that's a menorah!" What will these 8 nights bring???

Disney on Ice

Today I took the boys and Kaitlyn to see Toy Story 3 at the Staples Center. I didn't know what to expect since I have never been to an ice skating show, but it was fun. The kids loved seeing all their favorite Toy Story characters and it was pretty cool to see how the movie translated onto the ice. When will we go back to the Staples Center again???

Bye Daddy

Jawsh flew to Reno to visit with Uncle Steve and the rest of the Reno Family. We dropped him off at LAX in the morning and then I headed to preschool to drop off the boys. Micah, who usually sprints to the playground and forgets to tell me goodbye, was stuck to my hip all morning. I think he thought that I was going to leave him as well. Eventually, we were able to distract him with his friend and I made a mad dash to get out of there! How will Micah react when he sees Daddy again???

Mr. Valentine's Nature Class

Today the preschool had a very special guest, Mr. Valentine and his animals. The boys got to touch a Wallaby, a Kinkajou, reptiles (like a bearded dragon), frogs and snakes. This time around, Noah held the tarantula and got to pull a web from it! Micah also touched a tarantula, but he would not get near the snakes. Will Micah hold one next year???

LACMA

Today we spent some time the Broad Contemporary Art Museum at LACMA. Jawsh was really interested in the Eames installation (a full-scale replica of the Eames living room), which was a key component of the exhibition "California Design, 1930-1965: Living in a Modern Way. Micah was asleep in the stroller and Noah liked walking around and listening to the headphones set around the exhibit. Afterwards we went to see Jeff Koons' 10-foot "Balloon Dog (Blue)" and some other interesting work. Our hope is that Noah and Micah will appreciate the arts and enjoy various forms of art.. wonder what they will be into???

Korean brush painting

Of course, we had to stop at the Boonne's Children Gallery, inside the Korean art galleries in the Hammer Building. The kids learn about brush painting and Korean art. Noah and Jawsh were focused on the brush painting whereas Micah was into mixed- media using the brush paint, colored pencils, and markers. When I asked Micah what his piece was called, he replied, "Paint." The next time he finished his piece, he called it "Art." My literal little boy. Wonder if he will get into paint as much as his Dad?

Birthday bash continues...

Bubbe had a special day planned for Noah's birthday... she took him to see the Muppets! Noah had movie treats, his favorite cousin Kaitlyn, Micah and his Dad to watch this movie. Afterwards, Bubbe took us out to eat some yummy Italian food and we ended the evening with Noah's birthday cookie- cake. How will we celebrate next year???

5

Noah wanted to have his 5th birthday party at Scooter's Jungle where there were jumpers, inflatable slides, zip lines, and much more. Noah's favorite friends were at the Curious George themed party and he had a great time celebrating until he bumped heads with another girl and received a nice bruise on his face. He devoured his pizza but was so preoccupied with the amount of presents waiting to be unwrapped that he actually passed on his requested carrot cake (I worked hard on that cake)! Oh well. He had a fun time and that was all that mattered. I can't believe that Noah is already 5 years old... where did the time go???

Happy early Birthday

I always thought having a birthday so close to a holiday would be unfortunate, but Noah absolutely loves it. The word Thanksgiving is now a trigger word... Noah hears it and immediately says, "my birthday is coming." It's nice that the whole family can gather to celebrate Noah's birthday. He got a special birthday cake from my cousin, JooYoung, and his wish came true when Uncle Bill gave him a blue lightsaber and blaster pack. Noah's party (with his school friends) is tomorrow... what will that bring???

Happy Thanksgiving

We had a delicious Thanksgiving dinner with traditional American fare and of course kimchi. This family get together was extra special because it was JooYoung and David's first Thanksgiving as a married couple and Liam's first Thanksgiving ever! David was inducted to the family by having the task to carve the turkey (Jawsh was finally off the hook). The kids were very excited to have everyone over and it was just so nice to see my family all together (now that my Aunt and Uncle have moved to Korea we really miss them). When will we see them again???

Early Thanksgiving

We spent the day with GGA and GGT at Bubbe's house. We tried 5 Guys for the first time (the boys and I prefer In N Out but Jawsh liked the new burgers) and spent some time at the park. Later in the evening, Bubbe prepared Thanksgiving dinner which was delicious. Zach and Dolly joined us with some yummy pastries from Zovs. It was such a nice treat to spend an early Thanksgiving with the family. We are so thankful that we live so close to Uncle Zach and Bubbe, and that even though GGA and GGT are in Reno, that they visit often enough that the boys not only know who they are but enjoy their company. When will we see everyone again???

Congrats David and Jackie!

My cousin, Jackie, got married to her best friend, David. It was a beautiful ceremony at Cicada in downtown LA. We had delicious food and a great time! My Uncle and Aunt were dressed to the nines and everyone had a fun time watching the couple. When will we see them again???

Hape Brda!

Today we celebrated my parents' birthdays... my Dad turned 69 last Sunday and my Mom is turning 59 next Friday! My Mom made meeyuk gook (birthday soup), kalbi jim (slow braised short rib), and we had a ton of Korean side dishes. Everyone ate so much and we finished with a Chiffon Chocolate Cake. Noah drew a great picture of himself with Harabujee and Micah... this year Harabujee was holding a popcicle and money and he drew Halmoni with Watts and Goldie. What will we do next year???

Trick or treat!

Last year we dressed up in Star Wars costumes but this year Noah really wanted to dress up as Ash Ketchum from Pokemon. Noah is the main character, Ash, a Pokemon Trainer. Micah is Pikachu, Ash's best Pokemon friend. And Jawsh and I went as Team Rocket's Jessie and James, who do as much as they can to steal Pokemon and thwart Ash's plans! We started at the mall with Grandpa, Grandma, Doug, and his daughter, Grace, and ended the evening trick or treating in the neighborhood. What will we decide to do next year???

Camping Day 2

Today we spent the day exploring the tide pools at the beach. Jawsh met up with us and we found all sorts of amazing sealife. The boys were busy collecting what they thought were shells, but they were really small sand crabs. Once I told them, all three boys started freaking out and crying! Once we got over that, we found mussels, sea anemones, and tons of brightly colored sea stars. A lot of the sea stars were eating the mussels, which was really cool to see once we lifted them off the rocks! It was not only a lot of fun, but such an enriching educational experience. When will we head back???

Camping

This weekend we went camping with friends at Leo Carrillo State Beach. The last time I was here was before Noah was born, so it was nice to be back within walking distance to the beach. Jawsh was unable to attend because he had an asthma attack so I went with the boys and learned how to pitch the tent (and I took it down by myself)! The boys had a great time walking around the beach and throwing rocks into the water. When will we head back???

3 year appointment

Micah had his 3 year appointment today. He is steadily growing as he is in the 90% in weight and height. He liked getting measured, weighed, and as you can see, his blood pressure taken. At the end of the appointment, both boys received their flu shot. Noah completely lost it and had to be held down by two people so the nurse could administer the shot. Afterwards the nurses asked me if I needed help holding down Micah, which I quickly accepted. Surprisingly, Micah sat on my lap and looked up at me and said, "I'm not going to cry." The nurses did not have to hold him as he sat calmly during the shot! I was amazed! I'm still in shock that Micah was so chill through the whole thing. Micah is full of surprises, wouldn't you say???

Two dollars

Noah's second visit from the tooth fairy was a quick one... no pomp or circumstance due to Micah's irrational fear of tooth fairies. He received two dollars and a note... when will she visit again???

Second toof

After all the fun and excitement at the pier, we went to dinner in Ktown. We ate at one of Noah's favorite restaurants and he lost his second lower tooth, his left central incisor, while eating tofu. This time Noah said, "Mom there is a bone" and he showed me his tooth. I wish I could say I was so surprised but I was so tired from the days activities that I forgot to take a picture that night (this photo was taken later). Noah was so happy and Kaitlyn looked over at him longingly and said, "you're so lucky, I wish my tooth came out." Too cute huh???

Fun in the sun

Today we met up with Sophie and Co. in Santa Monica. Noah and Micah had a great time at the pier with them. The kids had so much fun on the rides, can't you tell???

Hi Sophie and Daphne

Sophie and Daphne are Noah and Micah's second cousins from Denver! They were here on a family vacation and we had the opportunity to get together for dinner at my parents' house. The kids had a great time playing, running around in the back, and driving Kaitlyn's Hummer. Here is a great shot of Sophie and Micah... when will see them again???

Chaos

Here is a picture of controlled chaos. 4 kids and 3 dogs. Just wait until Baby Liam gets in the mix! We're in for trouble, wouldn't you agree???

Baby Liam

On Thursday, October 6, 2011, William Min Jr. (affectionately known as Liam) entered our lives. He weighed 8 lbs and 1 ounce (our first 8 pounder)! He is super cute and Michelle is doing well and recovering nicely. I think Liam looks like a mix between Kaitlyn and Emma. I wonder what he will look like with his eyes open???

Pumpkin time

Today we met Kyer and Family at Underwood Farms. The boys had a great time at the farm which was also hosting a public safety day. So besides taking a horse drawn carriage ride around the farm, the boys also got to climb fire trucks, police cars, and met emergency responders as well as the Bomb Squad. Their favorite part of the day was when a fire fighter climbed a ladder 30 feet in the air and dropped a large pumpkin, which exploded with candy. At the end of the day the boys got to pick out their pumpkins and had some treats to take home. When will we visit the farm again???