Blogging Along the Avenue.......

Today while driving mundane errands, I thought to myself..."why do I blog"? Is it because I love looking back and being reminded of times spent? Is it so our kids and can remember these times in writing and with photographs? Or is it so friends or strangers that may pop on to my blog can feel in touch with me no matter where they are?

Maybe it's all of these things. And of course, my love of writing. How I miss my youthful days of just staring out the window and gazing yonder...coming up with poems and thoughts and dreams. I miss catching that peaceful time.

Now it's more of writing checks and replies to forms and responsible grown-up things. So I'm hoping to be a better blogger and stay more in touch with my inner writer. I know I haven't written as much as I want. But if this the best the 21st century has to offer me as solace to the e-driven world, I'll take it!

Now off to that view out the window...

Day trippin to St. Augustine

Can I just let the photos do the talking? My fingers hurt from well...miniature golf! Or rather, making sure Sohan wasn't running towards the boats!

Happy Holidays on the Morning Show

Saloni was invited to be on the Channel 4 Morning Show to listen in on Christmas stories read by Bruce and Staci. All the kids were so cute and had their own personalities. There was a surprise visit from Santa and goofy comments made by the kids which made for an interesting two hours!

Thanksgiving...a festivus for the rest of us

Okay, if you haven't heard of Tofurky, don't cringe. It's a turkey made from soy. But don't get me wrong, cook per the instructions on the box and you get one gross tasting "thing". We learned our lesson back in Rochester when we made it for the first time. Thank God, Sunil had thought of making cheese enchiladas just in case!

But now it's our annual tradition making a Mexican Tofurky. Sunil's a master at it, so I make the dessert and sides, while he skillfully stuffs it with sauce, cheese, beans and a combo of spices. In the oven for about an hour and you've got one tasty veggie turkey.

You see on our Thanksgivings, no birds are harmed. :) And major post-lunch naps are a bonus!

Jags, Flags and More......

These photos were taken from the November 8th and 22nd games. I'm sure by now you realize what huge Jaguar fans we are. Sunil's parents have been season ticket holders since the team was formed. And we began getting our own four season tickets since Saloni was born. I love the fact that both kids have been coming to the games since they were 3 months old. I definitely can't say it's always easy! I usually miss important touchdowns and plays, there's at least two bathroom trips for Saloni, prayers that Sohan won't fill up his diaper too much within the four hours we're there and we've had a few vomit incidences as well.

But Sunil and I know that if anything, they will walk away with a rich understanding of the sport, which I have profound respect for (after I finally learned the in and outs of the game in my early years of marriage) and they will hopefully grow to love being a Jag fan. By the likes of the interest they show, I think they're right on track.

We had the wonderful chance to seat with Wayne and Dolores Weaver in the owner's box. This is the second time for us and it's awesome every time.

Happee Halllooowwweeen!

Boo!

Camp Rock fan Saloni Joshi hits the streets of Arrowleaf Lane...brother Sohan took to the stroller and watched in awe this strange candy-fest of a night!

These photos below are from her Halloween Parade party at school. I always joke with Sunil that he should have married a dentist. If you've been to our house, you know there's M&M's in practically every room and our pantry is like an all-year Halloween stockroom!

It's A Teal, Teal World

The Sarasota team came up for a visit while Sunil's parents were vacationing in New Zealand. Crisp fall weather and a winning Jag game were perfect ingredients for weekend fun. And watching all three age levels in the kids, Arjun 6 1/2, Saloni 4, Neelam 2, and Sohan 17 months...was a ball.

Gotta love our backyard and the wide open space...thank goodness no gator sightings so far!

Happy Diwali 2065!

Happy Birthday Tom!

One of my closest friends, Staci, threw a surprise 40th for her husband Tom, and there were tears and laughter throughout the room. Food was awesome and she had these adorable decorations made with cute facts and photos about Tom on each table - such a nice personal touch.

Happy Birthday Beach Girl!

Although we had offered Saloni a birthday party for her 4th birthday, she opted for a family evening at the beach. We couldn't argue with her choice. Joseph's cheese pizza, juice boxes, sand toys...and her amazing imagination...it was an awesome evening. Plus, having Dadda and Daadi with us always adds even more smiles to her pretty face.

A Class Act

If there ever were a classy football coach, may I introduce you to Wayne Weaver? The Winn Dixie where we shop had a Jaguar Open House and you'd better believe we all went. I was bummed that Sunil had a consult to see a patient and couldn't come. It was so much fun. They even had teal cotton candy - leave it to me to focus on the food! The players were so friendly and Wayne made it a point to walk around and say hello to the crowd. Saloni's highlight was meeting Wayne and Jaxson Deville - she even lifted her jersey to show him the t-shirt she was wearing with his picture on it!

So proud to be a season ticket holder!

Daadi and Daada time

I only met my grandmothers but never my grandfathers. And even then, never got to spend the quality time our kids do with their grandparents. It makes me glow to see what an impact they have on our lives as parents and how much the kids look up to them. God Bless them!

Road trippin' to Sarasota

Sunil's brother and sister-in-law

and their two cutie pies,

moved into a new house

that's got sunshine and lovely insides,

So we got into the car for a visit

and had a great time,

laughing, movies, eating and more

that's how family's defined,

The kids played so happily together

we need not worry at all

in fact we didn't even notice

how time just flew by us all...