I frequently do this thing where I have an *incredible* experience and then I’m absent from the blog for weeks because I really really really want to write about it but the PRESSURE of preserving every detail and documenting every memory is crippling. So then, I disappear in a black hole instead.

Which is exactly what happened after our Just ‘Cuz Reunion in Chicago last week.

I have been wanting to come on and blog the monotonous, day-to-day stuff. Like the fact that Ishu says, “Okay I’m hang-upping on you now” or “I’m calm down-ing now.” Or just throws that suffix wherever the heck he pleases. Or the fact that we played hookie from school 4 out of 5 days last week. Because, summer.

But I haven’t been here to talk about any of that stuff because I’ve placed a BOOKMARK on the BLOG so I can talk about the BEST BEST BEST cousins reunion.

So, I am going to let go of the pressure of preserving EVERYTHING. Because, well, there are about a zillion pictures and videos. And I can’t always find the words to describe that warm, fuzzy feeling I get when I’m with the family. But we’ll try to just do a simple recap, yeah?

Okay, let’s go.

Everyone trickled in at various times on Thursday. And the first bunch came with us to pick Ishu up from school, which was so exciting for ME. Mostly because, I have many memories of dropping and picking little Veer-u up from his Montessori way back when. And now he’s this big kid scooping up his baby bro from school in the same way.

We went to Paris Baguette for some refreshments before heading over to the park for Music in the Park. It was a PERFECT SUMMER DAY. We threw some blankets down, brought pizza from Roberts across the street, and the kids were running around chasing each other. Music was playing in the background. But, honestly, the sound of the kids giggling with one another was music to my ears. Cheesy? Yes. The honest to God TRUTH? Also yes. I LOVE IT SO MUCH.

At one point, Juna and Sherene took the initiative to kick off the dancing. It felt like the perfect start to our trip.

It was also the start of many naps that Riyu would take in Jeej’s arms. Baby whisperer.

Afterward, we hung out at our apartment for a bit before calling it a night.

On Friday morning, we met everyone at Seneca Park and hung out there for a bit before having brunch at Wildberry. We managed to get out of there with only a few minor accidents. Broken glass, warm chai spilled. IT WAS ALL FINE. We fed our bellies and then proceeded to burn that energy off at Seneca for a bit before nap time for the younger kiddos.

We originally had plans to do the Hancock Tower and the Tilt, but with so many kids, the park seemed like the better option.

We had a quick 2-3 hour nap time. And then got ready to go to the Architecture Tour leaving from Navy Pier.

We heard about 2 things the docent said. Because we were just the kids in the back row that were drinking their drinks, and eating their snacks, and shooting the shit.

But, still, very glad we did that. It’s a MUST when you come to Chicago!

And then, since we docked back at Navy Pier, it felt like the right move to have dinner there so everybody could get what they wanted.

Ankur suggested getting a deep dish pizza from Giordano’s so whoever wanted to try it could. And then we gathered at a massively long table a la “The Last Supper.”

The best.

On Saturday, we got up early and took the bus to Soldier Field. The kids ran the Stans Donut Race (0.5 mile course for the kiddos).

At one point, while we were waiting at the finish line for the kiddos to come back, the song “On Top of the World” was blasting from the loudspeaker and the Italian Air Force jets flew over our head, releasing green, white, and red colors in the sky. I could feel goosebumps all over my body and tears started rolling down my face because I *knew* I was living in a moment that I’d remember for a long long time.

Once the kiddos were done and sufficiently stuffed their faces with donuts, we walked over to the water taxi and took a boat back to Navy Pier and did lunch there again.

We didn’t think we’d eat at Navy Pier at all, but it ended up being the easiest thing to do with so many kids and so many different preferences!

After spending some time at Navy Pier, we did the whole nap thing and then everyone came over and we did dinner at our apartment.

Pictures were taken.

Poses from years ago were captured.

And, again, my heart grew ten times, getting to be with our family like that.

After dinner and playtime, we loaded the strollers up and walked over to Navy Pier for the fireworks.

We had some tired, but happy kids (and equally tired but happy grown-ups).

Maya and Ishu had a sleepover and woke up bright and early Sunday morning. On the menu for breakfast was pancakes with a side of Sesame Street.

Second breakfast was held at Pinstripes! Bowling and buffet. I had never done bowling there before, but it was kinda nice because we had our own little space separate from the bistro, allowing the babies some space to crawl around.

Sherene Mami planned a fun birthday surprise for Kai, Riyu, and Veer-u. The sprinkles were a real hit.

When the cakes came out, I had another one of those moments where I looked around, feeling so much appreciation and gratitude for this family of ours. We are so lucky. So unbelievably lucky. Touch wood, knock on wood, spit over my shoulder, etc.

After Pinstripes, we made our way over to Millennium Park to take our cousins pic in front of the BEAN with our matching shirts (Shout Out to Seth Fam for taking this on!)!

We also got a picture of the four of us (which rarely ever happens), so thank you, Juna, for making that happen for us. WE LOVE YOU.

We stayed there for a grand total of ten minutes and then made our way over to Crown Fountain because it was H-O-T.

The kids had the best time splashing around. We wanted them to experience Maggie Daley Park too, but not at the cost of all the fun they were having. So we nixed those plans and stayed at the fountain, splashing around ’til nap time.

Napped, showered, and adults took a moment to rest. And then got up, got ready, and decided to venture over to the Riverwalk for dinner and drinks.

We ended up at Taco Rio with an Indian DJ mixin’ some Bollywood beats for us. It was also probably the 23433th time that Riyu fell asleep in Jeej’s arms. And stayed asleep, even with the music being amplified right next to the stroller.

We said our goodbyes to the Bajaj fam who left early the next day.

Hugs were given. Tears were shed.

I had the lump-in-throat feeling I get when I have to say goodbye to the people I love.

Such a different vibe compared to Thursday night when our adventures were only just beginning!

The good news is we will be doing this annually.

So, something to always look forward to.

To my brothers and sisters,

There is no feeling quite like the feeling I get when I’m in your presence. You make me happier, more playful, more present, more connected. While Chicago is ‘home’ for us in this phase of life, you are our home forever. Wherever we are, we are better when we are with you.

Love you so much.