First Day of School- 8th Grade

It was Micah's first day of 8th grade!  It was a weird start for a weird year!  Micah had to wait in line for about 20 minutes to get scanned with the Daily Pass to enter the school.  The Daily Pass ensures that the students have a recent negative COVID test and they have to answer that they are in good health before they enter the campus.  Micah never completed his 6th grade year here and missed 7th due to COVID, so starting this 8th grade year will be interesting.  I hope that he sees some familiar faces and that he has a good time.  What will the first day of school be like for Micah???

Bubbe's House

The boys love going to Bubbe's house and spending time there.  She sets up their space and they like being able to eat in front of the tv!  Now that the boys are getting older, they can help more and they had the task to vacuum her garage.  They did a great job!  They also enjoyed eating all of her baked goods.  The boys had fun bouncing between her house, GA's house, and Uncle Steve's house.  When will they get a chance to visit again???
 

Time with GA

After our trip in Yosemite, we continued northward and visited family for a few days.  The smoke from the fires made it difficult to enjoy the outdoors but the boys had a great time spending time with GA playing cards, solving puzzles, and listening to old stories.  We feel so lucky that the boys penpal with him and that they got to spend time with him face to face.  I hope they never forget having pancakes made for them by their 94 year old great Grandpa.  When will we have our next visit???
 

The Ahwahnee

The Ahwahnee Hotel shines as Yosemite National Park's distinctive upscale hotel and it has been booked for over a year.  It seemed impossible to get a reservation but by sheer determination and constant website checking, I was able to book not only the hotel for a few nights but also a cottage!  It was a nice experience staying at the hotel because of the stunning interior design and architecture.  I also loved that there were hardly any people around in the hotel which made me feel so much safer.  We ate at the Ahwahnee Dining Room which was a contactless buffet where mask wearing was required except while eating.  Due to my concerns about the dining room, we were moved to the perimeter table next to a grand piano that kept us safely distanced from all the other tables which was amazing.  The next night, we moved into the cottage and we learned that we were staying in the exact cottage that President Obama stayed in!   As soon as we walked in we saw his presidential photo and excerpt of his speech.  The evening in the cottage was calming and very nice.  When will we return to Yosemite???

Lower Yosemite Falls

We were so lucky to see that the Lower Yosemite Falls still had water at this time of year!  It is the 5th largest waterfall in the world.  The boys ended up hiking over boulders and slippery rocks to make it to the actual falls.  I decided to stay back and I sat on a bench under some shade until my phone rang and the boys face timed me from the falls.  This was not an easy trek by far but the destination was worth it because the boys loved feeling the mist of the waterfall hit their faces.  When will they have another adventure like this again???

Fun with the W Family

Out of pure coincidence, we were in Yosemite at the exact same time as the W Family!  We had such a nice afternoon hanging out with the W Family.  The boys swam in the Merced River and we revisited the Yosemite Falls.  Then we went to the village to have a pizza dinner.  It was a busy day and it was so nice to share this memory with friends.  What are the chances of that happening again???
 

Curry Village to Mirror Lake

This afternoon we rented bikes and rode through Curry Village to take a loop to Mirror Lake.  At this time of year, the lake was completely dry but we still had a nice time bike riding.  It was pretty hot outside so it was nice to bike ride instead of walking through the trail.  The boys really enjoyed riding fast and cruising with the wind in their face.  It's been such a long time since we went bike riding so the old saying is true:  once you learn how to ride a bike you never forget.  When will we go bike riding again???
 

Glacier Point

 

Just when I thought the views could not be any better, Glacier Point proved that this was the view of all views.  This overlook is a commanding view of Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, and Yosemite's high country as we gazed down from 3,214 feet above.  I could not help but feel that this was God's work that gave us this beautiful view.  This overwhelming feeling that I had spurred on quite a discussion in the car on whether God was real, how the world began, and what the boys believed or sorta believed.  I am thankful that we had this time to share and discuss with one another the meaning of it all... what is the meaning of it all???

Mariposa Grove

Our Yosemite adventure began with us getting on a 4 mile moderate/ severe trailhead in 100 degree plus heat with little water and a handful of snacks.  Sounds terrible.  In fact, it felt sorta terrible as well until we decided that we would take this opportunity to trek to the giant Sequoias because carpe diem!  I, for one, was so glad we did.  I loved seeing the trees, taking the hike, and once I saw the Bachelor and Three Graces there was a profound sense of wonderment that I could feel staring at these trees that have been around for thousands of years.  The Grizzly Giant was not too far away and to see a tree that had lived over 2,700 year was pretty amazing.  I would love to come back here again... when will that be???
 

Tunnel View

 

In every review of Yosemite, it is said that Tunnel View should not to be missed.  It really can't be because as soon as you emerge from the man made tunnel, it is the first glimpses of Yosemite that you can see.  We stopped here several times throughout our time in Yosemite and every time we were it was a little different.  It was a great way to start our trip because the majesty of it all is so wonderful to look at...  when will we come back again???

Tennis Tournaments

This was the first tennis tournament that the boys entered ever!  What a completely new experience for all of us!   This particular tournament was set up as a Round Robin so they got to play multiple games.  This was a great day of learning for the boys and we hope that they had fun.  When will they play in their next tournament???
 

Goal: Junior Life Guards 2022

 

Let's speak it into existence...  Junior Life Guards 2022.  I didn't realize that the tryouts happened for this past summer so hopefully the boys will be able to secure a tryout date for 2022.  The boys have been swimming weekly and the last time I timed them, they both made their qualifying time for 100 yards.  I hope that they will be able to perform like this next summer during their tryouts.  Will they be able to make it next summer???

 

Boba or youtube?

The kids went to get boba with Billy and Jawsh and this is the picture that Jawsh took while they were there.  I found this to be a sign of our times.  Instead of just waiting patiently, a phone is whipped out and everyone is staring at a screen.  The way that the kids paired off is an indicative of how they have been spending time together.  Noah and Kaitlyn are usually talking about anime or playing a game together, whereas Micah, Liam, and Emma are off doing something else.  It's nice that they that have one another.  I wonder if they remembered they were there to get boba???
 

16

We went back to the exact spot we were married (7-24-05).  16 years or as GA would say, "sweet 16!"  We are still coming back to Shutters to reminisce but this year we stayed on the boardwalk.  The summer boardwalk was quite busy unlike last year and it was so hot we decided to walk to and get some lemonade from Hot Dog on a Stick.  We returned home and we had a staggered dinner.  The boys had sushi first and then Jawsh and I had our meal... take out from n/naka.  It was really amazing.  This was definitely a new way to celebrate 16 years, but I am so thankful to celebrate this milestone with Jawsh.  What will we do for our 17th year anniversary???

Glasses

 Noah  chose his new glasses from the optometrist by trying them on and sending me selfies.  He landed on this pair from Prada!  What's ironic is that Noah does not know that this is a a high label fashion brand rather he liked the look and fit.  Does Noah have naturally good taste???

USC Engineering Camp

Micah was selected to take part in the USC Viterbi Engineering Camp at USC which is a two week program that engages students throughout LA with the principles of engineering.  He was one of 30 students selected out of a pool of 150 applicants and we were so happy that he got to have this experience.  The staff was very strict about following COVID guidelines and Micah was provided lunch every day from all of the fast food restaurants that he never gets to eat from... he enjoyed lunch from Little Caesars, Yoshinoya, Chick Filet, KFC, and El Pollo Loco to name a few.  We hope that Micah left with more memories than just the fast food... but who knows???
 

Beach days

Every summer, we head to Vegas with Kaitlyn and Co but this summer that was off the table.  Kaitlyn and Co ended up spending a week in Crystal Cove so we were able to visit them and head to the beach.  With the boys being vaccinated and the beach winds constantly flowing we felt it was safe enough to go and hang for a few hours.  The kids loved playing volleyball and spending time with one another.  I hope they look back at these times fondly.  They are so lucky to have their cousins close in age and proximity, don't you think???
 

Inspired

Jawsh is inspired by many things... one being coffee.  He enjoys trying new coffee shops whereas I just like the coffee he makes me at home.  He has been making a cup of coffee every day for the past 2 years.  Thank you Jawsh.  When will I learn how to use the aeropress???

Rocking a not too pink guitar

Micah has really taken a liking to the electric guitar and we have the Fender program to thank for that!  One of the highlights of Quarantining last school year was the opportunity for the boys to learn how to play a stringed instrument from Fender for free!  Micah was so interested in learning that he wanted a whammy bar that his guitar did not come with so Jawsh contacted a friend at Fender who was able to get Micah this awesome guitar for less than $100!  When we showed the guitar to Micah he said, "it's not pink, pink, it's more bubble gum pink" which meant that he would like it.  What song will Micah learn how to play with his new guitar???

Beach with the boys

These boys have been friends since they were 6 years old.  One has moved to Thailand and two have gone to other middle schools, yet they have remained friends throughout the years.  It is so wonderful that their friendship has endured space, time, and COVID 19.  When will we all see one another again???
 

Quiplash

Cousins + Quiplash  = Fun.  It was so interesting to play this game with the kids now that they are literate and have their own distinct personalities.  Every answer from Kaitlyn was too long and cut off, Emma's answer revolved around teasing her siblings, and Liam's answers involved the word "poop."  How will their answers change in the next few years???
 

5 years later

We celebrated the 4th of July at the Westchester Parade with the W Family.  It felt like old times watching the parade as familiar floats and cars drove down the street.  It weirdly felt like COVID 19 was no longer here but we were reminded when we saw families in masks and then put our own back on.  We are thankful that we can see friends again now that we are fully vaccinated.  When will it go back to normal???

Happy birthday Kona

Happy 3rd birthday to Kona.  I can't believe that she is already 3 years old.  Will she enjoy her doggy cupcake???
 

July 3rd

Happy July 3rd!  We spent the day with the cousins and before we left the kids got to light some sparkles.  It almost feels like the old days, but with masks.  When will we see the cousins again???
 

Beach days

The boys have been waiting for this day for sometime... a beach day with the K family.  It was so nice to hang out again.  It took a minute for Micah and B to warm up but once they started playing sports it was easy to hang out again.  Sometimes I forget how weird it can feel for the kids to reacquaint themselves with friends especially since it has been such a long time but they were fine.  When will we see them again???

Chess Smiths

Noah has been working hard to develop a program called Chess Smiths.  It is a two-week introduction course to the basics of chess.  He had 3 students join and he met them over Zoom for 1.2 hour sessions.  It is really nice to hear Noah be so encouraging to his students and to watch him prepare all of the slides that he is using to teach.  Will his students enjoy the game of chess???

F9: The Fast Saga

We hosted a celebratory movie screening for Noah and his friends who completed middle school and are off to high school!  The Cinemark rents out theaters for private parties so the kids watched F9: The Fast Saga.  It was so nice for the kids to reunite.  When will Noah see his friends again???

Homemade Icecream

Homemade vanilla ice cream was the first attempt Micah made in our new ice cream maker.  He did a great job making the ice cream.  Then we made Jawsh's coconut ice cream.  What ice cream flavor will we make next???

Swim Team

Now that LA County is in the yellow tier, which is the least restrictive, due to low COVID 19 rates and that the boys are vaccinated, we felt conformable enough for them to rejoin the swim team.  The boys have not really swam in such a long time but they were surprisingly fit when they went to their first practice.  We were amazed that they swam so many laps in one hour.  They were definitely tired after they finished, but they felt accomplished.  When will they return to training for the Junior Life Guards???
 

Nara at LACMA

For Father's Day, Jawsh wanted to go to the museum.  Our first re-entry into the world of art took us to LACMA to view the work of Yoshitomo Nara.  He is a Japanese artist and his work was influenced by his memories, music, and literature.  We viewed his expansive collection that spans over 30 years and there were so many of his personal sketches!  There was so much inspiration to view.  What are the boys inspired by???

Emma's World

Finally!  After 16 months the boys were finally able to enter Halmoni's home!  Since Emma and Liam are too young to get vaccinated, the boys wear their masks indoors.  Kaitlyn was at volleyball practice so the boys hung out with Emma and Liam for most of the day.  Emma painted their nails and did their hair and they played all of the old games they used to play like Hide and Seek.  Now that they are much bigger they are finding that they don't fit in the same old hiding places.  It was a fun day being back with the cousins... when will we visit again???

Galaxy's Edge

After much contemplation, we took the boys to the happiest place on Earth with one destination in mind... Galaxy's Edge.  We made reservations for Disneyland, timing it with their COVID vaccinations to ensure that they were fully vaccinated before we ventured into the amusement park.  But right before our well in advance planned trip, California lifted the mask mandate!  Even though we were all fully vaccinated, and it was a hot summer day, we still wore our masks all. day. long.  The silver lining was that the park was at 35% capacity so the boys could ride all of the rides that they liked.  They also got to ride Millennium Falcon: Smuggler's Run where they were both the pilots and Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance.  An unforgettable experience was  building their own custom lightsabers at Savi's Workshop and trying Luke's blue milk at The Milkstand.  It was a very memorable day... what summer adventure will we try next???
 

Tennis

For the past year, we have been playing a lot of tennis.  We especially liked reserving a private court near our home since LA County was in a high tier of COVID 19 transmission.  The boys took to tennis well and Noah became more interested in the sport, declaring that he would like to play in high school.  Since we just play casually, it was time for Noah (and Micah) to have some direct instruction so they started lessons with Coach Byron.  We hope that Noah will reach his goal to make it to the freshman team.  Will he make it in the Spring???

Car Parade

Over the weekend, Noah's school had a 8th grade car parade so the students could pick up their certificates from the school.  Noah saw a few of his teachers and ended up seeing a friend who was a few cars behind us which was a nice surprise.  In a year full of the unexpected we are glad that there was some sort of closure for Noah this 8th grade year.  He worked incredibly hard all the while dealing with social distancing and not seeing friends.  What will this summer have in store for him???
 

Happy Promotion Noah

 

In a year of school closures, the 8th grade promotion was also cancelled and celebrated from home.  We watched a virtual culmination where Noah was honored with the Gold Principal's Award for maintaining a 4.0 GPA all 3 years in school.  He was also voted 8th Grade Best Hair and he received the Most Improved from his Art teacher.  But Noah's dreams came true when he got to eat his own 6 inch Susie Marble cake!  He was very happy.  We are proud of all of Noah's accomplishments... what will high school bring???

Getty Villa

We went to the Getty Villa this afternoon!!!  It was our first outing in a public setting in over a year and it went okay.  We avoided all of the buildings and stayed in the garden the entire time.  We found a cool marble bench and the boys spent some time sketching.  It was a really nice visit.  When will feel comfortable going inside???

Just us

It's been a very long time since Jawsh and I got to spend some time together alone. Today we left the boys at home and we went to the South Coast Botanical Gardens. We took our time in the Rose Garden, smelling every rose, and then we walked along different paths.  It was a really peaceful day.  When will go out again???
  

Vaccines

Today was a very exciting day.  The boys received their COVID 19 vaccines!  Jawsh drove them to the Forum and they were able to get their shots.  When Jawsh sent me this picture, I felt this cloud lift off my shoulders.  I didn't even realize it was there.  This pandemic has taken a toll on, not only the kids, but us parents as well.  I have been so worried and concerned but I will say thanks to modern medicine, I am feeling so much better.  I hope that their friends will also get their vaccinations so they can all hang out together.  When will they be able to see their friends???

Happy Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day to all of the mothers in the world who love their children with all of their heart.  The boys made me wonderful cards with illustrations.  What will the day bring???

Vaccine

I am so happy that  Jawsh was able to get his vaccine shot.  We have been concerned about Jawsh and Noah because they have asthma but I am so glad that we have one less person to worry about.  I hope that the kids will be approved to have a vaccination soon!  When will that happen???
 

Back at work

I am back at work in person with the students in the morning and on Zoom in the afternoon.  I didn't know what to expect today so I tried to be prepared.  I purchased a well fitting mask, had a plastic face shield, and also a portable microphone so the children could hear me clearly.  I am sure that it was weird for them to see me like this in class but then again everything is weird.  Keeping the students 6 feet apart is challenging but they have been really great about wearing their face masks.  What will it be like next week when they have to COVID test on campus???

Hello Cousins!

 

It was so nice to finally hang out with the cousins at the park.  Our stay was not as long as the kids would have liked but we were all grateful.  Kona was so happy to see us that she kept barking, jumping, and started to pee out of excitement. The kids played basketball and soccer and had a great time.  When will we head back???

Lunch Buddies

This is a behind the scenes shot of the teacher teaching class!  This will the last week we see our students over Zoom so we are all having lunch together.  Micah likes to make me lunch so I enjoyed a sandwich and BBQ chips.  I will miss the days of having lunch made for me.  What will they serve tomorrow???

Happy Birthday Grandpa

Happy 70th Birthday to Grandpa Barry.  We got to swing by to wish him a Happy Birthday.  Later in the evening, we sang and watched him open presents over Zoom.  We can't wait until we all get to share a meal together again.  When will that be???

Happy Easter

It's been a few years since the boys celebrated Easter with the cousins.  Three years ago, Liam was hospitalized with a head injury, and the last two years we have been in a pandemic.  The boys were pretty disappointed that we did not see family but the 12 inch golden egg filled with candies and coupons helped their mood.  It was a quiet Easter, just like the other holidays, and we are looking forward to celebrating again.  Which holiday will it be when we get to celebrate with family???

Boujee vs Budget?

The boys participated in the UCLA Bruin Experiment as it went virtual this year!  Micah chose to do a chocolate study he called, "Boujee or Budget?  The Chocolate Taste Test." He had participants try different types of dark chocolate with 70% cacao and rank them.  Noah did an experiment entitled, "Feeling Moody: How Screentime Affects Your Mental Health and Mood."  Noah surveyed 8th graders regarding their time spent on devices and their mood afterwards.  Micah placed first in his group and Noah received an Honorable Mention.  This was a great experience for both of them as they got to present their research to UCLA professors, UCLA students, and peers.  Will Micah want to participate next year???

Beach Nights

We love the beach.  Morning. Noon. Night.  Sometimes it's just nice to go and take a walk and to feel the sand in between our toes.  We love to hear the crashing of the waves and to breathe in the salty air.  Micah usually finds a treasure buried in the sand and Noah likes the water- even going in when it is way too cold.  We are thankful that we live so close to the beach and can venture there when we feel.  When will we head back???

Happy Passover

Like all of the holidays during the pandemic, Passover was celebrated differently.  It was a quiet Passover this year.  We celebrated with Cool Shul over Zoom and then we enjoyed our Seder at home.  The boys were in charge of making the charoset and they especially liked eating the matzo ball soup.  We made small Passover bags to give to family.  Micah found the afikomen but it took longer than expected.  Will we be able to celebrate Passover together next year???

From Italy

The sculpture is in...  all the way from Italy.  Jawsh found an artist in Italy that was able to make a 3D model and print of Melting Man.  Due to COVID-19, it took 4-5 months to be delivered because it was held in customs in NYC.  Jawsh was so excited that it finally made it here.  What will he create next???
 

UCLA

It's been nice to venture to UCLA for a walk around the campus.  We like to start off at north campus so we can walk through the Sculpture Gardens.  The Sculpture Gardens established in 1967 has figural and abstract art.  Here we are in front of Richard Serra's 42.5 ton installation entitled "Torqued Ellipse" or AKA known as "T.E. UCLA."  As we walk in and around the installation, we experience space and balance in a different way.  It's pretty amazing to see how grand this installation is up close and I like the fact that it is outside.  The other Serra pieces are at LACMA and there is a definite difference when we see the installation outside.  When will we return to campus???