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I drafted a blog a week ago that will never be released. In the time since then and since my last writing so much magic has occurred for my family. My desire to be heartfelt and transparent requires more intimate interactions so this will be my final posting.

This past Saturday marked 32 years around the SUN for me ✨✨✨ The following day I had a beautiful home birth of our smallest Princess Layali words can’t express the joy of that experience or adding her to our lives.

Living in the moment and reflecting simultaneously is the best description of the space of time I Liv in. I’m elated about the growth of my family and receiving the manifestations of experiences that I have prayed for.

I am more motivated now then I have ever been before to move boldly in the direction of my passions.

To stay connected: Follow The Tribe

#WeLoveLiv #SwenSquared #LovelyLayali

Join DCCoolKids on Facebook for Free Kidfriendly Events

💛 Lynice

WELove Art

We will pop up on some art! The fam and I love to be apart of and decipher the beauty of experimental art. The Hirshhorn blessed us today with Ann Hamilton’s What Absence is Made Of. Also not to be missed is the work of Ai Wei Wei. Kids and adults will love the powerful Lego art and the wallpaper pieces make for great conversations. Get there before 2018!

Another favorite piece on display is called “Five Day Forecast”….. this will be a little scavenger hunt… Find it and let me know how you felt.

Halloween 2017

Last week after school Halloween began for our family! I picked up Princess Elena of Avalon and we head right over to NOMA to enjoy a Pumpkin Palooza!

We have been attending for the last few years and it’s amazing how this community event has grown tremendously in attendance numbers!

Next up… we enjoyed some weekday funnin at Catholic University! Both kids were official NASA astronauts ( it was so cold baby boy didn’t get to show off his shirt…. but he did trick or treat…. for me 😜 because I mean let’s be honest…. I can’t let my precious baby eat candy yet!) The kids had a blast! The students worked hard and were so kind to the attendees! They served pizza and snacks, had a trick or treat trail with fun costumes all around. Tons of games and activities, face paint and two moon bounces on a large field that was highly decorated for all to enjoy! We will definitely be back next year!

Three days into Halloween and it’s time to hit the Halloween streets! Crowded per usual! Fun costumes and a bucket full of goodies.

Are anyone else’s kids obsessed with The Descendants Movie? Liv/Uma was pumped to get all suited up and debut her outfit!

The weekend was also filled with parties cue: Beyoncé “We Like to Party” ….. and

Halloween has not even officially arrived!

Daddy playing wingman to our little “ladies man”.

We have a few more events to attend to finish off our Halloween season ( I miiiight update this post to include them)

Happy Candy Day 🎃

WELove Art

When we get a date night we jump at this unicorn moment!!!

Living in the city makes the night so much more enjoyable! Quick Uber rights to our destination and endless options for fun!

We started date night at Toki Underground which is so hidden by the H st vibes that if your tastebuds are not leading the way you could easily miss the door to this tasty hideout. Before feasting on ramen we enjoyed the fried chicken steamed buns which are SO flavorful! I mean it’s fried chicken, with bread and sweet little pickles…. everything your hungry desires crave!

After dinner we spent the rest of our night experiencing the XYZT exhibit at ARTECHOUSE! I love art so much! We love art so much! If you enjoy being apart of art then you must experience this! XYZT brings out the childlike inquisitive nature in us all. It felt like a reset and a inspiration to have this experience in my memory bank. And of course experiencing art with someone you love only amplifies the potency of the experience!

Now that mommy and daddy have had this experience we are all set to return with the kids!

We Love Afrika!

Last night Step Afrika “stepped” off the beginning of their tour throughout the wards! If you have yet to see this talented group this FREE tour around the city is the perfect opportunity to get familiar with their talent! And for those of you who have attended a Step Afrika performance prior I’m sure you’ve already made arrangements.

The energy at TheArc in Ward 8 last night was positively elevated, as people of all ages Sold Out the venue eagerly filling the theatre anticipating a good time. We enjoy theatre as a family, we enjoy movement and our connection to uplifting African American moments runs deep. 

The show had a bit of education regarding the origins of stepping, tons of crowd participation, as well as live music just to highlight a few elements. SN: I was personally thrilled to see one of my Fellow Elon Alum shining so brightly throughout the performance. *Go Dionne Go!*

Here is the link to reserve your tickets for the tour and more info/ show offerings from Step Afrika 

Princess Liv took sometime to read her brochure while experiencing an interactive exhibit at TheArc.

We Love Growth

If only I could blog directly from my brain to WordPress I could share so much more….. Life is so good! My tribe is in a constant state of upward movement and we are blessed to be favored by the creator!

So baby girl lost her first tooth! 

*squeals* OMG! 

It was the most beautiful, natural ,drama free right of passage. 

Prior to bed we read 

Ironically, today is #NationalToothFairyDay and when my princess awoke she was greeted with glitter money and chocolate coins in exchange for her first tooth! We also provided her “proof” of the fairies existence with glitter *Read: Fairy Dust* left sprinkled about and a photo of a small fairy a over her while she was sleep.   Ahhh the magic in her her being when she awoke was worth it all.

This past weekend mi familia celebrated our little Prince that will be joining our tribe in just a few weeks. So beyond Thankful to those who continue to support us with love and encouragement. Good vibes were had by all and as I reflect, to have friendships with individuals that I consider to be family and bask in the levels of life that we have and continue to experience together is a huge success to me! Like I’m honored to have my family surrounded by so many good souls.

SN: My family needs a photographer… Im happy we captured the few snaps we have  ,we are such in the moment people that we never get enough pics! I guess when life is so good you never feel like you have enough huh?

The “It’s a Boy” & ” Oh Baby” cups were super cute favors. 

Ha! Peep Uncle Nate trying to break free from the girls 

MommyCon DC 2016

So I attended MommyCon! 

It was intense and I am 6 months pregnant and my helpful ,energetic 5 year old Princess was my helper for the day  *wipes sweat off my brow because she really is great and helps mommy so much*. 

MommyCon started at 9am on a Saturday and my Gawd was that a thing. I swear it is the hottest of days right now and I work full time and did I mention I’m growing a young king … But we got there in time 🙂 Because I was excited and I have that adult timed sleep schedule that awakes me at 6:30 am regardless if it’s the weekend or not. 

The giveaways made it worthwhile for me we came in and spent at least two hours engaging vendors and being loaded down with goodies! MOM’s Organic Market was there fueling our snacking needs. Tons of baby brands that it would be impossible to name and Liv scoped out a new vendor Whole Life Services and per her love for squishy things that allow her to create just had to have some Aroma Doh. The Momma owner, Angel was really amazing to chat with. Definitely check out their goodies! Once Liv and I concluded the vendor area and received our gift bags we headed to a few of the sessions.

My favorite sessions were baby wearing which I really look forward to mastering this time around.

Another fave was the cloth diapering session. I had a few in rotation with Liv ,but it’s important to me to that I utilize a large stash of reusable diapers for my son. This will be optimal for his health and our carbon footprint as a family. I met some wonderful ladies that Are skilled in placenta encapsulation. Have any of you warrior moms taken your placentas home? I’m so fascinated by the journeys of new life.

Cotton Babies held a informative and motivating about the decision/ necessity to start a brand that provided a sustainable diapering option for babies. Not only is it way less chemicals on your developing nations child’s bum ,but it eliminates the extreme stress of diapering costs. The reality that some families stress over the decision of what to eat because of disposable diaper cost is sad and information must be shared to empower parents to cloth diaper regardless the brand. The owner even demonstrated a DIY demo to creating your own cloth diaper!

At the conclusion of the day their was a massive giveaway session. I won a few cloth diapers Yipee!!! 

With a young growing family and my passion about being a mommy I would definitely attend again. Sadly I’ve gotten word that DC may not be on next years tour schedule due to venue scheduling conflicts, and I’m not sure that I’d travel far for this event. 

WeLove Nature

DC outdoors is so good! 

It’s so amazing to live in a area that provides such a diverse entertainment scene. From the free museums , to swanky little restaurants to the ah- mazing outdoors DC does not lack “things to do”. Fletcher’s Cove is such a wonderful experience in Georgetown. 

Fishing, canoeing and the beautiful opportunity to connect with what matters can all be experienced in this beautiful space. 

C&O Canal has quite an interesting history so you just may learn something by taking a visit to this space.

Where does your family go to enjoy the outdoors?

WeLove Sunday at the Smithsonian

Words can’t express the delight in watching your child blossom. Watching your child choose activities that suit them and the joy they have while learning and engaging in their interest areas. Any opportunity for my child to manifest her greatness we are there. Liv has been attending Artful Afternoons at the Smithsonian and she loves it!

Each session highlights the work of a preselected artist. The children create at multiple stations throughout the school, using a variety of materials that are relevant to the work of the artist while inspiring the young artist to manifest on their own. To replenish their strength the  children conclude with a group snack time. So cute! So fun!

WeLove Play

Let me start by beaming about how the thrill of living in DC proper is a long awaited joy! Establishing goals that serve your family and cutting down on our commuting time is a wonderful feeling! This past Saturday we spent the majority of our early day on the playground! Kaboom & Playworks DC Hosted a wonderful day of play for the entire family! We have experienced so much rain lately that we were eager to get out and play with Mr. Golden Sun!

We value outdoor freedom, physical activity and children’s imagination. The fact that the new trend is to decrease/ eliminate recess for children is literally deplorable. #Rally4Recess had petitions on hand as well as a day of fun and healthy food for everyone. Sidewalk chalk, classic group games, and balls of all types was a nostalgic Saturday for me as a parent. 

Of course while at play everyone works up quite the appetite and Honest juice and DC Central Kitchen was on hand to feul us with wraps and fresh fruit. The bounty of apples and pears also kept us going. 

Sometimes we go for a over scheduled weekend with more running around then is necessary and this weekend we kept it classic with a day of outdoor recess. We had a blast!