Blowing Raspberries: July & August 2019

Dearest Love Ceyone,

July 2019 was the month of your summer camp and summer holidays. It was intense travel for me as I had a trip to the US first and then we went to India for spending time with Dolly mausi and then to Naani's house. Those were really fun olden days like summer holidays and we had a lot of fun! That was also the first time you and I traveled alone together.

We started off with a visit to ACRES in Singapore that was an animal rescue and protection center. You were intrigued to observe the rescued animals there and also spoke naturally that a large crocodile gave you the heebijeebies. I was so surprised to hear you use that phrase.

Meanwhile our handwriting classes continued. You became highly obsessed with The Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney series. We went on a spree at Kinokuniya in Singapore and then at Variety Book House in Bhopal to complete our collection. You posed like Greg Heffley in the book store and asked me to click your picture.

I had the usual business lunches in office and we also went for planning Diwali party for condo residents with building friends.

There was also bring your kids to work day at my office and Naani and you came.

Sandy continued to cut your hair at home. You had amazing hair that grew super fast so we had to frequent the haircut.

I had a work trip to the US mid July so I went there. It was good to spend time with my new team.

Every time I visited the US, I met Rachna mausi and we went for dinner at the same place, Amber restaurant. We ate the same food as well!

At the painted ladies sightseeing spot with my office team mates.

Dolly mausi and me at her home in Gurgaon. She fed us so much food that at times I couldn't move! It was a ball and we all had SO much fun! You boys got along with each other like a house on fire!

We had a ball of a time in Bhopal. Every morning you used to lie down next to Naana and listen to his stories. We also went out with Mamu and Guddi Mausi Naani and enjoyed fun lunch at Mariott.

We spent time with Swati and Rakhee mausi. Coincidentally, everyone had boys and so you had a great company of cousins and friends.

We had to go to the zoo ofcourse. Given your inerest in the wildlife, a trip to the zoo was imperative.

I bought this dress from India and enjoyed wearing it!

We had fun at Swati's place with Aarav and Swati and enjoyed together!

You and I went to New Market on our quest for bey blades. You wanted a particular type as you had the rest of 999 already. The markets were decorated with Rakhee stalls as it was the season. We enjoyed pastry and patties at the bakery.

You asked to meet Kaku so we went to pay them a visit.

You loved spending time with Little and you both chatted about Wimpy Kid and what not.

I enjoyed spending time with Adnan and catching up on old school stuff.

Mamu cooked malai tikka for us that was very delicious.

We went to Kalia sot dam for a visit and you took your RC car and rode it there. The weather in Bhopal was amazing and it rained every single day. We didn't need to run the fan and had to wear blankets. Imagine, in July!

I Created a shower checklist for you and stuck it up on the bathroom wall. You followed it diligently every morning. I created a second copy for carrying it along during our travels. I was very happy to see you using it and taking full baths. I was very conscious of developing your cleanliness habits and secretly wanted goody points from your friends when you grew up!

Sometimes, we had cupcakes after our writing class and all the kids loved it.

We also got floor polishing done in our apartment that was long awaited. Finally, the landlord agreed to it and we all were super happy to have cleaner and shinier floors.

One of the outings that I had planned for our writing class group was visit to the Apple store, followed by learning about Apple Inc. and Steve Jobs. When I started researching, I realized that I could not share every single thing with you all. I consulted a few friends and decided to share only the most important parts with you. At the Apple store, you were like a kid in a candy store. Aged just 6, you wanted to learn all about iphones and Apple watches. You immediately sent your wish list my way. I felt that you wanted to play games on these devices and found that your knowledge was developing fast on gadgets and devices.

We wrapped up our trip with early dinner at Cafe Prive and then some street ice cream on Orchard Road.

I kicked off my facebook page called "Bhopal-ites Boosting Bhopal" as I wanted to bring out the value of the city and how we could make it even better. I wanted to spend the later half of my life in Bhopal and wanted to kick off making it like any other city in the world. Tall dreams, I know!

I always came to pick you up on the last day of your summer hols and that year was no different.

We also organized a clay Ganpati making workshop along with Vivaan's grandmother. It was a huge success with almost 30 signups.

We took your RC car to Fort Canning Park one day and you had good fun with it.

Meanwhile, I continued my efforts towards healthy eating and green smoothies.

We celebrated a few birthdays in my office.

It was cultural day in your school and everyone had to bring some food related to the country where they belonged. I thought a lot and after doing a quick math on time and effort, I made mini dosas for you to bring. They looked quite presentable and were average in taste, so it worked. I seldom went into the kitchen and the days I did I focussed on making unusual stuff.