Spring has sprung!

And the weather this weekend was showin’ it off!

I know we aren’t completely out of the woods with the colder temps, but we’re pretty much almost there. And we got such a beautiful day yesterday. It’s going to be even nicer today (a high of 68!). And we are all crawling out of hibernation.

No, seriously.

Sometimes I run into parents at the park and we’re like, “Didn’t we meet back in September?” To which we all nod and say, “Yes, yes. We’re back in business.”

This weekend, Nikku was still here so we did all sorts of fun things with him.

On Saturday, we went and celebrated Holi at the Navy Pier. It was mine and Ishu’s first time celebrating it! Can you believe it? I mean, for Ishu, yes. But for over 30 years, I’ve never participated and it felt so fun that my first time got to be with my little baby.

Ishu was skeptical at first. Lots of people, lots of loud music and dancing, and SO MANY COLORS! It was so fun to be a part of this huge celebration.

We each took turns standing with the stroller and all our things. As I stood back and watched everyone throwing colors and dancing to the music, I couldn’t help but feel an overwhelming sense of pride. For my culture, for my people, for all the fun things we are.

I watched as mamas rushed over to the dance floor with their LITERAL NEWBORN babies in their arms. Sprinkling a little color on them. I watched as parents passed out bananas and Parle-G cookies to their kids. I watched as the DJ turned on a crowd-fav and everyone jumped HIGHER and colors went flying.

The rain coming down on people and nobody feeling bothered by it.

The colors up against the lake backdrop.

But the thing I loved most – and the thing I will always love about our culture – is that everything is such a family affair.

Kids running around everywhere. And adults not being bothered by it. Because it’s normal. It’s normal to have kids show up to the weddings and the concerts and the events. It’s normal to have kids being loud and enjoying the party just as much as adults are.

I’ve never really thought about It too much. But as I stood back to watch everyone dance their hearts out, I thought about how lucky it was that – growing up – no invitation ever said, “No kids allowed.”

We showed up to everything.

An invitation for everyone.

And I’m so happy that Ishaan got a taste of that this past weekend.

Here’s to many more Holi celebrations – and family celebrations – in our future. I want Ishu to grow up and know that he’s welcome everywhere. That he’s got this massive community of colorful people that love dancing and jumping and celebrating as much as he does.