Introducing Shreya & Sahana Sheth...

We spent the afternoon making/decorating a gingerbread house (great kit from Trader Joes). Shreya and Nehal baking Sani found better ways to spend her time The finished product

We celebrated Shreya's official birthday with a visit to Hop and play (playspace for kids which both girls love to visit), followed by cake (which neither girl eats!) and a few more gifts (December is one expensive month) Sani still not sure what to make of all the gift giving/opening

After the adult gift opening, it was time for the kids to get in on the act. Shreya and Arjun opened the gifts at a feverish pace while Sani and Aiden watched with bemusement. Sani and Aiden finding some peace and quiet in the kitchen As you can see we went a little overboard with the gifts... While Shreya and Arjun opened, Sani and Aiden Claus watched on

We hosted x'mas at our place for the first time and had a packed house - 15 adults and 4 kids. There were ofcourse the X'mas staples - non stop food and drink and presents. For the adults we decided to play Secret Santa, where one person buys a gift anonymously for someone else in the group. On Nehal's insistence we had increased the budget for the gift and I have to admit that no-one went home disappointed! Shreya and Arjun leaving a note for Santa  Once the kids went to bed, the gift games began. Nehal is clearly thrilled with his gift - Kevin, Nishi, Mili and my dad watching on Kamlesh uncle and Kevin Nilaxi aunty, Malka aunty, Mohan uncle and my mum Another happy recipient - my dad Ashish, Samir and Manish

Shreya's class had their winter program today and it was a treat to see the kids perform songs in front of a packed crowd. London's West End/Broadway here we come... Anders, Mateen and Shreya Mateen and Shreya

Shreya has been attending a ballet class at school and at the end of term, we attended a recital to see her in action. Wonderful chaos which can only be appreciated and enjoyed by the parents of kids who were in the class! Getting a few words of encouragement from Miss Jenn, the ballet teacher A couple of warm up exercises Ready to perform

We made out first trip to Disney while we were in SoCal with my parents (not being a huge Disney fan I have resigned myself to the fact that we will return at some point. Shreya was a little overwhelmed when we first got to the park and only wanted to ride on the carousel. I tried to point out to her that we hadn't paid an exorbitant amount of money to ride a carousel which we could do anytime back in SF. I think the pep talk worked and she was soon enjoying the rides (Nehal even managed to get her onto Splash Mountain). The magic begins  Teacups - definitely a favorite Nehal and Shreya are in the plane at the back Sani spent much of the day in the stroller but was particularly pleased with the purchase of cuddly Pluto

Celebrations at Shreya's school for Halloween included a parade and a performance by her class of some songs. Seeing 20 odd 3 year olds in their costumes would melt the sternest of hearts. Princess Shreya (I tried to encourage the Super girl costume - maybe next year!) All set to perform their songs Class photo - most inventive costume award goes to Mateen (left of the fireman) dressed as bag of money while his parents were dressed as burglars. Post parade party