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.

Saturday 05 June 2015

Sachin joined his mom & nana/nani to a Bible concert by Watoto Group at the local church (Real Hope Christian Assembly Church on Hwy 17) . The Watoto Group is a collection of childen from Uganda who had been orphaned etc. and rescued by a Christian denominational missionary in Uganda.   The African kids sang beautiful hymes and songs praising Jesus Christ . Though we are not Christians by faith   – this demonstration of zeal and making life useful was educational; to Sachin and other younger kids.   It was rather unfortunare that Sitara could not go as she had fallen sick all through the previous night. Sachin was sick on Friday but managed to recover a bit by the time the Concert was on.

Note:   Currently, Watoto cares for almost 4,000 children. To date, a couple of hundreds of  these have come full circle through the program and are now productive citizens. They have been given back the potential to fulfill their dreams.   Watoto is also more than just a choir, as each of the childen has suffered the loss of on eor both of their parents.

They were rescued as orphans by social workers, nurtured and cared for by loving moms, educated by teachers, healed physically and emotionally by caring doctors and counsellors, spiritually discipled by pastors, and supported by generous sponsors and friends from around the world. It took a community to raise each one of these children.

Fridaay 12 June 2015

This day was frantic one.       Nana/nani were busy in the morning having a contractor to trim the trees in the front and back of the Deep River home, part of fence in the front and fence gate at the back were either replaced or mended. A concrete pavement (on the side of thebuilding) was expanded in width.

It was joyous day as Kieran became 15 months old .

Sitara participated at the school ( Childs Auditoriuom at Machenzie Community School)   in an instrument playing concert . Both nana/nani went to witness Sitara’s participation . Also her parents were there.   Sachin’s class was also present.

In the evening at 5.00 pm Sachin’s parenst along with parents of other KG class kids had organised a graduation event for the KG kids at the Deep River library 9 the indoor venue was necessary as weather was couldy and wet).   This is a non-official graduation celebration.

Parents had prepared a good program with all the paraphernelia ( like graduation hats , song/pledge   etc) And a feast was had by all prsent afterwards.

Friday 26 June 2015

This previous week had been the last week for Sitara and Sachin to participate in 2015 soccer games at Grouse Park in Deep River.

Also on Friday they   had   ” Friday night picnics at the Waterfront and Library Night! Woo hoo!   ”     Thatw ould be in deep River .Their mom’s Facebook post announced

Friday 26 June 2015

It was   graduation week for our Toronto family .

Shannon posted on Friday (26 June ) the following on her Facebook page

It’s been a week of graduations in our family. I graduated from my Developmental Paediatrics fellowship on Tuesday and Maya graduated from preschool today. Hopefully the first of many graduations for her, and the last of many for me!

Note:   Maya will be going to Junior KG in September

Saturday 27 June 2015

Sitara and Sachin spent the day at Rolph AirStrip in Deep River – enjoying to know the small airplanes . They were entertained and shown inside of a plane by Zin and his son Thit.

Note : Zin has now moved to Hamilton and had been to Deep River as they   had just recently sold their home.   Thit had copme from Ottawa to be wioth his parents – Thit is the one who keeps the plane – though both Zin and Thit had pilot license.

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This is turning into a   busy 2015 summer and a happy one – though a bit pre- jinxed by “under the weather” by both me and wife.   Luckily doctors were consulted and anti-biotics were taken before Sunir and family arrived in Deep River -and all was okay .

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Wednesday   01 July 2015

First Maya and Kieran came over from Toronto driven by their parents in their ”   Subaru Outback” car . They came on Wednesay just about at lunch time – the Canada Day ( July 01) – having spent the night at Huntsville at Shannon’s maternal grandma’s place .

They stayed till Sunday 5 July.

Canada Day turned out to be a whimper in Deep River due to adverse weather   but   Sitara and sachin along with their parents had a great Canada Day at Mackey – where the weather was just perfect.

However, both Sitara and Sachin came over to Deep River – to meet their Mama and Mami and to play with their cousins from Toronto.     All the kids had a great time together   – Kieran just going around walking all over and also climbing stairs   in the DR house. He also discovered many toys which were sprayed all around the house.

Ba ( for Maya and Kieran ) or nani (for Sitara and Sachin) did a Puja (along with the whole family) to Shree Jalaram – for welcoming the family get together in Deep River on this auspicious Canada Day   .

Maya and Sachin were playing together and Sitara ( now garduated over 7 years ) was all mushy with Kieran.

At the late evening all adults and Sitara/sachin went to Deep River campus to watch the fireworks – while both Maya and Kieran had gone to sleep watched over by their Ba/Bapuji.

Thursday   02 July 2015

Both Sitara and sachin came over from Mackey early in the morning ( dropped by their dad) – joined in the breakfast and after that they spent time playing with Maya and Kieran- and of course with their Mama and Mami.

All kids were taken to the DR Library ( by walking) by Sunir/Shannon – for a summer Library program ( for a duration of 3/4 hour) – though Kieran could not join due to his age ( just 1 year and 3 months) . However, Kieran joined his parents to a coffee at the Restaurant ( Bean House) in the centre of the town .

In the afternoon, Sachin had a soccer play with his Mama in the field behind the house – while Sitara was busy on the Computer and Maya and Kieran were having afternoon nap.   BNormally Maya does not need afternoon nap but this day she was encouraged by her parents as she woke up early in the morning.

Late in the afternoon, there was a gift exchange – an early Birthday gift exchange for the coming birthdays for Sachin, Sitara and Maya   – as it seems neither Nina/Sunjay could go to Toronto for celebrating Maya’s birthday in August nor Sunir/Shannon can come over for Sachin birthday in July or for Sitara’s birthday in August.   So this visit to DR by Sunir and family provided an opportunity to do the Gift giving .

Friday 03 July 2015

This was to be busy day – as Ba/Bapuji along with Nina/Sunjay had organised a Welcome Party for Kieran – to introduce him to our Indian Community friends in Deep River and the area .

A Cake was also ordered from Valumart bakery – with inscription     ” Kieran 1st Year –   a piece of cake “.

Some 10 families ( which include   Kannan’s   daughter/husband – Dhenuka/Arun from London, Ontario and Kanna’s son /wife ( Karthik/Ashley) did join us to share the joy of welcoming Kieran into the family and to DR.

Sitara missed the last part of the party ( when the Cake for Kieran) was cut – by Maya and Sachin   – as she had a prior engagement for   a sleep-over party   at her freind’s home in DR.

Note: In the morning (early at 9.30 am) the kids had gone to   the Pine Point beach – Maya and Kieran with their parents and Sitara and Sachin were driven there by their nana at 9.30 am and picked them back at 11.30 am .

Saturday 04 July 2015

This day in the   morning – Kieran was helped (by parents, Maya and Ba/Bapuji) to open the gifts given to him by friends (during the previous day Party) – he was all excited and having fun.

He demonstrated so much lively actions and fun and made all very happy.

Both Sitara and Sachin (along with parents) joined Maya and Kieran at nana/nani home and all had lunch together and after that all went to the Pine Point beach for a short time – as all were invited to Kannan/Lakshmi home at 3.00 pm to a welcome party for their newest grandson (Keaton) – Ashley and Karthik being the parents.

Sunday 05 July 2015

Both Maya and Kieran departed for Toronto at about 9.30 am -driven by their parents in their Subaru Outback car – stopping over in Huntsville (at their mom’s maternal grandma’s home) for a couple of hours and then arriving in Toronto late in the evening.

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Also on this day – Sunjay’s niece Rita and her husband Mahesh and their 3 kids from Boston arrived by car ( late afternoon) at Mackey to spend a few days with them on holiday.   The 3 kids are grown-up   – the boy   is in high school doing grade 11 and two girls are in pre-graduate courses.

Nana/nani   went to Mackey to meet the guests in the evening.

Monday   06 July 2015

In the afternoon, the guests – all went to the Pine Point Beach in Deep River – along with Sitara , Sachin and Nina but later joined by nani picked up by Sunjay.

After the beach fun – they all went to Petawawa and had the dinner at the now famous Lebanese restaurant  ” Madameek ” on the Victoria Street. All were joined by nana – having come from his Bridge Card game at Pembroke.   All had enjoyed the Lebanese dishes served at the restaurant.

After dinner all went romping at the Petawawa rapids   – walked and stepped on massive rocks and walked on wall along the Petawawa River.   As the dusk was falling – nana/nani returned back to DR  to their home

After the rapids they all went to Canadian Army base grounds (near museum) in Petawawa to look around at the military equipment on display outdoors.   Then late they all went to Mackey.

Tuesday   07 July 2015

The guests spent the day at  Mackey – Swimming, soaking themselves in the hot tub and also sauna etc.  Nana/nani joined the fun (and dinner) in the evening. At the time when nana/nani arrived at Mackey Rita   was cooking the clams ( which the kids had collected from the Pine Point Beach in Deep River on Monday) .

The evening was spent mostly indoors playing  on the ” caram ” board

Mahesh, Rita and their three kids ( one boy and two girls) left Mackey early morning on Wednesday 8 July  to return to Boston by car.

However, Mackey was busy as they were entertaining another family to visit that evening   – Sanjay, Sapna, the kids (boy  5 1/2 years old and the girl is 2 1/2) and along Sanjay’s Mum (Rewaben ) and Dad -Prabubhai  came from Philadelphia in their car – arrived at about 7.30 pm – having spent some time in Ottawa.   Sanjay is our Sunjay’s cousin .   Rewaben and Prabhubhai are from England – recently arrived in USA to visit   their son and family.

Nana/nani visited the guest family at Mackey after having their supper in DR.

Thursday   08 July 2015

The guests came over to DR in the morning – all kids went to the DR Library program with Nina and Sapna – seniors spending time  with nana/nani at DR home . Also Sanjay ( the guest) spent time at DR home to connect to his office in Philadelphia- to carry out his office work.

Sitara dad – Sunjay had gone to his office for the day.

After the library program (which finished at about 11.30 am) all went   to Pine Point beach in Deep River .  Nani also joined them but nana stayed home .

The beach party enjoyed the picnic burgers etc obtained by nana from the Burger King in Deep River

After spending time at the beach Nani  came back at home around 3.00 pm and all others went to Mackey.

Friday 09 July 2015

The guests spent the day in Mackey – swimming in the pool, using the hot tub and kids playing together . Nana/nani went there in the afternoon – had a great social with the seniors and then went outdoors   to be with kids – who went for kayaking .

First batch of outdoors sportsmen were Nina, Sapna and Sitara who went for kayaking on the Ottawa River (along their home) – after that Sunjay, Sanjay , Sachin and the guest kid went for their kayaking .

Nana/nani had to return to DR as they were going for a birthday party at Bears Den at 6.00 pm for 1 year old baby girl – Shreya – (Bhawna/Satyam’s daughter)

Note: the guests returned to Philadelphia – leaving Mackey on Saturday (July 10) morning .

———–

Sunday July 12 – Sunjay’s Mum and Yasmin  to arrive from England until August 14.

—

News from Toronto

Shannon and kids (Maya and Kieran had gone to cottage ( her parent’s cottage)   on Monday 8 July and returning back on Friday evening 10 July – while Sunir stayed back in Toronto.

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e-mail from Shannon Saturday July 11

Hi Jackie and Pravin,

Thanks for your message. We miss you too! We had a great time visiting with you in Deep River.

The kids and I just got back from the cottage yesterday afternoon. We had fun with my mom, Cole, and Heather. Now we are back in the city for the next week before going up to the cottage again on July 20 (with Erika and Mathieu). Busy summer 🙂

We will give you a call this weekend!

Shannon

xoxo

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Sunday     12 July 2015

Hasuben –   Sitara and Sachin’s Ba ( Sunjay’s mom) –   along with Yashmin – Sitara/Sachin’s cousin ( Sunjays’ sister’s daughter) arrived from London on Saturday – picked up from the airport by Sunjay in the afternoon –   arriving late in the evening -as Sunjay had a detour for shopping in Ottawa.

There was a thunderstorm at Mackey resulting in a loss of electrical power for few hours. So the guests got a bit of rural Canada’s life experience with no water as the well pump was not operative due to lack of electrical power.

Monday   13 July 2015

Nana/nani went to Mackey in the evening to welcome the guests from UK and spent a few hours with them and playing with Sitara and Sachin . Nana   played frist with Sitara and then with Sachin a game of ” Connect ”   .

Also Sitara wrote to The tooth fairy letting her know of her second molar fell out. Here is what her mom posted on her Facebook page :

” Writing a letter to the Tooth Fairy. Sitara’s second Molar fell out today. Apparently it is supposed to fall out when you are 10 years old. The poor kid can’t lose any more teeth…. She can barely eat anything! ”

Tuesday 14 July 2015.

It was a rainy day and kids and guests spent time indoors in Mackey during the day . In the evening all came over ( including kids’ dad who came from his work) to DR to nana/nani home and all had dinner together .

After dinner all ( except nana who stayed back at home in DR – due to his health ) went to see a movie     ( Inside Out) played at the Troyes Cinema   in Petawawa .

Note : The owner/manager of Troyes (Larry ) always at the start of the movie does a demonstration of physical flips (athletic) on the stage to amuse the audience specially the kids   . This evening prior to start of the movie ( at the time of   buying tickets ) , Sitara bravely asked Larry if he was going to do the flip this evening. He responded with a polite ” yes” and that made Sitara very happy.

In fact she drew (while at the theater)   an impromptu “fantastic/realistic”  pencil caricature drawing of the “hand stand” ( a flip ) done by Larry on the stage  . Her nani was really surprised and very happy at the quality of the sketch/picture . Bravo Sitara.

NOTE:

“Inside Out,” a comedy-adventure set inside the mind of an 11-year old girl, is the kind of classic that lingers in the mind after you’ve seen it,

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Parents need to know that Inside Out is an  outstandingly original, heartfelt story from Pixar about growing up and learning to handle your biggest emotions. Told primarily from the perspective of the feelings inside 11-year-old Riley’s mind (brought to life by the voices of  Amy Poehler, Mindy Kaling, Bill Hader, and more), the plot has many moments of peril/tension — including bridges/islands crumbling, a train tumbling over a precipice, and characters falling into a deep, dark pit. (Spoiler alert: One key character also permanently  fades from existence; that and scenes in which it seems  Riley  is “borrowing” her mom’s credit card and running away are definitely upsetting.) Some of Riley’s  fears are also on display,  including a giant, scary clown. Parents are likely to get hit hardest  by the film’s heart-tugging moments (bring tissues!), but anyone with empathy will feel for Riley as she experiences life’s ups and downs. Ultimately,  Inside Out has important messages about needing to feel — and express — all of your emotions, whether happy or sad. Although most of the content is appropriate for elementary schoolers and up, younger kids may need a bit more explanation about what’s going on, since there are references to abstract thought and  the subconscious, and it can be a little confusing when other characters’ emotions are shown.

Wednesday 15 July 2015

This   day Sitara and Sachin spent time with their cousin from UK ( Yashmin) and with their Ba ( Sunjay’s Mom) at home.   Then they went outdoors  – all family & guests together  ( of course dad was at work in DR) in the bushes near their home in Mackey and picked wild blueberries and raspberries .

In the late afternoon all came to DR to nana/nani home for dinner ( their dad also joined in   after his work) – and at that time brought the  “picked” berries for the dessert after the dinner.

After dinner, Sitara played with her cousin Yasmin –   setting up the Barbie’s castle but also managed to  dress up a Barbie doll with a white gown (made from tissue paper) – all with accessories such a belt. So realistic gown and proper dressing .

Sachin played around with his dad and read a book on Ninja – borrowed from the DR Library.

Sunday 19 July 2015

This day was celebratory one as Sachin’s 6th birthday party was arranged at Mackey – from 1.00 pm to 6.00 pm.   This time only a couple of his friends ( & their families) were invited – to keep party engaged where Sachin can play with   each of his friends .   The day was   a bit cloudy one with a forecast of rainy day.

Some games were planned for the kids (which can be played indoors or outdoors)   . Most were played indoors but luckily the rain did not stay long – so some games were also played outdoor   as well as   a dip in the pool – with lots of fun and excitement.     A birthday cake was cut and enjoyed by all.   In total there were 6 kids – including Sitara.

This day was doubly celebratory as it was also a birthday for kid’s Ba ( Sunjay’s mom- Hasuben) . Her birthday coincides with Sachin’s birthday. This year she was here in Mackey having arrived from England recently for a few weeks – along with Yashmin ( her granddaughter – her daughter’s daughter).

Here is the poem Sachin’snana wrote for him to celebrate his 6th Birthday :

Sachin’s 6th Birthday 20 July 2015

Our Sachin, 6 years and growing

Your smile and twinkle in your eyes

are mesmerising

Keep our spirits high

You are like a sunshine in our life

Your spontaneous and loving hugs

Keep   blood flowing in our veins

Our Sachin is always

so playful and cheerful

That enhances our mojo all times

We wish you

a Very Happy Birthday

and many more to come

nana/nani

Monday 20 July 2015 ( actual birthday for Sachin and also for his Ba )

The kids went to Eganville to visit/see the Caves along with visitors from England ( their Ba and didi ) – the day was planned to take the visitors from England for an outing to Eganville and after that a visit to Hugly farm in Pembroke -ending the day with dinner at East Side Maria in Pembroke ( kid’s favourite restaurant) .   All went by nana’s maroon Dodge minivan – as 6 family members can sit comfortably well together in the minivan.

This is what Nina wrote on her Facebook page on that date :

” The Bonnechere Caves, Huglis and dinner at the kids favourite restaurant topped off with a visit with friends. I’d say Sachin and Mum had a fun filled Birthday!! ‘

Tuesday 21 July 2015

This day Nina had to go to Ottawa for her tooth root canal job – a tooth was paining since last few days .

Nina went to Ottawa along with kid’s didi and the kids and their Ba spent time in Deep River with nana/nani.

Of course their dad was working that day .

The kids and their Ba joined in for breakfast and after breakfast (as the day was rainy ) the kids played on nana’s computer .     Outside activities were difficult   due to rain/clouds but when a little sunshine came the kids went outdoors for an hour or so – and they used chalk to draw designs on the concrete path way in the front of the entrance to nana/nani home.   Sitara made a wonderful drawing of a flower.

In the evening their dad joined with the family for dinner (Nina and kids’ didi being in Ottawa) after dinner spent time together playing/chatting before going home to Mackey

Thursday 23 July 2015

This day the kids are joining the family to go to Toronto – as their Ba (and Didi ) would want   visit some relatives in Toronto/Mississauga area   .   They drove from Mackey in the evening (in nana’s maroon 2001 Dodge minivan) after their dad had returned from work.

On their return from Toronto on Sunday , they will visit Shannonmami’s parents cottage (on the Trent-Severn) and have lunch with SunirMama, ShannonMami, Maya and Kieran at the cottage  and ShannonMami’s parents and other family   members.   After lunch and kids playing together and adults having chitchat- the family will return to Mackey late in the evening .

They returned to Mackey at about 10.30 pm – after having stopped over en route for dinner.

Tuesday 28 July 2015

All came over to nana/nani home in Deep River in the afternoon – after they had spent time at Limure beach in Deep River – with their mom, didi and Ba. They then had their lunch at nana/nani home.

Sachin played with nana (with his Shopingkin toys and the book)   and then later gone for walk along his didi and nana. Sachin used   his kiddie scooter but then decided to take a path across the back alleys in the forest cutting from the Thompson Cr – the pathway ended at the other end of the Thompson Cr.

Sitara had gone to her Art Class .

In the evening their dad came over (after his work) to be with the family. This day Teerth                             (boy – 8 + years )  and Devki (girl – 4 + year ) were invited -along with their parents (Prinka-mom and Pankaj-dad) and their grandfather (maternal) Jagdishbhai – who is a visitor from Ahmedabad-Gujarat, India.

There was feast   of a dinner together – kids having their dinner first and then adults had theirs   – followed by dessert -in similar fashion.

Thursday 30 July 2015

The kids and their Ba as well as their Didi along with their Mom   spent the afternoon at Tea Lake (Rolphton) – Catching frogs and snakes!

It was a fun day for them and after that they spent time in the hot tub (and of course in the pool) at home in Mackey.

note: nana/nani had not joined them this day in this outdoor activity

This is what their mom posted on her Facebook on the same date.

” Tea Lake, then straight in the hottub and pool ”

Friday 31 July 2015

Well,  Maya and Kieran are on the move – travelling by air to Denver with their parents

Here is an e-mail from their mom dated Friday 31 July 2015

Hello all,

We have arrived safely in Denver after a long day of traveling. All was going reasonably well until we showed up at the airport car rental agency only to discover that I had accidentally booked our car for pickup at the downtown branch instead (45 minutes away)… but the car seats I had ordered from a separate company showed up at the airport car rental branch, as ordered 🙁 Oops! Fortunately, Uber came to the rescue. We ordered a van to install the car seats into and drive us to the other car rental location, since there were no rental cars left at the airport location.

Things have improved since that initial complication. We have checked into a nice hotel with views of the mountains and have been to a kiddie amusement park (see below). Maya liked the rides but Kieran was a bit terrified… Fortunately he had his big sister to look out for him!

Love to you all,
Shannon
xoxo

Saturday   01 August 2015

Kids (Sitara and Sachin) along with the whole family ( including kids’s Ba and didi) came over to Deep River to participate in the program at Arena  for celebration of Deep River 70th Anniversary year. The program was originally planned to be outdoors but due to rain and warning of thunderstorm – it was relocated to the DR Arena .

Nana/Nani also joined in the activities for a short while .

Note:     The following posted on Friday 31 July 2015 on Deep River 70th Anniversary Facebook:

”   We’re on the Move! Because of the weather forecast for tomorrow afternoon (showers and risk of a thunderstorm) we are moving a number of activities to the Deep River Arena. This is because the Air Bounce and other big inflatables are not safe if wet (too slippery) and also because there is a possibility of thunderstorms right through the afternoon period. Check out the schedule below and hope to see you tomorrow! All activities are free! ”

After spending at activities at the Arena , all assembled at nana/nani home for dinner – after that adults played cards (chokdi) , kids were entertained with different activities . Sitara as usual remained busy reading – she is very much into reading ”  Archie’s ” comic books – which nani had gathered since many years.

After the card session- all assembled in the living room to watch the video clip of celebration of India’s 50th anniversary   at Deep River Townhall.

—————–

Event/Function held at Deep River ( Ontario) Town hall on Saturday 16 August 1997

Event organised by the East Indian Community of what is fondly known as –   the   ” Deep River/ Pembroke Corridor ”   ( Renfrew County) .

Chief Guest : His Worship Mayor of Deep River – Mr. John Murphy

Leading the event and Master of Ceremony – Pravin Shah

Video Clip taken by Dr. Chatterjee – formerly of Pembroke

—————–

Both kids were very excited to watch the video clip   – especially to see their nana leading the event and giving a speech.   Sachin just came over and gave multiple hugs to his nana and Sitara (while reading her Archie’s comic book) just posited herself over her nana resting her head on his lap.

Sunday 02 August 2015

Maya and Kieran are in the Rocky Mountain National park – as informed by their mom’s e-mail sent on 02 August 2015.

After a nice day in Denver on Friday, we arrived yesterday at our YMCA lodge in Rocky Mountain National Park. It’s like summer camp for families… lodges and cabins, a dining hall, and lots of activities (swimming pool, playground, crafts, games, hikes, etc). Today we are having a lunchtime cook-out with all the Olarkers. There are three other Olark families with young kids, so Maya and Kieran have some playmates.

Congratulations to Erika on your silver medal at the European Ultimate Frisbee Championship! What an accomplishment!

Note: Erica is kid’s Aunt( Shannon sister) who is currently living in Switzerland.

Monday 03 August 2015

Sitara was entertained for her upcoming Birthday by her parents taking her to Ottawa- using nana’s 2001 maroon Dodge minivan .   After a pit stop at Deep River at nana/nani home – they drove away at about 10.00 am.   Her brother (Sachin), didi (Yashmin) and Ba (Hasuben) also joined her & family. They stayed the night at a hotel in Ottawa, visited museums and other places of interests.

They all went to see/participate in the Ottawa Busker Festival, Hop-on-Hop-off Tour of the Ottawa sites, The Royal Canadian Mint, Dinner in the Byward Market, The Museum of Nature, The Body Worlds Exhibit, Dinner at the Mill St. Brewery.

They dissected an Owl Pellet – and found a skeleton of a rodent inside .

They returned back to Mackey next day ( Tuesday ) late in the night.

Tuesday 04 August 2015

Maya and Kieran are in Boston, USA having a great time hob-nobbing with other kids of Olark staff   ( Maya’s dad’s work colleagues in USA ) .

In an e-mail message dated 04 August 2015 , their mom informed the relatives as below:

 ” Here are Maya and Kieran with their new Olark buddies. Zozi is 4 days younger than Maya and Bailyn is 2 weeks older than Kieran – very convenient! Maya and Zozi are going to day camp together today… I’m so excited for Maya’s first “camp” experience! I hope she likes camp as much as her mom 😀 Everyone enjoyed the group campfire and s’mores last night (but I was the only one singing camp songs!)”

NOTE:   Maya will be attending a day camp this day along with a daughter ( Zozi) of one Olark staff.

Wednesday 05 August 2015

Happy Birthday our special granddaughter, Sitara.

This day was spent by Sitara mostly at home ( her dad also had taken time off from work) playing and hobnobbing with Sachin, her Didi and adults.

In the afternoon all came over to Deep River to nana/nani home – opened her Birthday gifts and nana’ poem for his special girl.

Poem:

Sitara’s 8th Birthday – 05 August 2015

Our mesmerising Sitara

Turning 8 year old

The years go by

Independent and Full of confidence

Very affectionate

Keen on art and craft

Reading is her second nature

She   exudes so much love

Always caring and considerate

She is a princess always in our hearts

We adore you, Sitara

We wish you

a Very Happy Birthday

and many more to come

nana/nani

Then all subsequently drove to Petawawa ( nana/nani in the Jetta VW and the rest in the Dodge Minivan) to see the rapids and walk on the wall there along the Petawawa River (at the Emerald Trail in Petawawa) ) . After that all proceeded to   Pembroke for a celebratory dinner at Boston Pizza .

All had a great time.

NOTE: This is what Nina wrote on her Facehook entry on 5 August 2015

” Busy week so far celebrating Sitara’s birthday and Showing Ba and cousin Yasmin around Ottawa. Ottawa Busker Festival, Hop-on-Hop-off Tour of the Ottawa sites, The Royal Canadian Mint, Dinner in the Byward Market, The Museum of Nature, The Body Worlds Exhibit, Dinner at the Mill St. Brewery, The Rapids and then Dinner with Both sets of Grandparents and all the cousins! Now to get ready for Sitara’s birthday party! ”

——————–

——————–

Friday 07 August 2015

This day there was a social gathering at Soli/Roy’s home in Deep River in the evening – we were invited and also the kids (Sitara and Sachin) along with her parents, Ba and didi.

The party had other guests also.  The kids like to play with Soli/Roy’s sons Kevin and Ethan. Both are teens in age.

However the party got a tremendous excitement boost when a   black bear was spotted at house on Hillcrest Street ( perpendicular to the road on which Soli/Roy house is situated) across from Soli/Roy’s home and can be seen clearly from the back patio of Soli/Roy house. The kids were excited – so were all the rest of us . The Deep River Police were notified – as the house owners were not at home .

The evening also turned into a surprise for Sitara as a cake (with a candle) was ready to celebrate her birthday . Everyone joined in with gusto to sing her a Happy Birthday song.

Friday 07 August 2015

This day is an important one for the family. It is Maya’s 4th birthday . However she is on a travel with her parents (and her baby brother, Kieran) to Denver in USA at this time.

They (her parents and her dad’s Work Colleagues)  did hold  a Birthday celebratory party for her in Denver .

Here is what her mom sent on her e-mail of the same date:

” It’s been a great trip! Sunir and I both got to try zip-lining… lots of fun! (that’s me in the yellow helmet in the photo). Maya really enjoyed her birthday party and birthday hike. Tomorrow we head to Boulder for one night and then it’s back to Toronto (and starting my new job – gulp!)

Note:

A zip–line (or zip line, zip wire, aerial runway, aerial ropeslide, death slide, flying fox, or foefie slide (in South Africa)) consists of a pulley suspended on a cable, usually made of stainless steel, mounted on an incline.

Love to all and thanks for the birthday wishes for Maya. She enjoyed hearing/seeing them all. xoxo ”

Here is a poem her Bapuji wrote to celebrate Maya’s 4th Birthday:

Maya’s 4th Birthday – 07 August 2015

Our bubbly Maya

Always so energetic

Turning four years old

A young one always active

Her smiles compassionate

Maturity shines every time

She is priceless

Always in our hearts

We love you Maya

We wish you

A day of fun and laughter

a Very Happy Birthday

and many more to come

Ba/Bapuji

Saturday 08 August 2015

She had a sleep over Birthday Party at Mackey – a few friends came over to celebrate with her.

Nana/nani did go to Mackey  in the afternoon to participate for an hour or so. Her Ba and didi   were there

________________

Sunday 09 August 2015

It was a fun filled and buy Sunday. The kids and the family arrived at nana/nani home in Deep River from Mackey just before lunch.

Nani was almost ready making Thepla   ( shredded zucchini and carrot – rolled into the dough) and then Hasuben and nani together just drip fried these on the oven .   In the meantime , didi, nana, Dad and mom(Nina)   played a few games of Chokdi – Sitara   entertained herself ( remaining busy ) reading her new thick Archie book ( which got as a birthday present during Saturday sleepover party.

Sachin had gone to a birthday party (at a friend’s house on Faraday Av. Deep River)

In the afternoon Sachin’s mom ,didi and Sitara walked over to Faraday Av. to bring   Sachin to nana/nani home . The grannies (and Nina) were busy making strawberry jam in the afternoon . While Sitara was busy with her Archie book,   Sachin went outdoors with his dad, didi and nana to go to the kiddies’ park on Huran Road – which is a walking distance from nana/nani home   .

After dinner , Sitara played with her nana – making a fort (tent) in the Recreation room – demonstrating her construction skill for building such tent with all kinds of blankets and whatever is available around.   The tent was used to snuggle in and read her Archie book (using a flash light ) with nana.

The ladies were busy in the kitchen making Sukhdi ( Gol Papdi) – an Indian sweet dish . Ans later all got tired ready for sleep and went to Mackey – late in the evening .

————–

On Facebook Nina had posted on 09 August 2015

Watching the meteor shower with the family and learning that this was the first time seeing any Falling Stars for Mum, Sunjay and Yasmin. A beautiful night! We saw soooo many!

”” feeling blessed.

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Tuesday 11 August 2015

Kids and parents came to nana/nani home ( at noon) to change for going to Pembroke for   Mistry Family photos . They all went in nana’s 2001 Dodge Minivan – leaving their both VW cars at nana/nani hom—————————————

Monday   10 August 2015

Maya/Kieran returned back from US trip to Toronto

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Saturday 15 August 2015

Didi going to New York – flight in the afternoon

Ba going to London – flight in the evening

Kids first will go to participate in AECL (CNL) picnic – taken there by their mom

Didi and Ba driven to Ottawa Airport by dad (along with nana/nani) – in Dodge minivan

All met (after dropping didi   at airport) at Ottawa Town Hall for South Asia Fest –   Ba, nana/nani & dad then joined by mom& kids after their sojourn at AECL picnic

Tuesday 20 August 2015

Facebook Posting by Nina with an album of photos for each birthday celebration – (Sitara’s and Sachin’s)

Sitara

— Ottawa Busker Festival, Body Worlds at the Museum of Nature, The Royal Canadian Mint, The Rapids, Her Birthday Sleep Over, and Dinner————–

Sachin

—- Birthday Party, Bonnechere Caves, Hugli’s and Dinner! Sachin and Mum’s Birthday on July 20th. Back to Hugli’s for the first time since our wedding for Mum and Yasmin   —

—————————————————————————————————–

Thursday 20 August 2015

Facebook Posting by Nina late at night – Sitara’s paintings and art work at exhibition – See below

Everyone is invited to attend the Kids Art Exhibition. It will be held at the Deep River Library. 23 artists, over 170 works. Come and support our talented youth at the Opening of the exhibit on Monday August 24th at 7pm. The show will run from August 24 to Sept 8th. – *** Let’s make the Grand Opening so large that our young artists feel the support of their talents!!! Monday August 24th at 7pm sharp!!!! ***

Saturday 22 August 2015

Petawawa 150 years old! .   Three days of celebration at Civic Center   and adjoining Heritage Village .

All the family went there together .   Mackey family in one car ( VW Passat) and DR family (nana/nani) in another car – Dodge Caravan.

All had fun -visiting, watching and participating in many events.

Sunday 23 August 2015

After a nice telephone conversation (in the morning) with Maya and Kieran (along with their dad) – we got the following e-mail (titled – Kieran’s words)   from Kieran’s dad :

Kieran words
Dada
Mama
Dog
Hat
Hot
Cold
Truck
Book
Ball
Balloon
Bowl
Bubbles
Uhoh
More
Up
Ba
Umbrella
Squirrel
Phone
Hello
Bye bye (gesture)
Cookie (coo coo)
Cole
Cup
Broom
Apple
Park
Car
Duck
Dock
Boat
Mmmmmmmm
Bath
Sock
Blphsssssst elephant sound
Roar lion
Bird
Go?
Down?
Gaga “that guy”
Key?
Block
Cow
Buddha
Off?
Wawa for water
Bagel
Maya?
Rock
Cloth?
Bye

Cheers, Sunir

Monday 24 August 2015

It was a wonderful day of the Opening night of the “Kids Art Exhibition” – at 7.00 pm in the Deep River Library .  Sitara participated and displayed 3 of her paintings and a ” paper Marché ” Nemo (fish)

Nina (Sitara’s mom) posted the following on her Facebook on Tuesday 25 August 2015 :

Opening night of the “Kids Art Exhibition”. Congratulations to all the young Artists and their Instructor Olga Nazarkina. What talent we have in our community!.!

Grandparents are very proud of Sitara and her abilities.

Her dad could not attend as he had to go out of town on business.

Sachin was all excited – dressed up   with a tie and really enjoyed the evening .

Lots of people attended the function and as the exhibit was for art work (mostly paintings) from many young artists  – all students of Olga Nazarkina.

All participating artists also received their Certificates for participation.

Tuesday 25 August 2015

Here is a very happy news story; A message on Nina’s Facebook page .

”   I am sitting in the other room eavesdropping on the kids….they are lying on their bellies and Sitara is helping Sachin read through a bunch of books….helping him sound out words and work through the harder words “.

An excellent brother (younger) and sister (older) team.

Thursday 27 August 2015 to Sunday 30 August 2015

Both Sitara and Sachin were dropped at nana/nani home to spend the weekend at Deep River with their nana and nani – as their parents were celebrating their 11 year wedding anniversary – as they were going to Ottawa (on Friday ) for the weekend and splurge for celebration. Nana dropped Sunjay 9In the afternoon ) at Petawawa – where Nina works on Fridays -so both he and Nina then can go to Ottawa from there.

During the weekend   (from Thursday to Sunday) – the kids had a great time with their nana/nani and of course their nana /nani had great   time with their grandkids . They played many board games ( Torture, Monopoly , and checkers) . Also Sitara painted her fabric elephant ( nana/nani had given her for her birthday gift)- using fabric crayons .   Sachin had his nana read stories from a story book ( 365 days Stories )   and both the kids were very much in doing their “homework” – writing practice and maths .

On Saturday nana worked with them to build “popsicle” bridges – Sitara using normal popsicle sticks and Sachin having coloured popsicle sticks. This project went along till Sunday morning as glue takes time to dry   . Bridge members were held by clothespins (provided by nani) .   Later in the evening Sitara created a house using blocks – having nana giving her inspiration.

In between time – Sachin played on nana’s computer ( he likes to go to Shopkins site) . Nana had shown him   how to access the site and now he types on ‘google” and get to the site -not needing nana’s help .   Great for a 6 year old – independently using the computer.   Also both watched TV – children’s programs.

On Sunday afternoon all went to the marina park in Deep River – kids played on the bars and slides but also walked to the lighthouse and along Ottawa River -collecting rocks and shells.

Their parents returned from Ottawa at about 9.00 pm and all spent some time together and by 10.00 pm   they had gone to Mackey to their home .

Tuesday 01 September 2015

This day the schools started in Deep River . So both Sitara and Sachin were transported to school by their mom (from Mackey) and after that their mom had free time at the Pine Point Beach (Deep River) with other moms . After school , the kids and mom came over to nana/nani home for dinner – also joined by their dad after his work.

Sachin got a lovely jersey and a card (from nana/nani but delivered by his big sister Sitara) – to encourage and boost his morale – for getting/graduating   into 1st Year in the primary stream.

Wednesday 02 September 2015

This is a momentous time/day   for both Sitara and Sachin- as they will be taking the school bus straight from Mackey – no need to come over to the baby-sitter home in Deep River (Jeannette) any more .

This is what their mom posted on her Facebook page on Wednesday 2 September 2015

” Put the kids on the bus MYSELF for the first time Ever! OK. Now I get it. This is the first time I have had emotions when my kids went to school. Today is like their first day of school ever for me. Feeling sad and empty nested “

The kids arrived safely to school though a bit late as the school bus had to pick many other kids en route – more than they had expected.   The kids came back home on the school bus this day – and talking to Sachin on phone he seemed happy for the experience and so taking all new in the stride.

Note: Maya (in Toronto) will be starting her Junior KG oncoming Tuesday 8 September 2015 – after the Labour Day holiday.

Thursday 03 September 2015

Both Sitara and Sachin were picked up from school by their mom . Sitara went to her art class while Sachin was at the bank (with his mom) to deposit his piggy bank money .   After that they all came over to nana/nani home for dinner (also joined by their dad after his work). After dinner they all went to Deep River Arena – for registration in various kids’ activities in Deep River in the coming months – while nana/nani went for a bridge game at the Lawn Bowling Club.

Friday 04 September 2015

The kids went to Toronto driven by their parents in the VW Passat car – to participate in a program organised by their mom’s friend Priyanka and do some touristy things – for kids to have fun.

They were to stay at SunirMama home though SunirMama, ShannonMami, Maya and Kieran were to go to the cottage ( ShannonMamis’ parents. cottage) and thus miss them.

However, it so happened they got to meet their Mama/Mami on Monday 07 September as Maya/Kieran ( and their parents) were back from the cottage   before Sitara/Sachin were to return to Mackey ( again in their parents’ VW Passat) that day .   Note: The returned to Mackey late at night.

Here what was posted by their mom on her Facebook   – about a visit to CN Tower in Toronto

” 360 Restaurant and Top of the CN Tower – Great views and lots of fun for the kids watching the planes take off and land at the Toronto Island Airport! ”

Here what was posted by their mom on her Facebook   – about a visit to Canadian National Exhibition Tower in Toronto

“CNE (The Canadian National Exhibition) – so fun….and what a fantastic air show! ”

Here what was posted by their mom on her Facebook   – about a visit to FanExpo in Toronto

” FanExpo Day One – Cleopatra (Sitara) and the Iron(man) Jedi (Sachin) ”

” FanExpo Day 2 – The Queen of Hearts (Sitara) and OptimusPrime (Sachin) – Highlight was the My Little Pony Show and the Kids Starwars Hour! The Awesome “Bronie” was a bonus!! ”

Finally another Facebook posting by their mom:

” 2 days at FanExpo, 1 day at the Canadian National Exhibition, Dinner at the 360 and a trip to the top of the CN tower….not to mention countless rides on the TTC (much to the kids pleasure!). I’d say this was a FANTASTIC long-weekend!! (Especially because Sitara has now decided that she finally likes the City!) ”

Tuesday 08 September 2015

Maya’s first day at her Junior KG   in Toronto near their home .     This is what her mom posted on her Facebook page;

” All ready for her first day of junior kindergarten! Maya was all smiles; I shed a few tears. ”

She also said the following as a response to one of the kind comments   from a friend.

”   When she first woke up this morning, she announced she had decided she didn’t want to go to JK and would rather go back to preschool. Once she got over that bump, she got excited! ”

Wednesday 09 September 2015

Sachin’s mom posted the following on her Facebook page :

 Sept 9, 2015
Me: “Sachin, what was the most awesome thing you did at school today?”
Sachin: “Oh, well, that is a hard question since everything I did was awesome”