Chicago

Our Baby Turns 20 Today.He came seven weeks early and was the tiniest thing ever. Biji, my mom, came all the way from India to give extra TLC that he for sure needed at that time. Even now, when he is the picture of a healthy Jat, we want to prop him up with all sorts of cushions to absorb the bumps of life. He is begenning to complain. Happy Birthday Sweet. We love you very much.

Last week was spring break. Ravi's college got out Monday but Suraj had tests till Wednesday. So Ravi and friend Torry drove to Chicago to start the fun early. They checked in the hotel and roamed the streets free. Later on Vivek met up with them and took them home for some fun.

This is 'Some Fun' in case you were wondering what kids do for fun these days. Next day after Suraj's test, the three of us (Suraj, Sachi and I), flew over to meet up with them. Chicago was as cold and damp as Nebraska but had definitely more things to do.

This is an amazing metal sculpture called cloud by the artist but dubbed 'The Bean' by the public. Its shiny surface reflects the buildings and the impressed visitors who cannot stop taking pictures

It is housed in the Millenium Park where Obama gave his famous acceptance speech. Ravi took so many pictures that the camara battery got used up.

Luckily the friend had a camera too so this exuberant moment could be captured. The sun was shining that morning and the air was full of promise. The boys grew some springs under their feet and took flight. Suraj took this picture to show it to Sachi and me, waiting in the room for them to come back. Sachi was catching a few extra hours of sleep and I decided to watch morning News.

March 21st. was Vivek's birthday. Naren planned a wonderful party. This is a really smooth, chocolaty, creamy cake that Vivek, after all the drama with the knife, did cut it traditionally and let us all have a piece.

Naren had prepared a list of questions taken from Vivek and the family and friend's lives and Vivek had to answer them to get the gifts.

If he could not answer them he was handed down a punishment which ranged from singing a song blindfolded with his guitar to doing sit ups with Suraj sitting on his back.

Some he got right away. Others he struggled with for a while; he was a good sport when it came to punishments and we had a lot of fun. We got to meet their friends Amay, Sushil and Sachin who with their warm hospitality made us a part of the group. We invited all of them to Nebraska and I hope they will come sometime.

Vivek was a kid with gifts. We had fun watching his eyes light up at the sight of video games and favorite movie DVDs

The high-tech camera was a big hit. We expect many candid shots to come from this gift. Keep us posted on your 'life happenings' Vivek.

At the end of the party, while making a wish for himself, Vivek became emotional. This week Naren had his 'Match Day' ceremony and found out that he will be going to Stanford for his residency in pediatrics. In fact this was the main reason for us being there. We wanted to be together when Naren found out about his future plans.

We are so proud of you Naren for all that you have achieved.

You deserve all those awards and accolades you have gotten.

Vivek is ecstatic and despondant all at once. The brothers will have to say good buy to living together and pursue their own carriers from now on. Vivek's considerable salary jump was also not enough to buoy his spirits. But the young heart is hard to keep down.

The boys spent another night jamming together, playing with all the birthday gifts and were quite recovered next day.

We spent our time in Chicago dining and shopping, but the best part was the time we spent together as family. It was a happy time and we feel blessed.

Once again 'Happy Birthday Vivek and Ravi'

"May you live a thousand years and may the years have fifty thousand days".