Tuesday, June 2, 2009

Merry May -Neev's second birthday celebration, Shanta Dadi's visit, Trip to Monterey,Pebbles Beach, Pfeiffer Beach and Lake Tahoe

May was truly merry and brought us a special visit from Shanta Dadi, a trip to Pebbles Beach and Pfeiffer beach with her, long weekend trip to Lake Tahoe and Neev's second birthday.


Neev turned two and celebrated with a Diego Cake and Party with his play group friends on May 27th. The party was planned in a hurry and thanks to all the guests who made it so special. Neev's little friends Rajit, Mahirah, Shravan, Aashka, Poorv, Rishabh, Sidharth joined in the fun and singing birthday song. The burnt almond cake was delicious and Neev loved opening all his presents. This year he seemed to enjoy the toys more than the packaging. Avi is almost four and a half and was delighted to get a goody bag from Neev's party - yeah right ,he was supposed to be playing host. Crayons, Bubbles, chalks, stickers and tattoos are still dear to him.



Lake Tahoe was beautiful. We've been told that its beauty should be checked out in both seasons. I think it would be gorgeous in winters so we have to go back. Avi was hoping to get snow and after a mile's hike down to Emerald Bay (and back up) his spirits were still strong to climb up the mountain to touch the snow. We had a hard time convincing him that its REALLY high and if we could not hike all the way. Driving down from the mountains there was a breathtaking view from a narrow bridge built in a way that you see the massive lake on both sides. You can not stop on that bridge and the drive is for just a few mts but my oh my,what a view! You have this massive lake flowing down below surrounded by mountains. one of those moments when you realize how tiny you feel in front of abundance of nature.
I loved our condo in Tahoe and realized that with 2 kids a regular hotel room with 2 beds would not have been a comfortable choice as this one. Avi and Neev loved having their OWN room and the fireplace (did I mention jumping on the bed). We woke up to a beautiful morning in the midst of mountains and tall, tall trees. Coffee never tasted so good before. I just never wanted to step out and do nothing but Neev could not stop saying beach,beach,beach. So we drove down to the Lake and spent a day lazying in sun, playing with sand and paddling boat. Who said water is colorless - I loved the hues of lake. It was clean and transparent on the shore, a few feet down blue, green further ahead (emerald, bottle green, sea green - definitely you could put a name on the green) and then far ahead against the Sun it was like shiny pyrite sprinklings, or white sand or the silver shavings -yeah , one's imagination could take off here.

In May beginning, my grand aunt, Shanta Dadi visited us. We cooked , laughed, shopped , watched movies and stayed up late talking and talking. Avi and Neev formed a very special bond with her. For them it was extra-ordinary to have a family member visiting. They miss her very much and want to see the pictures from her visit all the time. During her visit all of us took a trip to Monterey, Pebbles beach (also the famous golf course) and Pfeiffer beach. Believe you me , Pfeiffer beach was something else. I can still feel pure white sand under my feet - can't get better foot scrub than that :) At Sun set,huge rocks which have been cut by water over time , some forming the shape of a gate , some with holes in them, sieved the dimming light through these openings, creating a perfect scene for some awesome pictures.
Monterey drive was too good to be true combination of mountains and ocean. Simply loved it. I could describe it in another long paragraph but mentioning a flock of geese , a lone boat and a dried up tree would be enough to keep my memory alive.

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