We spent the last week in Oakland with my brother in law and sister in law, Wayne and Angela, and their 10 month old son, Shayne. Our stay went by way too quickly, with Rich working during the week it felt like we hardly had enough time to spend together. They were so generous and gracious in opening their home and making all the accomodations necessary to house us and our 3 small tornadoes.
Kylin taking Seal for a ride
Bre & Kiran
Rich, Kaden, Shayne, and Wayne
Wayne and Angela introduced us to an amazing restaurant in Berkeley, called Cafe Gratitude. This restaurant is really life-changing.
From their website:
Cafe Gratitude is our expression of a World of
Plenty. our food and people are a celebration of our aliveness. We select the
finest organic ingredients to honor the earth and ourselves, as we are one and
th e same. We support local farmers, sustainable agriculture and environmnetally
friendly products. Our food is prepared with love. We invite you to step inside
and enjoy being someone who chooses; loving your life, adoring yourself,
accepting the world, being generous and grateful everyday, and experiencing
being provided for. Have fun and enjoy nourishing yourself.
Each menu item has an affirmation as a name, so for example, Kylin ordered her lemonade by saying, "I am refreshed," and her miso bowl dinner by saying, "I am accepting." When the food is brought, the server reaffirms the messages, but setting down your dish and repeating the affirmation: "You are refreshed," "You are accepting..." Some of you may roll your eyes and think it's silly, but I believe that at the core it is an important practice for everyone. Rich and I bought the Abounding River board game, which the restaurant is based off of, and a journal of 365 Days of Gratitude. Gratitude is such a simple way to change our outlook on life, and every time I remember to practice it, I am rewarded (as are those around me!!). We are looking for friends to share this game with, so if you are interested in playing, please let me know. If you are interested in learning more about personal practices of gratitude, check out this photoblog I came across: 365 Days of Gratitude Photoblog.
Cafe Gratitude
Kylin, Breana, Kaden, Rich, and Kiran
The Abounding River
Wayne, Shayne, and Angela
While staying in Oakland, we ventured over to Burlingame to visit Rich's cousins, Janet and Neil. They are so warm and down to earth, and we really enjoyed our visit with them. Neil is an excellent chef, and he made us a delicious dinner. Afterwards we got to visit the home that they just purchased and will be moving into soon, which was built in 1914 and is in amazing condition--although Neil, a contractor, has big plans for the changes he will make soon after they move in. We can't wait to see it when it's done!!
Janet and Neil with Flat Pinky and Flat Tanya
Kiran and Janet
To end our stay in the Bay (ha ha ha...), we drove down to Fremont on Friday and met Aunt Sharon, cousin Megan, her step-daughter, Jade, and her baby, Reese. Wayne and Angela played hookie, which we were very supportive of and excited about, and joined us. :) Megan had the wonderful idea to meet in a park so that the kids could play, we could eat lunch, and relax. They did some research and decided on Central Park, which was absolutely perfect. Sharon brought lunch for everyone, and we ate and talked and slacklined. It was a really beautiful day. I am feeling so blessed to have married into such a warm, loving family that I really truly enjoy spending time with.
Super Wayne
Kiran and Favorite Auntie Sharon
Kaden
Kiran
Like Father Like Son
Kaden, Shayne, Kiran, and Reese
Kiran and Reese
Kaden, Reese, Shayne, Jade, Kiran, and Kylin
Rich with Kaden, slacklining (unapproved by Mommy, but I had to take a picture. lol)
Happy Auntie Sharon, with Kiran and Reese
Sleeping Shayne
Jade holding back the "ghost"...
..while Kylin runs away
1 comments:
Livin' the dream, ain'tchya? You are a gorgeous family.
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