Legoland

We are so blessed that we get to see our Denver cousins a few times a year!  It was a great day at Legoland but we definitely missed Jawsh.  The kids had fun going on all the rides and just hanging out together.  They had their fill of sugar, lego, and rides... what more could they want???

Eat cake!

Noah decorated his birthday invite which we placed on his birthday cake.  Happy birthday to my 11 year old baby.  I wonder what he wished for???

All In

Noah is turning 11 next week and we decided to celebrate his birthday a week earlier since all his friends would be on Thanksgiving vacation.  We took the boys to see Justice League and then we went to Hop Doddy for dinner.  The boys really liked the movie and they especially liked Flash.  After the movie, we went back to the house for a slumber party.  What time  will they go to bed???

Knotts

It's always a great time with the V boys!  My boys are very fortunate to have such a special friendship with J and G.  J and Noah have been to school since kindergarten and although Micah is one grade above G the multi-age classroom has given them the opportunity to be in the same class!  Today they ventured to Knotts Berry Farm, where the boys experienced their first rollercoaster with a loop:  Montezuma's Revenge (which was also my first rollercoaster loop).  I was bummed that I wasn't there but at least D sent me video!  I wonder what their next big ride will be???

Rock climbing

While Micah was at a friend's birthday in West LA, I decided to take Noah rock climbing.  Noah's Harabujee climbed mountains as a young man in Korea, so I know it's somewhere in him.  It was really amazing to see him persevere throughout the session.  In the beginning, he was very hesitant and he could barely get up the wall.  But after taking a few breaths and composing himself he got up a little farther each time.  I told him that it wasn't about getting to the top, but about surpassing his last stopping point.  I think this helped him because each time he passed his previous stoppage point, he was excited and motivated to continue.  By the end of the session, Noah had scaled three walls and reached the top of each one.  Proud parent moment.  Will he want to take more classes???

Student council

Noah is a Student Council Representative for his classroom and now he is running for the office of Secretary.  He created these great posters on his own and he has a speech ready to read.  Even though he is running unopposed, he still has to garner over 50% of the votes.  As a student body officer in my day, I am very proud of Noah for taking this step.  Will he want to continue leadership in junior high???

Chess champ

Noah came in first place in the chess program at school with a record 14 checkmates this past quarter.  He was very humble while accepting his award and we were very proud looking on.  Noah has had a great time playing chess, developing strategy, skills, and confidence.  Will he continue to play next year at his new school???

Happy Halloween

Noah wanted to be a mummy this year and so we decided we would do Classic Halloween Characters.  Micah was the cutest Dracula and Jawsh grew out his beard to be a werewolf and I wore my black dress and bought a $5 hat to be a witch.  We had a nice time at the K House and the boys also enjoyed watching the Dodgers play in the World Series.  After the trick or treating, the boys made an impromptu Haunted Garden.  Will they want to trick or treat next year???

New home

We purchased our first piece of property in Los Angeles!  We are now a part of the Playa Vista community which is a new urban place to live.  We feel so fortunate to have won the lottery to have the opportunity to buy in this new building.  We are moving from a home to a 2 bedroom, 2 bath condo.  There will be an adjustment but we are excited to live in a new community with many parts, access to pools, walking distance to stores and much more.  We look forward to what the future brings...  now the question is what are we going to do with all our stuff???

Mommy and Micah

I was so happy that I was able to chaperone Micah's trip to San Diego.  We had a great evening hike and enjoyed learning so much about all the animals.  Micah got to sleep in his tent with his friends and I slept in a tent with my friends.  It was a special experience.  I wonder if we will go back as a family???

Roar N Snore

I had such a fun time chaperoning Micah at the San Diego Wild Animal Park Roar and Snore!  The boys had a great day exploring and had so much fun at the camp.  The night hike was memorable and the next morning was absolutely beautiful.  Jawsh attuned with Noah last year and I would love to do this as a family... when will we make time to go???

Art

The boys have been going to Otis Art School for art class.  Here they are learning about color and pixels.  Can you guess which one is Noah's and which one is Micah's???

Art time

Art time...  this is time that Jawsh likes to spend with the boys.  What are they all drawing???

Noah's apple pie

This is Noah's attempt at making an apple pie.  He has been asking to learn how to bake apple pies so that everyone can enjoy them in the family.  It was delicious!  What will he make next???

Liam's birthday

Happy birthday to Liam!  I can't believe he is 6 years old!  Where has the time gone?

Catalina Lab

Noah was drawing kelp and pressing kelp leaves in class while in Catalina.   Micah and I missed him and Jawsh very much, but it looks like he's having a good time, doesn't it???

Catalina lab

Dissecting squid.  The look on Noah's face says it all, don't you think???

Catalina

Noah and Jawsh went to Catalina with Noah's class this week.  They had a great time crossing the Pacific Ocean to Catalina.  They enjoyed snorkeling and the life labs.  Micah and I missed them both.  When will we travel to Catalina as a family???

Hamilton

Wow...  we got tickets to Hamilton!  Thanks to my generous mother in law, Jawsh and I were able to see the hottest show on Broadway.  We had great seats on the Mezzanine and we really enjoyed the cast performance.  What show will we watch next???

Universal Studios

It's always fun to go to Universal Studios with the boys.  They love Harry Potter World and each time we go we try another treat... this time they loved doughnuts in Simpson Land and last time they liked the Squishees.  What will we try next???

Kozyndan

We travelled to Chinatown to see Kozyndan's show, The Golden State.  It was interesting to see all their art and sculptures.  I wonder if the boys will be inspired by all the art they get to see throughout Los Angeles.  What kind of influence will it have o them later in life???

La Luz Gallery

Today we went to La Luz Gallery to see some of Jawsh's work at the Coaster show.  It was so much fun to see his work displayed in this gallery, especially since Jawsh loves this gallery.  The boys liked looking for his coasters and we can't wait to see his next show.  What will the next show be???

Birthday dinner

Even on my birthday, I have to shuttle the kids back and forth from school and soccer practice. After practice, we went to Cinco to have birthday tacos.  We took a picture with the lady.  It was a nice evening... when will we head back to Cinco with Uncle Zach???

Happy birthday dinner

We celebrated my 39th birthday today at Ruth's Chris.  It was a nice time to celebrate just with my boys.  I feel so blessed that they are in my life and that they are such good people.  I am so happy.  When will we celebrate with the rest of the family???

Solar eclipse

Today we participated in history and got to see the solar eclipse.  The kids took great precaution to see the solar eclipse with cereal boxes and solar glasses.  It was a great time.  April 8, 2024 will be the next solar eclipse... Noah will be about to head to college and Micah will be finishing up high school.  Will we be able to watch this together???

Petersen Museum

It has been several years since we have been to the Petersen Museum.  The last time we were there Micah fractured his arm and we ended up in Urgent Care.  This time around, there was no car ramp and the Discovery changed.  The boys liked viewing all the cars, especially the Bugattis.  When will we head back???

First day of school

Today the boys had their first day of school..  Micah is now a 4th grader in Yellow Cluster and Noah is in Blue Cluster as a 5th grader.  This is Noah's last year at Open School, which is exciting but also sad because he will be moving on to middle school!  This is the last year the boys will be together so I hope they enjoy it.  I know that I will.  What will this last year be like for Noah???

Friends forever

Noah and Micah have been so fortunate to make some good friendships at their school.  They really loved having J visit from Singapore.  It was nice to see them all hanging out together.  When will they get to see J again???

Date night

Tonight we went out to dinner at Father's Office and then we watch a movie!  An actual date night!  Afterwards, we went to the Culver City Hotel to have some drinks and to listen to live jazz.  It was a great time!  When will we go out again???

Surf Rider's beach clean up

Today we spent an hour helping the Surf Rider's clean up Venice beach.  I didn't realize how many cigarette butts were at the beach!  We picked up about 4 pounds of trash and then we enjoyed the rest of the time near the waves.  When will we get to help out again???

Art time

This summer we have found ourselves at Playa Provisions for coffee and art with Jawsh before goes to work.  The boys have been working on their favorite comic characters and Jawsh has been working on Melting Man.  I love drinking my Americano, watching my boys bond.  Will they remember these lazy summer days when they get older???

Happy Anniversary

To continue the celebration of our 12th anniversary, Jawsh and I had dinner at Providence.  The last time we were here we celebrated our 5th anniversary, so 7 years have passed since we last ate here!  We were able to take advantage of the dine LA menu and the prix fix was delicious.  The service was impeccable and we really enjoyed our evening together.  Where will we celebrate next year???

12

We made it to Shutters on the Beach for our annual photo on the terrace.  We can't believe that it's already been 12 years since we said "I do."  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.  We had dinner at Coast Restaurant downstairs and we were seated in the coziest of nooks where the boys read their graphic novels by the noise of the boardwalk and where Jawsh and and I enjoyed a glass of Sauvignon Blanc and Rose, respectively.  What will our 13th year of marriage bring???

Balboa Park

Today we went to Balboa Park.  We weren't initially sure about what we were going to see so we just walked around and enjoyed the music of organist practicing while we are lunch at the Japanese Friendship Garden.  Afer lunch, we went to the Fleet Science Center where they had a special video game exhibit, Game Masters, which everyone enjoyed.  Then we saw an IMAX movie entitled A Beautiful Planet.  When we finished it was time to hear decal to LA.  When will we head back to Balboa Park???

OB

After driving through San Carlos, we headed to Ocean Beach to spend time with the K Family.  The boys loved walking through the community and hanging with their friends.  They had an opportunity to do Virtual Reality gaming, which they loved.  They also loved going to the beach to swim and boogie board.  It was such a relaxing day.  What will tomorrow bring???

Childhood memories

Today we drove down to San Diego to visit Jawsh's childhood past.  In the 18 years that we have been together, I have never visited his old neighborhood!  It was so cool to show the boys where he went to school, where he learned how to ride a bike, and his old houses.  The boys were interested in visiting the donut and taco shop.  I hope that the boys will have fond memories of their childhoods that they will show their children one day.  When will we visit again???

Cousin love

Las Vegas.  The boys look forward to this trip every summer.  They love swimming multiple times a day, spending time with their cousins, and playing with the dogs.  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???

Kerry James Marshall

Today we ventured to DTLA with the K Family to check out Kerry James Marshall's show which is a 35-year retrospective of his work. Marshall, a child of the civil rights era, set out to redress the absence of African American art. The exhibition contains nearly 80 paintings, all of which contain images of Black subjects going about their daily business, presented with utter equality and humanity. The exhibition was unfolded in chronological order, allowing us to trace the development of Marshall as a painter.  We got into MOCA right when they closed off the line and we were able to view the exhibit in 30 minutes (although we wished we had more time).  Will this inspire the boys to paint about their lived experiences???

Family picture- finally

Finally a family picture... here we are enjoying beautiful Ojai... how long will it take till we take our next dressed up family photo???

Congrats Yojin

We were so happy to witness Yojin and Bryan's beautiful wedding in Ojai.  It was such a wonderful and intimate ceremony.  After the wedding they had a short Korean ceremony called pyebaek. Thet wore special wedding hanboks and they bowed to their parents who are seated behind a low table stocked with traditional and symbolic wedding foods such as chestnuts, jujubes, and dried persimmons.  Finally family will throw the jujubes and chestnuts back at the bride, who has to try catching them with her wedding skirt which they say will amount to how many children she will bear.  How many kids with Yojin and Bryan have???

Sushi

Real or fake???

GMG Chess

This was Noah's fourth and Micah's third time in the annual chess tournament.  Overall the school came in second place but the boys did not come in the top three in their levels.  Noah left the tournament determined to take his chess sessions more seriously and Micah left the tournament in search of Powerade (these two are so different).  They will both receive scholarship money from their school performance again.  Overall, the boys had good time and we hope that they will continue to improve.  Will they want to sign up next year???

All Stars

Micah was chosen to play on the All-Star team in his division.  He was very excited.  I was up in the box taking stats.  Micah was the only player that hit off the pitcher every time he was up.  Many times, the batter will get walked or strike out but Micah did very well.  We were all so proud of his ability and the growth he has shown from last year. He went from batting 0 to .300 (or something like that).  Will he want to play next season???

Recital

The boys had their third piano recital at Sunrise Senior Community in Playa Vista.  The seniors really enjoyed the music and were very appreciative. The boys played two piano songs each and Micah also played two songs on his ukulele.  The boys played very well and although Micah had to restart a few times, we were really proud that he did not give up and that he finished his piece.  Where will their next recital be???

n/naka

Today was the last day of school and what better way to celebrate then to eat at n/naka.  It was a 13 coursemodern kaiseki menu served at a relaxed pace which lasted three hours. Afterwards, Chef Niki visited out table.  It was an unforgettable experience... will we ever go back again???

Noah's Yellowhaven

Today was Noah's final presentation of the year.  He created several buildings, helped create City Hall, and also created cars of the future.  We were really proud of him and his public speaking skills.  He did an amazing job and had such a wonderful experience this year.  Will he have an even better year next year???

Red Rocks

After lunch, we headed to Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater.  It is a naturally formed, world-famous outdoor venue just fifteen miles west of Denver. Red Rocks is recognized for its star-studded concert roster, natural acoustics and ambience, as well as its awe-inspiring hiking and biking trails.  It was an amazing experience to see the natural formation of the rocks.  Will we ever go back to see a concert????

Denver Botanical Gardens

Today we went to the Denver Botanical Gardens.  It was a beautiful morning and by noon it started to rain!  It was such a nice day to walk around and we really enjoyed our time at the gardens.  There was so much to see but since it started to rain and we left earlier then planned.  The kids were happy to go anywhere as long as they were together.  What will we do tomorrow???

Opening: Naturally Weird

Tonight was Jawsh's Opening at Rare Tempo.  It was a great evening with plenty of guests, wine, and music.  I was so proud of Jawsh.  Where will his next show be???

Welcome to Denver

Our first trip to Denver!  We are so excited to be here to see our family and so proud of Jawsh and his art opening.  What will this weekend bring???