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???