Introducing Shreya & Sahana Sheth...

This morning we drove over the Fort Baker and watched people trying to catch crabs. It was a cold, brisk morning but the views of the city and the Golden Gate bridge were spectacular. Sani got a hold of Grandpa's cane and had a great time playing with it

And just like that our little chatterbox/budding artist/fashionista/all round boss of the family turned 5! Presents followed by a visit to the California Academy and finally some cake to celebrate the big day.

This year we celebrated X'mas in Sacramento. And as Shreya remarked, everyone (i.e.Nehal/Samir, Mili and myself) had their parents in town! Lots of food, family and presents - just as X'mas should be! Shreya and Arjun were inseperable and I am eagerly awaiting the Sani/Aiden/Naya alliance. Xmas hugs Dance time Mili, Arjun, Aiden & Samir Grandparents! Comparing their loot

Raj, Liz and Owen came over for dinner this evening and here is a photo of the girls  playing with Owen (still the sweetest 2 year old!)

This year we celebrated Shreya's b'day at Pump it Up - essentially 2 hours of bouncing and jumping followed by pizza and cake. Shreya had a great time and thanks to everyone who came and made it such a memorable birthday. Buddies ready to celebrate Watching the pre-bounce video very seriously Guest appearance by Mr Claus Attempt at a group shot Time for cake

Since Kevin, Nish and Naya were not going to be around to celebrate X'mas with us we had an early celebration with them to kick of the festivities.   The fab 5 - Naya, Aiden, Arjun, Shreya & Sani Sani making herself at home among the toys Naya clearly enjoying the present opening with a few pointers from Shreya

And finally it was time to put up our X'mas tree. This year Sani took a keen interest in putting the ornaments on the tree although we soon realised that she enjoyed taking them off and hiding them in the tree even more. Shreya insisted on having her own tree as well in her room

This evening we managed to sneak out without the kids to celebrate my parent's anniversary at Boulevard. The number of empty glasses might provide some indication of the fun we had.

We were at Shreya's school this morning for the class winter program. Twenty minutes of 20 odd 4/5 year olds, dressed as penguins, singing songs and dancing. Safe to say, this was one of the highlights of the year for any parent/relative who had a child taking part. I cannot imagine that this time next year we'll be coming to see Sani participate! Ready to make her entrance Props for the snowflake song

Here is a video of Shreya running through a few of the songs for the winter program.

We managed to visit the X'mas tree in Union Square this morning. The girls loved the huge tree and seeing it definitely got us in the xmas spirit!

This morning we headed to the East Bay to go on a trail with Samir, Mili, Kevin, Nish and the kids. We were dressed for summer and were faced with gale force winds when we got to the trail site! Nehal getting his exercise carrying both girls

While we were in Carmel we made it to the Monterey Aquarium. We managed to catch Kevin, Nish and Naya who were also visiting. Shreya enjoying the kids exhibits

This year for thanksgiving we made a trip to Carmel and stayed at the lovely Carmel Valley Ranch. We got very lucky with the weather - warm, sunny days which meant the girls and their dad could make the most of the swimming pool and we could explore the vast grounds at the hotel. Girls running through the hotel's vineyards Roasting marshmallows on the fire pit Sani was a little more intrested in banging the equipment

This morning we visited the Ferry building followed by lunch at the Slanted Door. Great sunday morning!   This photo captures the true spirit of our bundle of trouble   Best time for lunch with kids - eat when there is noone else in the restaurant!

This afternoon we went to check out Tim and Erika's new place. The kids enjoyed their own little dinner party - hopefully many more to come in the future! Dylan, Hannah, Aiden, Shreya, Owen & Sani

Diwali celebrations ruled our house once again with the girls doing the rangoli on our doorsteps, watching their dad with the sparklers, prayers and ofcourse their favourite part - dressing up in all the new outfits. Sani was so excited to wear her indian clothes!

Aji and Grandpa arrived and cooking has begun in earnest!!! They have found a willing volunteer in Shreya which hopefully has mitigated all the disappointment caused by my clear lack of interest in cooking.

This morning we went back to the Lands end trail with a few more friends than our last visit. Shreya made a new friend in Asha and Sani loved the opportunity to run wild. A great way to spend a sunny sunday morning! Sani leading the way Group shot - Raj, Liz, Owen, Anu, Sani, Shreya, Nehal, Prapti, Jayant, Asha, Himi, Kevin, Nish and Naya  Asha & Shreya taking a well deserved break