Jacob's Bar Mitzvah - Friday Night Service

Michael managed to take a few pictures after Friday night's service. Jacob did several prayers on Friday night. He did well and I think it helped prep him for Saturday morning.

The green kippah (yarmulkas) made a big hit.

Jacob looked so snappy in his new suit.

These ladies are part of the sisterhood who made the cake according to Jacob's specifications; white cake, white frosting.

Nothing like a formal event to get your kid to smile.

After Friday night's service, Michael and I went home to assemble 48 cupcake hamburgers.

They were well worth the effort as I think they were a very popular item. We hope to be able to share more pictures later.

Making New Memories

We spent the day helping Thea with some house projects.  Jacob got the job of decorating the tree which he did enthusiastically.

Thea continues with the sisters are forever theme.

Thea's new stocking.

Jacob's favorite ornaments.

The finished tree looked quite festive.

After we were finished with our chores Jacob finally sat in the Papasan chair.  Thea put the bean bag on top of him.  We all had a good time making this house a home.  Thea gets her new furniture Monday.

What I Am Thankful For

It was really hard saying goodbye to our childhood home but we will always have our memories.  Enjoy the trip down memory lane.

Thea's graduation 1976 and 2013.

Before move in 1970 and 2013.

I am thankful for my sisters, who I would not have made it through this year without them.  I am thankful for my idyllic childhood and the wisdom to know that it was idyllic.  I am thankful for my parents and all that they have taught me.  I am thankful for my family and the love that I receive.  That is what I am thankful for.  Happy Thanksgiving.

Thea's New House

A House Becomes a Home

Jacob helped assemble the new palm tree, in his new fancy duds.

It was a family affair today.  Scott and Michael put in new locks.

And most importantly, a meal was served.  A house becomes a home.  We look forward to many new memories.

Childhood Memories

These dessert glasses were filled with Jello parfaits, pudding or ice cream sundaes while I was growing up.  They represent a happy childhood.  This Friday I decided to have ice cream sundaes with my family to honor my father's memory.

After his cup was filled Jacob patiently waited until we all had done ours before he ate.  When we sat down together Jacob said "Shouldn't we say a blessing for Grandpa?  This is for Grandpa, right?"  Lesson learned.

We celebrated an early Thanksgiving on Tuesday with Howard who was in town for the holiday. We went out for non-turkey fixings at Lucille's.  Thank goodness for iPhones when you forget a camera.  A nice picture of 3 generations of Zwangs.  

Hollywood Bowl

The Zwang's scored Hollywood Bowl tickets thanks to Kristen.  I have mentioned her before, she is the neighbor of Hank & Berta and we have nicknamed her Fairy Godmother.  These weren't just any tickets but  Pool Circle tickets, they were front row seats.

Since there were only 4 tickets I sent Michael and Jacob off for a good time.

Dudamel was conducting the LA Philharmonic.  Verdi Rigoletto was the music. 

Jacob said he enjoyed staying up past his bedtime and he liked the hot chocolate and cookies.  A good time was had by all.

Hank's Birthday

It is the start of the August birthdays.  We celebrated Hank's birthday by eating at Le Petit Cafe in Santa Monica.  http://www.lepetitcafebonjour.com/menus.html a French bistro.

Jacob had fun with the camera at this dinner.  Happy 82nd Birthday Hank!

Look Who's 85!

Celebrating Dad's birthday at Outback Steakhouse.  He got a free sundae and I think we all wanted one.

Thea had an idea to play with her silverware.  She should know that I will post these on my blog. Happy Birthday, Dad!

Jaclyn's Graduation

Ah, high school graduation.  Seems like just yesterday that I was baby sitting her.  Jaclyn graduated with the following honors:  Pathway Cords in Arts & Communication and Performing Arts Careers as well as Community Service for minimum of 100 hours of service.  We are so proud of you!

Family Reunion

We had a family reunion with a visit from Errol, Howard and Margie.  Errol drove in from Idaho and Howard and Margie drove in from El Sobrente in the bay area.  It was a real fun day with a great BBQ meal by Scott.  

Chocolate-Malt Cake.  I finally did it, I made a chocolate cake that was too chocolate and too sweet.  Most of us could not finish our piece.  Michael ended up eating most of the left-overs.

Howard and Hank smiling it up.

Howard, Hank and Micheal.

Sister and brother, Berta and Errol. 

We are grateful to see our family and that they took the time to drive out and see us.  We look forward to more visits in the future.

Look Who's Seven

Jacob enjoying his birthday presents. Wearing his Silly Bandz, Mickey watch and making origami.
Who doesn't love a Sundae, he couldn't finish it.

Happy Birthday Jacob!

Happy Birthday Hank

Today was Hank's 80th birthday. We had a small family celebration at our house. Michael made eggs benedict, Hank's favorite, for brunch. Then we celebrated with pineapple upside down cake.

In the afternoon, the boys kept busy with Jacob's new desk. Ikea of course but I think that ended up being Jacob's favorite part.

We ended the day with dinner at the Chart House in Marina del Rey. We had a great meal and a celebrity sighting, Kareem Abdul -Jabbar.