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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

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💛 Lynice

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 

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!

WeLove The National Book Festival 2015

I love an annual event that you can experience differently every year! While always enjoyable, I feel really charged up about my experience at yesterday’s National Book Festival! The event yesterday was massive per standard. Arriving via metro is always encouraged ,and for my family interest heading directly to the children’s floor is always our first and usually only area of interest for the day. Highlight of the children’s floor are the Scholastic area which this year consisted of storytime, fun family photo booth, character encounters, coloring, balloon figures, free books which ran out way too early for the smaller kids as well as an active vision board that allowed kids to express how reading empowers them.

   

Because we enjoy good eats I must highlight the Caribbean food vendor that every year provides affordable, flavorful and filling eats! Yummy my vegan bowl was too good! Back to the books… AARP provided free books signed by the author, totes with giveaways, photo booth, 3D virtual reality glasses to demo as well as a cool ass 3D printer that I obviously now NEED in my life. 

 The little chess and knome pieces pictured took 20 min each to print… Imagine printing mini versions of your loved ones! How futuristic!

Wells Fargo had a massive space to engage families. 

   
      Panning for gold, lassoing horses,  super comfy storytime set up. After each storytime the children were gifted with the book or horse stuffed animal that was read about.

HIGHLIGHT alert!!! Yesterday we met Sonia Manzano! AKA Maria from Sesame Street!  

 

Words can’t even describe! My Mother, Myself and My Daughter have long been apart of the Sesame viewership legacy. To meet a beautiful , humble soul that feels like they had a major role in raising you is exciting and humbling!  

  Becoming Maria is the new memoir she put out! Check her story out!

National Geographic also had a area focused on planets and space discovery. We are definitely excited to add space camp to her activities once Liv becomes of age for the program.

   
 

Just when we thought our day was concluding we headed to the evening poetry slam! My God! The Young Kings that spoke so genuinely and courageously inspired me! I feel honored to have heard their strong words and for my daughter to have been exposed to such strength! Kids are so important! They are to be valued and heard always!

Words For My Daughter

WeLove to Run

 I’m so proud of my baby! Liv is a warrior and I’m so blessed to learn and grow from her example. She completed her first Blacklight Run 5k and was totally “turnt” at the finish line party!!! We are addicted to the party runs now! More to come!

   
  

  
DC Blacklight Afterparty 

WeLove Plants

Prior to Liv I was living vegan until my second trimester of pregnancy. The past few months the removal of all dead things from our diet has been happening and baby girl is enjoying our new meat substitutes! Liv has been requesting tacos and after hunting down a meat free, soy free, gluten free option I believe we have a winner!  

 

I was so excited when I found this brand in Wegmans that I couldn’t stop rereading the package! Liv approves! Faux meat always has a lighter texture then actual animal flesh but this brand was absolutely heavier then Morningstar which I have used in the past and at the time absolutely included soy in their ingredients. So if you are looking for a healthier way to make your tacos I definitely recommend this swap out! Enjoy and let me know how this product goes over with your littles.

WeLove Peru

We explored the opening day of the Folklife Festival yesterday on the National Mall and it was a great time! Pack snacks, a blanket and make a day of it.   

                  

               

Learning how girls as young age six start building bridges for their tribe using natural fibers was stellar!

WeLove The Beat of Her Drum

Rituals. Malcolm X Park. 2-9pm

Of all the pics and videos I captured nothing can fully convey the supreme goodness that happens during the Drum Circle in Malcolm X Park every warm Sunday from 2-9. God is present. Love is thriving. People are united. If not visible anywhere else in this world the pure goodness of human life is present at this time. Be sure not to deprive yourself of these moments.