Lady Bug Hike

The Brownies in our troop have an insect patch they needed to earn as part of being a Brownie. This would include learning about inspects and the role they play in our world.

It just so happened that the patch had a lady bug on it and wh en I saw it my mind immediately flashed to the millions of ladybugs that hibernate each winter up in the Redwood Regional park (take a look at our family hike from last year http://twosmallgems.blogspot.com/2014/01/lady-bug-girls.html).  With that in mind, I began planning a hike through the majestic redwoods our Brownies would be able to get up close and personal with these little creatures.

The Daisies in our troop would join us (they would get their patch early). It turned out that a handful of our girls all came down with the stomach flu so not all could make it but for those who did, it was a special experience; the hike was long and the girls had to push themselves; but the redwoods are magical and the air was so fresh that I am sure they all slept well that night.

Along the way I shared fun facts about lady bugs so the girls (and some brothers and sisters who joined us) would be more informed about Ladybugs (we learned what their spots represent, what they eat, that there are several colors of Ladybugs and what that means). It was a great hike and the girls (and boys) were delighted when we arrived to the ladybug's winter home.  When we arrived at our destination, there were millions of these tiny insects resting in the grass, on logs and on sign posts. (however there were significantly less than last year; which I was curious about). All were in awe that there could so many Ladybugs in one place. It was pretty remarkable.

What stood out even more however, was the girls themselves;  the way they stayed together, playing, running, singing and holding hands as they hiked down and then up a very steep hill.  They called to each other when they saw something exciting or interesting (like a horseshoe like fossil on a rock in the stream; or ladybugs on a bench). I was humbled how the girls looked out for and supported each other.

When I set out to start the troop I wanted my own girls to connect with other girls and do things that would teach, inspire, excite and connect them with others and the natural world.  On a day like the Lady Bug Hike, I felt that my goal was being accomplished. Our troop truly rocks with not just super girls but with parents that are engaged and involved. It was a memorable outing, one that our Daisies and Brownies will remember for some time.

Hiking through the redwoods, the girls learned that the trees were upwards of a hundred years old. I asked them to look up and boy were they surprised how tall they were!

I wanted the girls to feel comfortable in the outdoors; to learn that nature is mostly safe and welcoming to them. I loved that when the girls saw the ladybugs they felt comfortable enough to touch them and I was quite impressed with how gentle they were, so much so that they were careful where they walked because hundreds were also on the ground.

It was not easy going on the return hike. After more than a mile down hill, the girls put in a good 1 1/2 miles of mostly uphill walking, which also served a lesson for them; they could do something challenging and that challenging things bring great rewards. A lesson that is an important one for this life. But once we made it back....they were pooped out!

We ended our  hike with our circle which included the Girl Scout song, "Make New Friends" which is always fun to sing. I was so proud of  my troop! They did a great job hiking and being with the ladybugs. They more than earned their patches!

Argentine Fairies

The girls, but especially Amara, love fairies! So much so that Don and Amara built a fairy house (check out http://twosmallgems.blogspot.com/2014/09/fairy-house.html to see photos). So when we were in San Martin de los Andes, Argentina and I came upon these handmade fairies flying around a cute little local artisans shop, I just knew they had to go home with us.

Since it was close to the holidays I decided to secretly purchase them and give them for presents. It was a bit tricky (not only keeping them hidden but they are also fragile) but thankfully they made it safely back to California where I then hid them in a place far out of reach. On Christmas morning they sat wrapped in paper, underneath the tree. Did the girls like them? They loved them! Now, these two precious fairies new home is in the girls room, bringing magic and maybe some mischief. 

January Moon

The Full Moon this month was much brighter than others. There was a ring of light around the moon that was much more visible than I had seen previously. This photo doesn't quite capture it unfortunately.

A Very Cold Winter Day

It's been cold; Very Cold. Too Cold. The kind of, 'I ain't leaving the house' cold. But after several days off and being mostly home bound, I had to move the energy in my body. So I made an announcement; "Come on! We're going on a hike." Don's only input was we had to walk from the house. No problem. I didn't want to get in a car (it would take too long to warm up! and I really don't like to drive if I don't have to.) 

It didn't take long to get ready; I filled the water bottles and packed our snack bags with walnuts, apples and pretzels; I grabbed jackets and my camera, of course and off we went up the road towards the Pinole Ridge. 

Apparently the girls needed to get out too because despite the 46 degree temperature they didn't want their jackets instead opting to warm up with running up the hills!  We hiked, played, swung at the Oak tree and then took a new route home.  When all was said and we were done it was closer to 40 degrees and we had walked several miles over two hours. The girls were well tired but a hot bath and some food warmed their little bones and we all slept all the better that night!

 

the barely visible moon is what makes this shot!

goat covered hill!

 

We passed a house with this wreath. Amara pointed it out. I loved it!

the sun was going down by the time we reached home. the moon was so lovely that night....

Happy Poo Year!

We rang in the New Year with a much scaled down NYE's gathering. I am not sure if I have been feeling the pull for less vs. more because of my chronic fatigue, age or as a reflection of the inner-work I have been going through the past six-eight months. Or maybe it's a combination of all three. Either way, having just a few friends over felt much more doable and a lot less pressured. It turned out to be just perfect (although we were sad that a couple of families we love could not join us.)  The kids got on fabulously and the grownups got to share in a communal nix nax of finger foods and deep, thought provoking conversation. When our guest left at just before 9 p.m. (yes, that right; it was also an early night; something all families were more than happy with), I felt much gratitude for the on-going relationships our family has with some truly special people. I didn't think much of intentions for the New Year; I gave that up years ago. But as I sit here and reflect on our sweet evening I realize that no matter what the year I want to continue to nurture relationships that are authentic, real, positive and equally supportive. I hope that I can manifest this, or continue to, and let that be part of the girls fabric of life.

Happy New Year!