Hmmm... moments

Shriya- Amma, why do you always call me 'Chakkarai'?
Me- Because you are the sweetest thing to me
Shriya- But amma, chakkarai is sugar, right? And sugar does bad things to us, right? So how can you call me that?
Me- Hmmmm
Shriya- Call me by the things I love, ok?
Me- Ok henceforth you will be my avocado dippy dip, my kutti idli girl


Vaibhav- It's not fair!! ( an oft-repeated phrase these days)
Me- what's not fair?
Vaibhav- You are big and you get to share your bed with dada but i am smaller than you and I have to sleep all by myself!! Not fair!
Me- Hmmmm




Vaibhav- I am not sleepy as yet
Me- But you have to wake up early tomorrow, school starts at 7.30!!
Vaibhav- Amma, why do you put me to bed when I'm not sleepy and wake me up when I am??
Me- Hmmmm


Me- Hey Vaibhs, its the weekend.... aren't you glad there's no school today?
Vaibhav- Amma, I like school, ok? I might be cranky sometimes in the mornings but that does not mean I don't like school
Me- Hmmmm....ok sir, I'm glad to hear that!

Dakshina Chitra

Before the wedding madness began, we spent a few magical days in and around Chennai. Dakshina Chitra, on the ECR road was one such trip where all four of  us were mesmerized.

Besides going back in time while viewing the different styles of homes  ( Tirunelveli Brahmin, Syrian Christian, Telugu Farmer's Hut etc) we got to try our hand at pottery, kalamkari, mask making and block printing. We were thrilled to watch an authentic Oriya Yakshagna type of performance depicting the Narasimha avatar. I was amazed to see the kids sitting spellbound during the 2 hour show. A hand puppet show depicting Hanuman's visit to Lanka, glass blowing demonstration, kili josiyam (where a little parrot will predict your future)  were all some of the other stuff that we immensely enjoyed.

It was a beautiful slice of South India to showcase to the kids. They were especially excited to try their hand at the various art and craft activities. It was a memorable day- happy times, teachable moments! We'll definitely be back!