10th photo

Our annual photo on the terrace of Shutters on the Beach was taken a few days after our anniversary this year.  As you can see, it was windy which reminded us of our wedding day with the chuppah blowing in the wind.  Since we take this photo every year, the boys are starting to remember stories that we have shared and it's been such a fun reminder of the love and time that has passed since 2005.  What will our 10th year of marriage bring???

Happy 10

For our 10th anniversary, Jawsh and I ate at Toqué! We ate delicious French cuisine using locally sourced products at one of Montreal's most popular restaurants.  We had a wonderful dinner with incredible service.  Big thank you to Bubbe who had a special dinner with the boys and yummy maple desserts.  This was such a great trip to take as a family and we are thankful for the time that we got to spend together.  Where will we go to celebrate 11???

Bonsecours Basin

We had a relaxing afternoon in Old Montreal.  After a delicious Olive and Gourmando lunch in the park we strolled by the port.  To enjoy a new perspective of Old Montreal we explored the waters of the Old Port in a paddleboat, or ‘pedalo,’ as it’s known in French. We took a 30 minute paddleboat rental on the Bonsecours Basin which allowed us to admire Montreal’s beautiful waterfront in a fun and active way. The boys loved kicking off their shoes and letting their feet drag in the water.  This was a highlight of our day.  When will we paddle boat in LA???

Funiculaire

The Old Quebec Funicular is a funicular railway in the Old Quebec neighbourhood of the city of Quebec in Canada. It links the Haute-Ville (Upper Town) to the Basse-Ville (Lower Town), which includes such sites as the ancient Notre Dame des Victoires church, the historic Petit Champlain district, the port, and the Musée de la civilisation (Museum of Civilization).  We took it down to Lower Town for our last dinner in Quebec City with Bubbe and took it back up when we returned to the hotel.  It was a slow ride that showed us views of the city.  When will we go on one again???

Foos ball

We are in Quebec City... in a new country... staying in a beautiful castle... a UNESCO World Heritage site... and all the boys want to do is goto the game room and play foos ball... That sounds about right for a  6 and 8 year old.  We had a nice time playing the game and now the boys love it... where can we find a foos ball table in LA???

The Smith House

This afternoon we took some time to hang at The Smith House so the boys could sketch and write postcards while enjoying the weather.  There were street performers, good coffee, and yummy swirl ice cream.  I have to admit it was nice to just sit and relax with no where to go.  We should probably do this more in LA... don't you think???

Citadel

One of the most imposing sights to visit in Quebec City is the Citadel.  The Citadel is an active military and official residence of a Canadian monarch and although we didn't see one, we did get close enough to take a picture with the Queen's Guard.  The boys enjoyed the free roaming and running, the cannons, and the time outdoors without rain.  We didn't have the time to tour inside but hopefully we will do it the next time we visit.  When will that be???

Via Rail Canada

 

This was the boys' first train ride.  They really enjoyed it and had a good time.  The ride was smooth and the views were picturesque.  The attendants were really nice and we just had a nice roundtrip experience.  When will we go on a train again???

Cafe St Malo

We left the hotel in search of Cafe St. Malo.  Within 10 minutes it started to rain down hard!  The umbrella was being hit and we were so glad that we were within steps to the restaurant.  When we entered, there were a few people but by the time we left the restaurant was full.  This was the best salmon we had on the trip... doesn't it look delish???

Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac

We arrived in Quebec City and had the wonderful opportunity to stay at the Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac.  We had a lovely time walking around the city.  It really felt like we were in Europe in a small town with street performers and French speaking people everywhere.  Our first night we enjoyed mussels and fries and the best salmon we had on our trip.  What will tomorrow bring???

Juliette Chocolat

After our very wonderful lunch at Schwartz's Deli, we continued our walk.  We made our way to Juliette Chocolate and the boys had a great dessert.  Micah ordered a chocolate sampler plate and Noah had his first experience with chocolate fondue.  I think its safe to say that he will be ordering this again in the future.  Tomorrow we head to Quebec City... what does tomorrow bring???

Schwartz's Deli

We only had to wait about 30 minutes to squeeze into Schwartz's Deli.  It was one of the best meals we had because the smoked meat was that good.  I also really like the pickles.  Everyone was very happy with their meal and we had a nice time there.  If we every head back to Montreal, I am definitely coming here again... who is with me???

Drawn and Quarterly

Finally, Jawsh has been called to the homeland... well, comic land.  Drawn and Quarterly was a very intimate comic book shop that had some hard to find comics.  The boys really enjoyed their time there and bought some more recent comics whereas Jawsh spent most of his time debating which comic novel to purchase.  It was definitely an eclectic shop and I'm glad that we could other and support this business and the cause of art.  After this, we are heading to lunch... what will Schwartz' be like???

St. Viateur

We began the day at St. Viateur Bagel Shop.  Every review that we read states that Montreal bagels are better than anyone else.  I don't know if it was the hype but many people in our party did not care for the bagels!  I liked the bagels and thought that the old school method of cooking was really cool.  After our bagel and coffee stop (Jawsh found 49th Parallel beans next door and was happy with his coffee), we walked toward Drawn and Quarterly.  What are we going to do there???

Musée d'art contemporain de Montréal

Today we went to the Museum of Contemporary Art.  There were so many wonderful art pieces outside of the museum and a small maze that the boys enjoyed walking through.  We bought tickets to Rodin and saw so many beautiful sculptures.  Afterwards, we went to Old Montreal where we had lunch.  We walked to Notre Dame but missed visiting hours.  It was a long but lovely day... tomorrow we head to Plateau Mont Royal, the artsy part of town.  What will that be like???

Montreal

We made it to Montreal, Canada.  This is the destination that we have been planning for quite some time.  When we were first married, we thought we would head to Greece at our ten year anniversary, but after deciding to take the boys with us, the flights were just too expensive.  The next best thing to Europe, was Montreal and Quebec City, as its the closest we can get to Europe without going to Europe.  As soon as we arrived at the Fairmont, we were greeted with an anniversary tiramisu and a great view of Cathedral of Marie Reine du Monde.  I think this trip is going to be so wonderful... we have our family, Bubbe, Emo, and Uncle Zack... what does tomorrow bring???

Vegas, Baby

Las Vegas.  This is the place that the boys are waiting to go to every summer.  They love swimming multiple times a day, spending time with their cousins, and eating out all the time.  Only if life was like this everyday.  It's always fun to see the cousins reunite and play like no time has passed at all.  When will we do a different trip together???

MC

Check off the bucket list!!!  Tonight, Jawsh took me to see the one and only, Mariah Carey.  It was such a great show.  She was amazing!  We left before the show was over and while I was in the lobby, we got a glimpse of her between songs getting primped and drinking water.  It was so cool that I was only ten feet away from her.  Will I see her in concert again???

Bye HOB

Jawsh worked at HOB for several years while we were dating so we came back tonight to reunite with old friends and to see the venue one last time.  We ran into old co-workers and had a nice time.  I remember seeing epic shows for free with all the food and drink comped due to Jawsh's employment.  Upstairs was the Foundation Room and I remember that was one of our first nice meals when we first started dating.  It was a fun night and I'm glad that we got  to attend.  When we will see his old friends again???

Date night

Tonight we made it out to Connie and Ted's for a nice meal.  I love when we can just walk up to the bar without a wait and have delicious seafood.  We were heading to an event at the House of Blues, but decided to eat here first.  The House of Blues is finally closing its doors and we wanted to say farewell before the location at Sunset strip is demolished.  What will go up in its place???

Happy 4th

This was the first year at the neighborhood, Westchester Fourth of July Parade.  It was a few blocks long of local organizations, politcians, and clubs that walked the parade route.  The kids had a great time with the W family.  Later tonight, we head back to Cheviot Hills to watch the fireworks light up the sky.  This has been a tradition that we have enjoyed because we get to see our old preschool friends.  Who will we see tonight???

PV Bandshell

We had such a great time with the Tripp Family at the PV Bandshell.  We had a great dinner of empanadas and enjoyed the music.  Noah and Micah loved dancing and they had a great time with G.  When will we go back???

Noah's back to back championship

Noah is the reigning chess champ from last year and he was able to pull it off again this year!  With back to back wins he was very proud of himself.  Overall, his school also came in first place again so the kids were very excited.  Noah collected scholarship money that he won last year ($232) and next summer he will also receive money for this win.  Will Noah make enough to go to college???

Micah's chess debut

This was Micah's first entry in the annual chess tournament.  He performed well, with 4 wins, 1 stalemate, and 1 loss.  We were very proud that Micah entered and played well.  He had a fun time and we hope that he will play again next year.  Will he want to sign up???

HFD

Happy Father's Day to my favorite father of my children!!!  We had dinner at The Counter and as you can see the boys enjoyed their drinks!  Jawsh is the BEST daddy in the world and we are so lucky to have him in our lives... Happy Father's Day to the best!  Where will we go next year???

Emma- Fashionista

When we ask the children what they want to be when they grow up, the answers range from the serious to the silly.  It's usually whatever they are into at the time.  But the one constant for Emma is fashion designer.  Here she has dressed Micah up in her latest collection, Summer Spa Mod Pop.  Micah, as a future model, is not too far off the mark... wouldn't you agree???

Beach days

Summer beach days... we are so glad that we live in So Cal.  When will Micah learn how to surf???

GT

Today we honored the life of Grandma Tina.  Jawsh will always remember having fun at her home in Rock Island watching fireflies in the backyard and I will remember our conversations about teaching and playing Rummi Q.  We are so glad that the boys also have fond memories with GT... they remember reading to her.  We will miss her dearly.  When will we visit again???

Cats

Micah loves Brutus, Felix, and Sampson so much... he spent most of his time at the house chasing them around, stressing them out, and trying to pick them up.  Will Micah have cats when he gets older???

Micah's recital

On our way to the Rubin House, we made an impromptu stop at GGA's house.  He was surprised to see us and the boys played their piano recital songs for Grandpa.  We think he enjoyed listening to the music and spending time with us.  Before leaving, the boys ate a Klondike Bar which they really liked.  It was nice to spend some quiet time with GGA and we are hoping to have a wonderful weekend with family as we remember GT.  What will tonight bring???

Piano Recital

The boys participated in their first piano recital today.  Micah played: My Daydream by Faber, The Elves Silver Hammer by Faber, and Ode to Joy by Beethoven.  Noah played:  A Minuet for Mr. Bach's Children by JS Bach, Spring by Vivaldi, Peter Pan's Flight by Faber, Pirates of the North Sea by Faber.  The boys played very well and we were very proud of them.  Here is a picture of them with their teacher, Ms. Yolanda. When will they have their next recital???

Baseball

Micah's batting stance has come a long way since March!  His swing looks more natural and he's definitely connecting with the ball more.  He's having a great time with his friends but I'm looking forward to the season coming to a close!  Will Micah want to play next year???

Last Day of School

I can't believe it's the last day of school!  The boys had a great school year.  I feel so fortunate that the boys have had excellent teachers and a positive schooling experience.  What will next year have in store for them???

Jog-a-thon

The boys really enjoyed participating in the Jog-A-Thon this year.  Micah ran earlier in the day and Noah's class was the last to run.  When I look at this picture, I can't believe how long and lean Noah looks...  still can't believe that he's going into the 3rd grade!  What will next year be like???

Date night

Tonight Jawsh and I had an unexpected date night... my sister took the boys off our hands and we decided to go out to a nice dinner.  Although I wanted to go back to my favorite places, Mozza, Connie and Ted's, Korean food, etc... Jawsh encouraged me to try Suzanne Goin's restaurant, Lucques, and I was so glad that we did.  From the cocktails to dessert, we were amazed by this restaurant... it's no wonder that Jonathan Gold has it on his top restaurant list year after year.  When will we go back???

GT

This weekend Jawsh went to Reno to visit Grandma Tina.  We received some news from family that she is not doing so well and so Memorial Day weekend plans were shifted so Jawsh could spend some time with his Grandmother.  Jawsh visited a few times throughout the weekend and the last words he heard Grandma Tina say to him were, "sit down" which he did.  I'm glad that he had the opportunity to see her this weekend, and I know he was glad too... family is the most important... wouldn't you agree???

Brady's Tol

Happy Birthday to Baby Brady!  My cousin JooYoung (not pictured) and her husband, David, threw such a fabulous party for their son's first birthday.  From photo booths, face painters, and balloon artists the boys had a great time.  I also enjoyed seeing my Uncle and Aunt who travelled from Seoul to celebrate their grandson's birthday.  When will we all gather again???

Gala

Tonight we went to Open School's Gala at the Marriot in Marina del Rey  We enjoyed the stunning views and company!  It was a fun night of drinking, dinner, dancing, and bidding!  Although we came away empty handed, we had a great night with our friends.  Where will the Gala be next year???

We all scream for "ice cream"

Tonight we met Uncle Zach in Ktown for dinner and afterwards he did not want boba, slushies, or any other traditional Korean dessert... rather he wanted Baskin Robbins!  I think we can see from the boys faces that they were okay with that decision, right???

Free Comic Book Day

Jawsh and the boys had a fun, Day out with Daddy, in Culver City to celebrate Free Comic Book Day.  They went to a mini comic con where they saw plenty of characters and met comic books artists.  Noah and Micah definitely share Jawhs's love for comic books...  I guess the apples don't fall far from the tree, eh???

Safe travels, Harabujee

When I was young, I remember my Dad traveling to Korea all the time.  In fact, he travelled so much that he is part of the Korea Airlines, "Million Mile Club!"  It's been some time since my Dad has travelled to Seoul and tonight we were able to send him off with packs of Tylenol and some mints!  I am sure that he will see plenty of family and friends while he is there.  When will the boys have the chance to travel to Korea???

Open House

Tonight we went to Open House at the boys school.  I can't believe we are already at the end of the school year!  It was great to see how much the kids were doing in class.  Noah wrote us a nice letter explaining everything we would see and I could see how confident he is in his classroom.  Here is Noah reading his invention report to us.  What will Open House be like next year???

Open House

Micah showed us all his work relating to a lizard (his field guide project) and I really enjoyed reading his writing about his life (so far).  As I walked through the room, I felt like I was missing so much of Micah's life in the classroom.  He has grown so much and he performing above grade level in all subject areas.  I am very proud of Micah.  I wonder, what he will do next???

Race for Success

Today the boys ran the 1K at the Race for Success at LMU.  This time around Micah ran with Jawsh and Noah ran with his friends.  Afterwards, the boys enjoyed the small carnival set up with dink tanks, cotton candy, and jumpers.  What will it be like next year???

Festival of Books

It's been 5 years since we went to the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books.  Back then, the boys could not read and the event was held at UCLA.  5 years ago, I wrote," I can't wait until the boys start reading so they can meet their favorite authors. I think Micah will be in line for David Shannon... who will Noah like???" Now I can answer that question because we went to the Festival to see Diary of a Wimpy Kid author, Jeff Kinney.  I ONLY had to wait for 3.5 hours for Noah to meet him.  While we waited, we also met Dav Pilkey, who wrote the Captain Underpants Series.  This was a surprise treat as he was walking by and I called out his name. He walked over, spoke to the boys for a few minutes, and then took a picture.  Once we reached Jeff Kinney, Noah was nervous so he didn't have much to say but afterwards he was really happy that he met his favorite author!  When will we go back to the Festival of Books???

Riding

Micah has improved a lot on his bike.  He is able to start and stop on his own but at times he makes sharp turns and looks like he's going to fall!  We feel very fortunate that we live so close to a school parking lot where they can practice to ride freely without any foot or dog traffic!  When will Micah be able to ride at Venice Beach Boardwalk???

Happy Birthday Grandpa

Today we had dinner with Grandpa and Grandma at one of our local eateries, Westside Tavern, to celebrate his birthday.  The boys love the hamburgers and salmon and Jawsh always finds something he likes.  We enjoyed toffee cake and even though we were all full we were able to finish this cake!  Happy Birthday Grandpa Barry!  What did he wish for???

Let's go, Micah, let's go!

Micah had a great game today!  He hit 2 out of the 3 pitches-- both pop-flys that the other team could not catch!  He is really enjoying the game mainly because he gets to play with his friends and he says he wants to play again next season.  Do we have an all around athlete on our hands???

Happy Easter

Here's to the annual Easter egg hunt at my parent's house.  The kids really enjoyed looking for eggs and were even happier when they cracked them open to find candy and quarters.  My Dad started hiding eggs that had $1, $5, $10, $20, and $50 hidden which changed the friendly hunt to an all out competition.  Micah ended up finding the most valuable egg, but in true Micah fashion he asked to split the $50 five ways and he shared with everyone.  What will happen next year???

Happy Passover

 Happy Passover!  Today we had a quiet celebration with Grandpa and Grandma.  Jawsh led the Seder beautifully and the kids enjoyed their bag of plagues and reading from the Haggadah.  Micah chose the matzo cover and Noah chose the cup of Elijah along with Grandma Bella's Seder plate, making this table very special.  Who will join our table next year???