Introducing Shreya & Sahana Sheth...

A gloriously sunny morning in the city so we made our way to the Lands End trail. For a change we tried the trail to Mile Rock Beach with the extra bonus of a small pebble beach at the end. The girls were troopers making their way down the steep paths and all the way back up again. A truly perfect morning and a reminder of the stunning city we live in. Golden Gate Bridge in the background - I doubt I will ever tire of this view Photo by Shreya Making our way down. Clearly Sani still chooses her own outfits. Finally at the small beach Sani was the only one brave enough to take off her shoes and step in the water We'll get a good family shot one day  - this will have to do for the moment! And back to the top

Shreya's first theatre visit was a performance of Cinderella at the Palace of Fine Arts with her friend, Noor. Having grown up with frequent visits to the theatre, I was probably even more excited than Shreya for this 'first' experience. The performance was short and sweet- perfect for the age group although Noor's mum and I were definitely bemused by the slightly older, all female cast. A great afternoon nonetheless! Shreya & Noor Photos and autographs with the cast which the girls enjoyed enormously

So many fun parties this month and one from late December so I've added some of the photos here below. Happy Birthday again to Sophia, Cesare, Ryan and Sydney! At Sophia's bday Sani - first in line for the face painting at Cesare's party Time for some birthday karaoke with Cesare - most memorable moment was Cesare doing a solo performance of Wake me up by Avici with his gang of back up dancers Sani at Ryan's bday (Shreya's classmate)  - note she didn't want to sit with Shreya but with all the kids she had never met Shreya enjoying time with Noor & Yuna Prepping for Sydney's fairy/princess party At Sydney's party with a 'real' princess

We managed some totally impromptu get togethers with Naya the last few days of the Xmas break. Sadly Sani was still recovering from the stomach flu so didn't make it out. After the visits with Naya, Shreya told me she would like to have another baby sister and call her Naya. Fortunately we don't give in to all requests from a 6 year old. Girls ready for the hike Post trail lunch At Oakland zoo Aunty Aarti, Shreya  & Manman on the sky ride

We had a packed house after Xmas with both sets of grandparents and one of my friends' from London, Aarti, staying with us. Lots of great memories of hiking trails,Shreya's first film in the cinema, first puppet show put on by the girls, and some adult fun too - daily cocktail hour and some dinners out. All in all a great end to 2013 and start to 2014! Noor & Shreya ready for 'Frozen' Even bigger thrill when Shreya realised you get ice-cream at the cinema Audience ready for Shreya's puppet show Shreya in action Sani decided she wanted to have a turn - here is her totally spontaneous and clearly unrehearsed performance Aarti & I managing a Lands End trail More ice-cream courtesy of Aunty Aarti Shame we couldn't keep the shades Swimming class with Grandpa Fun with the grandmas including a face painted Sani Singing for the camera Relaxing with Dada Final night dinner at Orexi

And finally it was Shreya's real birthday. Unfortunately she spent the previous night fielding a stomach bug so our plans to go out for the day were cancelled. It didn't dampen her spirits though (how can it when it is your bday!) and we still managed a low key celebration with a short visit to the park to try out her new roller skates, an afternoon at the nail salon for the girls (probably her most favourite thing ever) and presents and cake to the end the day. I will probably say this on every birthday for the girls but I can't quite believe that we have a 6 year old. The things I will cherish the most from this year are seeing her become more willing to try new things (thankfully including new foods), her keen interest in learning not only at school but about everything around her and seeing her grow into her role as a caring and patient big sister not only to Sani but to the other younger kids in our life. Happy birthday to our sweet 6 year old! Trying out ...

We were in Sacramento again this year for X'mas. Another wonderful few days with family and friends during an unusually warm weather spell. Special thanks to Samir and Mili for being such amazing hosts, yet again. Decorating the gingerbread house and cookies Best buddies reunited Fab 5 looking forward to opening their stockings White elephant gift exchange on Xmas Eve for the adults The calm before the rush to open the presents Sani just thrilled with her gifts!