Moments like these...

I love experiencing those moments in life when the time of day is forgotten, the “do list” dissolves, and the everyday stressors are non-existent. That’s how I felt this morning while James and I enjoyed a cup of coffee together from our hotel balcony in La Jolla. Those calm moments are rare now a-days and it was so enjoyable to reflect on all our wonderful blessings while watching our angel girl sleep. We have been in San Diego for a week now. My job sent me to San Diego, of all places, to complete a training course for my work as an information technology pharmacist. So it worked out perfectly that all of James’ family was able to take time out of their busy schedule and fly out there to meet us. In addition, James spent the entire week working with John, attending a training session for RH20 engineering, and finalizing a job proposal. We were in heaven enjoying our old stomping ground.

We have been traveling so much ever since James finished his school semester. We spent Memorial weekend in Scottsdale celebrating my cousin Omar’s wedding. We had the time of our life dancing and singing all weekend with my Arab relatives. Boy, do they know how to party!! Being with them made me realize 2 things: one being how important family really is and two, how much I miss my father. The sound of Arabic music and the excitement of the elegant dancing brings back so many beautiful memories, all that encompass Dad. It reminded me that I truly want Leia to be raised with the beauty of the Arab culture. I feel sad every day my dad never got to meet Leia, but I have vowed that I will instill in her the conservative values, the vibrancy, the traditional wedding customs, and the unconditional love and passion that accompany being Arab. We had the time of our lives and it was so wonderful for all my cousins to meet Leia for the first time.

The weekend after we got back from Phoenix, we decided to travel to Mount Whitney for a climbing adventure. James and his brother John have been wanting to get back into the crazy outdoor adventures that they used to do…starting with climbing Mt. Whitney, the tallest mountain in the continental US! Oh well, that’s James for you. Go big or go home  He wanted to bring Leia and I with him so we made it a family trip. The day before the big climb, the boys took Leia and I do some amateur climbs which helped them get accustomed to the altitude change before they climbed Mt. Whitney. It was amazing to go start at 80 degree weather and end up in the snow at the top. Leia had the best time as James carried her on his back and he is so proud to say that he definitely has an adventuresome child on his hands—she is in training to climb Mt. Shasta next!

Baby Leia in Daddy's hiking boots:

Leia has changed so much just in the past week. She has learned how to walk and her vocabulary is exploding. She is growing up to be such a sweet little girl with her big round eyes, her luscious rosy cheeks, and her beautiful curls. She LOVES people so much and she especially loves to sing and dance. She is willing to go to anyone as long as they want to play with her. But be careful if you ask for a kiss, she will plant a juicy one right on your lips! We are head over heels in love with this little angel and we enjoy every waking moment spent with her.