Do we really have to go home?

The last morning of our trip began in Aptos, California and after a leisurely breakfast, we headed to Seacliff State Beach to see the Cement ship. Bird and Yaya couldn't stop themselves from racing to the end of the long pier only to end in "a tie."  Standing there looking at the wreckage it is difficult to understand why anyone would think building a cement boat of any kind would be a good idea but what do we know?  We toured the little shop that held a small museum and a baby shark too.  Yaya enjoyed the hand's on portion of the museum. Bird and I enjoyed looking at the art and reading about the ship and area history.  

 

Our next stop along Hwy 101 was Capitola beach.  My parents had told us about the colorful little cottages along the water's edge and we were excited to check them out.  Yaya couldn't wait to play in the sand with all the kids.  Bird and I couldn't wait to wander along the cute little shops and restaurants and snap pictures.  After taking some pictures, I attempted to join Yaya and Bird across a small inlet of water.  Bird assured me it wasn't too deep so imagine my shocked when two waves caught me from behind at the same time soaking me and my pants.  Bird had a chuckle at my expense as I shrieked and tried to escape.  I'm sure several others did too.  In case you didn't already know this about me, I'm a huge klutz and if something is going to go awry it will inevitably happen to me. Don't believe me?  On our return back to the main beach Bird and Yaya made it across without any problems.  I was only 2 steps behind them but once again got soaked.  Picture me taking my final "graceful" leap to safety up a 3 foot sand bar.  I felt my left foot reach the dry sand at the edge of the small cliff when suddenly the sand beneath my feet gave way.  Just as my right foot reached high dry land my left foot hit the bottom and I found myself doing the most awkward standing splits imaginable. That's when the water washed over my backside for the second time.  Bird tried to rescue me but it was too late.  Walking back to the car I found myself feeling more than a little embarrassed and I imagined the laughter I heard coming from across the beach was aimed at me. It couldn't have been at anything else. Could it?  LOL 

 

While I attempted to dry myself in the sun, Bird walked down the street and bought 3 slices of pizza for us at Pizza My Heart.  It had the crunchiest thin wood fired crust we've had since living in Italy.  It was so good I almost forgot about my embarrassing moment in the waves.  ALMOST! 

After lunch, we decided it was time to continue up the coast.  We pulled off at Lighthouse State Beach to see what else? The lighthouse.  When we stepped out of the car we were immediately welcomed by Monarch butterflies flying through the air.  I decided I wanted to try and take a picture of Yaya in the tall flowers with the butterflies.  Never in a million years could I have imagined what we would soon come across.  As we were snapping a family shot a man came and told Bird we should go look in the tall trees to see hundreds of butterflies.  We quickly found this was a tremendous understatement.  The trees were THICK with them!  Yaya swears there were millions of Monarch butterflies and I might have to agree with her.  Here are just a few of our favorite shots we captured.  I couldn't help but feel fortunate to witness what must be one of God's tiny miracles.  We spent over an hour watching them flit through the air and light up the trees with color.

We finally tore ourselves away from the butterflies and walked back to the lighthouse.  Once again we found ourselves distracted from the main attraction.  Bird began talking to a local surfer while Yaya and I stood watching the surfers from the point.   These men and women were amazing!  Their grace while surfing made my embarrasing romp in the shallow waves even more comical.  All three of us found ourselves hypnotized.  We silently cheered or groaned amongst ourselves for each surfer as they attempted to catch the next perfect wave. 

One brave surfer even managed to do flips on his board while riding the top of a wave.  I'm sure there is a technical name for this move but I have no idea what it is.   Anyway, this was my best shot of it because unfortunately for me it was his last ride of the day.  I really wish I could've kept trying to catch him.

Around 4:00 we continued down the coast and happened upon Kelly's French Bakery and decided to grab dinner and take it with us to the next beach.  Oh my heavens, their food and coffee is delicious! It hit the spot and was a perfect place to stop in route to our final destination of the day.  Be sure to check it out if you're in the area!

Our last stop of the day ended up being Natural Bridges State Beach.  We had hoped to get further up the coast but couldn't complain about all the happy little distractions we'd found along the way.  It turns out this was the perfect place to end the day and our trip together.  We played in the sand again and enjoyed seeing her relax and simply be a kid.  We also had fun taking turns snapping photos of the amazing scenery and activities happening around us.  

Surprise surprise, we were the last people to leave the beach.  We just couldn't tear ourselves away from the beauty before us.  We watched until only a streak of dark red could be seen across the horizon and reflected in the water below.  It was the perfect way to end our mini family vacation.

The only question left was DO WE REALLY HAVE TO GO HOME?

Rise and Shine Day 2

We were up at the crack of dawn to watch the sunrise over the ocean.  Once again, it was a little foggy and cool but we were having so much fun playing it didn't matter.  There is something spectacular about being the only ones on the beach.  It was like we had a private showing of nature.   A flock of sea gull's loud cries was the only noise you could hear above the roar of the surf as they flew through the air on the morning breeze.  A family of sandpipers danced at the water's edge scavenging the sand for their morning breakfast. Back and forth they waltzed perfectly synchronized around the waves.  As the sun rose into the sky it sent bursts of light just off shore highlighting only small portions of the surf at a time. 

Soon it was time to pack our bags and head into Monterey for our morning whale watching excursion.  Yaya was all systems go until she saw the boat wasn't quite the cruise ship she'd imagined in her head.

Once we set out I wasn't too sure I'd made the right decision in bringing her on this portion of the trip.  She was panicked when the swells grew bigger and bigger appearing as if they might engulf our tiny little boat.  "I want to go back!  I want to go back!" she cried.  Easier said than done when you are only 3 of 25 customers.  She and I headed to the back of the boat where the waves couldn't be felt as strongly.  She sat in my lap and we sang songs, prayed and counted together in order to help her calm down.  It didn't take long before Bird rushed back to take my place so I could photograph the first pod of Gray whales.   Shockingly enough, my first shot of the day appears to have been my best shot.  I quickly learned it's not easy to snap a picture of a whale or dolphin while you're on a ship that's bobbing up, down and side to side faster than they are.  I have a new appreciation for wildlife photographers. 

Anyway, I love how the water washes off the end of the whale's tale in the first shot as he prepares to dive.  The next photo is of a Risso dolphin.  I think I heard the marine biologist on board say the scratches on its skin are from the giant squid they eat and possibly from other dolphins in the pod too.  The bottom shot is my biggest disappointment.  Oh how I wish I could have captured all three of these whales with their flukes raised in a final salute before diving.  What a shot it would have been. 

In case you're worried about our little Yaya, I turned around 5 minutes after leaving her with Bird and she was laying across his lap sound asleep.  She says his slow counting put her to sleep but have a feeling it might have had something to do with the gentle rocking of the boat and the tiny dose of Dramamine we gave her before boarding to prevent her from getting sea sick.  She got to see plenty of whales and dolphins.  She even swears she heard the whales talking to her saying, "Awoogah!"  (Thank you Dora the Explorer and Diego.)  The only "awoogah" sound coming from the back of the boat was from fellow whale watchers who were tossing their cookies over and over again.  We like her version of the story better anyway. 

By the end of our three hour trip the tally of whale and dolphin sightings came to 11 Gray whales and about 75 Risso dolphins.  If you are interested in which company we used their name is Monterey Bay Whale Watching.  They were wonderful and a wealth of knowledge!

Here are a few shots I took as we returned to shore.  The last photo has another pod of Rizzo dolphins in front of the sail boat.  There were several mothers and babies in this pod.

Once we were back at the wharf we met up with some old friends of ours from the military.  We hadn't seen them in 9 years.  Both of our families have grown a bit since then.  It was wonderful seeing them again and meeting their youngest boy.  What a wonderful family!  I love how we picked up right where we left off.  We were blessed with wonderful friends who became our family in the military.  I wrote about how we met Eric and Arian HERE if you would like check out an old post.  They shared their season passes to the Monterey Bay Aquarium with us and we had a blast together.  Yaya instantly fell in love with their boys and wanted to hold their hands and hug them non-stop.  She needs a sibling SO BAD!

It was another wonderful day we won't soon forget.  We can't wait to get together with our friends again very soon.

Ahhhhhhhhh!

We just returned from what might have been the best mini vacation EVER.  Bird and I wanted to get away and Yaya just so happened to have a week off for winter break.  We quickly hatched a plan to go beach hopping on Hwy 101 along the California coast.  The only set objective if you will was to take photos of the coast while enjoying some family time together in the sun.  Never in a million years could we have planned such a perfect trip.  So many happy accidents fell into place making this a family vacation that will be very hard to beat.

We began our trip in Marina, California where we stayed within walking distance from the beach. When we arrived Tuesday afternoon, our car's thermostat said it was only 51 degrees.  The sky was dark grey and thick fog hung heavily just off shore. None of that mattered to us.  We couldn't put our bags away and get bundled up fast enough.  None of us could wait to start exploring our new surroundings.  We quickly found the beach was practically empty.  In fact, in some spots our footprints were the only ones on the beach.  At times, the monochromatic appearance of the waves, beach and foggy sky made it difficult to determine exactly where the ocean and the sky became one.  I loved watching how the sky would grow really dark only to see the sun suddenly poke through softly illuminating portions of the empty beach and surf. 

We had so much fun playing and just being together in the sand.  No matter how many layers we put on Yaya she found a way to take them off or alter them to her liking.  She is wearing pants in the middle photo but somehow she managed to pull them tightly enough around her thighs to make them into shorts.

(The outer photos were actually taken the next morning at sunrise.)

After a few hours on the beach we decided it was time to get cleaned up and go to dinner.  Bird found a brochure for Lugano Swiss Bistro in the hotel lobby and off we went to find it.  As we approached Carmel the sun began peeking through the clouds.  At the very last minute we decided to take a detour towards 17 Mile drive to watch the sunset.  Boy oh Boy was that ever a sunset to remember!  The shots below were taken on the coast near The Lone Cypress though it is not actually pictured.

We finished the first day at Lugano Swiss Bistro by sharing a savory cheese fondue complete with sliced apples, broccoli, cauliflower and bread for dipping.  We also shared the Schnitzel plate complete with schnitzel, salad, spaetzel and sweet cabbage salad too.  Yaya loved being able to play with her food while snuggling between us.  Bird and I loved sitting outside together around a cozy fire while sharing a glass of wine and food together. 

We couldn't have ended our first night of vacation any better!

A Weekend To Remember

We certainly made some fond memories over the weekend.  I'm hoping we might have even started a new tradition or two.  Friday night, Yaya and Bird attended their first Father/Daughter dance sponsored by a local church.  They served Tri Tip for dinner and the decorations were so pretty.  There were balloons and sparkling lights everywhere.  As they walked in a D.J. was already playing some fun music.  Yaya wanted to boogie right away but first they had a professional father/daughter photo taken.  It was too cute. According to Bird, after dinner there was lots and lots of dancing. Yaya even stopped a few times to dance with him. LOL  He said the dance floor was full of little girls all having the time of their lives while their fathers by no fault of their own sat on the sidelines watching and waiting for a chance to dance with their special princess. 

While my family was "getting down" my mom and I enjoyed a mother/daughter night at the movies.  We saw Joyful Noise and cried like babies.  Happy tears mind you but tears no less.  Both of us enjoyed the music from movie so much we felt they should have sold the soundtrack as you walked out of the theater.  We would have bought it on the spot.

Saturday morning, Bird, Yaya, my mom and dad headed to the hills to enjoy some time in the snow.  They had a blast sledding and playing together in the snow.  I wanted to go too but I had previously made other arrangements to attend a baby shower.  Thankfully, my mom took pictures of my dad pulling Yaya and her little friend. 

  Last but certainly not least I am excited to talk about Sunday.  A few weeks ago, Groupon offered a fabulous deal.  They offered a 5 hour photography class with Master Photographers David and Ally McKay.  Some of you may remember my New Year's resolution was to live life to the fullest and have no regrets.  Signing up for and more important showing up for this class was a big step for me in living life to the fullest. 

If you aren't familiar with them please be sure to click on the highlighted words/link above.  Once you're on their website be sure to scour their site for their amazing photography and the link "About the Artists".  I am BLOWN AWAY by them and their passion for capturing life!  In addition to attending this class, I signed up for their intermediate class and joined their on-line photography club/resource called Vision Culture.  They created Vision Culture to educate people like me and you on photography skills while also giving to the those in poverty.  David and Ally also share great discounts, photography tips and advice on where to go for your photography needs.  I received my first assignment through Vision Culture today and had fun using the tips they provided to practice using my camera to the max and hopefully one day make my photography dreams come true.  

Below is my first assignment.  We were to practice completely freezing motion while capturing the feeling of the movement. 

This next photo was part two of lesson one.  The goal was to again capture movement while also allowing some of the motion to be seen through blurring at various points of the shot. I think I did this because Yaya's ponytail and feet are slightly blurred.  I also love the fact that I caught her floating on air.  I only wish I had been able to keep Bird in focus too. 

Can you tell I am in HOG HEAVEN just like Yaya and Bird were at the dance Friday night and again Saturday afternoon?

I hope you'll join the Suzanne in the fun over at her weekly post, Monday Moments.

Taking it all in

Last weekend, Bird completed the first semester of his on-line Executive MBA courses. The coursework has been extremely demanding leaving him little time for relaxing.  In addition, December was an emotional month for our family with the passing of his grandmother and the overwhelming reminder from the calendar telling us another year of waiting to be chosen for a baby has come and gone. It was time to break away from our normal routines to relax, refresh and ready ourselves for what lies ahead.  We loaded up the car and drove to the ocean to wash away the emotional gunk and refresh our spirits like only a day at the beach can do.

  

Have you ever considered what makes the beach such a spiritual and healing place?  I think it has something to do with how completely God allows it to infiltrate our senses. 

We hear the deep rumbling surf as it climbs the beach ultimately reaching a soft bubbly pitch.  We hear seabirds calling to one another as they bounce and soar on the breeze above our heads.  Squeals and laughter can be heard from children and adults alike as they play in or at the water's edge.  A dog barks excitedly and the soft drumming of his feet in the sand can be heard as he races past finally leaping and splashing into the cold wet surf rescuing his favorite toy. Joyful noises reverberate from all corners of the beach. 

We see an endless sky and ocean that somehow meet and become one on the horizon.  We see smiling sun kissed faces.  We see couples walking slowly hand in hand or softly kissing in the sand.  Families and friends play games like volleyball, Frisbee or bad mitten.  They build sandcastles and moats together.  One family takes turns burying a loved one up to their ears in the sand.  

Carefully, they scoop the sand up and over legs, arms and stomachs until finally only a face can be seen.  Before emerging from the sand a photo is taken to remember and cherish the moment.  Giggles trickle through the family as one by one they look at the silly photo of their loved one laying buried beneath the sand.  In the distance a ship silently sails by and a dolphin or maybe a seal plays in the waves just out of reach while they curiously watch us on the beach.  People scan the sand searching for the perfect shell or polished glass treasure the ocean has given up.  Ahead there is a well worn path.  Eventually people wander over to find where it leads and explore the tall reed like grasses that surround it.  People climb on rough rocks, jumping from one to the next hoping to avoid the wet surf below.  At the top of a enormous hill tiny silhouettes can be seen waving to loved ones on the beach below.

We taste and smell the salty sweet air and water.  Somewhere, someone has built a fire or lit a BBQ to prepare their burgers.  Occasionally a grain of sand falls into our mouths and crunches irritatingly between our teeth as we bite into burger, sandwich or piece of fruit.  Picnic baskets, blankets and coolers are littered across the sand while people enjoy the refreshing treats they've lovingly prepared and brought from home.

We feel the sun warming our skin and slowly it's warmth reaches into our core, our spirit.  Suddenly, we can't hold back any longer, we stand and step off the blanket into the warm sand.  It spreads and tickles our toes while it gently massages our feet with each and every hurried step we take. Finally, we test the water. BRRRRR it's FREEZING maybe even a little painful.  Goosebumps form across our skin and suddenly we tingle from head to toe.  Still, we can't stop ourselves from running and splashing with abandon.  We wonder how far we dare wander into the ocean before it chases us safely ashore or completely engulfs our bodies lifting us off the ground for only a moment before softly setting us back down?  It doesn't take long for our bodies to feel numb from the cold.  We grab a towel to dry ourselves and the sand feels sharp as it scratches our soft skin. Ahhhh!

As the sun fell toward the sea, the sky darkened and changed from a solid light blue to varied shades of pink, purple, blue and gold.  The darkness pushed us to pack our bags and leave.  Walking toward the car our hearts were at peace and our spirits felt light and free.  One by one I watched my family look back over their shoulders hoping to capture one last glimpse of what was a perfect day at the beach.

Monday Moments III

 My grandparents arrived on Wednesday and my 2nd cousin, Debbie came in Saturday.  As a result, we're being spoiled rotten.  My grandma loves to entertain while she's in town so her holiday cooking and baking is in full swing.  This means I didn't have to cook all weekend!  It was pure heaven I tell you. Oh how I love the holidays!  If only my waistline did too.  

We had a wonderful time catching up.  Yaya fell in love with Debbie as I knew she would.  Debbie is an artist and she's worked for Disney and Universal Studios.  SHE'S AMAZING!  If I recall correctly, early in her career she worked on some of the costumes in the first Star Wars movie.  How cool is that?!  ANYWAY...She and Yaya had fun coloring and playing together letting their imaginations run wild.  I loved watching them.  Seeing them together reminded me a lot of the fun I had creating things with my aunt, Elaine.  I loved spending time with her and watching her create beautiful crafts.  Tender moments! 

Here's the some of the crew.  My grandparents are on the left.  Debbie (my grandmother's niece) and her boyfriend, Bill are on the right.

After they left Sunday, I took a little walk around my mom's garden.  It was so peaceful and serene.  While I was walking a funny thing happened, I heard the familiar buzz from a hummingbird just above my head.  Just as I looked up in search of him he perched directly above my head.   A second later I felt something wet drop onto my face and in my right eye.  I am pretty sure this little fella peed on me.  Now there's a fine how do you do!  Since he had my FULL attention, I decided to try and snap some pictures of him from a safer distance. There was something magical about the way he fluffed his chest feathers.  I know he was just trying to keep himself warm but in doing so he made me feel warm too. 

Once again, I've joined Suzanne, author of Privet and Holly for her Monday Moments post.  I hope you'll check out her blog and link up to share some of your favorite weekend memories with us.  The photos and sentiments she shares are always so beautiful and inspiring!

Taking Flight

Have you ever watched a bird take flight?  It's an amazing sight to see and it's one I've paid close attention to lately.  Some birds like the eagle raise their wings and flap them two or three times before gliding majestically into the air.  Others flap their wings rapidly over and over while their little bodies bob and weave just to get off the ground.  It's strange to consider but I think humans are like this too.  Some people appear to struggle every day of their life while others make life and living seem effortless.  I'm not saying they don't struggle it's just somehow they are able to do it with a little more grace.  Do you know what I mean?

Thursday, Bird's grandmother, Edith died at the age of 93.  She may have been one of the most amazing and inspiring women I've ever known.  She survived the death of her husband 43 years ago.  She had and beat cancer.  She lived daily with diabetes.  She overcame falls and breaks in her Golden years and never let any of it slow or get her down.  She found beauty in EVERYTHING and EVERYONE.  Each time we were together I laughed.  Often, she would scare me to death by gasping in awe over something.  Most of the time it was something the rest of us would pass by or take for granted.  She however, would look at it as if it were her first time.  She watched in amazement like it was a firework exploding across the night sky.  It could be the shape of a cloud.  A bird taking flight.  A leaf laying in the gutter.  She noticed the tiniest details and beauty in everything and sometimes we were blessed to have her capture it in a painting.

She painted dozens of ornaments with the Texas Bluebonnets on them both. Bird and I were blessed to receive two sets of them; the first when we were married and another when Yaya joined our family.  In recent years, we've been afraid to put them on our Christmas tree for fear Yaya might accidentally break one.  We couldn't imagine decorating our tree without them this year just as we can't imagine our life without her in it.   

Last Thursday, as I sat at a busy intersection waiting for the light to turn green I watched a white dove take flight.  It was magical to watch it leap off the telephone pole, gliding effortlessly in the air above the passing cars.  Moments later I watched it turn mid flight and disappear into the sun.  In that moment I thought about Edith and how she would have loved to witness that little bird as much as I just had.  Little did I know within an hour or two we would be receiving a call telling us she had passed away at around that same time.    

To say her life was full would be an understatement.

You only have to hear how large her family is to get a teeny tiny glimpse of how many people's lives she touched in her 93 years.  She leaves behind 4 children, 11 grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren and 6 great great grandchildren.  Each and every one of them meant the world to her.  She was a philanthropist and a pillar in her community, church and our family.  She was the last of a generation in Bird's family.  She is and will always be dearly missed by all who knew her.

Please join me in praying for Bird and his entire family as they come together to honor and celebrate her life this Tuesday morning. 

Dearest Edith, I'll always cherish our moments together sharing a tender moment, a laugh or experiencing one of God's creatures through your eyes. I know the photos I take and try to capture are because of you and your influence on how I see the world.  I will especially remember what I believe was my last glimpse of you and your spirit as you took flight into heaven on that sunny winter afternoon.  Until we meet again grandma.

Wordless Wednesday: Flowers of Golden Gate Park

Reliving My Youth

Last weekend, my friend and former boss, Anne flew in for the weekend.  We were celebrating her 38th birthday.  Lucky for me, her favorite band was playing in the area not once but twice.  She is one of Def Leppard's biggest fans and after last weekend she's seen them perform 48 times.  I like Def Leppard but wouldn't have seen them once let alone 5 times if it weren't for her.

I picked her up from the airport and we headed out to watch Def Leppard on their Mirror Ball Tour in the bay. We really enjoyed the concert but it's hard to decide who or what was more entertaining, the people around us, the bands or the weather.  

The next morning we were up with the sun.  Literally!  The sunrise was so pretty we couldn't resist a walk along the water before jumping in the car and heading back to the airport to pick up our friend Tish.  The water was so calm and peaceful.  I couldn't resist walking all the way to the docks to snap a few photos with the sail boats in the early morning light.  

This little fella wasn't too fond of having his picture taken so early in the morning and flew off only moments after I snapped this shot of him to prove his point. 

We spent the afternoon in Golden Gate park and at the Palace of Fine Arts snapping pictures.  Anne and Tish volunteered to be my guinea pigs for some portrait shots. 

I loved the tiles on these stairs and thought they would make a fun backdrop for a portrait. I only wish I had squatted down a bit further to get a better angle on the lower steps.

After a little primping at our hotel we went out to dinner at Annabelle's Bar and Bistro off of 4th and Mission in San Fran.  We were taking Anne out for a night on the town to celebrate her big day.  We pre-purchased a $25.00 gift certificate for only $2.00 on Restaurant.com and enjoyed a delectable meal in a fun new place.  Tish ordered the wedge, potato leek soup and saffron risotto.  Anne ordered the crab cakes.  I ordered a cup of potato leek soup and roasted Rosemary chicken with mashed potatoes and broccoli rabe.  We finished the meal by sharing a heavenly slice of blueberry mascarpone cheesecake.  I don't think I've had a meal that savory in a long long time.  IF you're in San Fran you MUST give this restaurant a try. 

The next morning, Tish's son was performing with a Balinese (is Balinese a word?) "band" at the Asian Art museum in the first ever Bali exhibit and ceremony. Unfortunately, I can't recall the details of the who and the why but this was a beautiful event and I'm thankful I was able to take part.

I do recall this man was dancing the "Mask dance."

We finished the weekend exactly the same way it began by watching

Evan Watson,  Heart  & Def Leppard performing. This time they were at Sleep Train Amphitheatre.

It's been a few years since I let my hair down and acted like a kid and it felt great.  If that weren't enough I've found a new song I can't get enough of.  Def Leppard's new song "Undefeated" speaks volumes to me.  I'm refusing to feel or be defeated in this lengthy adoption journey.  In addition, I've been told everyone's body has it's own rythm in which it beats or functions best.  I think I've finally found mine.  I could listen to the beginning percussion piece of this song for hours and dance and dance right along with it. Click on the link below if you want to hear it.  I'll warn you it's a loud one.

http://youtu.be/0e2W1C1XCTo

An Afternoon Encounter

I simply can't believe I was able to catch these shots of this gorgeous little bird. I love everything about him. His lightning fast speed, his attitude and spunk as he chased off other hummingbirds who dared to trespass on his turf. 

 I especially love that he seemed to be just as curious about me as I was him.  I would like to know what ran through his mind as he stared at me from various perches tasting the afternoon air.

Like Speedy Gonzales or the famous Road Runner, he was gone again darting around my mom's yard as if he had a million things to do before the day was done. Busy busy busy.   He came and went for almost an hour. Each time the buzz of his fluttering wings announced his arrival or departure.  I'll never forget my afternoon encounter with this beautiful little hummingbird.  

Corners of My Mom's Garden

Just wanted to share some of the pretty flowers blooming in my mom's garden. I can't believe how different they are. Each flower as unique and beautiful as the next.  I would never think of pairing some of these colors or shapes together thankfully God did.  If God put that much thought energy into a flower it's impossible to imagine how much time and energy he puts into creating and caring for each and everyone of us.  I'm finding joy and hope in the little things today.   

I will be the gladdest thing

Under the sun!

I will touch a hundred flowers

And not pick one.

~Edna St. Vincent Millay, "Afternoon on a Hill"

BONUS!!!

A few months ago Bird received a "Bonus" from his company. The bonus wasn't a typical one. The bonus money had to be spent on a vacation with his family. Um... TWIST OUR ARMS why don't ya?  We immediately began planning where we wanted to go and what we wanted to do.  One of the first things he did was purchase season passes to Six Flags Discovery Kingdom. (The bonus gift that keeps on giving.) 

The second thing he wanted to do with the bonus was take our family to Yosemite. After work on Thursday that's exactly what he did. We spent all day Friday exploring the park. Unfortunately the weather prevented us from returning again on Saturday like we had hoped. Regardless of how much time we spent in the park NOTHING could have prepared us for its splendor! John Muir is my hero for working his entire life to preserve this natural wonder.

Yaya had an amazing close encounter with this little fella.  I promise she didn't feed him a thing!

Our first glimpse of Half Dome did not disappoint! 

Nor did our first glimpse of Bridal Veil Falls.  Her mist at the bottom could be seen for miles.

This is where we stopped to enjoy our picnic lunch.  Absolutely breathtaking!

The crew. 

The wildflowers were out in full force.  Unfortunately, I was unable to capture all of them because some grew where it was impossible to stop. 

We walked to the base of Bridal Veil Falls and were showered by her powerful mist.  I'm talking drenched!  I couldn't take pictures in the mist because it was so wet and it would have damaged my camera. 

I took this photo after lunch while Bird was trying to dry out his socks and tennis shoes.  Can you see them in his hand?  He cracked us up!  He had them hung out the side of the window hoping the air would dry them faster.  NO SUCH LUCK! 

I don't recall the name of this waterfall but it was so pretty.  I think I liked seeing it's reflection in the water below as much as the real thing.  We met a couple who had hiked to the top of it and back down.   It took them 5 hours from its base.  

Below is my attempt at an Ansel Adams'ish shot. 

The highlight for me was not the waterfalls or the beauty of the park itself.  The highlight was watching my family spending time together exploring nature.  Yaya comes alive in it and Bird had an amazing spiritual moment while standing in the mist of Bridal Veil.  Those moments are priceless. 

It was so much fun climbing on rocks and stumps with Yaya, Bird, my mom and my dad.  I loved witnessing the exhilaration on Yaya's face and hearing her squeals of joy as she was showered by the mist of an enormous waterfall.  Hearing her talk herself into doing new things provided me a lot of insight into how her mind works.  What an amazing blessing!  For example, she was a bit nervous trying to climb a steep rock to get up to where Bird sat.  Instead of giving up she said, "I think I can.  I think I can.  Just go slow and steady."  I can't tell you how many times Bird and I have whispered these words in her ear over the years.  I'm thrilled to know they have stuck with her and provide her the encouragement she needs. 

I can't wait to write a letter to Bird's boss and company thanking them for such a wonderful BONUS!