Something Indian for a change

We decided that it was time to eat Indian food after avoiding it for Michelle's health for quite a while. We traveled along the Ring Road to Jalsa, which was billed in one guidebook as great for kids. The exterior is modeled after a Rajasthan palace, and the staff puts on quite a show. As you can see from the pictures, we did our best to fit in by donning royal attire.

Ansel was pretty sure that the the finger bowl was a bathtub, he loved splashing water all over the table.

Pony Ride Part 2

On Good Friday we returned to the Embassy International Riding School for another pony ride. Ansel had none of the hesitation of his last visit, he jumped right on and was ready to go.

The peaceful countryside is such a nice change from the noise of Bangalore, even Ansel seems to zone out and quiet down when we are there.

"Muffin" wasn't available today, so Ansel had to be content with a ride on "Valantine."

And by the end of the ride he was trying his hands at the reins!

Siena at 12 months

Siena is a beautiful little girl. It is amazing to see her develop and grow. She is very close to walking by herself and loves to laugh and give bear hugs. During a period when we have spent a lot of time inside our apartment, it has been great to have Siena and Ansel to entertain us with their antics.

First Birthday in India

We had a small party in honor of Siena's first year of life. We had a great time celebrating with our new friends. Among the comments were, "Siena was so dainty eating her cake." Precious girl. We love her so much!

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times...

Ansel was a pretty lucky kid this past weekend. Not only did he get a brand new bike, but we went go-karting as well! (Dad *might* have enjoyed this as much or more than Ansel :) Unfortunately Michelle was a bit under the weather, but we made the most of the situation. It seems that she has been sick almost half of the time that we have been here :(

Lunch at a Mediterranean restaurant

We had a great lunch at a Mediterranean restaurant called Fava. It is in UB City, an upscale shopping mall. The hummus was excellent, served with piping hot pitas. The shish kebab was also delicious! Ansel was given VIP treatment at the dessert cooler. As many chocolates as his little heart desired. It was a wonderful relaxing lunch out.

Afterward, Ansel played in the fountain. He had a blast!

Holi

This is a photo from nearly two weeks ago, when we made this post.

This photo was captured from our vehicle of some men who were involved in Holi festivities, where colored powder is thrown.

Pony Ride

We went on an outing to Embassy Riding School. What a beautiful location! Ansel had his reservations about the pony ride. After spending some time watching another child ride, he was willing. At first Travis had stand close by, but after a few minutes he was riding on his own. At the end of the ride, he was disappointed that it had to come to an end. The pony was called, "Muffin," and has been a prime topic of conversation ever since. The next morning the first words out of Ansel's mouth were, "Am I going to ride Muffin again?" Definitely a hit with our boy. He made his daddy proud.