Speech with Debra

Today was Noah's last speech session with Debra.  She has been helping Noah for the past few months and it's time to say goodbye.  Noah needed some support with three sounds (k,g, and s) and she worked wonders.  He hit all his speech goals and she said he was one of the quickest kids that met their speech goals.  Noah really enjoyed all the speech games he played and I think he will miss her and her pumpkin prize box.  How will Noah do in Kindergarten???

Wild Wonders

We went to an animal show called Wild Wonders at the Santa Monica Library.  The animal presentation showed many different animals such as crocodiles, possums, snakes, and a kinkajou.  Micah was chosen with a few other kids to touch the kinkajou and he was thrilled.  Will he want to work with animals when he gets older???

Tennis

Noah and Kaitlyn are in tennis camp this week.  They are both enjoying their time there.  Noah seems to like it a lot and according to Kaitlyn, "he is the best player."  It must be nice to have a fan, huh???

Let's go fly a kite

We went to Seal Beach with Bubbe and Aunt Julia.  We all had a very nice time.  The boys liked flying kites with Aunt Julia and playing in the waves.  They are looking forward to going back to her house in Reno... when will we visit???

Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook

While Noah was in Gymnastics camp, Micah and I spent some time at the Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook.  Micah counted the stairs as we went up and he got to 32 before he wanted to turn around.  What will we do tomorrow???

Gymnastics camp

Noah and his good friend were in Gymnastics Camp all week.  Noah worked on his coordination, motor development, and he got to enjoy the gymnastics equipment.  Noah loved tumbling and jumping in the pit.  This was his first all day camp (9-3) so he was very tired when he got home!  How will Noah react when he's in Kindergarten all day???

7

This morning we went back to the exact spot we were married (7-24-05).  7 years!  We once thought that we would come back to Shutters on the Beach and re-create the moment... eat the same dinner (or get as close as we could) and spend time there.  But in reality, we took the picture and then left to eat lunch at Gjelina Take Away.  For our anniversary, Jawsh and I ate at Manhattan Beach Post.  It was definitely not the most romantic spot, but we really loved the food!  Where will we go next year???

Levitated Mass

Jawsh took the boys to check out Levitated Mass at LACMA.  Michael Heizer created this 456 foot long slot with a 340 ton granite megalith.  This piece demonstrates the expanse of art history from ancient traditions of creating artworks from megalith stone to modern forms of abstract geometry.  Noah and Micah were impressed by the size of the rock and Jawsh liked the idea but not the execution.  When will I get over to LACMA???

AYSO International Day

Today's theme was International Day, so the boys wore their South Korea soccer shirts and represented!  Don't they look so cute???

AYSO

Noah and Micah are in soccer camp this week with coaches from the United Kingdom.  The boys really enjoy camp and Noah is thrilled that his coach is named Lloyd (which is the name of a green ninja in the Ninjago series).  What will they learn???

Sewing 101

I signed up for a sewing class with a friend, which is something that I always wanted to learn.  I have learned not to refer to "thread" as "string" and it's been fun sewing on a machine.  We had to pick out our fabric for our new skirts and of course, I chose black.  Perhaps the next class I should take should be one about incorporating more color???

Hollywood Bowl Summer Sounds

The Hollywood Bowl Summer Sounds is such a fun event.  I can't believe that I never took the kids here before!  The boys got to do a Reggae inspired art activity and afterwards they go to watch a Reggae show with David Kirton.  It was a very vibrant set and the boys loved the character of Mr. Kay (a grumpy neighbor who ends up falling in love with music).  The next show will be based on Filipino music with Dulce Capadocia, will the boys like that show as much as the Reggae???

Bye Vegas

We enjoyed our stay at the MGM Signature because all the suites have kitchens and it is a non-gaming hotel so the kids were not exposed to the casinos.  We also like the salt water pool (better than chlorine) but also like having the option to use the MGM pools which have waterfalls and a Lazy River.  Here is a great picture of the kiddos, right???

Lied Discovery Children Museum

Today we went to the Lied Discovery Children's Museum.  There are over 100 interactive exhibits.  The kids loved the Smith's grocery store play area, the bubbles, and the hurricane simulator.  The kids got to watch a demo on how to make ice cream and then the best part was when the docent passed it out for them to try.  The boys loved hanging out with Sophie and Daphne.  What a great way to beat the heat, don't you think???

Las Vegas

Our annual summer trip to Vegas... the boys have been looking forward to seeing their cousins, sleeping at a hotel, and the opportunity to play their DS (we only allow DS playing on long trips).  My cousins from Colorado and Texas flew in and it was really nice to see them.  Here is a picture of Sophie and Micah... two very cute kids, wouldn't you say???

Independence Day

This year we stayed in LA to celebrate the 4th.  We met up with some of Jawsh's friends from elementary school (Tripps and Willis) and some friends from preschool.  We sat in the park, ate dinner, and watched the fireworks from the country club across the street.  I made patriotic cupcakes (Martha Stewart cupcakes lined with blueberries and raspberries to look like a flag) and the kids ran around with light sticks and their faces painted.  It was a lot of fun, but I did miss my family.  What will we do next year???

Beverly Hills Country Club

My friends and I bought week long passes to BHCC so we could use the swimming pools for the week.  This was one of the best ways to spend the day as the boys loved to hop in and out of the pools (2 feet and 3.5 feet pools) and play in the game rooms (which were completely free).  It was so nice to see the kids swimming and having so much fun.  Will we head back next summer???

Beach burritos

Today we finally made it to the beach!  The boys loved digging sand pits and chasing birds.  Although it was a bit overcast, the boys loved being chased by the waves and then being wrapped up like beach burritos.  When will we head back???

Lunch with Daddy

The kids had a great time at bring your kids to lunch day at Live Nation Labs.  They got to play mini-golf, face paint, and bang on drums.  There was pizza and snacks with Finding Nemo projecting on all the walls.  The boys had such a great time they didn't want to leave and I think they now have a misconception of what Daddy does at work!  All in all, it was a fun afternoon... when will we have lunch with Daddy again???

Time with Cousin Mike

Last time I saw Michael was in 2007.  5 years later and he is now visiting colleges in California! I was thrilled that he could spend some time with us before he headed to his UCLA campus tour.  We went to the pier and forced Michael to ride the Frog Hopper with the kids (pictured) and we also got him to take Noah and Kaitlyn on a roller coaster.  It was so nice to see him.  I wonder if he'll go to college in California???

Yum, yum, Dim Sum

Dim Sum refers to food prepared as small bites served on small plates with its origins dating back to tea tastings where weary travelers on the Silk Road in China stopped to drink tea and eat.  We travelled the 110 freeway to Chinatown to eat some Dim Sum at Ocean Seafood Restaurant.  Ocean Seafood is known for its quick, tasty and extensive selection of Hong Kong style Dim Sum.  We loved the steam pork buns, steamed shrimp dumplings, turnip cakes, and the boys really loved the dessert jello.  I loved eating Dim Sum because it was so fast and easy... definitely heading back... which restaurant should we try next???

Long Beach Aquarium

Today we took advantage of the free teacher day at the Long Beach Aquarium (yes, I still use this perk). Last time we went, Micah would not touch any of the animals, but today he was so excited to touch and feed them.  Micah fed the lorikeets while Noah had the opportunity to feed a manta ray a piece of shrimp.  It was so much fun to watch the boys interact with the sea life, the only part missing was Daddy.  At the end of the day, the kids also participated in a live kid show and they dressed up as penguins.  What will happen next time  we head back???

JANM

Now that the Culver City Metro line is open, we ventured to the Japanese American National Museum.  It took us about an hour to get there by Metro, so it was a pretty lengthy trip with 3 line changes.  The boys were able to handle it and once we got to the museum, they had a nice time going through the origami exhibit.  Next time we go to downtown on the Metro, we will have to stay for a few hours to make it worth the trip.  Where will we head next???

Underwood Farms

Today we went to Underwood Farms with a few friends from preschool.  We spent most of our time in the fields picking blackberries and strawberries.  The boys were great about finding ripe fruit but still liked eating off the vines.  It was a really nice day at the farm... when will we head back???

Let's go ride a bike...

Jawsh took Noah out for a bike ride at Douglas Park.  Noah enjoys riding except for the fact that he doesn't go very fast.  Once he builds momentum, he enjoys the ride but sometimes it takes longer than he would like and then we hear him ask for his scooter!  Hopefully he'll get the hang of it soon.  When will we take the training wheels off???

Hop on Pop

Noah read Hop on Pop (totally independent) tonight to Jawsh before bed.  It's one of Dr. Seuss' best books (and one of the most easiest to read for beginning readers).  The majority of the book is filled with c-v-c (consonant vowel consonant) words and is seen repeatedly which helps build Noah's sight word bank.  Which book will he read independently next???

Beautiful Butterflies

We went to the Pavilion of Wings at the Natural History Museum with friends.  This year they had large cards that the kids could walk around with to identify butterflies.  This time around we found many interesting caterpillars and flowers.  Micah was somewhat interested but Noah's fascination was still strong.  Do we have a budding entomologist???

JPL

Today we ventured to NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena with a friend from preschool.  This year's theme was "Great Journeys" where we got to share in the wonders of space through 3D videos, live demos, and interactions with scientists.  The kids had a great time walking through the campus and the most memorable demo was the Mars Rover rolling over their backs!  It was a very interesting visit... will we head back next year???

Noah's first bike

Noah's graduation present was a new bike!  We parked it in his room and he woke up super excited.  Noah still prefers his mini-kick scooter to the bike but I am hoping that he will learn quickly so we can go bike riding at the beach!  Will he want a bright red ribbon on a new car when graduates from high school???

Noah's Preschool Graduation

Noah's preschool graduation was very sweet.  The children were dressed in cap and gown and received a diploma from their teacher, Cynthia.  The graduation was held at friend's beautiful backyard and the graduating parents hosted a vibrant Mexican themed party with a taco cart, delicious homemade sangria, and yummy Mexican doughnuts for dessert.  Noah was a bit embarrassed by all the attention, but he was so cute, how could we not take a million pictures???

Last day of school

Today is the last day of preschool for the boys.  I am so thankful that Noah had this experience to learn and socialize through play.  There are not a lot of co-op preschools in Los Angeles and these past few years have been wonderful.  I can remember when I received a call informing me that he was admitted and feeling so lucky.  I have met a lot of caring families here and it's been so nice to have others care for my boys like their own children.  Will his kindergarten experience be as wonderful???

Camping with friends

This three-day weekend, we decided to camp for two nights at Leo Carillo State Beach.  Camping with 18 people (11 kids and 7 adults) was a great experience because there was always someone to hang out with and all the kids got along very well.  When will we go again???

My first 5K

This year I made a resolution to participate in a marathon.  Then I realized how long that was and it quickly changed to a "run."  So I decided to sign up for  the Santa Monica 5K.  I wanted it to be enjoyable with the ocean by my side.  My close friend, Cindi, decided to run with me so we did it!  We trained on our own and encouraged each other through text messages and it was a great experience.  We ran the 5K and my overall time was 35:51, which was 11:32 minute per mile.  Out of #1582, I was smack in the middle coming in #755.  My goal was not to be last and I did it!  When will I sign up for my next race???

Bubbles

Noah's last time in a bubble in preschool.  Literally because he is in a bubble and figuratively because he will no longer be in the preschool bubble.  Isn't this bittersweet???

A Date with Mom

Noah and I went to Castle Park today to play mini-golf.  It was his first time playing and he absolutely loved it.  He did really well but lost his ball in the lake at Hole 15!  I decided to take him because I am starting to realize that the time we spend together will change drastically once he enters kinder.  I can't believe he will be going into a full day program this August and although I am very excited for him, I am also kind of sad that we won't have the luxury of skipping school (like we can now), we will be apart for a longer period of the day, and I will no longer be his "teacher."  It was a really great morning and we had a ton of fun.  Micah is asking about his Mommy Date and we'll have to do that soon... when will that be???

Downtown LA

After a morning of t-ball and film festival at Redcat, we decided to hop on the Metro and go to Olvera Street for the Cinco de Mayo celebration.  That was a mistake.  It was crowded, hot, and there was just too much commercialization... so we just hopped back on to the Metro and walked around downtown visiting the Central Library (where we met up with a preschool buddy).  Downtown was empty and it was really nice to take a walk with the boys.  When will we do it again???

Redcat

After Noah's last tball game, we ventured to downtown LA to check out the annual REDCAT International Children’s Film Festival.  The boys loved it and it was so cool to see different animations from around the world.  I wonder if it inspired the boys the same way it inspired their dad???

First trophy

Noah's first trophy... a prized possession that he received for participating in t-ball.  I hope the next trophy he receives is earned for something other than just participating.  No pressure to any of my boys, but if they bring a trophy home I hope it's for something that they worked hard for and earned distinction in... MVP would be nice...  All Star Hitter...  oh didn't I say no pressure???

#1 fans

We are Noah's #1 fans... we go to every practice and game and watch him play.  Well, let me restate that... I watch him play while Micah enjoys climbing the fence, eating snacks, and playing around with some of Noah's teammates.  Regardless, we're there for Noah.  When will Micah start playing???

3 generations

Three generations of Smith men celebrating Grandpa Barry's 61st birthday...  I can't get over how Noah resembles Jawsh and Micah resembles Zach... they are all so good looking, wouldn't you say???

Power slugger

Noah is really enjoying t-ball.  I am so glad that we signed him up for this team sport.  The team has come a long way (i.e. running to first base instead of third base after they hit).  Noah loves to go to bat.  He has his own style of hitting... he lifts his leg to get some momentum and then he swings with all his might.  When he makes contact he can hit some zingers and his coaches said he is ready for Coach Pitch next season. Will Noah keep up with baseball???

Three dollars

Noah's third visit from the tooth fairy was also a quick one... no pomp or circumstance due to Micah's continued phobia of tooth fairies. He received three dollars and a note... when will the tooth fairy visit again???

Third toof

Noah lost his third tooth at preschool during lunch while eating an apple... the lower left lateral incisor is out!  I can't believe he has already lost three baby teeth!  He was as cool as a cucumber (he's an old pro at this now) and the teacher was very surprised that he took it all in stride.  My baby boy is growing up...  why is it going so fast???

Happy Easter

Today we were in Ontario celebrating Liam's baptism during Easter!  The kids went to church and then went on an Easter Egg Hunt in Harabujee's backyard. As I was hiding plastic eggs full of candy, Watts was at it again breaking the plastic eggs open with his mouth to eat the contents inside.  The kids took off running all over the back yard and loved finding eggs and stashing the goods in their baskets... what will that be like when Liam's old enough to do this???

Boba Fett, water color, 2012

Noah benefits from having a teacher for a mother and an artist for a father.  We were getting a portfolio ready for a school submission and Noah decided to write about Boba Fett and painted a picture.  He did a very nice job independently and I think that anyone who reads his expository writing will be well informed of the importance of who Boba Fett is in the original Star Wars trilogy.  I love his deep interest but I must say that I can't wait for him to write about other things... when will that be???

Bros

I am so blessed that Noah and Micah are friends. They like to play together and enjoy a lot of the same things so it's nice that they have one another to keep each other company at home. I love walking into their room while they are pretending to Ninja and Jedi. It's fun to watch them interact and I am really lucky that I get to be at home during this time. It's also very sweet when Micah says, "I want to marry Noah." How will I break the news to him that he can't???

International Weeks

For the past few weeks, Noah and Micah have been learning about different places in the world. Each parent volunteers to expose the children to a new culture and today I got to teach the children about South Korea.  Just like last year, I taught them how to make kim-bap and afterschool each child received a rice cookie larger than the size of their face!  I really enjoyed exposing the kids to part of Noah's culture.  Here is Noah with N-o-r-a, aren't they just too cute???

Uncle Jawsh and Liam

We went to Ontario to celebrate Uncle Bill's birthday.  It was a nice dinner and we got to spend time with our nieces and nephew.  Liam is getting so big now and he is such a cutie.  I love holding him and I also love it when Jawsh holds him.  The last baby Jawsh held were our boys, so it all comes rushing back to him.  Reminds us of our boys when they were babies.  Isn't this too cute???

In Wonderland

Today was a Boys Day since I was attending a parenting conference. Jawsh took the boys to LACMA to see the exhibit, "In Wonderland: The Surrealist Adventures of Women Artists in Mexico and the United States." This exhibit showed female Surrealists who delved into their own subconscious and dreams, creating extraordinary visual images. Their art was primarily about identity: portraits, double portraits, self-referential images, and masquerades that demonstrate their trials and pleasures. Noah and Micah were all about Frida Kahlo since she is on adverts throughout the city... every time we pass a billboard someone from the back seat will say, "FRIDA!" When will we head back to LACMA again???

CSC

I really enjoy going to the California Science Center with the boys. We went to the traveling exhibit, Science in Toyland. Science in Toyland utilizes toys to demonstrate scientific principles and encourage children to experiment. I love how the boys are learning through play, like understanding shapes and pattern recognition while playing "construction worker" in Kids Construction Co, a partially completed wood and foam house. Here are the boys at the Domino Challenge where they are setting up dominoes in different configurations using various props with the sole purpose of triggering a chain reaction. It's too bad that the exhibit is no longer at the Science Center but hopefully it will return soon. What will the next traveling exhibit be???