Reunited... and it feels so good

This little stuffed dog (that Noah named Bolt) was found in a plastic bag in the closet.  I must have placed him there over a year ago when I thought that someone had lice (there was never lice).  When I found him, Noah was so happy.  He started sleeping with Bolt again, but changed his name to Angel.  Isn't that so sweet???

Dan the Man Superkids Gymnastics

Noah enjoyed going to Gymnastics Camp with his two buddies.  They worked on coordination, motor development, and they loved going up the rock wall.  Noah loved playing all the games and enjoyed an Otter Pop every afternoon.  Will he go back to gymnastics camp???

Long Beach Aquarium

Today we took advantage of the free teacher day at the Long Beach Aquarium (yes, I still use this perk). Micah was in summer camp so Noah got to invite his friends.  The boys had a great time touching jellyfish and sharks.  They were reading the placards and making some really cool connections to what they already know.  Instead of leading them around, it felt more like I was following them around!  I guess this is a taste of what it will be like as they get older.  Will I be able to adjust???

Ocean Park

Today we spent the day at Ocean Park with preschool friends.  The boys had a great time playing in the water, burying each other in the sand, and making sand castles.  Although the boys were slathered with sunscreen, I forgot to apply some on myself and came home super burned!  When will I learn my lesson???

Kids Bowl Free

This summer we signed up for the Kids Bowl Free at AMF Bowl.  We met up with a few families for what I thought would be a quick game of bowling, but ended up taking over one hour!  Micah lost interest after the fifth frame and started gravitating towards the arcade, but Noah stuck with it till the end even getting a spare and strike on the last frame!  Will this be Noah's new sport???

Zuma Beach

Day off number 2 for Dad.  We went to Zuma Beach for some time in the waves.  The boys had a great time and it was really nice to spend some quiet time at the beach.  When will we go back???

Disneyland

It's been two years since we last visited the happiest place on earth, so Jawsh thought it would be a nice surprise to take the boys on his day off.  We didn't tell them where we were going... they just got in the car and the next thing they knew they were at Disneyland.  The first ride we went on was Star Tours.  Noah loved it.  Micah not so much.  We did the usual rides and activities (both boys got chosen for the Jedi Training Show) and we also went to the Iron Man exhibit which Noah loved.  It was a nice day... we took our time, the boys napped on the train while we circled Disneyland in the afternoon, and we were done by 7:30 PM.  When will we come back???

LA Zoo

Our first day of summer vacation and we headed to the zoo with preschool friends.  Noah and Micah really enjoyed checking out all the animals, especially the alligator.  When will we head back???

Camping

After the Baseball Trophy Ceremony, we made our way back to Leo Carillo for an end of the year camping trip with Micah's preschool class.  There were over 25 kids running around, riding scooters, playing games, and of course eating s'mores.  The boys really enjoy camping with their friends and I have to say, it's really nice when the kids wake up the next morning and just start playing with one another.  When will we go camping again???

Dodger Blue

Noah finished the baseball season on a high note.  He was considered a switch hitter because he could bat both left and right.  His Coach was amazing because he taught the kids the basics, technique, fair play, and love for the game.  The end of the season party was at Pitfire Pizza and the kids really enjoyed themselves.  Here is Coach Anthony and Noah... will Noah play next season and get him as a Coach again???

Goodbye Green Cluster

Today was Noah's very last day of kindergarten (here he is with one of his teachers).  He had such an amazing time in Green Cluster.  He had the most experienced, loving, and fun teachers that anyone could ask for.  When I think about Noah's time in class, I will always remember him on the floor with various building blocks, at the table working on a math packet, reading with Kim, and writing with Cathy, and how he loved to play handball.  Will Micah have as much fun in Green Cluster???

Hot Chachacha

Every Thursday there are free tickets to the Skirball to explore the Noah's Ark exhibit. The tickets also included access to Gary Baseman's exhibit, "The Door is Always Open." He has created a bunch of characters (his best known is Toby) and the one character that Micah gravitated to was Hot Chachacha, the devil who steals angels' halos.  Why, Micah, why???

Mommy-Date

 

Micah has been waiting a very long time to go on a Mommy Date and he chose to go to the Santa Monica Pier to ride the rollercoaster.  I played a game and won a Despicable Me Minion for him!  It took me two tries to win this stuffed toy but it was all worth it when he said, "Thank you Mommy for Spickel-Me-Dickel-Me."  Afterwards, we walked to Soda Jerks where he enjoyed a scoop of mint chip ice-cream.  It was nice to spend the morning with him while Noah was in school.  Now that Micah will be heading into kindergarten I know that we will not have the luxury of skipping school or arriving late (like we can in preschool).  When will we go on our next date???

Happy Graduation

Micah'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 a friend's backyard and the graduating parents hosted a California beach themed party with delicious salads, sandwiches, and dessert.  Micah had a wonderful time playing with his buddies.  It is bittersweet because we are saying goodbye to a great community of parents and I am just thankful that we were able to develop the friendships that we did.  What will Micah think of Open School???

Disneyland Concert Hall

Merry Christmas and Happy Chanukah...  5 months later!  Jawsh bought tickets to the Walt Disney Concert Hall for us to see Dudamel conducting Mozart and Mendelssohn.  It was a beautiful concert... when will we go again???

Jog-a-thon

Noah had such a fun time at the Jog-a-thon.  I really enjoyed it because it was a FUNraiser and not a fundraiser (the school met it's fundraising goal this year).  There was a track, obstacle course, and then a schoolwide celebration afterwards.  Micah was there rooting for his brother and enjoyed giving the runners high fives!    Will Noah get into track???

Last Day of School

Today is the last day of preschool for Micah.  I am so thankful that he 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.  We have met a lot of caring families here and it's been so nice to be part of this community.  Will Micah's kindergarten experience be as wonderful???

Enjoying Endeavour

Noah's last class fieldtrip was to the California Science Center.  The kids were split into groups and went through the various exhibits.  Then we went into the 3D movie, Arctic.  About 15 minutes into the movie, Noah asked to leave.  He said there were three reasons why he wanted to leave.  1.  It was too loud. 2.  It was too scary.  3.  He didn't like it.  So we exited the movie and waited for the rest of his class.  The final stop was at the Endeavour Shuttle.  It was pretty amazing to see the shuttle up close.  Noah had a great time.  When will Micah get to see the shuttle???

Go Angels!

The job perks have kicked in!  Jawsh received 4 Angels tickets and we enjoyed the baseball game in high style... Diamond parking and Field Level seats!  The boys enjoyed walking around the stadium, eating cotton candy, and cheering for the Angels with their foam fingers!  It was a nice evening... what tickets will Jawsh score next???

Korean School

Noah finished two full semesters of Korean school and passed to the next level, 1B.  Noah had an interesting second half of Korean school with a different teacher.  She was a little more strict but had him focused and reading in Korean.  Noah has made a lot of new friends and actually enjoys going to Korean school... so much so that Micah is looking forward to attending next year!  Will Micah enjoy Korean school as much as Noah???

Children's Film Festival

We ventured to downtown LA to check out the annual REDCAT International Children’s Film Festival with Bubbe.  Everyone enjoyed the shorts 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???

Cousins are our first friends

The kids love their superhero pajamas!  Spiderman, Hulk. and Iron Man. Too bad Emma was already in bed.  Any guess as to which superhero she likes???

Good bye Goldie

Goodbye to our sweetest dog Goldie.  She went to doggy heaven this morning and we are thankful that we got to say our goodbyes.  It was pretty emotional for all of us, but poor Noah took it very hard.  We retold the story of how we met Goldie several times and we talked about our favorite things about her.  My mom and I met Goldie by chance in front of a pet store... she was brought from a shelter in Yucaipa. We were picking up Watts early from a grooming appointment and thought it would be nice for him to have a friend.  The first dog we chose was Goldie's brother but my Mom did not want two boys.  We then picked out Goldie and she was very shy and docile.  We thought it would be a perfect fit.  The boys will always remember how she would lick them in the face when they walked through the door...  she was a licker.  Watts and Goldie were best buds and we will miss her terribly.  Noah says he will see her again when we are all in heaven... isn't that the best thing a kid could say???

Lake Tahoe

We had a wonderful time in Lake Tahoe.  Although it was a bit overcast, we had a nice time.  I didn't realize how large the lake was and we definitely would like to come back in the summer.  When will that happen???

Cat time

The boys love going to Reno.  We had a nice brunch with the family and the boys loved playing in the backyard.  Noah was busy spending time with Uncle Steve and Micah loved being in the tent with the cats.   What will tomorrow bring???

Micah reads in class

I volunteer at the co-op once a week and it just so happened that today I caught Micah reading in the library.  What's so cool about the school, is that there is no set activities and the children are free to explore, to play, and to socialize.  Often times when kids go into the library they are looking at pictures and not really "reading" but today Micah found an appropriate book for his level and read out loud.  What was interesting was some younger kids wanted to sit next to him while he read, but he would move to another seat and read again to himself.  When will he read to his friends???

Dodger Blue

Noah is playing Coach Pitch this season and was assigned to the Dodgers.  He made contact all three times at bat and even made some good plays on the field.  He scooped a grounder and threw it to third base getting the runner out... that was cool to see.  Usually games last an hour but since we were the last game of the day, the coaches played an extra inning and we were there an extra 30 minutes.  I'm really happy that Noah likes to play sports and he continued to stay focused during the game which made me realize just how much he is growing up!  What will his next game be like???

Top of the mornin' to you....

Jawsh is in Dublin, Ireland... eating Irish oatmeal, drinking Guinness, and finding the pot of gold under the rainbow while he is attending a conference for professional development.  What are the boys and I going to do while Daddy is away???

LACMA

Today we met Bubbe, Aunt Julia, and Seth at LACMA.  It was Family Activity Day at the museum so Noah and Micah got to participate in some art projects.  They did screen printing using the sun and they also painted.  We also went inside to see Metropolis which was really interesting.  Everytime I am at LACMA, I always wonder "why don't I come here more often" because it really is a great museum.  When will we head back???

The Croods

Today we went to see the animated film, The Croods, with friends.  Noah was really excited to see the movie with his special friend and we had no idea that this theater had special seating.  Instead of individual seats, there were couches!  Before the movie started the kids were having interesting conversations about marriage, mother in laws, father in laws, and brother in laws!  How old are these kids????

Micah's going to kinder

LAUSD Choices program... thank you!  The Choices program is how parents sign up for magnet programs like Noah's school, Open Magnet Charter School.  Open School was my number one choice and we were so fortunate that Noah was chosen out of the lottery last year.  This year, Jawsh and I made the difficult decision to enter Micah into the lottery instead of waiting a year, knowing that he would be one of the youngest in his kinder class (whereas Noah is one of the oldest in his class).  We weren't sure of the chances, but Micah was pulled from the lottery and he will attend kindergarten next year.  I know deep down that this is the right choice... Micah benefits from having an older brother in school and his kinder teachers (Noah's current teachers) are so awesome that he will be in the best hands!  My baby is graduating preschool... it's bittersweet, exciting, and going by too fast, wouldn't you say???

LA Zoo

We met our friends for a great day at the zoo.  The weather was nice so it was a perfect day to walk around and see the animals in action.  It's always fun when we see animals moving about rather than lying in the shade when it's too hot.  The tigers were moving, the bear was playing, and we really enjoyed the reptile center.  It was definitely good for the kids to burn some energy and enjoy the scenery.  When will we visit again???

Happy Easter

Happy Easter!  The kids went to church where there was a mini petting zoo... there were rabbits, a miniature pony, and a pot belly baby pig (only in Ontario).  The kids loved petting the rabbits and then they did a mini egg hunt there where every plastic egg was filled with candy.  Noah and Micah ran all over the grassy area whereas Kaitlyn decided to climb a tree where a golden plastic egg was hidden.  Then we went on an Easter Egg Hunt in Harabujee's backyard where the plastic eggs were full of money (I think I prefer the latter egg hunt).  The kids took off running all over the back yard and loved finding eggs and stashing the goods in their baskets... what should we stuff the eggs with next year???

Easter Party

Micah went to his friend's house for her Easter party.  It was nice seeing him with all his preschool friends outside of the school.  All the little girls were in Springtime dresses and the boys were in little button up shirts... too cute!  Micah enjoyed the jumper and of course the egg hunt.  He had a strategy to run the perimeter of the house so he found a lot of eggs (so many, that he had to give some back).  What will be his strategy at Halmoni's egg hunt???

Happy Passover

Tonight we celebrated Passover at Bubbe's house.  Jawsh led the Seder and it was a special night because Noah got to read the "Four Questions."  He did pretty well and needed help with a few words like "reclining."  The Four Questions is reserved for the youngest at the table to read and he made Jawsh swell with pride.  Micah was not out of it completely... he found the Afikomen and Uncle Zach gave him $5.  When will Micah read the Four Questions???

Micah's first trophy

Micah'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???
(Picture to come-- it's cute)

Kyer

It's so great that Jawsh and Jay have boys the same age...  Kyer spent some time over the weekend with us and had a fun time.  He is such a good little boy and it was fun watching them play.  When will we see him again???

Twin Day

Today was Twin Day at Open School.  The boys were so cute in their little Ninjago shirts.  They even coordinated down to the color of their socks.  Don't they look like twins???

Comic genius

Noah is a comic genius.  No, not the Jerry Seinfeld type... I'm talking Stan Lee.  Noah made his own version of a comic which was very impressive considering that he took several days to complete it.  You can have your very own copy for $1.  Noah will even sign it for you.  Will he be a comic book artist???

Poet's eyes, part 2

Here is another poem... this one will be published at the end of the year in the Open School anthology.  Which one did you like to read more... the first one or the second???

Marbl Tower
Culerd Towers
zig zaging all oever
Marbls roeling down the brijs
zzzzzz
spining so fast
like a boelder roeling down a hil

Poet's Eyes

Noah is learning about poetry in his class.  His teachers like to remind him to use his "poet's eye" when writing.  Here is Noah's poem... isn't absolutely wonderful???

Old leaf

spots

blak little dots

like a hand

with sharp nales

Heal the Bay

The boys and I headed to Santa Monica Pier Aquarium to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Heal the Bay.  The kids enjoyed touching the sea life and participating in art as well as getting their faces painted.  They also liked story time and of course, eating a birthday cupcake.  It was a nice experience, super low key and fun for the kiddos.  Will the boys want to volunteer there when they get older???

9-5

Tonight I had a fun girls night out... every few weeks we go for dinner or drinks, but today we really made it a night out.  We headed to Manhattan Beach to eat at MB Post where we enjoyed a delicious meal and afterwards we went to the Redondo Beach Playhouse to watch the musical, 9-5.  Our friend, Chris, was playing the male lead role and it was so much fun seeing him action.  When will be the next girls' night out???

I love New York

Jawsh is in New York eating pizza (without the cheese), catching taxis to the museums, and enjoying the new scenery while he is attending a conference for professional development.  What are the boys and I going to do while he is away???

Firefighters

The annual Firefighter visit came to the preschool.  Micah loved climbing in to the fire engine and wearing the Captain's hat.  Will he want to be a firefighter when he grows up (I'll take that over a barista)???
(Super duper cute picture to come)

International Day

Today was International Day in Noah's class.  I brought in a Korean fan for the kids to paint.  As you can see Noah represented part of his culture.  Noah requested that I bring in a Jewish activity next year... what could that be???

Go Nets!

Basketball season officially ended today.  Noah was a starter in the last game and he was very excited.  He was really focused on defense and he set really tight screens for his teammates.  I can honestly say that he wasn't the best player on the team, but he really did improve.  Basketball is a game that I really enjoyed and I am excited that Noah enjoys it as well because this is the one sport where I can actually understand all the terminology.  What will Noah play next???

V-Day

Valentines Day...  Noah chose to hand out Ninjago valentines and Micah chose to pass out Spiderman cards.  But Noah had a special Minnie Mouse Valentine present for his friend, Nora.  And he also included her in his homework.  Isn't this adorable???


"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."

36

Jawsh is 36!!!  We went to one of Jawsh's favorite restaurants, Short Order.  It was too bad that Noah was in school so he could not join us, but Micah loved having all the attention to himself.  Afterwards we went to MOCA Pacific Design Center which was very interesting.  I have never been to the Pacific Design Center and it was such a beautiful space.  Later in the evening, Jawsh and I had a romantic dinner in Venice at Piccolo.  It was such a nice day and I am so happy that Jawsh got to enjoy all the great food and parts of LA.  What will we do next year???

Future barista

Micah loves coffee.  I blame it on Jawsh because he always lets Micah help make espresso.  Last year, Micah was the only child in his preschool class that identified the scent of coffee grounds (in the 5 senses lab) as "Americano."  While we were in Huntington Beach, we went to Portola Coffee Lab for some coffee.  It looks like a scientist's lab because there are beakers and baristas in white lab coats.  Micah loves coming here to watch and he said, "when I grow up I want to be a barista" (Noah says, "ninja").  Where are all my future MDs???

Micah is a-MAZE-ing

While Noah is in Korean class, Micah and I have been working on his letters and sounds.  He is still getting the hang of writing but he has been blending and I can officially say that he can read cvc words.  He is excelling in math as he is able to count past 100 and he is independently writing his numbers to 30.  Micah needs some encouragement staying focused except when it comes to mazes.  He is amazing and can finish them quick.  Here he is staying focused at the task at hand.  When will he start kindergarten???

First t-ball game

Micah's first t-ball game was... exciting. There were many tears shed by the players.  I think every child cried at least once but this is a very young team of 4 year olds.  Will he want to play next Saturday???