Holi 2018

Today was my mom's birthday. I wonder what we would have done with her today if she was still with us.

We were supposed to go out of town, to the bay area, but Ella and Papa both got sick. I though Ella was on the mend, but currently she just barfed and is napping on the couch.

Another loooooooooong week I guess.

At Holi they encourage everyone to hug it out and connect. I NEVER make the kiddos hug people. Ella said the Jesus looking man could hug her.

Not as many people this year because it was COLD!!!!!

It was soooooooo cold we ran to Savers to get some grungy sweatshirts. No one particularly liked my cat sweatshirt. But I fit in at Wal-Mart..... perfectly.

Poor baby. Let's drag you around when you have the flu!!!

Maybe this should be our Christmas card pic??

We ended up at Yogurt Beach after and did cheers to Yaya Kota. We talked about some of our favorite memories.

Nina shared a good one. One time they were driving from Yaya's house to ours and they got lost.

Fun times.

Ah mom. I miss you more than words can say. Work your heavenly angel deeds so we can end up with you. We need all the help we can get.

Holi Color Fest!!!!

We missed our Nina!!! She wasn't feeling too hot, so we threw a bag in honor of her. It was pretty sweltering outside!! We stayed in the shade mostly!! We gave lots of hugs and took pictures with people we met.

It was excellent!!!

Can we say hair perfection???? Maria's curls!!!!!!

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!!!