This is a continuation from Grandparents-2016-2nd Quarter.

Friday 01 July 2016

This being the Canada Day, all were meeting at Mackey (at the park at the end of the Jennings Road)  to celebrate the Canada day.   Maya and Kieran were driven by their parents   ( after visiting their Nadia’s family in Deep River) and the grandparents drove separately .   Many people were gathered to celebrate the Canada day and there were games and fun things for kids and adults . Unfortunately, the rain spoilt the fun just after lunch.

After that all gathered at Nina/Sunjay home in Mackey , played games (card and others)- Kieran was coddled by all but more so by Sitara like a big sister . All had dinner at Mackey, Maya/Kieran and parents stayed the night at Mackey and grandparents returned to Deep River at about 9.30 pm.

 

Here is poem nana (Bapuji) wrote to celebrate the 2016 Canada day – the poem was published in the North Renfrew Times ( newspaper in Deep river) – Wednesday 29 June 2016 edition.

O! Canada

Canada our majestic land

With heart of Gold

Welcoming

Suffering masses from far lands

So much love respect for humanity

Canada a land of smiles and cheers

from sea to sea

Canada Our majestic land

Confident relaxed nation

A   God given “heaven” on earth

Many Many thanks

For being our home

Our future

We celebrate Canada Day

With great pride and joy

O! Canada

we stand on guard for thee

Pravin Shah

26 July 2016

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Saturday 02 July 2016

All kids (Sitara,Sachin, Maya and Kieran) were just so with each other the whole day- they went into the Hot Tub, swam in the pool and played in the house with various toys   and cards . Nana/nani (Ba/Bapuji) had come over from Deep River to be with the family.   And during the day Bapuji went for his walk ( needed for recovery after the surgery) joined by Sunir ,Maya, Sachin, Nina and nani/Ba in the morning walk .   During the walk, wild strawberries were picked along the path.

Sunjay/Nina had put a hammock on one side of the property – where Sitara joined her dad to enjoy the swing for the time when others were out walking with her nana .

Also after lunch, Sunjay/Nina installed a   ” Tight Rope ” between two trees  (on the other side of the house) – both Sitara and Sachin were excited to walk over it and had lots of fun.   SunirMama also walked over -though the rope did sag due to heavy weight.

After dinner (and after Maya/ Kieran had gone to sleep) – all played card game (UNO) and once it was over Nana/nani returned to Deep River at about 10.00 pm , while kids’ Mama/Mami stayed at Mackey along with Maya/Kieran.

Sunday  03 July 2016

This day Maya/Kieran were returning to Toronto – to be driven by their parents in their silvery Subaru Outlook car .

The grandparents came over from Deep River early – as Nina/Shannon wanted photos of the grandparents with all the kids   together. The photos were taken.   The kids went to swim in the pool and after that all had lunch together before Maya/Kieran left for Toronto with their parents.

In the afternoon, Sitara was driven to Deep River by her mom – to visit one of her friends and spend some time there . Nana/nani returned   to Deep River – leaving Sachin his dad home in Mackey – where they were busy reinstalling their Trampoline unit.

Thursday 07 July 2016

This is a milestone day for Sachin – he is going to a Camp for three days – away from family and his sister.

His mom (along with Sitara) drove him to Camp Lau-Ren – in their bluish VW Jetta car . Nana/nani also went (separately in their 2001 maroon Dodge Caravan) to the Camp to drop Sachin . All went from nana/nani home starting at 10.00 am in Deep River – where kids were earlier dropped in the morning and had breakfast at nana/nani home.

Camp opens today for the Tadpole kids (ages 6-8) ӻ.Top of Form

 

NOTE:   Camp Lau-Ren:

On the Ottawa River, 10 kilometers west of Deep River, off Highway #17,  on Lau-Ren Road.   Camp Lau-Ren is fully accredited by the United Church of Canada and the Ontario Camps Association.

Residential three and  six night camps.     Sachin’s is a three night camp.

Saturday 09 July 2016

Sachin was picked up from the Camp Lau-Ren at about 10.00 am by his parents and Sitara. They had all come to nana/nani home (in Deep River) after that for a short visit -as nana/nani had to go to Petawawa.

He enjoyed his   short stay at the Camp and expressed to his mom – that he would like to go next year for 5 days.

His stay at the camp was marred by wet weather – cancelling the Camp Fire experience.   For that Sachin was a bit disappointed.

Monday 11 July 2016

This day – due to school summer break – both Sitara and Sachin got enrolled into Music Program at St. Mary’s School in Deep River. Sitara starts in the morning   at about 9.00 am lasting over the afternoon.   Sachin starts in the afternoon at about 1.00 pm. The music session is practically every day during the week (except week-ends) .

Saturday 16 July 2016

This day Sitara and Sachin were entertained by the parents – to watch the movie – “Finding Dory” – playing at Troyes Cinema at the Garrison Base .

Note:   Troyes Cinema, is the best theatre in the Ottawa Valley where going out to see first rate movies doesn’t have to cost a lot.   Also the manager does a head stand on the stage prior to start of the movie. That does excites the kids.

Note:   “Finding Dory ” – The friendly-but-forgetful blue tang fish begins a search for her long-lost parents, and everyone learns a few things about the real meaning of family along the way.

Both nana/nani also went to see the movie – it was an entertaining evening for them especially after nana’s   Bypass surgery.

Sitara and Sachin were also joined by their neighbour’s two kids – and after the movie all went to McDonalds for ice cream. A treat to celebrate Sachin’s upcoming birthday ( on 20 July 2016). Nana had coffee and nani had to do with coke . All came home late – nana/nani at about 11.30 pm and kids and family at about midnight.

This is what their mom (Nina) posted on her Facebook wall that day – with a photo of kids splurging in the pool in the backyard of their house.

”   Fun day with friends testing waterbombs in the pool with friends. Took Sachin, Sitara and some of their friends for “Finding Dory” and ice cream tonight. Sunj has been working on the Ninja Warrior Obstacle course over the last 2 weekends. All the kids will test it out tomorrow morning for fine tuning.”

Sunday   17 July 2016

What an exciting day! Sitara phoned about 8.00 pm to talk to her nani. She was all excited that she can now go bicycling around on her own – on the gravel road around their home . She went to and back from neighbour’s home – by herself . All the confidence and fun. She would   bring her bicycle to nana/nani home in Deep River sometime and go cycling in the area -and may even try to go to the Deep River library   on her bicycle.

Note: She knows that her nani is going to the hospital tomorrow (in Pembroke) to have her stomach checked . So she wanted to talk to her nani -as a morale booster. What a girl!

On the Toronto side – Maya’s 5th birthday was celebrated to-day ( earlier than the actual birthday) – with many of her friends from Daycare, neighbourhood and   school. The party was organized earlier as at the time of her actual birthday – her EricaAunt from Switzerland would  have been here and the family would be busy with her new cousin from Switzerland (Julia – a few months old) and also the family will be planning a wedding for Erica and Mathews –   and thus all would be tied up. Of course a birthday will be celebrated on Maya’s actual birthday – but with family only   .

Wednesday 20 July 2016

This day brings lots of joy. It is Sachin’s birthday – 7th.

Nani made cake and dinner party for the family. Sachin was showered with love , hugs and bear hugs by all.

He got lot of presents from his parents, sister and nana/nani.   Nana /Nani gave him a Pokemon game , which captured Sachin’s attention and was busy exploring and explaining to his dad and nana .   All had a great time.

Here is a poem nana wrote for the occasion and made a nice colourful card with Sachin’s various photos of last year. The card had definitely a Pokemon theme.

Poem:

Hey     SACHIN !

My Pokemon buddy

Pokemon cards and games

Sachin knows all

My Ice Hockey Player

Being a Goalie is his fun time

Sachin slides and slithers

My best loving buddy

Enjoys playing soccer

Sachin kicks and tackle

My playful buddy

Goes around with a smile

Sachin embracing all

My buddy in the heart

7- year old in 2016

Sachin all mature and caring

Nana loves you, my buddy

So much!  So much!   So much !

Sachin! Have a great birthday

Happy Birthday to you, Sachin

My best buddy.

your nana /nani     – 20 July 2016

Friday 22 July 2016

This day kids participated SummerMusic Concert 2016.   Sachin’s program was in the St. Mary School library (Deep River ) – this was in the morning at 11.00 am.   Sachin also had dressed as a ghost for one song.

Sitara’s program was in the Child’s Auditorium (Mackenzie Community School – Deep River) . This was in the afternoon -starting at 1.00 pm to 3.00 pm. Sitara participated in a variety of choirs. She was in the Beginner Band, Junior Choir and Massed Choir in the beginning of the program and then at the end of the program.

Saturday   23 July 2016

This day parents kept/held a birthday party for Sachin at their home –   Sachin’s 5 friends were there – 4 boys and one girl (who in fact was Sitara’s age) .   1.30 pm to 4.30 pm .

Nana/nani were also present at the party

The parents had Ninja Warrior theme for the party and they had worked out the whole concept. project well executed with many obstacle/physical activity items. So much effort but well done.

Parental devotion and love for the son was very evident.   After the Ninja activities, all went to swim in the pool at the backyard.

After that , eats , cutting wonderful cake ( with Ninja theme) .   The weather was perfect – though threatening rain but the rain held back.

Sunday 24 July 2016

This day nana/nani joined Sitara(her brother, parents and friends ) to watch a movie at Troyes Cinema at Petawawa. This is the start of celebrating the upcoming Sitara’s birthday on 5th August – when she is turning to be 9 year old.

The movie titled ” The secret life of Pets” was a popular movie – as many people (with kids) turned up to watch this movie.

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Read about the movie at Website:

LINK:   https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Secret_Life_of_Pets

Story begins:

”   A terrier named Max luxuriously lives with his owner Katie in Manhattan, hanging out with   tabby cat Chloe, pug Mel,   dachshund Buddy, and budgerigar Sweet Pea. One day, Katie adopts Duke, a large and shaggy Newfoundland from the pound, leaving Max jealous because of her larger focus on Duke. Enraged by Max’s attitude towards him, Duke tricks Max into travelling far into the city, and they are attacked by a feral cat gang in an alley, led by Sphynax Ozone. The cats remove Max and Duke’s collars and the dogs are caught by Animal Controk. Duke fears that he will be put down if he goes back to the pound.   ”

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After the movie, the group went to McDonald’s (Petawawa) for Ice Cream and sundries   – nana/nani had great time along with the Sitara and Sachin and their friends.

Sunday 24 July 2016

Ba/Bapuji phoned Toronto to converse with Maya and Kieran and their parents. They were found to be in the field at Pumpkin Farm (Whittamore’s Farm  ).

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Note:  

Whittamore’s Farm  is a large 220 acre fruit and vegetable farm nestled beside the Rouge River Valley in Markham. A wide variety of activities occur on our farm during the year, including a summer  Pick-Your-Own .

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Shannon sent by e-mail (on Sunday 24 July 2016) a couple of photos of the kids picking raspberries.

They (the family) have been enjoying eating all the berries 🙂

Thursday 28 July 2016

The kids spent the day with their nana/nani on Tuesday (26 July 2016) – when their mom was working (in Deep River) till 9.00 pm . They got picked up by their dad after dinner and both kids went home to Mackey.   During the day, they played with their nana, then gone to Deep River Library   until 12 noon   (for summer activity) .

On Wednesday 27 July , both kids came over to nana/nani home for a sleep over – though they came late in the evening. Nana read story books to each one of them before they went to sleep .

So on Thursday 28 July 2016 – they again spent the day with their nana/nani – again their mom was working (this time in Pembroke) and returned to Deep River at about 7.00 pm. By that time their dad had come to visit the kids (at their nana/nani home) before he left for Ottawa (for a business meeting on Friday morning) . The kids went home at about 9.00 pm with their mom.

Both Sachin and Sitara played the game ” ghost”   separately with nana and also with their nani. Sachin spent some   time on the computer and Sitara spent some time watching TV. They also went to Deep River library (with nana/nani) for the summer program. After their mom returned back from Pembroke, both kids (and their mom) joined nana for his daily walk . They enjoyed the   walk.

Friday 29 July 2016

This day Sitara and Sachin spent the day at Mackey home with their mom .

It was a very fruitful day – Sachin learnt riding a bike – just a week after his sister went riding a bike on gravel road all around their home. This day – both brother and sister were riding their bikes and feeling happy. Their mom posted a video clip (of the kids riding bikes ) on her Facebook post.

Wednesday 03 August 2016

The kids came to nana/nani home for the day as their mom was working. They spent most time on their own – Sitara watching TV and Sachin playing on the computer. After dinner ( once their mom and dad have come from their work) all settled down to celebrate Sitara’s birthday – usually her birthday is first celebrated at nana/nani home and then she will have Birthday Party on the 5th August at Mackey – with her   friends (now that she is becoming 9 year old – a preteen) .

After dinner, Kailash and Velun ( Kennan/Laxmi’ grandchildren) came over with their grandparents to play with the kids   and also to celebrate Sitara’s birthday. They had   a great time together.   Nana/nani gave Sitara a card – made up by her nana (with   a poem for her on it – laminated ) and also Harry potter cap and scarf. Also she received a pair of Pokemon earings.

The kids slept over at nana/nani home – as next day their mom was again working and it is more comfortable for kids to have   ‘sleep over’ – so they do not have to be woken up early and then transported   to nana/nani place.

 

Friday 05 August 2017

This is Sitara’s birthday – she is having a quiet day at Mackey — in fact getting ready for a big party on Saturday ( 06 August 2016) with her friends (coming over to Mackey for few hours).

Her nana/nani will keep away for this party as she is now a pre-teen and there is not nana/nani can do except interfere in their fun.   In any case, her nana/nani will be going to a picnic at Petawawa Point organized by the East Indian Group of the area .

This is what Sitara’s mom posted on her Facebook wall ( on Friday 05 August 2016 ):

”   9 years ago exactly right now at 9:04 AM on August 5th, 2007 our Princess Sitara was born. I remember not being able to take my eyes away from her face. I couldn’t believe she was ours. Our perfect baby is growing up and is 9 years old today! Time is flying by so fast. We need to find a way to slow down and enjoy every single second…..Happy Birthday Sitara! ”

Here is the poem Sitara’s nana wrote to celebrate her 9th birthday     .

Hey SITARA !

My joyful angel

Being an artist is her trait

Sitara paints and plays music

My budding pre-teen

Being focused is her characteristic

Sitara makes waves in water

My   best loving sweetie girl

Reading books is her fun time

Sitara reads of fairies and detectives

My caring buddy

Her smiles melt her nana’s heart

Sitara, you are an apple of my eye

My angel in the heart

9 – year old in 2016

Sitara all gracious and caring

Nana loves you, my angel

So much!   So much!   So much !

Sitara! Have a great birthday

Happy Birthday to you, Sitara

My loving angel.

your nana /nani     – 05 August 2016

Saturday   06 August 2016

Nina   and family (along with friends) went to Swisha chutes (near Mackey) .

This is what she posted on her Facebook wall (with photos) :

” A perfect day at the chutes with good friends. Heard Sitara screaming in excitement and then scooping in the water – she found a huge crayfish in the water we were swimming in! Fun! ”

They also had meal at   the Nanabush Café in Swisha.

Nina posted photos of meal at Nanabush Cafe – with a title :   ” Giant crêpes at Nanabush in Swisha “

 

Sunday 07 August 2016

This is a very special day. Our Maya is celebrating her 5th birthday – at a cottage ( this one is a different cottage – not her grandpa’s cottage) with the family and friends.

Her mom posted a photo of Maya on her Facebook wall – with a title: ” Happy #5, Maya! ”

Her Ba/Bapuji sent her a “Canada Post mail delivery ” with some princess stickers and a cheque (for her parents)  to buy her (and Kieran) a gift (from Ba/Bapuji) for celebrating her (our Twinkle Star) Birthday.

Also Maya got a POEM written by her Bapuji -with the “mail delivery”.

 

Here is the poem :

Hey    MAYA !

Our Twinkle star

All bubbly and sprite

Maya goes round and round

Our Sprite girl

All playful and creative

Maya does sketches and paintings

Our lively angel

All   full of fun and laughter

Maya hobnobs with Kieran and cousins

Our budding singing talent

All choirs and solo singing

Maya sings with a good voice

Our adoring princess

5 – year old in 2016

Maya all loving and caring

Ba / Bapuji   love you, our Twinkle Star

So much!   So much!   So much !

Maya! Have a great birthday

Happy Birthday to you, Maya

Our Twinkle Star .

your Ba / Bapuji   – 07 August 2016

Her dad sent an e-mail message ( on Monday 08 August 2016) as below:

” Aw, that”™s very sweet.

 

Sorry we missed each other on Sunday.

 

Just so you know, we decided to use the money you sent us to take the kids to their first baseball game in September. Thank you again. 🙂

 

Hopefully you can reach Maya today. She”™s with Shannon this week up at the cottage. “

 

 

Monday   08 August 2016

Sachin went for a Yoga Camp in Pembroke , driven by his mom.

This is what his mom posted on her Facebook wall:

” Ah, dropped Sachin and his yoga mat off today for a week of Yoga Camp … He will have so much relaxation… I hope! ”

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Note: Yoga Camp for kids at a 150 year old Farm across from Boudens Gardens

Helping children cultivate flexibility, strength, healthy self esteem,  calm and inner peace while exploring and appreciating the outdoors and all that Mother Nature has to offer.

Join us on our beautiful 150 year old farm in Pembroke (on Drive In Road ”“ across from Boudens Gardens) for a week ”“ or four! ”“ of yoga adventures, relaxation and meditation, planting seeds, harvesting and eating delicious organic garden fresh vegetables, feeding chickens, collecting eggs, scavenger hunts, outdoor arts and crafts, storytelling, mindfulness games, picnics under the trees, face painting, pizza making, daily pool parties, shelter building, positive affirmations and more!

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Saturday 13 August 2016

This day Sitara was initiated (by her mom) to sew clothing on an electric sewing machine.

Sunday 14 August 2016

This day Sitara was dropped off at Camp Lau-ren ( about 12 km west of Deep River) by her parents (and Sachin) at about   2.00 pm   . Both nana/nani also went over (in a separate car) to the camp for cheering Sitara.

Sachin and his parents joined nana/nani at Deep river home after dropping Sitara at the Camp- Lauren.   This was a day when visitors from London (UK) were coming to Deep River . These were nana’s cousin ( Hasu – son of nana’s JayantiMama – brother of nana’s mom -Kasturben) and his wife Dhanak.   They arrived by a   rental car from Toronto – after attending   a wedding of Hasu’s friend’s son.

Sachin immediately was at home with to his other nana (Hasu) – whom he called ” London” nana.   After dinner, all went to Mackey (in the rental car driven by Hasu) to   show the visitors from London – the Mackey house and place. Sachin was all excited but spent time with his nana to play a Pokemon game and joined all for cookies and refreshment .

Note: Sachin and his mom came over to nana/nani home on Monday morning   (breakfast time) – to say adios to the visitors as they were proceeding to Ottawa for sight-seeing before returning to Toronto and from there back to London UK.     Sachin then was driven to Jeannette’s home for the day as his mom was working (at PharmaPlus in Deep River) for the day.   He could not remain at nana/nani home as they were to go to Petawawa to play Bridge (cards) .

Tuesday 16 August 2016

It was   a rainy day . Sitara would have an indoor activities at the camp to-day. sachin was busy indoor – helping his mom to make some 3 wands – Harry Potter theme.

“ This is my plan to try and make this week with Sachin…. crossing fingers “-   Sachin’s  mom on her Facebook Wall

1st wand – dark wood

2nd Wand – Blue Green Silver’

3rd wand – The Elder Wand. Silver and Black

There were 4 wands to be made:

• Harry Potter
• Hermaine Granger
• The Elder Wand
• Grahm Geary

Saturday 20 August 2016

Today Sitara was picked up from the Camp Lau-ren by her parents (and Sachin) and then   they all came to nana/nani home (in Deep River ) for a visit. Sitara looked relaxed and had enjoyed her sojourn at the camp.   After that they all went to Mackey .

Saturday 27 August 2016

Sachin came to nana/nani home in the afternoon ( dropped by his parents ) – for a sleep-over. Sitara went with her parents to a wedding reception in Deep River but joined Sachin at nana/nani home late at night (about 11.00 pm) for a sleep-over ( after   being at the wedding reception).

It was a memorable day at nana/nani home for Sachin – he finally lost his front tooth . It was a bit wiggly anyway but when Sachin poked it with his finger, it came lose.

Both Saturday and next day Sunday   (28 August 2016), Sachin accompanied his nana for walk in the neighborhood.   His nana goes for a walk everyday (in fact sometimes twice ) – after his Bypass surgery . Sachin was a good   companion – very good conversationalist and just fun guy . He made nana very happy .

Wednesday 31 August 2016

The kids and parents are travelling to Toronto for   a few days – this travel is ahead of their impending visit to the DisneyLand in the week after.

The kids met their cousins (Maya and Kieran) – and are having a fabulous time in Toronto . Four cousins had   a great fun session on Teeter totter at the neighborhood park   on Thursday                                          ( 01 September 2016).

Sunday 04 September 2016

Kids returned back with their parents from their visit to Toronto . They had a great time there .

Tuesday 06 September 2016

This is the first day of school for all grandchildren.

Kieran – Pre-school     ( Toronto )

Maya   – Senior kindergarten ( Toronto)

Sachin – Grade 2       (Deep River)

Sitara – Grade 4           (Deep River)

Friday 09 September 2016

After spending just 3 days at the school – today both Sitara and Sachin went to Ottawa ( with their parents in a rental car – KIA Optima -black color) and after spending the night there in a hotel – the family will fly tomorrow to the Disneyland for a 2-week vacation.

Note: Sachin   lost is front tooth on   2016 August 27,   . He is so gummy and adorable . He lost his second front tooth on Friday 09 September 2016   – the day the family travelled to Ottawa for going to Disneyland – flying on Saturday 10 September 2016. Voila ! he lost   his third   tooth (upper one) while vacationing in Florida (Disneyland).

Saturday 24 September 2016

Sitara and Sachin returned back from their vacation in Florida ( Disneyland) – air travel via Toronto and arriving in Ottawa at about 7.15 pm – from there they were driven in   rental minivan by their parents – stopped over in Deep River at nana/nani home (past 11.00 pm) . Sachin was awake and he came out (from the car) into nana/nani home – hugged both his nani and nana – showed his loss of an upper tooth and was generally in   happy mood. Sitara initially remained in the car- sleeping/comfortable in her car seat  but subsequently was awakened by her dad – so she   can then transfer into the VW Pasaat . Sitara got a welcome hug from her nani.

The rental minivan was returned to the Rental agency ( in Chalk River) and from there on they (the family)   went/drove to Mackey in the family VW.

Note: The family had collected milk and other items ( such as mangos) from nana/nani home snd put these in their VW Passat car before driving away.

Subsequent to reaching home (at a later time) – Nina posted the following on her Facebook Wall

” 2 Days at Magic Kingdom, 2 Days at Hollywood Studios, 1 Day at Animal Kingdom, 1 Day at Epcot, 2 Days at Blizzard Beach, 1 Day at Typhoon Lagoon and 3 Days at Universal Studios (HARRY POTTER!!!) – an Amazing family vacation in Florida ALL at 38C in sun, rain and thunderstorms. We loved EVERY bit of it!! Now back home cozy in bed with the heating on – it’s 4.5C here tonight with a frost advisory! S said she was not wanting to come home since she was so used to being out in the extreme heat all day“

Note: Nowadays , Nina refers to Sitara as   ” S “.    Sign of our grandchild growing up.

 

Wednesday 28 September 2016

This day Mackenzie Community School in Deep River organized a Terry Fox Walk for some students . They started out at about 10.00 am from the school and walked around in the Deep River Town – arriving at Rutherford Avenue (at about 11.00 am) and from there on going to Ridge Road leading towards the school back.   Sitara participated in the walk and met with her nana/nani near their home on Rutherford Avenue.   She was in very good springy mood and continued on her walk back to the school. Her nani has pledged a $20 contribution (for Sitara’s participation) towards the Terry Fox cancer fund .