Run Don Run

Don and one of his running buddies Jon ran a 5 K this morning at Pt. Pinole. Both our and Jon's family came out to cheer them on. Jon placed 3rd in his age group & Don placed 1st in his!! Way to go!

Jon 

Amara, up high, on the look out for her Papa.

Havana spotting her Papa.

Jon & Don (and Niobe) with their medals.

Pondering

Rockridge Bound

The girls and I had planned a trip on B.A.R.T. with the Hass-Jajeh girls weeks ago. This photo clearly depicts their excitement at this long awaited trip. (and I think Hana & Angie were excited too!)

 I felt completely safe that my girls were sitting alone. They had bat girl there to protect them!

Sweet Angie felt more comfortable on her Papa's lap.

First stop, Rockridge Kids, where they spent some time checking out all the fun toys. My girls also helped pick out a birthday present for their friend.

Next stop, Pasta Pomodora. It was still fairly warm when we arrived so sitting outside was a great choice for some wiggly tots!

Roger being silly or maybe just expressing the frustration of a very long day! 

Some play time after dinner, before heading home.

Heading home.

Being able to put the ticket in the turn style was a highlight for Amara!

Spring Holy Days~2013

I love when Spring arrives. And while I am not one big on holidays and their rituals, Spring brings a few that I do enjoy having our family partake in. Easter Egg hunts represent anticipation, seeking and finding, the symbolism of rebirth and the sweetness that life on earth can bring. Passover reminds us to look within where we are not free in our own lives and asks us to question how we can become freer (spiritually, mentally, emotionally, physically.) Passover also asks us to question how we can help our brothers and sisters on the planet to be freer as well. Passover, in part, symbolizes that life can be hard but that it doesn't have to always be hard. There is liberation and there is grace. Passover also brings back many wonderful childhood memories of family. It has been my intention that these events will become part of the fabric of good memories in my girls lives.

Kisses at the easter egg hunt.

Amara looks quite serious. I wonder what she was thinking!

This was the first year Havana didn't need as much assistance with finding eggs. She couldn't keep up with the bigger kids but she held her own!

Ashley, one of Havana's friends.

Havana, Magnolia, Ashley

Passover:

We shared Passover with our friends Alissa, Steve and Justin again this year, along with some of their friends.

                    
                   

                 

Some of the other Little People who were present. Brandon (on the left) and Havana quickly became "best friends" !!

Amara's been finding a lot of ladybugs lately. I thought it symbolic to find one on this night.

Justin partaking in the Seder.

Reading from the haggadah.

Steve singing the prayers Northern California style.

I made kremsilach for the first time. Not as good as my Aunt Maxines but pretty tasty. I have discovered that my family may have been the only Jews that make this dish!