California dreaming on such a winter’s day…

Except we’re not just dreaming, baby, our bags are packed and we’re on our way for a few weeks in sunny SoCal.  Though it’s not all joy as Kaleo has to stay behind and work… And I couldn’t help but feel bad as he and I watched the national weather report - SoCal: 90 F (32 C) Philly: 39 F (3 C).  Yeah, that bad. 

Yep, a high of 39 degrees with a chance of snow this week - and it’s not even officially winter yet.  I have to say that I’m struggling with this cold stuff.  Obviously, being from SoCal, I prefer dry, hot weather (though not when it brings the horrible fires SoCal is struggling against right now) and while I love our east coast seasons, I am struggling to figure out what to do with the boys outside in the winter - especially with a baby.  I feel like I’ m facing my ultimate challenge of trying to raise outdoor kids in an indoor world…We rug up and go exploring around town, but it’s with the knowledge that we can nip inside a shop, museum or library to warm up and we’re not that far from home no matter how far we wander.  But, with my love for the outdoors, hiking, etc, I want to do more than that - I still want to instill that love of nature regardless of the season.  But there are times that I suggest a play in the park to Kai and he refuses because he’s cold - what can I say to that?!?! So, I’m working on figuring out how best to escape city life while still keeping my little ones warm.  I’ll keep you posted with ideas… 

In the meantime, I’m so looking forward to some outdoor fun in the sun.  California here we come! …right back where I started from (I know, I know, but I couldn’t resist…)

savoring fall…

So, now that we’ve explored Philly a bit (a very little bit - there is so much to see here…), it was time to venture beyond the city limits.  And, as fall is almost over, we had to fit in a leaf viewing day while we could.  From our place, we headed west on Kelly Drive through Fairmount Park, merged onto the I-76 and, while we just meant to meander aimlessly, we ended up  at Valley Forge. 

Much to the surprise of us Pennsylvania newbies, it’s just a 1/2 hour or so from Philly.  While we didn’t view much of the historic stuff, it was a pleasure to be there as Valley Forge is a part of my personal family history - my multi-great-grandfather, the oddly-named, Dr. Bodo Otto, served there with good ole George Washington back in the day.   So, it was a good destination for fall fun as well as to instill a sense of family pride in my boys.

After romping in the leaves, we drove around a bit exploring the national park.  And what did we come upon, but a covered bridge.

It was one of those serendipity finds that make an afternoon outing so memorable.  And, best of all, the covered bridge sat on the edge of a lovely hiking path that ran along the river.  The moment I was on that trail, I felt renewed.  It was as though all other thoughts instantly melted away.  I felt alive.  I love the excitement of our city living experience, but it’s in the woods that I really feel at home. And I was glad to hear that Kai felt the same way when exclaimed, “you’re right mom, I do like hiking!”.

As I cuddled Kai on my lap later that night, I could still smell the smokey fagrance of fall in his air - ah, breathe deep, there are only a few weeks of it left.

rock the vote

It’s just 20 minutes before the Pennsylvania polls close and I’m reflecting on my voting experience today.  In Australia, it is mandatory to vote and while I do think that is a better system as it ensures that every voice is heard, I guess that as it is a choice here, it feels like the privilege it is as opposed to a burden.

We moved into our apartment on 4 October, the very day that Bruce Springsteen was performing a free concert in support of Barack Obama just 3 blocks from our new place.  So, leaving the boxes packed, I had to load the kids on the stroller and head down to it. I’m so glad we decided to live in the city for at least our first year in Philly - there’s always something going on on the Ben Franklin Parkway - it makes it difficult to drive to Trader Joes, but is good for everything else.

Kai didn’t really get into the concert, but it gave him a chance to play in the dirt and leaves with the other kids - a well-needed break from all the craziness of the day.

An added bonus of the concert was that I was able to register to vote, just 2 days before the Pennsylvania deadline.  While Kaleo didn’t accompany us, he did register at a different venue the next day.  So, imagine my dismay when Kaleo received his voter registration card before I did.  The days passed and still no card arrived for me.  I finally called the registration office and was told that I was indeed registered.  Yesterday, with not a moment to lose, my card arrived in the post.  But, I was NOT on the list at the polling place today and they would not let me vote in the traditional way.  Instead, I had to fill out a provisional ballot which will only be counted if there is a toss up between the candidates.  I can’t say I was thrilled about that… But at least I did get to exercise my right to vote with my children by my side, teaching them of the importance of this action.

I won’t be able to sleep tonight until we know…

holding on to the magic…

Each day since Halloween, Kai has asked me if we can just hold on to our jack-o-lantern for one more day.  And how can I say no - I want to hold on to the holiday magic as much as he does.  However, it’s getting to be a fairly scary sight now as ole jacko’s teeth curl inward - and Kai did just ask me why it was fuzzy inside… I guess our moldy orange orb is going from a Halloween symbol to a science experiment - what can I say, we’re all about multi-tasking in this house.

I will say that one of the few perks about leaving Australia was coming home for the holiday season. And I loved every moment of Halloween - even changing costume ideas every 3 seconds.  I would reveal some of the top contenders, but I’m still hoping to pull a few of them off eventually…

We did take advantage of every Halloween event we could find in our new town - the Spooktacular at the Franklin Institute, Harvest Festival at the Reading Terminal Market and even healthy trick-or-treating at our neighborhood Whole Foods market.

Finally, for the big day, we took Batman and our little Tassie Tiger trick-or-treating in Port Richmond with some new Philly friends.

The area lived up to its recommendations - blocks and blocks of row houses combined with a neighborhood

that really gets into the spirit of things equals a heck of a lot of candy.

Though I have to say, my candy preferences still make me prefer dots and mike-n-ikes over a hershey’s bar anyday - bring back the cheap candy!  Because the only chocolate I like is good chocolate - cheap candy, but expensive chocolate.

Yeah, so the kids were a bit high on sugar by the end of the night - but that’s what it’s all about.

There’s just something special about Halloween - the fact that we can all be out with our neighbors - mingling and giving in a way that we don’t do any other day of the year. I remember that as a kid, the police stations would offer free x-raying of candy bags to search for razor blades or other dangerous items that might have been placed in the candy.  I wondered then how long Halloween would go on - but here it is, alive and well!! And even more fun because of my childrens’ excitement.  Though I did wonder if this was the last year Kai would be so willing to share his candy with us… Looks like Taz may have to collect some for his folks next year…

Jumping back in…

Okay, we’re finally settled in Philly - all the boxes are unpacked and I’ve stopped going back and forth to D.C. every other week. I’ve been reunited with not only Kaleo, but also our Mac which actually has my password saved in it - and I’ve located my camera, battery recharger and computer connection cord - which  all managed to be in separate states somehow. So, I’m ready to get back into blogging. The important thing is though that the kids and I have still been exploring and have plenty of adventures to catch you up on.  For now, here’s the view that greets us when we walk out of our Philly apartment building.

Not to shabby I’d say.  And yes, that is Kai wearing a cape - and no, that’s not his Halloween costume as many people on the street assume.  This is everyday attire in our world.