I hope you are all doing well! We have been busy, busy, busy with life as we begin to think about wrapping things up while enjoying our final months here! October is a special month for us because 1) Da-da's birthday falls in October, 2) Nani celebrated her milestone 65th birthday this month, and 3) Dada's birthday is this month! While we remembered Nani and Dada on their birthday and celebrated them from afar, we took Da-da to Seychelles for his birthday!
Originally we were targeting Bali for our final big trip out here, but Mumma and Da-da realized that it would be a long, arduous journey with a toddler - I mean, I can't sit still for 12+ hours! Instead, we decided to go to Seychelles, an island off of Africa only 4 hours south of Dubai. It was a glorious decision!
We arrived in Mahe and spent our first two nights at the Le Meridien. Raina Mashi and Parag Masha gifted us those two nights for Mumma and Da-da's birthday - thanks guys, we thoroughly enjoyed our stay there! We relaxed, unwinded, and enjoyed the sporadic rains as we overlooked gorgeous views. After 2 nights on one side of the island, we took a ferry across to Praslin and whoah, did Mumma and Da-da experience sea sickness! The ocean was really rough and we basically had a rollercoaster of an experience for an hour on the ferry. I was the least affected from sea sickness among the 3 of us - my parents think I was a total trooper! 
When we got to Praslin, we arrived at our resort, the Constance LeMuria. That may have been the most magical place ever!! It was stunning and peaceful beyond belief, between Anse Georgette on the grounds (the most beautiful beach Mumma and Da-da have ever been to), 3 layer pools, and paradise at its finest. If you visit the Seychelles, you MUST go to this resort and stay there! We even saw a huge sea turtle lay eggs on the beach and proceed to bury them at this resort. It was magnificent! 
We also celebrated Da-da's birthday at Constance LeMuria. Mumma and I planned a surprise birthday dinner for him and I was able to participate in the celebration as well (even though it was past my bedtime)! What a treat for all of us. :) 
After a few days of absolute bliss at this resort, we headed back to Mahe for our last leg of our trip in the Constance Ephelia. After LeMuria, we hoped for a similar experience and though it was a bit less personalized and service-oriented, it was a really fun close to our trip. We enjoyed another side of Mahe, taking in the culture of Seychelles and got a taste of this magical African island and its kind people.
We came back all tanned and relaxed and Mumma and I got a few extra days together before she had to head back to work while Da-da went straight back. I relished every moment with my parents and we laughed, giggled, and had a blast together over the course of this trip!
Over the rest of October, we began to enjoy the cooler weather (finally!) and met up with friends since it had been a while! We had brunch at Jones the Grocer with Ingrid, Nick, Dana, and Mahmoud and Mumma and Da-da saw the BCG friend circle at Shweta Aunty and Kapil Uncle's Diwali party.
We also celebrated Halloween at home since there isn't a ton of good ol' American Halloween influence here and in my goldfish costume, I learned how to put the chocolate treats in my bag. Granted, I was more into the act of placing it in my bag than eating any of them, but it was awesome nevertheless!!In terms of work, Mumma and Da-da have been working away and Da-da's travel schedule continues to be really intense. We are all a bit worn out from it, but the end is near! :) Mumma has also had a really busy run over the last few months with Shweta Aunty returning back to work and Mumma wrapping things up to transition her work. She is pushing for a strong close to her year over the coming weeks.
I have been growing and developing like crazy! My parents think I am super independent (so long as I'm within a 5 foot radius from them :) ) and I LOVE to walk EVERYWHERE! The thing is, I don't like to walk by myself - I need Brownie (my talking puppy that Roshni Masi gave Nysa Didi and Raina Mashi in turn got for Mumma/Me on Rosh Masi's behalf) with me at all times. Brownie and I are BFFs. :) I continue to talk in my own language and copy everything my parents do! My favorite songs are "Wheels on the Bus Go Round and Round" and "If You're Happy And You Know it Clap Your Hands". I can do all the hand and foot movements and I'm really good at it too (I'm not bragging, I'm just proud :) ). I'll show you next time I see you, if I haven't grown out of this phase already!
That's about it on our end! We hope you all had a Happy Halloween and Happy Thanksgiving to all our American friends back home in advance!
