Apparently it snowed yesterday in Chicago.

But we are out here still living out our fall dreams.

I texted Ankur yesterday that San Ramon is like the live version of those YouTube fall ambience videos I display on our TV. IN REAL LIFE. IN FRONT OF MY FACE.

The brightest reds and oranges and yellows you could ever imagine.

Out here in California.

HUH?

In the words of Ishu, “Is this for real life?”

We are taking advantage of the beauty by checking out all the parks within a 5-mile radius. Which, turns out, is a lot. Two days ago, we went to a park in San Ramon. Yesterday we went to Imagine Park in Dublin. All the parks, all the colors, all the feels.

Anyway, the other thing we’re doing is tagging along to all the things. To the visits to the bank. To the doctors appointments. A trip to Costco. We even drove up to see Dadi’s office yesterday.

I feel a sense of gratitude that these kids have grandparents that want to be around them all the time and want them to join them for all the errands, big and small.

I think that us moseying around town doing the things together makes my kids – especially Ishu – feel a sense of belonging and connection. Sure, there are complaints that he wants to get out of the car and go to the playground or go back home. But, mostly, he’s happy to be with everyone.

After driving back from Dadi’s office yesterday with both kids in the back seat, I was ready to head out for a walk on my own. Ishu decided to tag along and when he wanted to go the “rocks” way instead of the way I wanted to go (which was in the direction of the trees), I jokingly said, “I shoulda left you at home.” We compromised and went the rocks way that LED to the colorful trees. Win-win. And by the end of our little loop, he hugged my leg and said, “I’m so glad I came with you Mama.” (As if he had given me a choice).

But, I can definitely tell that he feels the love and the comfort. And it makes my mama heart so happy to share the love (and the chaos) with other people who love him so much.

Alright, we’ve got a Papa that touches down in a few hours. A Chacha that lands in CA tomorrow. And a fun-filled weekend ahead of us.

Hope you have a happy happy weekend wherever you are in the world!