Preparations

At Sarita's request, my mom, Asa and I went to Nepal for a week before the wedding to help Sarita prepare. I wasn't sure what I was going to do there, especially with 2 year old in tow, but I think Sarita just needed emotional support before her big day. She has been my security blanket for almost 3 years and I didn't realize that I was hers as well. It was so great to see her. I missed her dearly.

Sarita was so happy to see Asa. I am not sure if Tim is aware of his competition. The minute Asa saw Sarita he said, 'I looking for you.' He has been a butt for the past two weeks while she was gone. He never said anything about Sarita but his actions spoke loud and clear: 'I want Sarita back!' The minute he saw her he beamed, and then his mouth didn't stop running. I have never seen him so happy. It was a joyful reunion.

Asa also found a playmate at Sarita's sister's family compound. This young boy is the same age as Asa. It is funny how toddlers break all the language barriers. Give 'em a stick and some mud, and they are the best of friends.
Sarita and I did quite a bit of shopping. Grass necklaces were on the list. You have to make sure the grass is healthy and plenty green. The one I am wearing did not make the cut.

We went shopping down this street. I wanted to get a photo of Sarita before the real stress began. She was a classy bride. She took everything in stride. I was so incredibly proud of her, and in awe of her grace and composure. She was about to marry a man she never physically met. I would be doing some serious boot shaking. But for Sarita, not so.
Asa was a champ and a fart at the same time. Kathmandu is not an easy city to navigate. It takes some tough skills to endure the traffic, smells, climate, etc. December is the worst month to be in KTM. The pollution is high, the weather variation between night and day is drastic, and the conditions are rough. Asa endured it all and seemed to be at home. I realized he has spent more of his life in Nepal than anywhere else. It must have triggered something in him. He was a little fart because he had to touch every germ infested surface and try everything--especially riding all the dragon/lions he could find:
You know how many dragon/lions their are in Nepal? A LOT. You really notice when you only have 10 minutes to get to a store before it closes.

Asa loved all the attention. He was also willing to kindly bow his head, make prayer hands and say 'namaste' to all those who addressed him. He is a cute little stinker right now. I enjoyed his company.

This photo is completely random and entirely off topic, but check out the tumor on that Nepali man's eye. This advertisement is for Western Union. That jovial man is paying for the removal of his tumor. So thoughtful.

I wanted Sarita to have some special down time before the rush of people arrived. Axel and the family, Tim, and the filming folks from Stanford were about to arrive and I knew her head would start spinning. I scheduled her first mani/pedi. I think the attention made her feel a little uncomfortable but she appeared to get over it pretty fast.