MB: Waiting for next flight from Atlanta to Rio...

The boy wonder has been hyperactive the whole day, so happy to be flying or at the airport. Even though it's now past his bedtime, he's still full of beans... Thankfully he is entertaining himself with the chairs in a quiet section of the airport... It's so much fun watching his excitement and joy!

MB: On our way to Brazil!!!

We're on the airplane and SO excited! Tomorrow we will be in hot weather and reunited with Vozinha, Vovo Stephen, and other family members. In one week's time, we will be with Vovo Daddy and more family. We are so looking forward to some time off after a very hectic last few months.

Jonny's last day at JCVI was yesterday and he is so excited about his new job at the National Cancer Institute, NIH, starting on January 17th. No more lab work for him! When we get back, we will also start our new life in our new neighborhood... Exciting times ahead in 2012 and we thank God for all His blessings this past year.

Wishing you a Happy New Year, loved ones! May 2012 be full of love, peace and joy!

Christmas Eve Singing!

Last night we were blessed by the company of some dear friends: the Careys, Tia Nena and Leoni. Galen played the piano for one hour after dinner and we sang many different Carols together -- it was so beautiful! Thank you Galen for blessing us with your amazing gift! He knew all the songs we chose by heart and now we have wonderful memories!

Merry Christmas!

Hi loved ones! I'm so sorry I haven't blogged much the last few months, but it truly has been one of the most busy times we've ever had! I hope and pray I can blog again frequently in the New Year.

Today is Christmas day and we are home celebrating Jesus' birthday by enjoying being together, relaxing, eating good food, opening presents, catching up with loved ones, etc...

I thought you would love to see Daniel's joy and excitement opening presents. Here is a video of him opening a "pillow pet" which he chose because it is a "fire dog" -- now named Sparky!



I got this Christmas message today from a friend and loved it, so am sharing it with you too:

"Wishing you a Christmas as bright as His star, as perfect as His peace and as warm as His love. Merry Christmas to you and your family!"

MB: Haircut time again...

Daniel loves going to the salon to get his haircut (I still do it most of the time), so this is a treat.

MB: Moving some things into storage yesterday...

We had the cutest driver!

MB: Candle light dinner with the monsters!

MB: First carved pumpkin ever!

Fall is here and Halloween is next week!

MB: Today is date day and I have the cutest date...

BATMAN!!!

MB: Arriving is NYC!

Daniel is so excited seeing the "skry-scrapers!"

MB: We're on our way to NY...

...to visit friends from Singapore! Chris Liang, Kim and Carolyn! It is pouring with rain and Daniel is sweetly asleep in the car... Looking forward to the weekend away!

Happy Birthday My Love!

Hi Loved Ones,

We are back in the country after spending 2 weeks in Brazil! We are still adjusting to being home and have to sort through hundreds of wonderful pictures before blogging about our trip -- hopefully soon!

We celebrated Jonny's 34th birthday this past Friday -- yes, we're finally the same age! :) Here are some photos:

As you can see, my dad is visiting us now which is a huge blessing! Today when I drove home from work, he was outside on our street waiting for us to come back -- he's so sweet, I love you Vovo Daddy!

MB: What a trooper!

MB: We're at the dentist!

Daniel is getting his teeth cleaned again and so far he is doing great!

MB: So much fun!

MB: Having fun at a friend's birthday party!

That is Daniel sliding down!

Day At The Beach!

Last weekend we spent the day at the beach again with our neighbors, just as we did last summer. It was so much fun and the kids had a blast! We were there for several hours and Daniel spent most of his time swimming! The water felt a lot cleaner this year and there were no jelly-fish around.

Nena came too and enjoyed herself!

Jonny was so tired that day that he had a nap under the umbrella while Daniel and I swam away... Daniel just kept smiling he loved swimming so much!



Justyna, 4 1/2 months pregnant! :-)

Fun times; we LOVE the summer!

MB: At the library...

Daniel loves books and Jonny enjoys reading to him.

Vozinha-vozinho, did you notice the shirt? He wears it as often as it is clean! :-)

MB: Thank God, each year more in love!

MB: Celebrating 11 years of marriage today!

MB: Just came back from having lunch with Daniel!

The kids were having a picnic outside at the swim club next to their school so I joined them. It was wonderful to see Daniel so well, how the teachers are excellent at managing the kids, and the great swim club that they go to 3 times a week. After lunch Daniel turned around and said: "See ya mamae!" and went to run around with his friends. What joy and peace it gives me to know he is loving his time at pre-school!

MB: Now we are painting with Takumi and family!

MB: We're sidewalk painting!

We made the paints ourselves with corn starch, water and food coloring!

My 34th Birthday Celebrations

Hi Loved Ones!

Sorry for the absence, but we have been so busy lately! We are well and have just been waiting and watching with expectation all that God is doing in our lives! More on that some other time... :)

For now, I wanted to share some of the photos we got from my recent birthday celebrations. I ended up having a great birthday, even though it was in the middle of the week (a Wednesday).  The day before, Tuesday after work the 21st of June, I got home and was completely shocked by a surprise birthday that Jonny threw for me! He invited our friends that live close by to our house, our dear neighbor friends and the Heiligers, to come and celebrate and it was wonderful! After overcoming the initial shock, I really enjoyed myself!  Jonny cooked a fabulous barbecue dinner and the kids had a blast too!

Can you tell just how much I love this man! :)

Then on my actual birthday, I had four of my closest friends from church come over and spend the evening with me -- Jonny was at his night MBA class. 

They brought cupcakes and lots of nice food and blessed me with very special words of love!  (see the two photos below that were taken with my phone -- hence not so good)

From left to right: Betsy, Shamane, Natalya and Evy!

On the Saturday following my birthday, Jonny and I had a special date night out to a very special restaurant at an old mansion close to our house. It was so nice to dress up and have some couple time alone!

All in all, a great start to 34 years!

MB: When we got home, Daniel had a surprise package waiting for him...

From Vozinha e vozinho -- a special motorcycle grand prix hat and shirt from Portugal! Daniel loves his present, thank you!!!

MB: Now frozen yogurt with a dear friend!