Skating with Mel

Before she came out, Mel had asked to schedule a skate night. Sounded like a great idea, so we dragged our lazy selves out of the house to go skating. Well, we showed up so sullen face and tired looking that Mel felt bad for asking us to go. We really did want to skate, we're just being lazy from taking time off. We had a great time, although Depak's back didn't hold up as well as last time.

It was nice to be out and exercising, even if it was slow and not very graceful. Mel, don't worry, you skate just fine for us. And Chelsea did great skating; she always worries about the fall. Nat enjoys the fast stroll on the ice (I think, as she doesn't complain).

Before we finished, I let Nat walk on the ice in her boots (and yes, no helmut - but I was holding on to her real tight). She was so excited to be on the ice. She "dragged" me around the little rink a couple of times, and then used the skating "helper", and we went around a few more times. She was not pleased to leave the ice.

Daddy's helper

Depak was out sweeping the leaves on Christmas Eve, and it was too nice to keep Nat indoors, so I sent her out with him. She wasn't content to just be outside, she wanted to help daddy. So, we got out the broken broom, and let her sweep. It was so cute!

Turkey on Boxing Day with the Parmars

We managed to get through Christmas with only one turkey dinner, which was more than enough for us. Parveen and BJ hosted, and made the turkey, with Gurpreet and I making the appetizers and sides. The cousins were able to make it out. Dinner was great!

Nat played so well with Pierre, and Arjun and Shushmita were as cute as ever! Nat discovered Arjun's guitar, and Cha chi ji taught her to say "rockstar" when she played it. It was too cute.

After dinner we played Password (I think). It was a fun game that was simple, and was able to involve everyone (except the little ones). At the end of the night we broke out guitar hero.

Christmas with the Zseders

Another adopted family we share our time with. We were able to spend the afternoon and late evening just hanging out and relaxing, eating too much food, playing games and chatting. It was a great day! Thank you Zseder family!

And, yeah, Mel came out earlier this year! It was great to see her Christmas day!

Christmas Morning!!!

Christmas morning we start with stockings. This year, breakfast was made, Depak and I had showered, and stockings didn't start until after 10am (that's when Chelsea got up). It was a very nice start to the busy day.

This was our first Christmas with Arjun, and what a cutie he is! Depak's brother, sister-in-law, and sister came over for continental breakfast (yummy muffins) and then we opened some presents. Nat loves her Bha Ji, and was trying to help him with the raspberry teether (but not the presents).

It started too look like a wrapping paper pile when the gifts were open. We love being able to put smiles on our girls faces at Christmas. We try hard not to go overboard and commercialize Christmas, but some special treats are always warranted.

Nat wasn't too impressed with all the gifts. Too many for her, I think. Once all the wrapping paper was gone, and she could play with the presents, she was happy. She probably was tired of all the clothes too!
And then the present that topped all presents: the snowboard from Uncle Walter. Way to go Uncle! I am so proud to see the bond that has developed between Walt and Cheslea over the years, and you can tell that Chelsea holds a pretty special place in Walter's life too. Just wait Nat, Uncle Walter will spoil you just as well.

Christmas Eve!

Christmas Eve the festivities begin, and so does the food.

We start our Christmas Eve by joining our Church family at the Christmas Eve Service, which is a candle light service with carols, reading the Christmas story from the Bible, special music, etc. I especially enjoyed the special music this year, with Rachel and her Dad sining a duet together, as well as the ladies singing O Beautiful Star. Depak had not heard that song before; it is one of my favorites. Nat kept singing "shine on, shine on".

Afterwards we join our Cornwall/Lusty family for appetizers, good fellowship, and a few gifts. We look forward to this every year, just makes the holidays feel like they've started.

This year I had Chelsea bring her flute to play Christmas carols for us to sing, which she played for the kids Christmas program. When I was a kid, each Christmas we would have to do our part from our Christmas programs in front of the grandparents and aunts and uncles, so many times I had to bring out my trombone and play a piece, or say my lines. I was glad to pass on that tradition, although I don't think Chelsea was.

Merry Christmas from the Parmar Family

Merry Christmas from the Parmar Family!!!

Love: Depak, Tillie, Chelsea, Natalie, and a little one on the way!!!