Willa's new name for Karri. It is too funny to hear Will hollering "lollipop laffy taffy" when she is ready to be rocked to sleep in the evening. I think it's sweet (pun intended).
Michael Lapin
melapin@gmail.com
(206) 310-3448
Friday, December 17, 2010
Thursday, December 2, 2010
FW: Santa Claus has a video message for Willa
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Saturday, November 27, 2010
Jewish Xmas?
Yeaterday we went to Trinity and picked up a Xmas tree. First year that we have not found a "bargain" tree. We also PAID for cider when there was free cider 10 feet away and while carrying the tree to the car I ripped the seam on my coat. Ugh!
On the bright side, while Karri decorated the tree, the kids watched Fiddler on the Roof. Of course, Willa told me I was not allowed to sing along.
Michael Lapin
melapin@gmail.com
(206) 310-3448
On the bright side, while Karri decorated the tree, the kids watched Fiddler on the Roof. Of course, Willa told me I was not allowed to sing along.
Michael Lapin
melapin@gmail.com
(206) 310-3448
Friday, November 19, 2010
Hawaii
OK, this entry is rather late - about a month.
In short - lots of time spent in the water - beach and pool. As always we stayed at the Kihei Surfside. First stop off the plane - Costco and Wal-Mart. Generally, hate Wal-Mart and love Costco. However, in Hawaii, no better place to pick up sand toys, beach mats, and sunscreen than Wal-Mart.
Of course I left my sunglasses on the shelf by the front door, so I did get new sunglasses at Costco. Love them. I think most days Karri and I ate the mangoes from Costco, but next time we are getting the limes there too.
The weather was great every day we were there, so putting on sunscreen was a morning ritual.
Kids got to have Froot Loops and Lucky Charms - vacation rules.
Went to the Iao valley - one of the few places that we had not been on Maui - now I see why. However, did get a few good shots of the spire. Next time I would drive staright to the spire and then do a short hike there.
Skipped Hana and skipped Haleakala. Next time.
Willa made a new friend on the beach every day - Sarah, Danya, Megan, and one other. Megan's folks live in Tacoma and know AJ and Marcela - weird concidence. Willa finds a girl, stares at her, stalks her, then approaches her. Too funny to watch. But she has no qualms about grabbing Dad's hand to walk up with her as she introduces herself to a new friend.
Ethan's highlights was using the Lookie Board - like a boogie board with a porthole so he can float on it and see all the fish. Karri and I swam him all around and he had a ton of fun. I even took Ethan to Ahihi - the fish preserve - by ourselves, and we saw two turtles.
Other highlights were almost daily Shave Ices. The place near our condo was the clear favorite (relative to the one in Lahaina that we tried). Karri loves Haupia cream on hers. Adzuki beans are an acquired taste. Ethan and Willa liked bold and bright colors/flavors and what it did to their tongues and poop.
We did a Luau one night - I even got to go up on stage with the kids and learn to hula dance. I was the only person over 10 and Karri got a good laugh. Ethan got a boar's tusk necklace and Willa got a flower necklace.
We had Ono Gelato twice - delicious. Paia is now a cute little town and the pizza place there was great.
Willa is super brave (maybe braver than we would like) and she would probably be happy wearing a life jacket (or not) and swimming out to sea. Ethan is more cautious, but the longer we were there the more comfortable he was with the ocean.
Had a fun meal at Sansei, where I went and waited in line for the 50% off time. I got in and ordered a table full of food, then Karri and the kids arived and we all ate together.
Did a typical Maui ribs evening, take out from the Vietnamese place, and Maui tacos.
Ethan brought Harry Potter book 4 and we spent a number of hours sitting on the lawn chairs and reading.
A good time was had by all and we will likely be back in a few years.
In short - lots of time spent in the water - beach and pool. As always we stayed at the Kihei Surfside. First stop off the plane - Costco and Wal-Mart. Generally, hate Wal-Mart and love Costco. However, in Hawaii, no better place to pick up sand toys, beach mats, and sunscreen than Wal-Mart.
Of course I left my sunglasses on the shelf by the front door, so I did get new sunglasses at Costco. Love them. I think most days Karri and I ate the mangoes from Costco, but next time we are getting the limes there too.
The weather was great every day we were there, so putting on sunscreen was a morning ritual.
Kids got to have Froot Loops and Lucky Charms - vacation rules.
Went to the Iao valley - one of the few places that we had not been on Maui - now I see why. However, did get a few good shots of the spire. Next time I would drive staright to the spire and then do a short hike there.
Skipped Hana and skipped Haleakala. Next time.
Willa made a new friend on the beach every day - Sarah, Danya, Megan, and one other. Megan's folks live in Tacoma and know AJ and Marcela - weird concidence. Willa finds a girl, stares at her, stalks her, then approaches her. Too funny to watch. But she has no qualms about grabbing Dad's hand to walk up with her as she introduces herself to a new friend.
Ethan's highlights was using the Lookie Board - like a boogie board with a porthole so he can float on it and see all the fish. Karri and I swam him all around and he had a ton of fun. I even took Ethan to Ahihi - the fish preserve - by ourselves, and we saw two turtles.
Other highlights were almost daily Shave Ices. The place near our condo was the clear favorite (relative to the one in Lahaina that we tried). Karri loves Haupia cream on hers. Adzuki beans are an acquired taste. Ethan and Willa liked bold and bright colors/flavors and what it did to their tongues and poop.
We did a Luau one night - I even got to go up on stage with the kids and learn to hula dance. I was the only person over 10 and Karri got a good laugh. Ethan got a boar's tusk necklace and Willa got a flower necklace.
We had Ono Gelato twice - delicious. Paia is now a cute little town and the pizza place there was great.
Willa is super brave (maybe braver than we would like) and she would probably be happy wearing a life jacket (or not) and swimming out to sea. Ethan is more cautious, but the longer we were there the more comfortable he was with the ocean.
Had a fun meal at Sansei, where I went and waited in line for the 50% off time. I got in and ordered a table full of food, then Karri and the kids arived and we all ate together.
Did a typical Maui ribs evening, take out from the Vietnamese place, and Maui tacos.
Ethan brought Harry Potter book 4 and we spent a number of hours sitting on the lawn chairs and reading.
A good time was had by all and we will likely be back in a few years.
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Friday, October 8, 2010
Fair and Fishes
We had a great time visiting Grandma Linda and Grandpa John (who looks a ton better). We made our annual pilgrimage to the Central WA Fair in Yakima (which Karri claims, and I claim the opposite, is better than the Western WA Fair).
Kids loved the rides (buying wristbands in advance is the only way to go).
Kids wanted to play a game. We agreed that it would be throwing ping pong balls into the bowls to try and win a goldfish. Thanks to the carney working the game, the kids got one ball in (OK, she got a ball in but it was hard to tell she did it, so thank you to her). They won the goldfish (and they generously gave us a 2nd so each kid would have one). So, now we are in $5 for 25 cents worth of goldfish.
Of course, goldfish need a tank. We went to PetSmart on the way home - picked up a small tank, some food, rocks, fake plant, and a rock cave. Of course the filter didn't work, so returned that the next day and bought a thermometer, water conditioner, and water tester strips. So, with fish, in to the process for about $100.
Both fishes have been sent to the big porcelain god. Whoops!
Kids loved the rides (buying wristbands in advance is the only way to go).
Kids wanted to play a game. We agreed that it would be throwing ping pong balls into the bowls to try and win a goldfish. Thanks to the carney working the game, the kids got one ball in (OK, she got a ball in but it was hard to tell she did it, so thank you to her). They won the goldfish (and they generously gave us a 2nd so each kid would have one). So, now we are in $5 for 25 cents worth of goldfish.
Of course, goldfish need a tank. We went to PetSmart on the way home - picked up a small tank, some food, rocks, fake plant, and a rock cave. Of course the filter didn't work, so returned that the next day and bought a thermometer, water conditioner, and water tester strips. So, with fish, in to the process for about $100.
Both fishes have been sent to the big porcelain god. Whoops!
Friday, October 1, 2010
pook
Ralph came to visit Willa last night. I think this is about her 8th, compared to Ethan who maybe has puked twice.
Michael Lapin
206-310-3448
melapin@gmail.com
Michael Lapin
206-310-3448
melapin@gmail.com
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Class picture from Tuesday
Two class pictures from Tuesdays trip to the Salmon Hatchery.
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Saturday, September 25, 2010
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
College Redux
One of my first posts to the blog was this one: Saving For College.
After doing some more research, here are my amended thoughts.
1. College tuition seems to be outstripping inflation and the S&P 500. This has gone on for a while and shows no signs of letting up. However, the best that we can do as parents is invest somewhat aggressively, then when each kid turns 15 or so become more conservative, and hope for the best.
2. My current plan is to try and save 60% of tuition (for each kid, including any grandparent contributions), pay 20% with current income, and get loans for the remaining 20%.
For Ethan assuming (a) private college, which is currently averaging (per the College Board ) $39,028 per year, (b) that he will be entering in approximately 13 years, and (c) that tuition increases 6% per year: $364,160 (pretty close to what it worked out to be last time)
Assuming that we want to save pay 60% from savings, that means we need to have $218,496 saved, which would mean saving about $928 per month. However, if I already have 10K in a 529 plan (not sure if I do, but could be close) and if my parents have already put 50K into a GET (not sure why anyone would use a GET, but that is another story altogether), then I only need to save $373 per month.
Without a college calculator (see prior post for a couple), I did a "back of the envelope" calculation, and made this determination:
2008-2009 Williams tuition plus fees and expenses (I think including room and board) $37,640 or Whitman $35,192. Average = $36,416
For 4 years = $145,664, which we assume is what we need today to put away to meet future cost, so it can grow and keep pace with rising tuition costs (even though it has outstripped inflation and CPI and avg returns recently). Then take 60% of that for $87,398
If we already have $60K saved, then that totals $27,398 to have saved today (which is impossible).
However, the FV of $27398 at 6% in 13 years is $59,652 and the monthly savings at 6% to generate that $59,652 would be $253. Makes things look doable for us but the delta from the calculator's numbers makes me think something got left out.
Big Lie is that the investments and tuition will grow at 6%. More likely is that the money invested grows slower than tuition. Too scared to try and run the numbers assuming tuition grows at 6.5% and investments at 4.5%.
OK, ran it on the second set of numbers - means I only need to save about $300 per month per kid. Still something seems off compared to the calculator. Regardless, need to continue to hope for financial aid as our savings are not going to cover even 60% of the costs.
A big question mark will be the application of GET money - will it grow at the rate of private school tuition, public school tuition, or investments generally, and then how will it be applied to cover college costs. Could be the difference between us needing save $300 per month or $600 per month. Either way a deficit compared to what is actually occurring, the question is how big a deficit.
After doing some more research, here are my amended thoughts.
1. College tuition seems to be outstripping inflation and the S&P 500. This has gone on for a while and shows no signs of letting up. However, the best that we can do as parents is invest somewhat aggressively, then when each kid turns 15 or so become more conservative, and hope for the best.
2. My current plan is to try and save 60% of tuition (for each kid, including any grandparent contributions), pay 20% with current income, and get loans for the remaining 20%.
For Ethan assuming (a) private college, which is currently averaging (per the College Board ) $39,028 per year, (b) that he will be entering in approximately 13 years, and (c) that tuition increases 6% per year: $364,160 (pretty close to what it worked out to be last time)
Assuming that we want to save pay 60% from savings, that means we need to have $218,496 saved, which would mean saving about $928 per month. However, if I already have 10K in a 529 plan (not sure if I do, but could be close) and if my parents have already put 50K into a GET (not sure why anyone would use a GET, but that is another story altogether), then I only need to save $373 per month.
Without a college calculator (see prior post for a couple), I did a "back of the envelope" calculation, and made this determination:
2008-2009 Williams tuition plus fees and expenses (I think including room and board) $37,640 or Whitman $35,192. Average = $36,416
For 4 years = $145,664, which we assume is what we need today to put away to meet future cost, so it can grow and keep pace with rising tuition costs (even though it has outstripped inflation and CPI and avg returns recently). Then take 60% of that for $87,398
If we already have $60K saved, then that totals $27,398 to have saved today (which is impossible).
However, the FV of $27398 at 6% in 13 years is $59,652 and the monthly savings at 6% to generate that $59,652 would be $253. Makes things look doable for us but the delta from the calculator's numbers makes me think something got left out.
Big Lie is that the investments and tuition will grow at 6%. More likely is that the money invested grows slower than tuition. Too scared to try and run the numbers assuming tuition grows at 6.5% and investments at 4.5%.
OK, ran it on the second set of numbers - means I only need to save about $300 per month per kid. Still something seems off compared to the calculator. Regardless, need to continue to hope for financial aid as our savings are not going to cover even 60% of the costs.
A big question mark will be the application of GET money - will it grow at the rate of private school tuition, public school tuition, or investments generally, and then how will it be applied to cover college costs. Could be the difference between us needing save $300 per month or $600 per month. Either way a deficit compared to what is actually occurring, the question is how big a deficit.
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Ethan's first soccer game today
Per Ethan, "I am not playing to win, I am playing because I have to."
Michael Lapin
206-310-3448
melapin@gmail.com
Michael Lapin
206-310-3448
melapin@gmail.com
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Naughty, but charming...
Ethan Michael Lapin or William Jefferson Clinton.
Michael Lapin
206-310-3448
melapin@gmail.com
Michael Lapin
206-310-3448
melapin@gmail.com
Saturday, September 4, 2010
Going, going, gone.
Michael Lapin
206-310-3448
melapin@gmail.com
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
syllables
Apparently at KC the other day they were talking for about 10 minutes about syllables; now E seemsto understand the concept and is proudly demonstrating his new-found knowledge. He also read, I think not just recited from memory, the first 38 pages of Go Dog, Go, with only minimal help or corrections. With a little motivation and practice, he could really be reading before his 6th birthday.
Just finished Percy Jackson book 5; started Harry Potter book 1. Ethan declared it "totally awesome!"
Michael Lapin
206-310-3448
melapin@gmail.com
Just finished Percy Jackson book 5; started Harry Potter book 1. Ethan declared it "totally awesome!"
Michael Lapin
206-310-3448
melapin@gmail.com
I'll be wrapped around your finger...
The Police must have known about Willa. She has us wrapped around her finger. By the 7th trip upstairs each night - water, lovey, swinkle, potty, etc. - we can sometimes barely keep our patience, but fortunately she is super cute with an impish little grin, so it is hard to get mad at her.
Michael Lapin
206-310-3448
melapin@gmail.com
Michael Lapin
206-310-3448
melapin@gmail.com
Crazy concerns
After watching a 7 year old tap dancer, started to wonder should we already have E & W in music lessons? A sport? Foreign language?
Probably only a concern of the last 20 years or so. Before then, kids got to be kids. Now we are all worried that our kids aren't starting early enough to get the 10,000 hours of practice to excel at something or the opportunity to try everything.
Heck, our kids haven't even made it to Sunday school yet. When will they learn about being Jews?
Guess there will be time, but let's just add this to the stresses of being a modern parent, bury it in the back of the mind, and hope everything works itself out in due course.
Michael Lapin
206-310-3448
melapin@gmail.com
Probably only a concern of the last 20 years or so. Before then, kids got to be kids. Now we are all worried that our kids aren't starting early enough to get the 10,000 hours of practice to excel at something or the opportunity to try everything.
Heck, our kids haven't even made it to Sunday school yet. When will they learn about being Jews?
Guess there will be time, but let's just add this to the stresses of being a modern parent, bury it in the back of the mind, and hope everything works itself out in due course.
Michael Lapin
206-310-3448
melapin@gmail.com
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Crazy kids
The information contained in this message may be confidential and legally privileged. The message is intended solely for the addressee(s). If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any use, forwarding, dissemination, or reproduction of this message is strictly prohibited and may be unlawful. If you are not the intended recipient, please contact the sender by return e-mail and destroy all copies of the original message.
The information contained in this message may be confidential and legally protected under applicable law. The message is intended solely for the addressee(s). If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any use, forwarding, dissemination, or reproduction of this message is strictly prohibited and may be unlawful. If you are not the intended recipient, please contact the sender by return e-mail and destroy all copies of the original message.
Monday, August 16, 2010
Emailing: IMG_9715.jpg
The information contained in this message may be confidential and legally protected under applicable law. The message is intended solely for the addressee(s). If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any use, forwarding, dissemination, or reproduction of this message is strictly prohibited and may be unlawful. If you are not the intended recipient, please contact the sender by return e-mail and destroy all copies of the original message.
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
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