All Dressed Up With Nowhere To Go

Last week Sanjay had his school pictures and while he was looking snazzy, I just had to take a few photos myself. He really cleans up well, this wild child.

Happy Diwali!

Tonight we celebrated Diwali by having a potluck dinner at our house with some close friends. The mouth-watering menu follows:

Appetizers: Vadai with Sambhar and Coconut Chutney, Aloo Bonda
Main Dish: Rasam Rice, Cabbage Poriyal, Green Bean Usili, Saag Paneer, Pooris
Dessert: Rava Ladu, Besan Ladu, Jaggery Balls, Brownies

The kids actually managed an organized game of Monopoly and we all enjoyed each others company. We went to bed far too late and with overly full stomachs. Hope all our friends and family on the other side of the world enjoyed the day as much as we did.

Weather for All Seasons

From this picture, it's difficult to tell... is it Fall, Winter or Election season? That's right, we had our first snowfall last night. Not much of an accumulation, but still a step closer to winter and the official start of ski season. We're looking forward to it, although I'd like another week or so of warm weather to get us through Halloween night. This would ensure the kids will be able to show off their costumes instead of hiding them under layers of clothing and jackets.

Happy Birthday to You!

Susan,

This is for you. Memories of last night's birthday celebration on the town! :)

Hope you have a great birthday...

Sandy

Look Ma... No Training Wheels

Now that Autumn is officially here, Priya is riding a two-wheeler. They say once you learn to ride a bike, you never forget. Let's hope the cold, long Colorado winter doesn't spoil that. :)



We took a family bike ride to celebrate and here are the pictures from that little outing if you're interested.

Stealth Tooth Fairy

I have had issues as the tooth fairy, in the past, as you may recall. So, this time you'd think I'd be better prepared. Nope, not the case. This morning when I woke up, the first thing I realized is that I forgot to deliver the goods last night. So, I peek in Priya's room and notice she is still sleeping. Wow, did I ever get lucky? So, I quickly ran downstairs grabbed some cash and walked back up... this time when I look in her room I see that it was an illusion. She's not sleeping, instead she's on her side reading a book. Hmm... what to do?

I'm thinking maybe I can still pull this off. I walk in and watch over her shoulder while she reads... we exchange a few words... and I reach under her pillow and steal the lost tooth while placing a dollar under one of her stuffed animals on the floor. Unbelievable, she didn't even notice. I quickly returned to our room to give Bartee the scoop. Minutes later, Priya shows up and this conversation ensues...

Priya: "Mom, I have some bad news."
Me: "What is it honey?"
Priya: "The tooth fairy didn't come last night."
Me: "Are you sure?"
Priya: "Yeah... my tooth is still under my pillow."
Me: "Let's go have a look."

Back in her bedroom, she lifts her pillow and cannot find the tooth. She starts searching under the bed, but to no avail. Of course, I'm trying to convince her that indeed she has come and I have to point out the money left under her stuffed animal. "See... she was here", I say.

A lot of time passes and she's sitting on the floor going over the events of the morning and I hear her mutter, "I know the tooth was there when I woke up; I'm sure I saw it". How many years of therapy did that just cost us? Hopefully, she'll just move right along and one of these days when we read this journal together, we'll both get a kick out of this little story.

Looks like I have been given a chance to right this wrong. Sanjay's ball-kicking accuracy knocked a very loose tooth from her gums this evening.

Ours Is A Haunted House

After putting up the three and a half Halloween decorations that we own, Sanjay announced "Ours is a haunted house". In his defense, the fiber optic witch is pretty scary. The rest of the stuff... not so much. Joining in the festivities, Priya came up with a little jingle that goes like this "We are the halloween haunted house people, people, people" which should be sung so that the volume fades out at the end.

The kids are really excited about the holiday this year more than ever. And it looks like they'll be wearing their costumes for a record three events (Halloween With The Horses, Birthday Party, Halloween Night). Sanjay gets a bonus day because his school will have a Halloween parade.