Ice Skating!

 When the girls learned there was an outdoor skating rink in Yosemite they wanted to give it a try. I called and found out there were 3 daily sessions. Being early birds, we opted for the 8:30 a.m. session. Which turned out to be a smart move. It was frigid but not too crowded for two little people's first time on the ice.

Turned out Amara was much more enthusiastic. Havana was initially excited about after about fifteen minutes, mostly of staying close to the edge, she had enough. But that she at least gave it a try was enough to plant seeds.  She later opted to try the ice in just her boots!  

 This was Don's second time on ice skates and he did pretty good!

That's me getting in a few minutes or skating on the right. I as surprised that it was much easier than I anticipated to get back on skates after so long. When I was living in Rockland County, I used to skate on the frozen reservoir in the winter time. It was one of my favorite past times.  After all these years,  I wasn't great but I did okay! 

Views from the rink were breathtaking.

 Amara so love skating that she begged me to "please" take her again the next morning. So bright and early on Sunday out we went. I told Amara that I hoped she knew just how much I loved her because it was 28 degrees outside. Yes, I, Anjahni Davi, was outside, ice skating with Amara in 28 degree weather.  Although, it turned out I didn't ice skate with her. Amara took to the ice on her own. I figured she would stay close to the edge but it turned out that two younger people (a teen and an early twenty something) took to Amara and helped her skate around the rink. She had a blast and spent close to hour out there!

Half Dome in the background.

Amara with her new friend Vickie.

Ice skating turned out to be such a big hit that Amara made me pinky promise (where the heck did she learn that, I later wondered!) to go skating back home. I am hopeful that Ms. Havana will want to join us next time. I think we will try some kid lessons and have a go again real soon!

Lower Falls

Half Dome at Sunrise

The Falls were flowing with a rainbow. What a magical site!

Take away all the man made toys and take a child out in nature. They will not only have a much better time, they will remember themselves more easily and connect more deeply with our Mother Earth.

Rock Slide!

Atticus giving it a shot barefoot!

There is nothing quite like the imagination and creativity of a child. 

 A child's creativity is unparalleled. And one of the greatest things a child can do with their vast imagination and creativity is to discover new things and to make new things out of what seems like nothing.

On this day, while hiking to Lower Falls with our friends, the girls wanted to climb a mammoth rock. It took some hard work.But once atop they discovered there was a slide on the other side! The grown ups would never have seen it. It took the eyes of a six year old girl to notice it.

All the kids, sans Havana (who may have been afraid) gave it a ride not once but many times! It was perhaps the highlight of our morning hike (the girls talked about that rock long after) and it was a gentle reminder for me, the grown up, to stay open to the wonders that may lie before me.

Little brother Caius had to take a turn too!

Yosemite in Winter

 

We arrived late in the night; it was pitch dark but the stars were shining brightly in the sky. We woke to freezing temperatures and majestic mountains. I have long run from the cold of winter but when our friends, the Spencer Family, invited us to go to Yosemite, I knew that this would be most special time to Be in this most sacred place, even with the frigid chill of winter.

Snow!

The girls couldn't contain themselves when they learned we would be going to Yosemite in winter time. Snow! But when they learned that there was no recent snow fall they were crushed. Then my strong willed Amara declared "There will be snow!" Despite my attempts to let her know she may be let down, she insisted. The forecast called for low temps but sunny skies with no recent snowfall. But I guess my girl was right or she willed the snow to be. Because on the ground all over the Valley was old, hard, snow. There wasn't much but there was enough. Enough to jump in, roll around in, taste and of course throw! The joy of them being in the snow was well, I am not sure how to describe it. I will let the pictures do the talking!

 

 

Since there was no snow falling from the sky, Amara made her own snowflakes! She would grab the snow and toss it in the air, crying out "It's snowing!" (here her friend Atticus is looking on!)

Happy New Year!

The little people after we rang in the New Year (east coast time). They loved making cheers and a lot of noise!

We spent the 2013/2014 New Years Eve at the Hass-Jajeh house. In recent years we hosted NYE but this year the idea of cleaning, preparing, cooking-just the thoughts had me exhausted.  I was thankful for the change in venue! It was was really nice to get out of the house and share the festivities with friends both old and new. The kids all played well and the adults got to have mostly interrupted conversations that lasted more than a few minutes! We broke bread and actually ate in a relaxed manner for a change (kids were fed first!-smart parents!) It was perfect way for all our families to welcome in the New Year.

Many folks make resolutions for the New Year. Years ago I did too. But some time ago, I stopped that practice as it no longer felt like my truth; setting some goals on fixed date. It's not that I don't make resolutions. It's just that I do them when my heart guides me to do so and that can happen any day of any year. I want the girls to follow their own individual paths through life. I don't want them to follow the masses and I don't want them to follow trends. Unless the trend speaks to them on a core level.  As their mother, I  try to model for my girls to always follow their truth, not others. I am teaching the girls to walk through life according to what their heart speaks and to how Spirit guides them. Thus, there were no no resolutions. Only some introspection of the year gone by. One of the things that was on my mind was time.

Time, which is the greatest illusion, has led me to feel how quickly my life is passing by. I just can't believe we are now in the year 2014. I am very thankful that our family is together as we embrace another year. I cherish every moment I have with my family. And even though I complain frequently how tired I am, wish too many times a day for silence and feel overwhelmed by the busy life we live, I am still extremely grateful for all Spirit has graced me with. My girls bring to my life such immense joy, countless opportunities to learn and grow and love beyond measures. So it with gratitude that I step in the new year. 

Welcome 2014!

Our friend Victoria made this cheesecake.  These three were very excited to try some!

Counting down!

I can't help but think of my father when I see Times Square. For twenty years his office in NY was a couple blocks to the right of that huge teletron. Sometimes as a child I would go with my father into the city on  NYE day and we would walk around the area and I would hang out in his office. We would head home early to avoid the crowds. I cherish those memories with my dad, who has long left this earthly plane.