Today’s warm weather might’ve been the very last chance for Mika to ride her scooter without a coat … and in her new (favorite!) penguin dress. Olivia took her scooter for a first ‘long distance’ ride when she joined us for an after school play date at our house.

Long day today … Mika skipped school and i took both kids to a double date with their pediatrician in Manhattan (12mo and 4T checkup). The wait was as long as usual and they had plenty of time to mix up the facilities. Tobin got his blood tested, which is usually the part when all little kids scream bloody murder. He however just calmly observed the nurse sticking the needle into his vein and the little baby vial being filled up. Everybody was quite impressed with him.

Afterwards we met up with Jacob in Park Slope for a great (but late!) play date. At the end of the day and despite a shocking lack of nap time, Tobin still had enough energy to dodge his pajama and put in a quick call with the big kids …

Even with the best people elected into the White House, this recession is not going to disappear anytime soon. Good thing our kids are members of a tight clothes trading network – Mika is mostly passing down but Tobin actually gets to enjoy some nice freebies, like this jacket from Mika’s friend Tyler.

My good old friend Peter was in town this week to open his new exhibition at Laurence Miller Gallery. He made time to spend a day with us in Brooklyn, and we could take advantage of the most beautiful November weather one could ask for. Working off her acid blue sugar high, Mika played until well after sunset at the DUMBO playground. Our walk back on the waterfront offered a bit of urban beauty and -absurdity fitting right into the spirit of Peter’s projects (last two pictures are his snapz).

Finally, Mika could dress up as ‘Purple Kitty’ all day long. She had masterminded her Halloween costume months in advance, even tried out face painting to preview the idea. Tobin accompanied Mika in full (penguin) costume to school, but masks were not allowed. I tried to match the street fair face painting just in time for our local Halloween Parade in Cobble Hill Park, where we met up with ‘Mushy Banana’ Tyler and his parents. The kids went nuts at Garden Place, turning slowly into chocolate-filled versions of themselves.

Finally i am able to post some pictures from Tobin’s big Birthday Party last Saturday (i got side tracked by preparing Mika’s Halloween costume). Almost all of his baby friends turned out and along with their big siblings we had 12 (!) kids in the house. Add 18 grownups and you have a rockin’ celebration. Tobin’s great grandmother brought a festive birthday suit (Tol Bok), rice cakes and fruit so he could take the Korean rite of passage rituals in style. Just like his sister, he picked the pen out of three items to choose from (pen, book, ball of yarn) which predicts that he’ll be a great scholar. Well, we already know he’s a smart lil’ monkey!

Finally all stars aligned for a special event we had postponed too many times already: a first play date between Roman, Bruno, and Tobin. Hailing from NJ, NY, and BK respectively, we met at Bruno’s place this time. They got along great so it’ll be fun to continue bonding this Saturday at Tobin’s party.

Unbelievable, how fast this year flew by! It seems like yesterday, that we brought you home. Then again, we can’t imagine our family with less than 4 people anymore. You are the best son (brother) we could wish for and you’ve made the most profound impact on our lives already. Love, MiNiSu.

UPDATE: When we arrived for pickup at Choo Choo Train, Mika’s class had prepared to sing ‘Happy Birthday’ to Tobin … complete with pretend cupcake and candle!

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For the first time in over 100 years, the Domino Sugar Refinery waterfront in Williamsburg was open to the public. The landmark factory is going to be turned into housing and a public park. We joined Cynthia and Phil for a last chance to see the buildings in their original state.

… Adrienne and Darren!

May your new home and life be filled with West Coast sunshine, friends, love and everything you wish for. We’ll miss you dearly, but (as Mika would say): see you later, alligator!

All students and alumnis of Choo Choo Train were invited with their families to a Saturday ‘Fall Picnic’. The weather was spectacular and so were the attractions: live jazz, face painting, pumpkin carving, marshmallow roasting, coffee & cakes, pizza. Even the babies had a blast inspecting the grass and each other.

Was it just Friday afternoon? Was it the sudden drop in temperature? For some reason, Carrol Park seemed almost deserted today, except for our lively crowd of Choo Choo Train classmates. They took over the swings, the slides, and jumped on the wiggly bridge until Mika was sick to her stomach. Leyla played big sister to Tobin, who tried to munch on all freshly fallen leaves he could get his hands on…