Parivaar

Parivaar means family in Hindi. This is my Indian family...just missing one sweet sister, Priya, who's in Bombay. They have welcomed me with open loving arms. I honestly can't say enough, so I will say no more....except that I already miss Nana and Nani so very much.

menorah, latkes, dreidels...oh my!

Stephanie and her son C had us over for a little Chanukah playdate. I regret not having any photos of Stephanie...she spent most of the time in her kitchen frying up the tastiest latkes I've EVER had! The kids played and mamas visited while she cooked, then we were invited into the kitchen to eat up all the golden potato goodness. Mia devoured hers. I devoured mine...and Lily's ;) She also had dreidels and gelt coins for the kids. Stephanie had their menorahs out...so lovely. Mia thought we were at an Anika celebration...Anika is one of her dear friends. Stephanie explained what the Festival of Lights is all about. We talked a little more about it on the way home. Lily, actually played with the big kids. She liked the play barn and all the kids kept bringing her toys to play with (read: put in her mouth). We LOVE learning about and experiences other cultures...Thank you Stephanie and C A sheynem dank :)




















following photo of Mia and Anika playing was taken by Anja

Diwali

Anika, Mia's friend, brought her whole family to school last week to share how they celebrated Diwali. Many of us wore our Indian party wear....it was sooo festive. The kids painted their diyas, ran and danced to the fun Indian music. It was a fun celebration....we are so very thankful Anika and her family shared something so special with us.

patiently waiting to apply glitter

Krista, a very shy teaching guide...and fabulous friend

what Lily did most of the celebration

Anika's loving Nani...embracing my Mia

that radiant woman looking at the camera is Anjalika..Anika's mama...and a lovely friend

She's beaming because her whole family was there...from California and Bombay!

baby Arjun, in Terra Luz style...donning glitter and a bit of metallic paint on his hand

Anjalika wrote all the children's names in Hindi

Mia dancing with wild abandon

they ran out of bindis, so Kellyann gave the kids dino stickers to wear

from left: Andrea, Mala, me, Priya (photo taken by Anja)

Mala and Priya are Anjalika's sisters...she calls us her Western sisters

Anika