Brazil

Back: E, Du, Henrique, Gus, Fre
Middle: Cy, Tati, Vi
Front: Alex, Stella, Vale, Vivi

This trip came about suddenly as E had a project that needed him in Brazil.  Sao Paulo to be exact.  So when I heard, my cogs started churning.  E needed to be in Brazil for meetings which would book-end 3 weeks.  Meaning two Thursday to Sunday trips 3 weeks apart.  So I hopped aboard!  My visit bridged his 2 trips (came with him, stayed for 10 days without him and then left with him).  It was great to take advantage of this situation (3 seats for the price of 1)! And the opportunity to introduce Alexander to extended family. Fantastic!! Truly!

Arriving in Brazil this time was like taking a dunk into the everyday lives of my Family on any given hectic day.  This wasn't holiday time and everyone was busy beyond all recognition.   My family was as always, extremely accommodating and they were able to make lots of time for Alex, E and I.  We had a lot of fun!

My Aunt and Uncle were having an insane time preparing for my Uncles 2.5 month contract in Korea (with no more than a week to prepare), my cousins were busy with work, teaching, studies, significant others, babies, kids, health concerns, pets etc.  At least 3 items per cousin.  I just came in an stirred things up a bit more for them.

I was visited regularly by Gus during lunch times as he works near his parents' place.  It was a nice treat during the long days (alone with Alex).  The evenings were filled with visits from Fred & Vivi and Du and Sco.  There was also quite a bit of iPad training going on and my Aunt, Fre, Du and Gus each have one now.  It's great!

It was quite wonderful to see Alex interact with everyone so warmly and comfortably.  I am so happy for this!  Everyone had a lot of fun with him too and this warmed my heart.  Such a special time! (Love love love!!)  He was also a hit with the family dog Ragu.  I don't know who chased whom faster - Ragu behind Alex or vice-versa.  I have a suspicion that "Ragu" means "Dog" to Alex.  He calls out "GU" every time he sees a dog and almost cried in frustration in the park the other day when the dog didn't come running...  Either way, seeing Alex and Ragu was tons of slobbery fun!

There were quite a few events as well.  Pizza at Gus & Vi's after babies were bathed and asleep, play dates with Vale, Euro tour planning with Fre & Vivi, a baby shower, the second Singstar gala where Vivi & I kicked butt, some shopping at my Aunts' Atelie (I'll put a link here as soon as her site is up and running!!), visiting my Vovó, hanging out with my other Aunt & Uncle and of course, the reunion of cousins.

The reunion of cousins was quite a feat.  5/8 of us were there with significant others and kiddies.  What a blast!!  It was also a union of the 2011 harvest.  That being similar to the 1978 harvest.  In 1978 1 child was born to each of the 3 Anders siblings (my Mom, my Uncle Lindolfo and my Uncle Rodolfo).  Christina, Henrique and Gustavo respectively.  In 2011, Alexander, Valentina and Stella also (almost) respectively were born.  That's about as close a repeat as possible!  It was great.  We ate well, as is famed by the Anders clan, and we spoke tons.  It was a wonderful time!

On our last day we did all you can eat Brazilian BBQ.  MummMMMMmmmMMMmm!!! It was delicious!!!  We had a gigantic table, made a fantastic mess and were quite noisy.  What a wonderful time!

Again, I thank my gracious family for hosting us so warmly.