Dinner with our friends!!

 

I don't know why I didn't get pictures of the older girls. Probably because they were just having too much fun together.

 

We had a great night together- great food, great company.

 

Although next time, I really do want to see Ram's dancing videos and a picture of Mrs. Fernandez when she got married.

 

I do have to mention, the salad was spectacular. I think I could eat that for the rest of my life and be happy.

Playing Hookie- Because that's just what Ram and I do

 

We were so glad that Ram and the kids came to town. We got to spend a lovely day at the lake together. It wasn't too hot and it was nice to make commentary on people's facebook pictures.

 

 

Everyone got along swimmingly. Is that a lame joke? I think so.

 

Beauties!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

This is about as good a picture of Ram and I as you get. I look forward to doing this when we're 70.

 

Just because sometimes you need to take pictures of white men with braids and their cocktails.

 

Thanks Ram for a great morning!!

 

Also, just for memories sake, our children needed to get a Frisbee so they broke the fence. And we just pretended we didn't notice.

Eli dressed Ella...

 

And this was the result. Kind of love it.

Holi Festival of Colors

We hit the jackpot with this one. Holi is a celebration in the Hindu religion to celebrate love and colors. It's a time to forgive and forget, to repair broken relationships. As I was doing the yoga and meditation, the deep breathing it felt peaceful.

I think there is something to say for the purity of white. The cleanliness of it. As fun as all the coloring was, at the end of the day I wanted my clothes clean.

Unfortunately, right at the start I think Eli got stung by a wasp. He was not happy. But I'm not really sure what happened because nothing swelled and he was able to calm down in 1 minute, though he was very sullen for about 20. (And rightly so, he was in pain!)

This I loved as much as the coloring! The dancing was incredible, I was amazed at their stamina and grace. I loved learning the moves and they just made it really fun. The stories told through dance in the culture are just beautiful.

We were asked to hug at least 10 strangers. It felt really nice to be close to others, to wish them happiness. The kids were just staring at me. Out go the lessons of stranger danger with Holi! It was nice to smile at others, to see them. To connect. Sometimes we are so utterly alone and I loved taking this opportunity to remember we aren't alone.

Ella really did like it but was a bit shell shocked at everything. She definitely wasn't expecting to be covered in paint.

I could definitely see how forgiveness is possible when you are smearing paint on each other's faces and dancing to the beat. When you are waving your arms in the air and partaking of the brightness surrounding of you.

Plus in India they make cannibus drinks for everyone.

I can see how that would make you more prone to repair relationships.

The kids were hesitant to let go and dance. They loved watching everyone, but eventually they cut loose and danced too!

This was so random and wonderful that it was there.

Love my kiddos!! Grateful for such a fun time!!!

Greek Fest - Missing Mom

 

As the Greek Orthodox children danced, people threw money at them. It was very Greek. From my earliest memories, money has always been given as a gift.

Generosity.

 

My mom always loved the Greek Fest. The food. The people. The music.

 

You can't help but go and sit there and remember when she was there by your side. And now we just have to keep going on. And she isn't sitting there talking about the baklava being too dry, but eating it anyways.

 

Sorry mom. But you know it's true. And I'd eat it dry too.

 

 

Jody took the kids to get balloons. They were so excited. They are always so excited to be near him and see him. He's good to them and I'm grateful for that.

 

 

Yaya Sofia bought 10 tickets for us. We were hoping she could come, but she just doesn't feel well these days. I feel so helpless.

I hate to see her in pain. I'm tired of that lesson, but I fear it's one that will be repeated over and over.... the lesson of humility.

Of knowing there is nothing you can do but to love and get hurt.

 

Depressing! Hooray for writing posts too late at night!!

 

It was nice to see family. To see my mom's best friend Christina. To watch the kids play. To dance with Ella. To talk with cousins. To kiss Uncle Virgil on the cheek, Italian Mafioso. Man, I miss Nono sometimes.

 

 

It was a lovely night. The weather was perfect.

Proud to be Greek.

 

Jody has been serving 15 years now at the Greek Fest. He does the gyro booth. He's well loved by everyone. Everyone knows Jody. Jody knows everyone. I wouldn't be surprised if he ended up as Father Jody there.

Library Olympics

 

Man. I love the library.

It's funny how within 5 minutes, you make a choice and something so small turns into such a happy memory.

 

We had a great time playing some simple games. What made the difference?
Wonderful librarians who were soooooooo into it!!!

They were precise, efficient, and oh so fun!!

 

We had a great time cheering for each other and the other children.

 

But man, my kids are competitive.

 

And Maria.

Sweet Maria.

 

When she wins, she can't contain her excitement.

 

Ella actually won the fishing game and got a gold!!! So grateful Nina helped her out!!

 

Very serious, ready to medal.

 

Loving Maria's school influence of meditation and yoga.

 

It was a fun afternoon. Plus the kids got free books for the reading program, really nice ones!! And we finished a couple reading program missions.

 

I do have to mention that there weren't a lot of kids there so they asked the adults to participate. I was the only one who would and of course I tried to make it so that I wouldn't win. And on accident, I did. So they made me take the gold medal away from a 5 and 3 year old.

 

It was a lower moment in my life.

 

However, I did manage to sneak behind the librarians back and give it to the little girl who just said, let's trade.

 

Maria's classroom is the same one that this Olympic gymnast, Jake Dalton, had!! She learned all about him at school and it was cool to see the library supporting him in his dreams. He ended up getting 6th on  the open floor routine in Rio.