santa cruz

We took a quick escape from the business of life and visited our friends in Santa Cruz. Even though it was really windy and sand was gushed against our skin we took a little trip to the beach.

So beautiful and to think we actually life so close to such a magnificent place. When my parents come in the summer we have to go there again. (Right, Hollu and Mama?!)

happy mother's day

(sophia's drawing of me and her this mother's day)

I wish all Mother's a very beautiful day. One feeling that awakes on this day is my gratitude towards the little people that me a mom. The girl who first made me a mother and the boy who did it for a second time. I love them so much. Especially in difficult times they are my inspiration to take the courageous road, to stand up against unfairness even if it is hard, to choose the people I want to be around, to follow the path that leads me to be the person I want to be.

Happy Mother's Day, Mama.

love note to the sun

Enjoying Sunday breakfast outside, me and the children.

We love you California sun!

just 'cause

I love them so!

happy easter

Happy Easter! I love spring. We celebrate new life and joy. Easter gives us one more way to celebrate all that is joyous and sacred to us.

Mateo thought it was exciting to look for colorful eggs in the yard. For him the highlight came though when he saw the Easter bunny among the community gathering on the lawn. He still asks for him and wants to see him again.

Sophia was the big sister helping Mateo find eggs. She really is gotten older. I am so glad they have each other.

Time to get ready for another school week. We only have seven more weeks until summer break!

Happy Easter evening!

happy new year 2011

vacation day 5 & 6 (our last two days)

As you know Mateo loves to ride the train and so we wanted to include a train ride in our vacation. Sophia had some requests too, she wanted to go to the library, a playground, and the apple store (or was that more Papa's request?!) Theodore and I both wanted to go out for brunch and a cafe later in the day. So, in order to fulfill all wishes and a nap time for the boy, we rode the train back and fort and made different stops in between. It felt a little silly, but made it all the more fun and felt like a vacation adventure.

On our last day we fulfilled one more of Sophia's request to go bowling. We have a bowling place right around the corner. She and Theodore had a great time playing, Mateo and I were the crowd cheering them on. Mateo's other job? Looking for and announcing then the balls came back.

We spend the afternoon at a beautiful park. Taking in the fresh air, fine colors and simple quiet and stillness, knowing that the business of life was soon to come back.

vacation day 2

Our second vacation day was spend in San Francisco. As we rarely get to do these kind of adventures, we simply enjoyed walking the streets of San Francisco, riding the carousel, enjoying Golden Gate park, shopping at Haight- Ashbury, and walking among the lights on Christmas Lane.

Today we are singing, cleaning and preparing for a magical Christmas Eve. Psst, the tree is all decked and hidden in the neighbors yard! ;) I can't wait for the children to walk down the stairs tonight, celebrating this special birthday of Jesus Christ.

Merry Christmas to one and all!

vacation day 1

We went to Santa Cruz today. To the beach we went, visited the sea lions and enjoyed a charming cafe down town. It was a refreshing and a simply beautiful day.

A warm soup was welcomed as we returned home. Together we sang to end our day. Singing together has become a favorite little ritual. Each of us suggests and shares a song for us to sing. No matter your age, everyone can participate and benefit from the joyous atmosphere singing can create.

Now the children are asleep and the house has turned quiet again. Good night, happy day!

can you see the rainbow?!

sophia wrote all our names in the sand and then theodore added the heart in between ;)

watching those sea lions closely!