Pt. Bonita Lighthouse

Papa Don had a terrific idea; a day trip to Pt. Bonita lighthouse. The only downside; it took us about three weeks to make it there (too many weekend birthday parties!) But on this past Sunday, when the sky was unusually free of the infamous Bay fog and wind, we found ourselves at the Pacific Ocean visiting this this 160 year old lighthouse.

I had never been on the other side of the Golden Gate. Seeing the views from the other side was pretty magnificent and the short hike (half mile at most) down a hill, through a very old and dark tunnel and over a narrow and rickety bridge made it all the more exciting. The exercision couldn't have come at a better time having been holed up for a couple of days trying to rest and recover from a weeks too long cold. Being with my family in the sun and sea air were all the perfect medicine.

I can always tell my physical and mental health are improving when I feel inspired to take photographs. There were plenty of photo ops at this off the beaten path, hidden jewel. We may have had our first trip this past Sunday but I suspect we will be back again soon.

 

Reflections on Halloweens Past

I came upon these photos while preparing for a post on our current years visit to the farm to pick pumpkins. I was taken aback by how recent these photos were taken and yet in the life of little people, they have changed so much in such a short time. I feel time passing by so quickly and I feel sad that this life is so fleeting. This is why I take photos. This is why I blog; to remember the things that touched our families heart and brought smiles and joy to us. I am not so interested in posting yet another photo of my children but I aim to capture the memories because this life is so very fleeting.

I owe a big debt of gratitude to my friend and fellow (and far better) photographer and blogger Valerie Frey Stone for encouraging me to blog. I am so thankful that I listened to her wise words to keep record of the things that matter most.

California Sunset

(Photos taken late September 2015 from the El Cerrito Hills)

Glimpses of the Southern Florida (Miami & The Keys)

While South Florida may not my earth home, it is the land of my birth and every time I set foot on the tropical soil I feel comfortable and relaxed. It is a home away from home.

During my recent short but rejuvenating stay, my camera was never far from reach so I could capture some of that which makes Southern Florida the special it is.

3rd & 1st Years~Together

We are four weeks into our school year. This year, Amara is a 3rd year and Havana a 1st. In Montessori, the kids are in mixed age classrooms, which means now that Havana is a 1st year the girls are together.

Initially, I was concerned. I have been long aware that Amara needs her own separate space but so far with the size of the class and each having their own buddy (1st years have a 3rd year buddy) and friends, they have been able to be in the same room without much interaction. It's working out great so far.

The thing that stands out the most so far is that school has started. This impermanent life is passing by so quickly. The girls are already knee deep into learning cursive (Amara) and adding (Havana). Amara has started running club, with the newly formed Girls on the Run chapter at our school. Havana will hopefully start doing yoga soon with an after school enrichment class.

The social aspect of school is just as exciting. Both girls are thrilled to be with their friends, both old and new, and not a school day passes without pleas for a playdate. Besides consistent pleas for hanging out with their pals, I have to be armed with snacks for my "I'm starving" girls. They are often silent the ride home as they eat and decompress from their full day. And at night they fall asleep spent from their full day of learning, community and fun.

Line up on the first day

Amara and her buddies, including BFF Aniyah, so excited to be back together again.