Earth Day & The Resistance

It goes without saying that Jen and I carry a fairly progressive outlook on the world. Our mindset is that we as members of the great human race exist to create a better life for all. How we get there is, of course, the great debate, but one thing that surely no one can disagree on is that clean air and water are preferred and that the Earth, does have a tipping point for which life is sustainable for the human race.

The current White House administration has broken that promise to humanity in its attempt at gutting the Environmental Protection Agency and undoing so many restrictions on the very worst polluters that destroy the oceans and lands that jeopardize the cycle in keeping our planet healthy.

In response to this administration, resistances have risen across the country, decrying the anti-intellectual White House that calls climate change a hoax and threatens the very principle of clean air and water in name of generating higher profits. This crook would sell every last acre of national forest if he could. So on Earth Day 2017, Jen, Astrid, my niece Athena and I took to the streets to protest and march upon the capital in solidarity of those who are protesting in Washington DC.

It was a fun day with spirited chants, plenty of friendly faces, a chance to hear scientists talk about their professions, enroll in climate change activism and so much more.
 

We brought a blanket to chill out and watch the crowds while munching on sweets and snacks.

 After a big day, we feasted on strawberries and whipped cream, Athena's favorite and something that Astrid fell quickly in love with.

Easter House Warming

Finally, having our home set up with a bit more than the boxes in our living room and the backpacks we've lugged 5,000 miles in a few months, we thought it wise to have a gathering.

Dear friends from San Francisco trekked out to Sacramento and our local family wore their Sunday egg hunting best. The kids arrived and promptly tore through the house, finding all but a few eggs in a matter of 20 minutes. The last 4 were hidden insanely well to drive them a little nuts for the ultimate prizes. We had a baby version for Astrid with eggs laying in plain sight. Astrid had practiced all week at home and at daycare, so was primed to fill her basket to the brim and then find a seat to enjoy her goldfish crackers, raisins and a couple of chocolates.

Jen prepared a decadent feast of Greek and American favorites. A giant succulent ham, deviled eggs, spanakopita, baklava, greens, potato salad and plenty of beverages to go around.

Loulou will tolerate anything for ham.

Admiring her big cousins

No shortage of laps for Astrid to enjoy

It was a wonderful start to our time in Sacramento and we couldn't be happier to have so many wonderful friends nearby.

The Love of Playgrounds

It goes without saying that most kids love a trip to the playground, but at 18 months the passion is already so strong for little Astrid. 

While it seemed just a few months ago, you were mastering your first steps, you're now climbing small ladders and squealing with delight at every slide you can find. Not just the 3 feet tall toddler slides, but the big 20 footers that the pre-teens use in the big kids section. We try to keep you contained to the toddler area, but sometimes we go down with you.

I follow you fairly closely, but you have your parents strong independent streak and want to do everything yourself. I occasionally hand hold or give a little boost to get you over some of the walls and hurdles you face, but it's less and less with every trip to the park. 

Slides are your absolute favorite. As soon as you get to the bottom of the slide, You tend to race right up the steps again and scoot your little butt right to the edge before raising your hands and taking off. You aren't quite heavy enough to reach the bottom on some slides, so you have to wiggle your way to the finish. 

When you've had your fill of the thrilling slides, there's the slow play of the sand pit. You have a fiercely determined sandpit agenda. Holes must be dug, buckets filled, scoops organized, it's a tough job but some baby has to do it. You could seemingly spend the whole day here, and perhaps your love of the sand started early with your October afternoons on Paros beaches all to yourself.