Simple Pleasure

Took Ayaan for a walk around the block. Aaliyah was working on her workbook and Ayaan was bothering her. It is just hard for him to play alone when whatever his Sister is doing seems more exciting. He kept distracting her either by turning on the TV or by taking away her color pencils. Nasir was home. So, I left Aaliyah with him to finish off her work and took Ayaan out. He was all smiles from the minute we left home. He was getting all the attention that he was probably craving for. The decision to take him out was an impulsive, yet it was a great one. I got my little exercise and Ayaan got to explore the neighborhood.
We started going around the block then stopped at

Another Day at the Park

Water Fountain at King George Park

Although it was a Monday, we did not go to the Sing and Learn session at the library. I was more interested in fulfilling my promise made to Aaliyah. I had promised to take her to McDonalds once she finishes working on her Summer Bridge Activity workbook. A friend of ours has borrowed our family car until their car gets fixed and Nasir took his car to work. I could have probably walked over to McDonalds, but getting past a major intersection with Ayaan seemed very daunting. So, putting the McDonald promise for later in the evening when "Dadda" gets home, we headed over to King George park to have yet another day of Summer fun.
Once at the park, the kids played on

Queen Elizabeth Park

A nature lover's delight, the Queen Elizabeth Park in Vancouver is a must see park. What makes this park special is its natural beauty. The park boasts of beautiful flower beds, different varieties of huge tall trees, a rose garden, a tropical flower conservatory (Bloedel Conservatory), milky white dancing water fountains, a mini waterfall, a leash free dog park and breathtaking view points throughout the park. A walk through the park is a wonderful exercise for your eyes as well as for your body. It is no wonder that this park is the second

Movie Night

Went and watched "Ek tha Tiger" with Nasir. Dropped the kids off at Hummu's place and then went to the Cineplex Theaters in Richmond. It was a movie cum date night with the Husband. I have to admit, I missed the kids. Especially, because there was no one to finish our popcorn or the coke. No one to wander in between the

Finding Me-Time with Henna

Henna that is formulated specially for the hair is a mixture of various herbs that strengthens the hair, prevents graying,  reduces dandruff,  moisturizes the hair and adds a silky shiny touch to the hair. Henna deeply conditions the hair makes the hair healthy and strong. Hair feels light and soft and also gets a nice tinge.

I cannot exactly remember the last time I had applied Henna paste on my hair. It sure has been a long long time. That was a time when I took care of my hair, took care of my skin and cared about how I looked. It was also a time when I had no

Getting Ready for Grade 1

It is hard to believe that Summer break is almost over. 60 days went by like 6 days. And in about a week, Aaliyah will be starting Grade 1. In order to keep Aaliyah in the learning mode, I had started Aaliyah on a Summer Bridge Activity workbook sometime during the last week of July. The SBA work book covered letter and number recognition, reading, writing, addition, subtraction, telling time, counting cents, nickles, dimes, counting by 2's and pattern recognition. Today, Aaliyah has finally completed her Summer Bridge Activity workbook. It feels like a big accomplishment. Of course, doing the activities all by herself without me asking her to did not come by until she was more that halfway done. But the day she chose the book over

Sportball Ribbons

Aaliyah and Ayaan received their sportball ribbons today as it was the final day of their 8 week long Sportball outdoor soccer practice. I am glad its over for Ayaan and not so glad for Aaliyah. Aaliyah was really having fun at the game and also with her friend Dawson. Even Dawson seemed to enjoy Aaliyah's company and was very supportive of her during the entire soccer practice.

Right from day one, Aaliyah and Dawson were instant friends. Being the older siblings, they shared the same

Play and Sing

Yet another Summer Monday. Took the kids out to the Cambie Library for Richmond Family Place' Play and Sing program. The kids rode their bikes and I walked. While Aaliyah does pretty well riding on the sides of the street, Ayaan still needs little reminders about staying on the side of the street especially on certain areas on our way, where there are no sidewalks.

Ayaan was singing and participating at first and then lost

Tough Love

Normally, I am not the kind of person who would argue or question somebody's statements. Somebody who is much older and experienced than me. Today, was just not that day. The minute this older, much experienced person told me that the prayer he just prayed for Ayaan works on farm animals and dogs, I couldn't take another word from this person and rephrased the statement the way I understood it. I said " So, by what you just

Iona Beach Park

From the beautiful, clean, sandy beaches of California, to the not so clean or sandy Iona Beach, was quite a shock. But it was a beach and it was beautiful nevertheless.  Raw and natural beauty, just 15 minutes away from home. It can't get any better than that. This beach was so close, yet it took me over a year to explore. Better late than never.

Iona Beach Regional Park

The exploration would not have happened had the Nature Park been open. We actually left home to go to the Nature park. I was under the impression that the Nature park is open until sundown which is usually around 9pm. However, the park closed at 4pm. I found it a little disappointing because after a scorching day , it was beginning to get cooler and better.  I couldn't imagine myself walking in the park in the summer heat and fasting at the same time. So, we stayed home and didn't leave home until around 4:30pm. And when we reached the Nature Park, it was all deserted and quiet. It was time for a quick

Blueberry Picking

Fresh ripe blueberries

I asked Ayaan to choose where he wants to go for an outing by picking just one finger. He thought for a long time and then instead of picking just one finger, he chose all three in quick succession. He said how about we go to the beach, then blueberry picking and then what was it again? I say the Nature Park. He said, that is right, the nature park. I just couldn't help but admire his cleverness or shall I say his innocence. He just spoke his heart. By the time I sort of wrapped up the never ending

Family Farm Fair

Took the kids out to the London Heritage Farm today for their Family Farm Fair event. This annual Summer event brings together community groups, artists and young families for a fun day in the sun. The fun consisted of

Home Made PlayDough

Playdough with Jello

I have gone through so much play dough in the last few months that I decided to make some at home. It is one activity that can keep both my kids busy for a pretty good 45 minutes to an hour. Apart from being a fun activity, playing with playdough has some unique benefits too. It is no wonder that playdough stations are so popular at preschools and at the Strongstart centers.The playdough at these centers is all home made. I have seen the teachers make it along with the kids on more than one occasion.

So what are the benefits of playing with this malleable, colorful substance?

Bear Creek Park, Surrey

I had heard a lot about this park and it was on my must see places for this Summer. With still a couple hours left before our Iftaar party, we decided to take the kids out for a quick bike ride in the park. I must say, I am really impressed by the beauty of this park. Huge Soccer fields, stadium, play area, water fountains, train station, mini-golf area, nature garden, the park has something for everybody.

Stadium Entrance at Bear Creek Park 

The Bear Creek Park in Surrey, is full of family