Upto Tuesday 20 October 2015
Both Sitara and Sachin have been exemplary kids – doing their homework and playing with each other.
They participate in their activities after school – swimming, Sitara’s art class, both going for badminton and Sachin playing ice hockey .
In Toronto, Maya and Kieran also have settled down at their separate schools ( Maya in Junior KG and Kieran at DayCare) – while their mom have completed her final examination for her advanced paediatric course . Both Kids are participating in extracurricular activities – mostly swimming
Recently on Thursday 22 October 2015 , Sitara and Sachin had gone to Toronto with their parents and spent time visiting various museums and participating in the Navratri garba function . (note: their dad had a business appointment in Toronto) . They returned back to Mackey on Sunday 18 October 2015 – after visiting ( enroute to Mackey) their cousins Maya and Kieran (along with their SunirMama and ShannonMami) in Toronto .
On Friday 16 October 2015, Ba/Bapuji sent a mail parcel to Maya/Kieran with Halloween stickers and miscellaneous pumpkin decorations. They (and parents) called on Saturday ( 24 October 2015) to thank for the parcel which they had received and both kids are enjoying that very much specially the stickers at this time . The pumpkin carving has not yet planned.
Similarly kids here in Deep River (Sitara and Sachin ) saw various items that nana/nani have gathered for their Halloween night fun – including a large pumpkin (which is stored in the garage for the moment). They are quite excited and would want to carve the pumpkin along with their parents. The carving of the pumpkin is not yet planned.
Friday 23 October 2015
Both Sitara and Sachin joined their nana/nani for dinner (along with their parents ) while still participating in their after school activities – Sachin taken by his dad for his badminton at Mackenzie Community School hall and Sitara taken to Pembroke (by her mom) for her music class.
Later in the evening all went to 5-pin Bowling Club to partake in the celebratory cake (for celebrating Deep River 70th Anniversary) and also free bowling activity. Sachin really enjoyed bowling – never getting tired – he was joined by his nana after much waiting. His nani also bowled at a different lane and enjoyed the game. Both his mom and Sitara also joined the fun after they had come back from Pembroke.
Nina posted the following note on her Facebook entry :
Celebrating our bowling alley’s 70th Birthday as a Family this weekend
Saturday 24 October 2015
The kids and their parents spent the day in Deep River – having lunch and dinner at nana/nani home as they have multiple activities during the day as well as in the evening . Sachin had ice hockey in the morning (at the arena) and both kids had badminton during the day (at the Mackenzie Community hall) . Further Sitara had Figure Skating in the evening (at the arena) – all went to see her skating . Her mom was all happy that her own coach – Kathy Buckley – (of the years when she was a kid and learning Figure Skating in Deep River) was also coaching Sitara and her group.
Wednesday 28 October 2015
Sachin’s mom posted the following on her Facebook page:
Me: “Hey Sachin, what do you want to be when you grow up?”
Sachin: “I want to be a Math Guy. I want to have people come to me with math problems and I solve them!”
Me: *smile*
And then she commented on the same Facebook entry – as an afterthought – the following:
It’s a little more attainable than his last career choice of wanting to be a dinosaur who eats his sister!
Friday 30 October 2015
There is excitement in the air as it is the day before the Halloween day -tomorrow and all people everywhere are preparing decorations and hanging spooky fake skeletons and other Halloween tidbits on the doors and trees and grounds. Schools are getting kids to decorate pumpkins and take part in some sort of art activity. Sachin won a pumpkin ( presumably his carving of the pumpkin got him the prize) . Kids also had a gathering in the Childs Auditorium (in the Mackenzie School)- where nana/nani along with kids’ mom attended – boy Sitara and Sachin were also there along with many other students. The theme/topic of the gathering was ” Courage ” but this time there was no music/singing choir.
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In Toronto, Maya participated in a Halloween parade – along with some 800 other kids. Her mom sent an-email to all relatives with Maya’s photo-she is so cute and seems to be having fun.
Here is the message in the e-mail (from Shannon) dated Friday 30 October 2015:
” Here is Maya the angel at her school’s Halloween parade.
It was pretty cool seeing 800 kids in costume!
Glad it was on a Friday so I was able to go ”
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Both Sitara and Sachin wore black pants and orange jerseys .Their mom posted on the Facebook their photo with the Halloween color outfits. She titled it as : Black and Orange Day
Monday 19 October 2015
On the day when elections were taking place for the Canadian Federal Parliament , Sitara has a question in her mind.
Here is what her mom posted on her Facebook entry.
Ohh….My little girl asked if she could be Leader of a Party some day…. My definitive answer….”YES! Of Course!”
Friday 30 October 2015
McKenzie Community School organised a celebratory afternoon/function -a day ahead of the Halloween for all the elementary kids . Topic for discourse was ” Courage “. Nana/nani attended the function (2.30 p.m) . Note: there were no musical performances at this function.
That day also was great for Sachin as he had won a pumpkin ( carved) in a draw for his class kids. This pumpkin was brought to nana/nani home – adding to other 4 pumpkins already gathered in the garage for display next day ( Halloween Day)
Saturday 31 October 2015
The Halloween day started with a beehive of activities – after Sitara and Sachin along with their parents arrived at nana/nani home in the morning — after Sachin had participated in his routine Ice Hockey practice at the Deep River Arena .
All pumpkins were carved – by Sunjay (helped by Sitara, Sachin and Nina) and watched/encouraged by nana/nani. The big pumpkin that nana/nani bought from the Valumart in Deep River (almost 3 weeks ago) was decorated by the two kids (separately in the Dining room) – sticking all kinds of decorative pennants/medals/pins onto the pumpkin making a nice ghoulish face .
During the afternoon (after lunch) Sunjay (helped by Nina) put together the new 40″ Smart TV (Sampson-High Definition) that nana had bought earlier (during the week on Thursday from the Source in Pembroke) – this was to replace the old TV (Panasonic) nana/nani had in the Living Room (which had conked out recently) . The TV has streaming capability so now using WIFI (wireless) connection – all programs which normally can be done on the computer can be done on this TV. The movies (and You Tube clips etc) can be watched – a good means for a joint family recreation time .
At about 5.50 pm – when it became dark , the kids accompanied by parents went out for their Halloween ” Trick or Treat” fun. They went in car to friends’ houses rather than walking around along Rutherford Av. Nana/nani stayed at their home on Rutherford Av. – and provided treats to many kids (some 100 ) who turned up at the door over the evening – all dresses appropriately and very ably for the Halloween.
Kids and parents joined in the dinner after their fun outing . Of course the kids came home with their Halloween bags filled (with all kinds of candies etc) and they immediately spread (each one at a separate corner in Living Room) their loot for display and then picking out those candies not fit for consumption – to throw away to garbage. Sachin was generous and shared his candies with his nani and the with nana with a nice smile and a hug. Very groovy and coy for nana.
After dinner, the parents got dressed up (as zombies) for their party (at a friend’s home) -all well done. Kids were very excited and a bit murky when they saw/observed the colourful transformation of the parents (all fun) and wished them a good party (with hugs and kisses) . All spent the night at nana/nani .
This was the day when cloaks were set back by one hour . So when parents were back from their party (at about 2.00 am in the morning of Sunday -old time and 1.00 am new time) – nani was watching her Bollywood movie and then joined by Nina for a while before all went to sleep. Well, kids had gone to sleep earlier and so had nana.
Sunday 1 November 2015
After breakfast, the kids along with parents decorated a Halloween Chocolate House (similar to the Gingerbread house at Christmas) – in the kitchen ( of course at nana/nani home) .
After lunch – all went to Potters Guild building ( adjoining to 5-pin Bawling Alley in Deep River) – where Nina is taking/doing pottery sessions – and also kids had each made a pottery leave . They all added paint ready for baking later.
After the pottery session – all ended up at the Deep River Town Hall lobby (about 3.00 pm) to participate in the opening of an Art Exhibition (of paintings by some of the talented early Deep River Residents ) as part of celebrating 70th Anniversary.
The kids and parents went to Mackey after that function and nana/nani retired to their home.
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Friday 06 November 2015
Lucky Maya! Once a month is great! And I loooooove Keiran’s bedside manner with the oral syringe in this morning’s photo. It is exactly what I would do to SUNIR when he was a baby. I had our doctors set and would love to knock on his knees with that hammer too 😀
I just had the most fantastic date with Sachin a few weeks ago after his eye doctor appointment. We went to East Side Mario’s for dinner (his choice) and did his homework while chatting. The waiter was awesome and asked him what he wanted and treated him like any other paying customer. He was beaming 🙂 Sitara gets to go on date nights with either me or Sunjay when she has her singing lessons every other week so Sachin always feels left out. This was a nice treat for him. We will do it again after his 2nd eye doctor appointment in Dec 🙂
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Friday 06 November 2015
Kieran gives Eldwin ( his pet stuffed child) a checkup & plays doctor
His mom circulated his photo to family by e-mail.
The following response from his grandma (Kathy) in Toronto:
My favourite picture ever! For so many reasons. Is that a syringe he is ramming down Eldwin's throat?
Friday 06 November 2015
Maya’s mom’s e-mail to family members :
” Maya and I had a lunch date today at Tim Horton’s. It reminded me of when you used to take us out for lunch at Mmmuffins for a special treat, Mom! She liked it so much she asked if we could do it every Friday… I agreed to once a month “
Response from her Nina Auntie ( from Mackey)
” That is a very important thing to do. Good! Does Kieran get a date too? “
Friday 06 November 2015
This day around noon the power went off in many areas of Renfrew County including Deep River . There was a cloud burst with winds of up to 100 km per hour (a s I was informed by one of the neighbours when I went out to check how far the power outage is in Deep Rivera apart from our house.
Mackenzie Community School also experienced the power outage like all in Deep River. Both Sitar and Sachin were at the school in their separate classes . After school they came over to nana/nani home ( brought by their mom – who had come from home in Mackey to pick them up – as she had a meeting in Deep River for Diwali program (planned for to be on 21 November 2015 at Knights Columbus Hall in Pembroke) preparation . This day their dad has gone to Ottawa and thus the kids did not take the school bus to go to Mackey and came over to nana/nani home.
After dinner, the kids played with nana/nani – Sitara making home using blocks and Sachin playing on the Tablet his game of ” candies” .
During that time there was quite bit of conversation about the power outage in Deep River. Sitara mentioned about seeing a hugh tree falling down on the school grounds ( over the swing set there ) during the storm . Sachin also saw that. What an experience !
The following was posted by Nina on her Facebook page.
” Big tree fell on the Swing set in the school playground today. A very exciting day for the kids in school with no power for most of the day. Standing beside this tree I can say it is huge. Amazing that the wind brought it down! “
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Just memories – Re: Fisher Price toys.
Sachin at nana/nani place on Friday 06 November 2015 – played with an ancient Fisher Price toy -a Musical Wind-up (Hickory Dickory Dock) Radio Toy – and this is what his mom posted on her Facebook page
” Fisher Price Classic Wind-up Radio…Sachin’s favorite toy from when (his Mommy- Nina) Mommy was a baby….it used to calm me down and put me to sleep “.
Saturday 07 November 2015
This day the kids were dropped at nana/nani home just before dinner – for nana/nani to baby-sit them while the parents would go to an evening Games party at a friend’s home.
The kids and nana/nani had dinner and after that watched a movie on the new TV (Smart Samsung TV) – streamlined (You Tube) . The movie called ” Muffets Most Wanted -2014 movie “.
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Note:
Takes the entire Muppets gang on a global tour, selling out grand theaters across European destinations, including Berlin, Madrid and London. But mayhem follows the Muppets overseas, as they find themselves unwittingly entangled in an international crime caper headed by Constantine””the World”™s Number One Criminal and a dead ringer for Kermit””and his dastardly sidekick Dominic, aka Number Two, portrayed by Ricky Gervais. The film stars Tina Fey as Nadya, a feisty prison guard, and Ty Burrell as Interpol agent Jean Pierre Napoleon.
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After that kids went to sleep on their beds ( nani had already prepared them in each of their rooms) .
The parents came to pick them up (at about mid-night) and all then went/drove to Mackey.
Saturday 07 November 2015
Its Diwali day celebration today. Maya and Kieran accompanied their parents to the Oshwal Diwali function in Toronto. They had a great time. Their mom sent a video (by e-mail) of their fun and dancing around during the Oshwal Diwali function.
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Diwali 2015 – Details
- Oshwals Canada
- When:
Saturday, November 7 at 6:00 PM
- Where:
The Estate Banquet & Event Centre, 430 Nugget Ave, Toronto
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Thursday 12 November 2015
This day is Sunjay’s birthday / Both Sitara and Sachin – each did create a “Happy Borthday ” cards for their dad – in fact Sachin did two – 1 impromptu using the table in nana’s Computer room .
Nana/Nani had ordered a chocolate birthday cake from the Valumart (the grocers) in Deep River – with a title ‘ Happy Birthday to the best dad ”
First, all had a dinner at nana/nani home and after that all went to see a movie at Childs Auditorium ( at Mackenzie Community School)- titled ” Minions ” – Sachin’s favourite characters
After the movie, all came back to nana/nani home and celebrated Sunjay’s (44th) birthday. What a great time. Kids were so much in celebratory mood for their best dad.
The family went back to Mackey at about 10.00 pm.
Saturday 14 November 2015
This day there was a Unity In Diversity dinner at Lyons Club (Hall ) at Chalk River . This dinner is an annual; event organised by a Committee in Deep River. This year, Nina (kids’ mom) was a joint Master of Ceremony along with Doug -so both kids wereexcited and happy about that. Nana/nani joined in the festivities – having arrived at the Lyons Hall separately.
Note: here is what Nina posted on her Facebook page of the same date:
” Busy weekend! PA day yesterday – Made candy and cake with the kids, glazed 4 plates at pottery with Sachin, Unity in Diversity dinner tonight and our annual Community Diwali Dinner and Show tomorrow night. Tired already… ”
Sunday 15 November 2015
Tis day the Deep River-Pembroke (Renfrew County) East Indian Community celebrated 2015 Diwali . Te function was held at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Pembroke .
The day also was an important for the family as it was kid’s nani’s (& Ba’s) Birthday.
It started with a telephone call from grandchildren in Toronto with a “Happy Birthday, Ba” song and then from the grandchildren in Mackey. Further durimg Diwali function inPembroke, a cake was cut to celebrate nani’s birthday with many kids on the stage who sang ” Happy Birthday ” to kid’s nani – and the whole audience joining in.
This is what Sunjay sent by e-mail to all the East Indian Community in Deep River-Pembroke area.
” On behalf of the organizing committee I would like thank everyone who made today’s event such a great success.
All those involved behind the scenes who made the day run smoothly, and those of you who stepped in to help at the last minute thanks.
To all our performers, you showcased the community’s wide range of talents.
To all the cooks, the food was excellent.
I was lucky to work with a talented group of individuals who volunteered to organise the event. By working together, the organising committee were able to put on one of the biggest Diwali events for the area in less than 2 months!!!
The show gives us the opportunity to get to know one another and enables the community to welcome new individuals and families who have moved to the area.
I know a number of people were interested in helping to organise next years event and had lots of ideas.
If you are interested in helping to organise next years’ event or have any suggestions on new things you would like to see at the event please can you let us know by emailing us on ____________>
Thank you all.
Sunjay on behalf of Diwali Committee 2015 “
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Nina posted a photo and a description on her Facebook Page
” Diya Dance – Ottawa Valley Diwali Celebration 2015 – Sitara is in the Blue and Pink ”
Wednesday 18 November 2015
Parents went overseas . Initially both went together to USA (Newark) but from there Dad proceeded to go To Birmingham in UK -and then to Vienna (after spending a few days in England meeting family ). In Vienna dad has gone on business. Mom proceeded to Berlin to spend time with her friend and then would go to Vienna to join dad . After that both will return to Canada- Mackey ) on Monday 30 November 2015.
Both Sitara and Sachin are spending that time with nana/nani at their home in Deep River. Nana/nani will take them to school in the morning and bring them back from schools -and after school take them to various extra-curricular activities that they are enrolled in.
Note: These past two days them kids saw/observed their mom and dad – each fulfilling a Community service task.
On Saturday, Nina was a co-master of ceremony at Unity in Diversity program at the Lions Club in Chalk River (neighbouring town to deep River)
On Sunday, Sunjay was one of the three organisers (but taking lead) and Nina as there as a Ticket Officer and also general assisting the organisers at the East Indian Diwali function held at Knights of Columbus Hall in Pembroke .
This is setting a good example to kids for service to the community .
Wednesday 18 November 2015
Sitara – Art Class – completed a painting ” Autumnal scene ”
Nana posted it on his Facebook page
Sachin – Ice Hockey at the Deep River Arena
Thursday 19 November 2015
Sachin – Swimming
Sitara – Figure Skating at the Deep River Arena
Friday 20 November 2015
Sitara & Sachin – Badminton at the small gym in Mackenzie Community Center
After that at 7.30 pm – saw the Pink Panther Strikes Again play at the Childs Auditorium . Both kids enjoyed that . Home by 10.15 pm
Saturday – 21 November 2015
Sitara – Figure Skating at Deep River Arena – 6.15 pm to 7.30 pm
Sachin’s ice hockey in the morning at Deep River Arena was cancelled .
Easy Saturday . Kids were relaxed – had a long conversation with their dad , Ba and didi (in Englsnd ) on Skype and a short one with their mom in Berlin.
Story reading by nana – the book Pokemon – kids love this book . Today after nana read few pages ( a continuation from the previous day) , Sitara read further few pages – Sachin listening to the story .
Sachin created a structure from odds and ends and some play blocks.
Sunday 22 November 2015
Both Sitara and Sachin were relaxed for the day. Sitara practiced on her musical organ ( piano notes) and subsequently made a frame and structure for a house over two (2) stools/stands in the living/dining room.
Long talk with dad and didi (in England) on the skype (again using tablet here)
Thye both played games ( educational ) on the computer . Sachin has so much hang of these games (and also using nana’s computer) -while Sitara like a big sister helps him and also participates in the computer games.
Monday 23 November 2015
Sitara – 4.15 pm to 4.45 pm – piano lessons (private tutor in Deep River – Allison)
Sachin – 5.00 pm to 5.50 pm – Ice Hockey (at Deep River Arena )
Sitara – 6.30 pm to 7.30 pm – Karate session (at small gym at Mackenzie School Center)
First real snow (requiring shovelling) of the season hit the area . Kids were both excited .
Tuesday 24 November 2015
Sitara & sachin both – 4.00 pm to 5 pm – swimming at the Mackenzie pool (in Deep River )
After swimming all went to Burger King on Hwy 17 ( Deep River) – for a Cheeseburger for Sitara and Chicken nuggets for Sachin – whuch included fries and Chocolate Milk.
Nana/nani visited Mackey – after dropping the kids at Mackenzie Community School. Checked the mail box too.
Wednesday 25 November 2015
Sitara – 4.00 pm to 5 pm – Art class with Olga (in Deep River)
Sachin – 5.00 pm to 5.50 pm – Ice Hockey at the Deep River Arena
Maya and Kieran – this day was special day in Toronto – Maya/Kieran’s mom Shannon passed her final examination for becoming a ” Developmental Paediatrician ” .
Here is an e-mail dated Wednesday 25 November 2015 from Shannon:
” Good news! I passed my exam!!! I am very, very happy. 😀 Finally, after so many years of being in school/training, I have passed my last exam! I am now officially a Developmental paediatrician. It feels great! “
Thanks for all your love and support!
Shannon
xoxo
Thursday 26 November 2015
Sachin – 4.30 pm to 5.30 pm – swimming at Mackenzie pool
Sitara – 5.00 pm to 5.50 pm – Figure Skating at the Deep River Arena
Sitara – HadKarate at small Gym at Mackenzie School Center (6.30 pm to 8.00 pm) but she regused to go. Tired out with too many activities.
Friday 27 November 2015
It was a fun day at school . Nana/nani gave each kid $2.00 ( two loonies each) for buying whatever fancies them.
Sitara & Sachin – 6.30 pm – 8.00 pm – Badminton at the gym at Mackenzie Community Center
Saturday 28 November 2015
Sachin – 10. 00 am to 10.50 am – Ice Hockey
Sitara – 6.20 pm to 7.20 pm – Figure Skating at Deep River Arena.
at 11.00 am all (Sitara, Sachin and nana/nani) went to Deep River Library to “Modellers Show ” organised by Seniors Friendship Club of Deep River – where rthere were trains, robots etc built from Modelling kits and also from meccano sets.
Sunday 29 November 2015
Sitara and Sachin spent time at home – well they are at nana/nani home – a couple of days now when their parents are expected to return from their overseas trip (to Europe – Vienna) . No one wanted to go out and they remained busy playing with each other as also with nana/nani as needed.
This day Sitara also wrote an e-mail to her mom ( from nana’s computer) – she wrote:
” Hi Mommy
Today me and Sachin
made a lego musunm,
There is a dimind section,a plant section,a stone section and a gun section in it.
Also there is a bath room and a phone.
Can you come home soon?
love Sitara “
Monday 30 November 2015
Sitara – 4.00 pm – 4.45 pm – music (piano) learning (private tutor in Deep River – Allison)
Sachin – 5.00 pm – 5.50 pm – Ice Hockey at Deep River Arena.
Sitara – had Karate (in the small gym at the Mackenzie Community School) but she was a bit tired to go
This day parents returned from Vienna -arrived at Ottawa Airport at midnight – though they phoned nana/nani and the kids at 10.00 -pm from Toronto.
At Toronto they found that Sunjay’s luggage ( one suitcase ) was missing . He thinks that happened at Frankfurt as the flight from Vienna was somewhat delayed to arrive at Frankfurt and thus there was not much time for boarding the connecting flight to Ontario (Canada) .
Since it was past mid-night when arriving at Ottawa – the parents spent a night at a hotel in Ottawa – allowing them to rattle (next day – on Tuesday) the Airline company for their missing suitcase. It is expected to be delivered by the Airline (Lufthansa) to nana/nani home in Deep River on Wednesday morning.
Note: This Business/vacation tour by Sunjay/Nina to Europe was an interesting one – it ‘ sort of ‘ triple provided triple stream of vacations . First was for the parents (in Europe), the second was for the kids( Sitara and Sachin) – a very relaxed few days at nana/nani home – no rush in the morning to take school bus and always driven to school (much later in the mornings -at about 9.10 am) by nana’s maroon Dodge minivan . More time to play and enjoy evenings after the extracurricular activities. The third vacation was for the garndparenst – to enjoy the good grand children – with their creativity , affability , fun but serious good kids.
Tuesday 01 December 2015
Sitara and Sachin – 4.00 pm to 5.00 pm – swimming at the community pool at Mackenzie Community School.
The parents arrived almost the same time the kids (along with nana/nani) arrived – from the swimmimg pool – at nana/nani home. So much excitement and happiness. The kids were jumping and hugging both the parents and showed them all the things they had created when at nana/nani home .
After that all had dinner – nani had prepared spaghetti dinner as per the request by Sitara.
And it seems vacation for the kids ( away from their parents while they were away in Europe) was over – so also the vacation for nana/nani – to spend good fun time with kids for last two weeks.
Kids went to Mackey with their parents and now their routine (to take a school bus from Mackey to come to school in Deep River) will resume tomorrow morning .
Saturday 05 December 2015
Maya/Kieran in the Christmas party at their home – organised by their parents for friends and family
Sachin participated in IP Hockey fun day at Petawawa Civic Center arena.
He played in 3 games – 2 in the morning and one in the afternoon. Nana/nani went to watch in the afternoon. Sachin played well – all enthusiastic and full of vigour .
At the end of the match , all players each got a trophy.
Posting by his mom on her Facebook wall
Awesome IP Hockey Fun Day in Petawawa! Sachin is the player on the right
After the IP Hockey fun at Petawawa, the kids relaxed and had gone for supper with their parents ( nana/nani having returned back to Deep River ). And then further fun began. Both kids and parents participated in the Santa Parade in Deep River – starting at 5.30 pm . Sachin was on a float with all his Ice Hockey colleagues and Sitara and her mom /dad walking with the parade .
Sachin on the IP Hockey Float and Sitara on the MCS Float.
The parade stated from the Deep River Arena grounds and ended back there at the conclusion. Thereafter, all participants and interested citizens gathered at the Arena (upstairs) for giving of awards – distributed by the Mayor of Deep River . And there was refreshment for attendees. Even Santa came along – giving gifts to the kids.
Thursday 10 December 2015
This day Sachin participated in Christmas singing for Grade 1 students. The vent was in the afternoon – starting at about 12.15 noon . Nana/nani joined his parents to go and cheer him – along with parents of other kids.
This is what his mom posted (the same day) on her Facebook wall :
” Sachin’s class performed some songs about the community, Frosty the Snowman and built a replica of Deep River that is so authentic! What a great job they did! ”
Saturday 12 December 2015
Nani had already put together the artificial full size Christmas Tree in the Deep River Home – so when the kids came to Deep river from Mackey ( driven by their parents) in the afternoon they were both happy and excited. This is the day when Sunjay and Nina were to go to the Christmas party at Lions Hall in Chalk River – party organised by Sunjay’s company (CNL) for employees and their guest (spouse!)
The kids had dinner at nana/nani home – and after their parents left for the party Sitara was driven (and helped) by her nani to her Figure Skating session at the Deep River Arena. Sachin stayed behind at home with his nana – and both watched together the Pokemon movie ( First Movie ) – the movie brought by Sachin with him. He is really into the Pokemon stories and characters . His nana is participating with him in his reading and knowing about the Pokemon.
When nana asked Sachin whether he wants nana to read his Pokemon book – he said that he has not brought the book from home . He then said nana you are so interested in Pokemon – ” may be you can buy another book for here DR home so he does not have to bring a book from Mackey “.
Nana said that is good idea.
The kids were to spend the night at nana/nani place (sleep over) – and also their parents were to stay at Deep River home after the party . So thats what happened.
On Sunday 13 December 2015 , the parents and kids went in the morning (late morning) to Chalk River Legion – to meet with Santa and participate in the Secret Shop (for kids only) . But prior to going to the Legion, nana/nani, kids and their dad celebrated Nina’s birthday ( a day earlier as Monday – as next day the kids were busy with the school and other extracurricular activities. Nani had made a nice Fruit Cake (as requested by the kids) with no icing on it – healthy cake. Good choice by the kids.
This is what their mom posted on her Facebook wall of the same date:
” Cutting my Birthday cake for breakfast, Chalk River Legion to meet Santa and Secret shop, The Pembroke Singing Christmas Tree and Dinner with my family. heart emoticon. The most wonderful way to celebrate my birthday early! “
In the afternoon at about 1.00 pm -all went to Pembroke Pentecostal Tabernacle (Church) – at the cross-section on Highway 41 and Highway 17 – to enjoy the presentation of ” the 2015 Singing Christmas Tree ” .
Kids were driven there by their parents – directly from the Chalk River Legion and nana/nani joined them driving separately .
After the enchanting presentation was over – kids and parents went to Boston Pizza for dinner (celebrating Nina’s birthday) and nana/nani returned back to Deep River .
After the dinner, kids and parents had a drive through Pembroke watching various house decorated for Christmas /holiday . And they stumbled on to an amazing house in Pembroke on Greenwood Road – displaying musical Christmas lights.
This is what Sachin’s mom posted on her Facebook wall – dated 14 December 2015 – Nina’s birthday
At 1:30am I woke to Sachin screaming “Mom!” Over and over. I went to him wondering what the emergency was. I open the door to “Mamma! I wanted to spend some time with you on your birthday!” I was shocked and actually happy for the snuggles heart emoticon. He is my sweetest little one!
In the Christmas Card that Maya/Kieran’s mom sent by mail (during the week ending on Friday 18 December 2015) – she had enclosed a write-up for the 2015 year’s happenings/highlights in their lives.
Some selected paras given below:
Maya is four and has started junior kindergarten. The highlight so far has been taking attendance to the office as “special helper of the day”. Maya’s favourite pastimes include (and I quote) “swinging on the monkey bars, colouring, and playing with Kieran”.
Kieran is now one and a half. He is an energetic toddler who loves his big sister ( most of the time! ). He also loves robots, which makes Sunir very happy. He was robot for Halloween and insists on wearing his “bot” costume at least once a week.
Kids had great family vacation(s) during the year when they accompanied their parents first to Cuba in February with the Knights clan and subsequently to Colorado ( their dad also had a business reason to go there ) . Of course to Colorado without the Knights clan.
Friday 18 December 2015
This day when Sachin came over to Nana/nani home in the evening for dinner (along with his sister, Sitara and Mom) he had a surprise waiting for him. His nana had bought a Pokemon book from Coles in Pembroke ( the day before when Sachin’s nana/nani were in Pembroke for “eye checking with Dr. Folz) .
The book is ‘The Complete Pokemon- Pocket Guide- box set ) – 2 volumes and with Bonus Poster inside.
This book is bought to keep at Deep River – so both Sachin and his nana can read the Guide together – Sachin has other books at Mackey for his own reading and studying various Pokemons .
Saturday 19 December 2015
Sitara’s mom on her Facebook Wall dated Saturday 19 December 2015
Sitara: Reading Archie “I’m HUNGRY! Reading Archie makes me hungry for Hamburgers! Even in my sleep I dream of hamburgers. That darn Jughead!”
Note: Sitara is into reading ” tens ” of old Archie books since last few months . Her nani had preserved many of the Archie books from her Sunirmama’s collection when he was young boy growing up in Deep River. Sitara also gets some new books – gifted or procured.
Up to Christmas Eve day – Thursday 24 December 2015
Maya and Kieran remained in celebratory mood and attending quite a few family Christmas parties in Toronto – details are not quite available to their grandparents in Deep River.
Sitara and Sachin went to Ottawa on Saturday 19 December 2015 – with their parents. In Ottawa, they were at a mall and had all the Christmassy fun and posing with Santa Clause for photos etc. They also went to a movie (Star Wars)
From Monday 21 December 2015 , schools were closed until after the New Year.
Sitara and Sachin came over to nana/nani place for a sleep over – as their dad was to go to Ottawa next day and their mom was to go to prepare for Christmas at home and then go to Pembroke for gift shopping.
Tuesday 22 December 2015 – Sitara went for her Art Class (driven there by her nana) – where she painted a Christmas decoration ( some 4 inch ball ) to hang on the Christmas Tree at nana/nani home. A fabulous gift to her nana/nani. Sachin was driven to his Ice Hockey by her nani (at the Deep river Arena). Sitara’s dad picked her up from the art class and then both went to Deep River Arena to watch Sachin play Ice Hockey.
Nina returned from Pembroke and also went to the Arena and finally brought sachin home to nana/nani place for dinner. Sitara and her dad came over (from the arena) to nana/nani place a bit earlier . Of course nani returned home earlier than all – to get teh dinner ready . Nana had stayed home after dropping Sitara at her Art Class at a private home.
Note: Their dad had to go to Ottawa on Business and their mom was in Pembroke for last minute Christmas shopping and thus the kids were dropped at nana/nani place in the morning.
Friday 25 December 2015
This is the Christmas Day – kids at both places (in Toronto and Mackey) are anticipating gifts from Santa Clause and will look in the morning for and tell-tale signs for Santa’s visit.
Nana/nani drove (in the morning) to Mackey to join in the festivities. But before that -had a telephone exchange of Christmas wishes with Maya , her parents – though Kieran was behind the scene.
No snow on the ground. Temperature is above zero degree. This Christmas has been green – may be an impact of El Nino.
Kids got lots of gifts and even letters from the Santa from North Pole.
Gifts are comprised of their favourite toys as well as other toys, books and clothes. Kids had also had gifts for adults- Christmas Tree ornaments for nana/nani and painting done by Sitara for her Dad and Mom – one for each.
The day was wonderful – it started with a shriek by Sachin and a run to his nana (when nana/nani arrived in the house at Mackey in the morning) – with a ” Hi Nana — ” and then proudly and happily presenting him (his nana) with a hand sketched (by him) painting of a tree . After a multiple photo shoots, the kids went to their gifts – pick up one by one gifts under the Christmas Tree and opening these – so methodically and coolly without any upsetting rush or any angst.
All had lunch together – Nina had made a pumpkin soup with coconut – looking and somewhat tasting like ” mango juice “. Very tasty and nourishing.
After lunch and few plays with the kids , nana/nani returned to Deep River – to rest before going to a party at Kamala’s house in Deep River.
Kids and their parents were also to join in the party -coming over from Mackey separately.
So all were at the party, the kids, their parents and nana/nani – joining Kamala’s neighbours Kannan and his wife, Kamala’s mom (who has recently come from India), Kamala’s husband (Kumar) and their grown up girls Asha and Roopa ( both have had come from Toronto to spend Christmas vacation time with their parents and grandma) .
There were only these two kids but they were like at home as they knew and are very much taken up by the girls especially Roopa. Kids joined in all the fun and games – always organised well by the Kamala’s family. Sitara won – finally the last one who could open up a tightly wrapped parcel/package – with two hands all wrapped in two thick gloves. Two dices have to be played put -whoever gets the two identical numbers is to go ahead and try to open up the parcel. The game becomes fast and furious .
The evening ended after Christmas songs were sung by the group – sometime after midnight. Music was played on the piano by Sitara and Roopa – Sitara played very well and found good support from Roopa .
The day ended seeing and enjoying grandkids- both so confident and relaxed . Sitara at age 8 – plays piano well, does her paintings well for her age and both kids care for their parents and also for their nana/nani . Good celebration.
Note: Since last few months – Sitara has mastered making a bubble over her lips by chewing bubblicious gum. She seems to be very pleased with this achievement .
Note: Maya/Kieran had a Christmas morning gifts at home (with their parents) and then had gone to their grandpa/grandma house in Toronto for exchange of gifts with their maternal family members . They had lunch at Grandma’s house and after that all went to Great Grandma Rae condo to wish her (and other family members) Happy Christmas and some time with her. After that all had gone to their grandma/grandpa house for dinner along with their cousin Cole and other family members.
Sunday 27 December 2015
Maya and Kieran were visiting their cousins in Mackey – driven there by their parents in The Subaru Outback car. They came through Huntsville – visiting their great grandma ( Shannon’s maternal grandmother) .
Monday 28 December 2015
All Christmas gifts between cousins and by nana/nani ( specially the stockings for the kids ) were opened at 11.00 pm at Mackey – nana/nani hauled all the gifts to Mackey when they arrived at Mackey just before 11.00 am.
The whole day went on games and fun . Nana/nani returned to Deep River just after 8.00 pm – thankfully before the first winters storm hit the valley. The whole night the snow was falling – some 10 inch plus was on the driveway in the morning and still falling.
Both families (who were at Mackey) decided to drive over to Deep River in this stormy day and spend time here. However, Sitara and Sachin could not come as their parents car(s) could not negotiate the accumulated snow – the snowplough had not yet come by noon time. So only Maya and Kieran came along driven in their Subaru Outback – the drive over the Hwy 17 was slow . Late in the afternoon (around 4.00 pm) the Mackey family were stranded home as the snowplough has not appeared even at this late time.
Both Maya and Kieran then went for tobogganing -with their parents . Initially, Kieran did not want to go. When asked by his daddy whether he wants to go outside – He replied so coyly “I am tired” . So only Maya went with her daddy but then Kieran also wanted to go -so his mom got him ready and both of them then joined Maya and dad.
After dinner, Sunir placed batteries in the radio-controlled wasp (toy) that Ba/Bapuji gave to Maya for Christmas ( similar was giver to Sachin too) . The wasp was charged and then launched. Maya mastered the directional moves ( under coaching by her dad) and the wasp buzzed/flew in the Deep River House living room. Kieran had already gone to sleep by that time. Maya after about 1/2 hour of playing with the radio-controlled wasp also went to sleep.
Tuesday 29 December 2015
This day all ( 3 families ) were to go to Pembroke at Walmart for the family shoot (photos) but unfortunately it turned out to be a stormy day with lots of snow falling on the ground. So Nina & family were stranded in Mackey – though Sunir & family managed to manoeuvre their car in the snow over the hinter roads from Nina’s home (which is where they had spent the night) and arrive at Deep River – keeping slow driving on Hwy 17.
The family photo outing was postponed till next day (Wednesday 30 December 2015) at 11.00 am at Walmart. Nina & Family drove directly from Mackey, Sunir & Family went in their silver Subaru car and grandparents went separately in their 2001 maroon Dodge caravan – all at the Walmart precisely at 11.00 am . All kids were excited -so were the adults . Sachin just had the most fun and showed lots of joy and happiness.
After various poses of photos were completed – all (well most) went to McDonalds – at Walmart store – for lunch and after that each family returned back to Deep River – completing various other activities each one had to do e.g. grandparents had to have their car fixed (at Lapoints in Pembroke) for a tyre pressure leak (in the front tyre on driver’s side) , Sunir had to have his car checked for “kind if vibrations in the whole car” at Canadian Tire store in Deep River – after a family visit to his friends (Nadia’s home in Deep River) . Nina and family went to a party in Deep River to their friends’ home – after a stopover at nana/nani home . From the party they went directly to Mackey.
Thursday 31 December 2015
Kids from Mackey arrived at nana/nani home in Deep River about 10.30 am – they played with Maya and Kieran as well as with each others . After lunch all went to Hill Park in Deep River for tobogganing – except of course Kieran who had gone to sleep for his afternoon nap.
Note: At 1 1/2 yr age, our Kieran is so mature, he can keep a conversation going well with good vocabulary and inquisitiveness. He has smile on his face at all times and very funny too. His observance of ” happenings ” around him is very thrilling. For example, when his Bapuji came from downstairs (recreation room) to the kitchen, he observed that Bapuji had NOT closed the door to the staircase. At that time he was at the Kitchen table (having his breakfast) and he immediately noted that and said clearly “Bapuji, close the door.” – We keep the door closed when Kieran is around so he does not go downstairs without some adult observing that for his safety . However he is quite comfortable in going up and down on the stairs.
At dinner time , the interplay between all the grandkids made the grandparents very happy and in heaven. Sitara cajoling and coddling and trying to look after Kieran at the Dining table brought the true understanding to her nana that ” Kieran is the baby of the family and all kids look after him and coddle him at all times.
Kieran also was very jubilant and broke into singing a few times – especially he likes the song ” Let it Go” and sings by himself very well and entertaining.
In the evening, all went to Petawawa Civic Center ( on Murphy Road, Petawawa ) for fun skating . Sitara really was into giving Maya all the support. Sachin wore his Ice Hockey Jersey ( Tim Horton – No.37) . Maya had lots of fun along with her cousins .
All returned back to Deep River and celebrated arrival of the new year 2016.