Family Photo Shoot: Grussai Part 2

Photos from Brazil: Grussai Part 1

We spent one week in Grussai, the beach town outside my mother's home town of Campos in Brazil, over New Years. It rained most of the time but we still had a wonderful time catching up with the extended family. Daniel had a blast playing with his cousins and felt comfortable even though they all spoke Portuguese. It was so wonderful to see him playing and loving Grussai too -- just like I did as a little girl! So very special to be there, we loved every moment of it!

1. New Year's Eve with the extended family -- so wonderful to see everyone again and a great way to start 2012

2. Daily activities... lots of playing and family time.

  

First snow in 2012!

Hi loved ones!

Happy New Year! We are back from Brazil and are adjusting to our new routine in a new house and neighborhood. I feel like I'm finally getting to know my way around, where the shops are, etc. Jonny started his new job at the NCI/NIH on Tuesday, Daniel is back at pre-school and I'm already busy at work... It's a big change for Jonny especially, as he is now out of the lab, working as a project manager in cancer research, and having to dress up for work for the first time ever! The commute is much shorter than before and he is taking the metro every day, which is a huge blessing.

This morning we woke up with snow and Daniel got to enjoy it for the first time this winter (though it's been cold, we've had much less snow so far this winter compared to previous years). We only got about an inch but it was enough to get him all excited, dressed up and out on the deck shoveling! We stayed indoors watching him through the deck door...

After about half an hour, he started to get tired...

And was happy to come back inside and drink water.

Can you believe that this cute boy is almost 4? Less than 2 months to go and he is super excited about his birthday! 

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.