Sea Ranch- Day 1- The Beach

A few months ago a friend asked if we wanted to join their family for a weekend up at Sea Ranch towards summer's end. I jumped at the opportunity. I had long wanted to check out this supposed beautiful area of Pacific Coast and the idea of spending time with our friends Alisa, Steve and 3 year old Justin, was too good to pass up. That the weekend fell on Don's birthday was, well icing on the cake (I couldn't help writing that!)

I didn't tell my family where we were going or with whom. I just said I another another surprise trip planned. After several successful surprise trips behind us (the Claremont, Yosemite), I knew that the element of surprise would make it all the more exciting. No one knew our destination until we got in the car and I put the address for Sea Ranch in the GPS.

For those of us who live on the West Coast, we know that fog and cold usually are the daily weather of the Pacific Coastline. But we got lucky on our short holiday with warm, clear and sunny days. Which made for great early morning hikes, a canoe trip and dinner outside. We also found some blackberry bushes that were so ripe that we had to stop and pick some them.

The rugged, primal land and sea that make up the coast is stunning. I was in awe of the magnificence of the Divine's handiwork. The morning light that bounced off sea and rock was dazzling. I was reminded once again how crucial being in the natural world is to my being, to our all our beings.  Life is quieter; I felt more present; without the distractions of the mundane world remembering oneself is effortless, breathing deeply comes naturally and everything just feels calmer, balanced and connected.

Here are photos of our first morning; a hike down to the beach. We were even graced by a family of seals frolicking just a few feet from shore.

View from living room.

Garden Guest

 While we were sad that we have not seen 'our' fox this summer (we had one sighthing late spring), we were delighted by this rather large buck who came to pay us a visit early one morning. He stayed for breakfast and then took off to greener pastures.



Raindrops are Falling on Havana's Head



  Well, technically it was sprinkler drops! Ms. Havana thought, what better way to enjoy the sprinklers in the front yard than to dress up in her raincoat, rainboots and to pull out her umbrella. Oh, did I mention it was about 80 degrees outside that day?!

1st Grader

 Our first day of 1st grade at Amara's new school (Montessori Family School). And because it's Amara, the day had to start off with a dance and song! Here is Amara getting ready to leave....

....And here we are at school; backpack full with school supplies and her lunch pack filled with healthy and yummy nourishment to support that brain of hers....I love that her new school does not require uniforms. Amara will be much more comfortable in her leggings, which are less restrictive.

 

The past few days, Amara was a little nervous about starting school . Which was too be expected. We spent a lot of time talking about the new school, 1st Grade and how it's normal to be both nervous and excited. My girl asked me to stay close when we arrived this morning and she held my hand tightly as she waited to enter her class. But I know my sweet love will be just fine.  I can't wait to hear all about her day when I pick her up.

 

 

I drove off feeling nervous and excited myself; New school, new people, big changes. I am trusting that Don and I have listened correctly to our hearts in making this change in Amara's education. We only want the best for her and we pray that this new school will support her highest and best good  and that it is aligned with her soul's purpose here on earth.

 

Two Sister's Sleeping

I came home from week recently and this is how I found the girls napping. 

Nana

This summer Nana came out to California to help hold down the fort while Papa was rafting down the Grand Canyon with his family. Nana not only helped keep an eye on things while Don was away but she spent quality time the girls. 

While she was visiting, Nana read to the girls that some books used to belong to my brother and I (the Eugene B-a series about a boy in Brooklyn). We also enjoyed an outing to the aquarium in San Francisco. Of course, Nana took the girls out for ice cream (Fentons, yum!). And despite having had back surgery a month earlier, she joined us at the park and at swim lessons. Nana even picked up Havana from preschool a handful of times when I had to be at work. 

Nana left about 3 weeks ago and the girls are missing her. Just the other day Havana said out of the blue, "I wish Nana stayed a long long time" to which Amara piggybacked, "me too." As their only living grandparent I am thankful my gals have formed a loving bond with their Nana and I hope they get to visit with her again soon.

Super Girl

Amara ha become increasingly more interested in playing dress up. As a younger tot, she was more interested in exploring things, figuring things out and jumping and climbing. While those things still remain strong aspects of her personality, it has been exciting to watch her creative and imaginative sides emerge.  On this particular day, she dug out her super hero wears and topped them off with a pair of heeled shoes and went to town flying all about the place! It was delightful to watch her do her thing!

Aquarium By The Bay

Don was out of town; Nana was in town; Mom was off and the girls had no school or camp. We had time to go and explore the Bay Area. What kind of adventure could we have? It had to be a simple one. Nana just had back surgery and walking had to be limited. Anything in San Francisco would be fun and thanks to the internet and deals of the day, we scored a family pass to the Aquarium by the Bay. It turned out to be the perfect destination. Close, not too crowded, exciting, educational and entertaining.