Brazil - June, 2013

It was very sweet to be with her. I truly savored every moment we spent together. It was special.

On June 7 of 2013 I flew overseas leaving behind my most precious bundle of life - my husband and my two boys.

I went to spend good quality time with my mother. It was very much needed.

It was the first time I have ever traveled this far without my boys. It was such a hard decision to make and even after all was planned it was hard to conceive the idea that I would spend two full weeks away from them.

Well, I did it. And everyone survived. The trip was very successful and I accomplished all that I intended for this time in Brazil; to be totally present for my mom.

These moments will stay in my thoughts and heart forever. I feel blessed that I had such an opportunity. Thanks to my husband that stayed home and cared for our boys so I could go and connect with my mom. Thanks also to my mother-in-law that helped to make this trip possible.

My mom still laughs often, has a big heart and a strong presence.

I know we made each other very happy. We made the best of our short time together. We made every day count!

***

The first three days I spent with my father in São Paulo. It was so good for me. My dad and Jacque are very graceful. They lift your soul gently.

He cooked my favorite dish, his lasagna. We went to Mercadão to get all the ingredients! I love this marketplace. ( I'll share some pictures of this beautiful market in a later post)

It's always so nice to be with them. They know how to enjoy life and every moment is more important than the last.

I really wished I had more time to be with my father. Next time.

This is my nephew Gael. The first and last time I saw him he was only 9 months old. Now he's three and half! It was a joy to be with him.

My sister and I stayed many nights up until 2:00 or 3:00 in the morning trying to catch up with each other. We both know how to make the best of our time together.

One morning we went to visit with Bruno, my other nephew. He has grown so much. I can't believe how fast they change. He is so handsome!

I picked Amanda up one afternoon to spend some time with her. She is such a big girl. It was so much fun to have her with me. We talked, we laughed, we played board games and we went for my favorite ice-cream shop.

How beautiful is she?!

***

I only had one full weekend in Brazil. So the whole family got together Saturday at my brother's house. Oh, how much I miss these moments with my family...

Of course I took a lot of pictures! I'll treasure these photographs for many years to come.

Jacque is a special person. She's giving, patient and a good listener. I always look forward to spending time with her.

The kids played all day and watching them playing made me miss my kiddos so much. They would have enjoyed so much playing with their cousins.

The cold weather outside did not matter. I think it was the coldest day in my two weeks in Brazil. I actually enjoyed the cold air of the winter in Brazil.

Sometime I wish I could freeze time and be in it a little longer...

Priceless.

 I know I don't get to see them often and they all grow too fast, so I made sure I took lots and lots of pictures. So, I'll be back with some more...