I had to document this in case we lose the original. Summer of 1994 Nick and Bob worked as photographers at Magic Mountain. At that time a photo keychain was a popular purchase. Nick found his from that time in his uniform and everything. Just a few years older than Jatin is now!
In August we had our typical LA heat wave. Swam a lot, had a lovely visit from Neera and family and the kids started in person school again after 18 months of quarantine!
Here are the kids first week of school! Jatin started high school 9th grade and Aanika entered 4th grade. They each have to wear a mask at school and have to get weekly covid tests.
Like I said we’ve really enjoyed our pool more than ever…and trying to make sure we get al the days in we can before it gets too cold!
Jatin got his braces off right when he started high school! He looks awesome 🙂 And my beautiful Aanika has been taking full advantage of her backyard and doing lots of art and water play outside. Check out Jatins before and after pics!
After over a year and a half we finally made the trip back up to the bay to see Neeru and Nikki’s beautiful new home and to visit Kartik and Zita and meet the kiddos!
Friday: Started the journey late morning and stopped by the Ostrich Farm! The boys thought it was time to conquer my fear and feed them in my “ostrich riding outfit!” Complete with pink ostrich egg pattern lol.
After that we continued for a bit then broke for lunch at San Louis Obispo. Please notice Jatins adorable but very messy chocolate ice cream face.
Kids are officially on summer break. Nick and I are working but trying to get into the summer spirit! A few highlights below from our June.
First I’ve been using my Mother’s Day gift like crazy – ipencil to create digital art! Best gift ever!
Aanikas has been LOVING swimming every day. She’s a total mermaid and loves to flip, float, spin, twirl, jump and play in total bliss in the water.
I got to create the “She’s a Bruin” stickers for the UCLA alumni and they hand delivered my box and stickers as part of the sip and share series! Proud moment to be hired by the same university where I learned my craft from.
Swim season has official began! It was 91 degrees out today but we still heated the pool lol! Got the kids all suited up and the four of us went for the first official Gundara swim of 2021!
The kids have worked hard this school year and they’ve only got 1 more week before they are out on summer vacation. Jatin said he wants to work on his secret project, hang with friends, watch movies, play piano and learn about stocks! Aanika already knows the secret to life and lives her best life everyday! Nick and I have been working harder than ever but that’s the phase of life we’re in and grateful to have each other to rely on and support during the craziness and fun! Can’t wait for summer. We could all use some sunshine and relaxation!
August has been a positive month filled with good energy. Lot’s of activity buzzing around the Gundara house. The kids started virtual zoom school and are doing much better than expected. They have adapted quickly only how kiddos can! We are very proud of them. We continue to stay busy with work and school and are trying our best to intentionally incorporate family fun time throughout the week. We have also decided to close down the physical office location for Design Spinners and I will be working full time from the house. Finally going to get that Tanker Desk from the 50’s!!
While most of the country seems to be reopening salons Los Angeles is not. Mommy and Daddy haven’t had a trim in many months so they paid a visit to the very sought after NickyG salon located in Chatsworth for a in home trim! Mommy asked me to do it but Nick came to the rescue and said he would handle it because I would ruin her hair lol! Priceless memories that will forever be cherished as some good that came from 2020.
Quarantine life is here to stay for a while. As time continues to go by we are all picking up new skills and roles at home. We are all cleaners, chefs, hairdressers, barbers and handymen! We’re fairing okay. On the really hot days it feels a little harder to be stuck at home because the yard is so hot until at least 5! But thank goodness for Family Wednesday’s where we swim and have a mid week party all to do it again on family Saturday’s!
Nick has now given all 3 of us styling cuts, and I tried, but he won’t let me cut the top. I think he secretly LOVES his new curly locks!
The boys have been working out daily. The outdoor gym is getting a lot of use and Jatin is learning the art or weight training and some basketball for cardio. Then he gets protein chocolate milk as a treat.
Aanika is continuing to love life at home. Constantly staying busy playing with dolls, bubbles, running around with the dogs or enjoying her iPad.
We’ve started a new adventure. Every weekend we go pickup donuts from a new local place. Excuse to get out and drive somewhere then we come home and rate them.
With summer weather in full effect a lot of our time is spent splashing around! Pool time followed by family jacuzzi hangout with chips and drinks.
The kids are being awesome sports about playing so much at home and jatin is stepping up as loving big brother.
The neighborhood kids are getting together weekly for social distant visits. Bring your own chair, snack and drink and hangout. It’s cute to watch.
I up cycled my old Steve Madden Shoes and painted them! I also prepped some new canvases inspired by neon! Yesss!
Nick is continuing to enjoy his bike and doggy adventures around town. And as always the boys love the arcade! Just another excuse to show off those locks!
Life is good. Life is beautiful. We are blessed. Here’s to staying positive and appreciating all that we have to be happy about. ❤️
Started our trip in Santa Maria and San Louis Obispo so Nick could make a few branch visits. Went to Nicks favorite park and had breakfast at the black bear diner before heading to San Jose.
We had 3 days in the Bay Area area and celebrated Neera and Nikki’s 10th wedding anniversary followed by Nicks 42nd Birthday and attended California Extreme 2019 at the Santa Clara Hyatt.
Summer this year has been fabulous. Jatin decided he didn’t want to go to camp so he’s having a chill vibe summer splitting his days between keeping me company at the office and swimming everyday with the neighborhood kids. Another huge positive, mommy and daddy moved into a rental home down the street!!!
We finally got a lovely patio set for our balcony which we’ve been enjoying every evening while listening to island style music.
Some snapshots from highlights of our summer so far. Aanika loves mango kulfi! Aakash and Jatin spent several days together and got over their fear of stranger things.
Also been enjoying the pool and backyard shenanigans. We’ve been having a blast playing with phone filters. Check out Jatin’s future facial hair lol.