December 2019 was our first Christmas in Fort Collins, CO. We were so fortunate that all 3 daughters could fly in from San Diego for the holiday. (Kavi only lived 2 miles from us, so we already planned on spending time with him.) The move left a gaping whole in our hearts not being able to see the girls anytime we wanted to like before, so this made their visit for this holiday very, very special. And this is how Christmas 2019 went: Through all the prepping and cooking Laraine was noticing that Ashok and the kids kept disappearing for long stretches of time. They said they were Christmas shopping, but it really seemed to be taking forever. But, the few days before Christmas moved on and Ashok and Laraine were looking forward to the days off to just relax and spend time with the kids. (And you know Ashok needed to finish wrapping gifts.) Christmas day, all gathered clad in holiday pajamas, it was time for presents. (All a mother really wants is a decent holiday pic, you know?) Laraine handed out the presents while Ashok took pictures. After double checking the last one was handed out Laraine started to clean up. Ashok went over to the tree and said, "Honey, there's one more over here". Laraine quickly affirmed that she had checked and there were no more. Ashok again said, "No, there's definitely one more under here". Laraine again insisted she had double checked and there wasn't. For a third time Ashok said, "There's one more. It's a small one, maybe that's why you missed it". Then Laraine looked around and every one of the kids had a phone camera pointing at her. Sensing something was up (finally), she looked over at Ashok. There he was by the tree-on one knee, holding a small box. Tears immediately sprang out of her eyes, and he proposed. She cried and knelt down with him and cried some more (classic Laraine). After a moment, it had to be asked-"Is that a yes?!?!?". Yes it was!

Why, yes, we are! We eloped in Fort Collins, CO on 2/12/2021. A very lucky Chinese New Year indeed! Our son Kavi and his partner Bethany were in attendance and we were presided over by our dear friend and neighbor Alex Alvarez in our new home. As everyone was in lockdown our daughters Sable, Shelby, and Elina attended via facetime as well as Ashok's parents, Kuppe and Shaku, and the sister of the Bride Kristine Jarvis. It was joyful, freezing (the coldest day that year), and bittersweet. We kissed and ate cake but still felt the absence of our daughters and all of our dear family and friends. Now that the world is bustling again we are happy to have an event that we can welcome everyone to celebrate the way we intended! It's time for a #SHANKARSHAADI!