Special Xmas Party

We lined up the kids in groups of 10 to go to my house where Santa (my friend Robert) was with the elves to get their professional portraits taken. My driver Arvind was kind enought to drop off the USB drive at Staples to get the photos printed in one hour. A team of Cisco volunteers assembled the photos into frames in Wim and Kate's dining room. We gave each child a goodie bag full of stationaries, snacks and their portrait with Santa in a beautiful frame. You should see the look on the children's faces. Many of them don't have photos of themselves and to see these beautiful shots with Santa in a frame (some with their families) is a great treat!

Special Children's Xmas Party

Kate and I organized a xmas party for the children of Ashwini Charitable Trust and our household staff at Epsilon. We made a carnival at Kate's backyard with 7 game stalls, tampoline, popcorn machines, cotton candy. We hired people dressed as cartoon charaters and a magician to entertain the kids. Our kids and my marketin team volunteered to run the game booth and to give away lots of goodies. The kids had a blast and the volunteers all walked away with a tremendous sense of satisfaction. I'm so proud of Emily and my team for pulling this one off completely independent of Cisco!

Vikram's 50th Bday party

My friend Vikram turned 50 and Geetanjali threw the most amazing party! I love to see how the Indians honor their parents on this special occasion as both Geetanjali and Vikram thanked their moms and the guests. Friends came from all corners of the world and we enjoyed great food, fine wine and the best dancing in Bangalore!

NGO work at the government school

We went to serve lunch to the kids at the Government school near the Cisco campus and played with the kids.

Derek coaching basketball

Derek ran a basketball training camp for 5 of the Cisco kids while he was on holiday (and bored out of his mind). It was a way to get out of the house and to make some money which he appreciated when he went to visit Danesh in Pune.

Derek playing tennis at Epsilon Jan 2009

Derek came to visit over Chinese New Years. His tennis improved dramatically. We paired up to play with two neighbors Naresh and Pavan and we were a great team!

Emily w BFF Theo in Pleasanton CA

We met up with Theo's family to have dinner at Macaroni Grill. It was great for the two to catch up after not seeing each for nearly a year!

Brunch with the Jourets

We had brunch at Chef Chu's with Guido's family and had a great time. All three girls love the BBQ buns and Moo Shu chicken with pancakes!

At Chandra's house

Fisher Middle School

Here's another school we looked at.

Redwood Middle School

I took the girls to check out Redwood Middle School. The school was ok but the staff at the front office was a bit rude.

Chandra and Aakash in CA

We met up with Chandra and Aakash for Mexican dinner and I took all three to see a movie. Chandra stayed with us at the Embassy Suites and the two girls played all day at the hotel while I worked. Aakash came over later and I took them to In and Out Burger and to shop.

With cousins and grandma

We met Tim's family at a Thai restaurant near Tysons Corner. Madison and Riley are both growing up so fast!

Visiting my college roommates Barb and Pam in VA

Kodi's Bday party

Kodi our puppy turned one year old on Nov 18, 2008 and Emily organized a party with her friends and a whole bunch of dogs!