All my brothers, sisters, and me

I'm back from my quick trip to New Jersey/New York for my aunt and uncle's 40th anniversary party over the weekend. I had a very fun time seeing my extended family (now even more extended since the additions of my two adorable second cousins, Alia and Asha). I'm so fortunate that my family members, although incredibly busy with work, kids, and life in general, all place such an emphasis on spending time together. It's certainly not easy when we're spread out from NY to Atlanta to Wisconsin to Idaho but we've made it happen. What's more, my family always graciously invites Josh to come and loves him so much that they demand at least one karaoke song out of him (and that's sayin' somethin'). I was very touched by the celebration that my two cousins threw in honor of their parents and hope that my sister and I can do the same one day for ours. I'll probably have to book different entertainment though; it might be considered tacky in some circles if my Dad performed "Can't Help Falling In Love" at his own party.

Check out NJ pics below:


I couldn't get enough of these rugrats all weekend. Alia (7 1/2) and Asha (2 1/2) couldn't be more different but both equally stole my heart. I also made sure to check that their respective dental developments were right on target.


My cousins Deblina and Shoma emcee'd the party and my sister thrilled the crowd by singing two famous Bengali songs. I am unfortunately cursed with having no demonstrable talent that could be enjoyed by a crowd so I manned (womaned?) the A/V systems. I am a great packer, however, and have often considered packing a suitcase as my talent in the living room at our next family gathering a la Brad on Hey Dude. Anybody with me on that one?


Tanya graduated magna cum laude from the University of Antagonizing Younger Siblings (UAYS). She hits the nail on the head here by deliberately sabotaging a picture of us I could have potentially framed and given to my parents on a special occasion. Kudos, TKP.


My Dad performed at the party and invited the lovely couple to dance. Man, I do love the whole "Patelvis" routine but mark my words: I plan on thoroughly searching my Dad's bags for and promptly destroying any Elvis costume that might find its way to my wedding reception someday.


Me and A and A. I'll be planning a trip down to Atlanta sometime soon to possibly visit the CDC where my cousin works, scout out some post-graduation opportunities (yikes!), and visit these cuties.


I had a tiny little hope in my heart that we'd find enough time to run in to the city for a day to catch some tourist staples for Josh's sake (he's never been to NYC). We didn't end up getting the chance other than to escort my cousin around the upper west side to find a gift for her parents on Saturday afternoon. We're planning on heading back soon so that Josh can be re-introduced to the Big Apple the right way--by grabbing a slice, visiting Times Square, and staying out until 4 am.

Perhaps I'll post a couple more pictures from last weekend's wedding in GR when my internet isn't being so testy. I also plan on posting musings about why I'm a born spy as my next post so stay tuned for that. For now, I must say adieu and hop into the sack with Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix...I have to finish it and #6 before the big day on 7/21!

Sleep tight :)

xoxox