No one would have guessed that the end of 2019 a virus would develop that would shake our entire world into this new decade. In efforts to halt the spread of the deadly coronavirus, life as we know has been significantly altered as we limit social interaction — closing down schools, offices, restaurants, gyms, playgrounds, sports activities/games and public, large gatherings of people.

But we rise to such a time like as this…

A time to be creative — in how we learn, worship, do community, work (with kid(s) in tow!), cook (w/ more limited ingredients), work out, be neighbors. It’s a time to explore new hobbies (at home), read, think, hug your loved ones just a bit longer and tighter, rest, be still and mindful, meditate, drive less (though, no traffic), doodle/draw/color, have meaningful conversation with family, ration how we wipe our butts (a la TP shortage), slow down, embrace home sweet home. A time to get outside and soak in the sunshine, inhale fresh air and thank Mother Earth for giving us open spaces to roam and explore. Time to pray for our leaders, our nations.

We, as one human race, will join hands to fight this enemy… and when it is over and we have conquered, we will look back and see how we have loved and believed and gave and persevered and healed and held fast to faith and grown.

Vida Loca? Or perhaps Pura Vida? The simple, pure life that the Costa Ricans are known for — grateful in all circumstances and looking at life with no worries, fuss or stress.

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” – John 16:33

And of course, this comes as NO surprise to Him who knows all things, holds all things. No surprise. He is sovereign.

See everyone on the other side…

Someone is … how many years old???

This stage is SO fun and way too fleeting… So instead of a cake this year, he requested several pints of ice cream and a stay at the Legoland hotel (forthcoming). We lit 7 candles over 3 pints of exquisite i.c. and belted out “Happy Birthday” in both English and Mandarin. :)

An unexpected b-day surprise: his two front teeth have started growing in — rather quickly at that! They aren’t as straight as before, though, probably partially due to the trauma last year which means likely braces in the future? But we’ll just worry about that later…

You have grown and matured so much this year and yet still as energetic, creative and amusing as ever. Here’s to SEVEN and beyond as the Lord continues to mold and shape you, our little/not-so-little boy.

Went to a little anniversary party for a matcha cafe — hadn’t been to this location yet. Hope he’ll always want to pose in front of a wall of roses w/ mama. *insert heart emoji!*

A table of all things matcha and a dad just going along with it all, lol. (Bonus: shirt on guy in background matches the wallpaper).

Antioxidant high. :)

Re-opening of a local park – we picnic’d and played while Daddy was at ult.

Little did we know that it’d be who knows when until he’d get to enjoy a playground again…

This gentleman appreciates rocks! Good thing we live right next to some climbing boulders…

SWAT team coming for ya, son. :D

A robotics day outdoors…

Made a little robot out of a toothbrush, pipe cleaner, googly eyes and some batteries…

But he doesn’t just climb rocks… :)

Sculpture climbing, too. This one looked so familiar and we could’ve swore that we had seen it at Balboa Park. Turns out, he sat on it last summer and after quite a bit of digging, we found out that this iconic sculpture is named “Nikigator” and is temporarily here in Liberty Station while the Mingei Museum is being renovated.

Ice cream in a RV and some patio movie-watching while waiting for Daddy to finish his ultimate league game.

We received some tickets to the Maritime Museum as a part of a library reading challenge. Perfect timing as the Star of India (a notable SD sight along the Embarcadero) had just returned from being away for some renovations.

We took time and explored each one of the vessels at the museum. Peering through the scope on an actual Soviet era submarine…

It was pretty cramped down there and he was happy to emerge from the tight spaces.

On the actual Star.

All lit up at night. :)

City hall, in pinkish lights!

Second story of The Berkeley.