Noah's kinder winter program

Noah's kindergarten class performed three songs in the winter program: Dreidel Song (Jewish), Song-ee Song-ee (Korean), and Mele Kaliki Maka (Hawaiian).  It was a very cute medley that the kids practiced a lot.  Noah had extra support from my parents who taught him the correct pronunciation of words and my cousins sent me links to show him how it was sung in Korea.  He practiced so much in the car, at home, in the bath, etc that Micah has now learned the song.  I wonder if they will sing the same medley when Micah is in kindergarten???

Art class

The wonderful thing about Noah's school is that he gets access to art, garden, library, technology, and music on a weekly basis... and the sad thing about this is that this is not how it is for the majority of schools in California!  Noah's art teacher, Ms. Marya, is currently teaching his class about Claude Monet.  The last art piece he did was this awesome owl (his piece was the only one with a mini-owl in the back).  Isn't this great???

Korean class

Noah finished his 14-week course of Korean language class.  He has learned to identify some characters and sounds, he knows his colors, he can count, and he really enjoyed his time there.  I have to admit, I won't miss the drive to K-town twice a week so I will enjoy this time off until the next course starts in February.  Will Noah learn how to read Korean better than me???

Happy Chanukah with the Shields

The tradition of the Smith-Shields Chanukah celebration continues to year five! Last year we went to their home and this year we hosted.  It was so much fun catching up with everyone and watching the boys dress up like super heroes.  We made Barefoot Contessa's brisket and Wolfgang Puck's latkes.  It's so nice to have the families together. When will we see them again???

Noah's last soccer game

Noah's last soccer game as a Blue Shark was this afternoon and he scored!  What a way to end the season... he received a medal and he was so proud!  Can't you see it on his face???

Rainbow award

Rainbow awards are presented at the school wide assemblies every week.  I was very proud as they announced the following, "This Rainbow Award is presented to Noah Smith for approaching learning with enthusiasm and confidence."  I love the fact that Noah was proud of his own achievement which is the best thing you can ask for as a parent.  Would you agree???

2nd place

What a surprise... when I arrived to pick up Noah from chess club he was holding a second place trophy.  He was awarded second place in his age division (Kinder-2nd) for game play.  I was very proud of him because this is the first trophy based on skill, not simply for participating.  Will Noah want to continue in chess club for the next session???

I did it!

For the past four years, I hid behind the camera and did not touch any of the reptiles or spiders.  The only thing I would touch was the wallaby, but now that this was our last visit from Mr. Valentine I was determined to hold the tarantula and a snake!  The tarantula's feet had soft padding and was very light to hold!  I still can't believe I did it.  The snake was not my finest moment... it was too active and it's head bopped around too much!  But at least I could say that I did it!  What fear will I conquer next???

Mr. Valentine's Nature Class

Today the preschool had a very special guest, Mr. Valentine and his animals.  Mr. Valentine has been an annual guest but this is his last visit as he is retiring!  Micah got to touch a Wallaby, a Kinkajou, reptiles (like a bearded dragon), frogs and snakes. This time around, Micah held a very large snake.  At first he was okay but then he started to cry.  Mr. Valentine called him up and then showed him a few baby snakes and preceded to wrap a very small still snake called, Pinky, around his wrist.  He then told Micah to show everyone his new bracelet which made Micah feel much better.  But I had to post this picture because Micah is just so darn cute!  When will the kids get another experience like this??? 

Hungry Caterpillar birthday

Noah's kindergarten class celebrates monthly birthdays all on one day... so today Noah had a Hungry Caterpillar themed party with friends.  The kids had a great time making book markers, caterpillar hats, and they loved their cake pops.  Doesn't it look like a fun party???

Hungry Caterpillar cake pops

These took so long to make... I had to post a picture.  Jawsh was a trooper and he helped me melt all the chocolate to decorate the pops but swore to never help with this again.  Can you blame him???

Chess rules

Noah received a medal in chess today for completing his workbook and scoring the highest in his age division.  Ten minutes prior to receiving this award, he scored his first check mate against his buddy, Nicky.  Noah had a pretty memorable chess session today, wouldn't you agree???

Deja vu

Today is Noah's birthday and he wanted one thing... to head right back to the Santa Monica Pier to purchase a small bag of marbles.  It was a crazy request but we made it happen and we went back to the pier.  While we were there, Daddy and Noah tried the rock wall (something we didn't do yesterday) and then we went to CPK.  Anything to make his day... wonder what he wished for???

6

Noah's 6th Spiderman themed birthday party was at Pacific Park at the Santa Monica Pier.  The kids enjoyed all the rides, especially the bumper cars and the roller coaster.  They even got to meet Inky the Octopus.  I can't believe that Noah is already 6 years old... where did the time go???

70

Happy Birthday Harabujee!  He was with all his grandkids blowing out the candle... I think he got his wish, don't you???

Happy Thanksgiving

We had a delicious Thanksgiving dinner with traditional American fare and of course kimchi. This family get together was extra special because we were celebrating my Dad's 70th birthday!  It was so nice to see my family and we look forward to Christmas... what will that be like???

CSC

Noah spent the day with friends at the California Science Center.  We had a fun time going through the various exhibits. The kids liked the Discovery Rooms, especially the Transportation section where they got to design their own cars.  Noah loves hanging with these two guys... wonder what we'll do next???

Karaoke Bleu

Our annual Fall Social was a good evening full of beer and bowling.  Afterwards, a few of us went to Karaoke Bleu to sing the night away.  It was really fun to watch friends on stage belting it out.  A few hours into the singing, a woman went on stage, who looked really familiar.  I recognized her as the lady on The Voice.  Once it was confirmed by her friends, I was super excited and felt the need to get a picture.  Erin Willet and I at Karaoke Bleu.  Is it obvious that I don't go out that much???

Camping with friends

This weekend we camped at Leo Carillo State Beach with 14 other families from preschool.  It was quite a weekend with all the kids running around.  Camping with our preschool friends was such 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???

4 more years

President Barack Obama was re-elected tonight!  We are so thrilled and excited to attend his inauguration in January!  What will that be like???