Denver/NJ trips

After my interview with National Jewish Hospital on May 30, NJH offered a trip for Dan and I to check out the place and look for homes. Dan dropped the kids and gramps to Hoboken to stay while we were away.  This would have been special in itself, but the trip was extra special because the Butails already had guests - Pranay's sister, Priyanka, and her two kids, Manya and Tanish.  It was quite a full house and I'm maha impressed that everyone stayed sane.   Tanish and Manya were in extremely high demand, and ever since then Rowan will say things like "I'm thinking of cupcakes, mom, dad, rainbows, and Tanish."  When asked why he was such a favorite, Mina says "because he gave me M&Ms".  

Friend Birthday Parties

Jacob's party

Jacob's party

Jacob's party

Jacob's party

Carolyn's birthday party

Carolyn's birthday party

Carolyn's birthday party

Carolyn's birthday party

Willem's Birthday

Willem's Birthday

Willem's Birthday

Nikita's Rainbow Birthday Party

On the way there

Party prep

At the park

ASM 2019 - Book Feature

While everyone was celebrating Nika's birthday, I had an awesome birthday surprise myself.  Turns out my book was featured for the conference, which is pretty awesome since this is the biggest conference for microbiologists all year.  

Despite the thrilling material, no one asked for signatures ;)

Mina's Graduation

Mina graduated from Pre-K at Growing Tree North.  Starting in September, she will go to Kindergarten at the Heights school!  The ceremony took place next door at the nursing home.

Singing songs and showing us what they've learned

With BFF, Carolyn Tan

Ms. Monica and Ms. Stephanie

Mina's Ballet Show

Rehearsals in the Great Neck studio. They have been practicing their 5 minute appearance all year.  Now, the rehearsals are in earnest.  In fact, they had a whole week of rehearsals at the actual theatre, and luckily mum was able to be with Mina because they were all scheduled during work hours. 

Performance night

Dress room.  

Mina was a mouse

Keeping kids quiet and entertained until it was Mina's time to go on stage.  Rowan did not appreciate being separate from his sister, so he came backstage too.

Performance time

After party

Mum and Pap arrive in NY

Mum and Pap were kind enough to come this summer because the Litwiller-Khare household was feeling utterly swamped.  There seemed to be just too much to do, what with job hunting and house selling sucking up all our mental bandwidth. For a few precious weeks, we enjoyed home cooked meals, kids walked to the park, backup food in the freezer, and good company.  

They came bearing gifts

Hats made by Bardi Nani