Two weeks ago we were invited to two parties. Both were for close friends of ours and, of course, both were on the same night! This might not seem like a big deal to you, but you have to understand that parties don't usually start here until 7 PM or later. We wondered if we could possibly make it to both but we did it! Josiah was so good too! He was passed around, danced with, and his cheeks were pinched all night long, but he was a trooper!! In all honesty, he was the highlight of both parties!
The first was an engagement party for our neighbor's daughter. This family has become our family and it was a huge honor to be invited to the ring ceremony as this is an event only for family members. We even got to drive the bride-to-be to the party! Our neighbors daughter - Kanika - and her finance - Abhi - had not met until this night. Their marriage was arranged by their parents and so they had only seen pictures of each other. On the way to the party Kanika told us that she was nervous...I would have been too! Abhi lives in a different district (about 8 hours away) but he will be coming to visit Kanika at least once every month. It's kind of like they date after they become engaged. This will continue until the wedding which is in November.
The first was an engagement party for our neighbor's daughter. This family has become our family and it was a huge honor to be invited to the ring ceremony as this is an event only for family members. We even got to drive the bride-to-be to the party! Our neighbors daughter - Kanika - and her finance - Abhi - had not met until this night. Their marriage was arranged by their parents and so they had only seen pictures of each other. On the way to the party Kanika told us that she was nervous...I would have been too! Abhi lives in a different district (about 8 hours away) but he will be coming to visit Kanika at least once every month. It's kind of like they date after they become engaged. This will continue until the wedding which is in November.
Bride and Groom-to-be
Exchanging rings
It was also Abhi's birthday, so there was a cake for him.
All Indians give Josiah their cell phones to play with. I'm not quite sure why this is, but he loves it. Mom, however, has a hard time with it because the phone always goes straight to his mouth. Gross!!
Here is Josiah with Kanika's father. We call him Josiah's Kaka or Uncle.On of my favorite things about going to parties here is watching the people dance. It's so much fun because they don't care if they actually can dance or not...they just get out there and shake it! Watch this video, but be prepared to laugh! Oh, and the man in the background is waving money around. Kanika's sister told me that it helps keep away evil spirits.
This is Kanika's little sister (Josiah's Didi - or big sister) and her mom (Josiah's Masi - or aunt). And on to the second party...
This one was a marriage - what they call here a "love marriage". We are good friends with the groom. This couple got married last September without their parent's blessing. The parents were furious, but what could they do? The parents decided to "arrange" this marriage after quite a few months, so they had a proper Indian wedding.
Here is the bride and groom.
Josiah with his friend, Sanjay. I think he's got his eye on that cell phone. 
Josiah really did well to be passed so much. We left the house at 6 and didn't get home until 11 and he hardly fussed. What a great kid! 
