Thanksgiving Any Day of the Year

So no matter how late, how humble, or how exhausted (since coming home from a trip abroad), Rafa and I still found the energy and time to create a simple Thanksgiving dinner last night, just a few days late.  To accommodate Rafa's love for the Thanksgiving meal, and my passion for treatment of all animals, we purchased our first Free Range Turkey.  It took 4 grocery stores, a lot of research, and a few dollars more, but eventually I decided on which one to buy.  But the effort was all worth it; Rafa was happy and I felt good about my choice.  While I did not have any Turkey, I had enough calories for a lifetime from the mashed potatoes I made like my grandma Kathy used too.  Rafa loves them!  I am glad we found the motivation to have our little Thanksgiving dinner, no matter how late!  And just a side note, I actually think I found my lifelong Turkey (see photo)  : )))

Festa no Brasil!

It was one big party on the evening of the first day we arrived.  All I can say is that the smiles, faces and kindness of this family are unforgettable.  What a party, what a family!

This is the flag they designed for the Medeiros Family.  This is Rafa's mom's side of the family.  Rafa's name is actually Rafael Medeiros Andrade Figueira.

 Figueira Family, Fernando's niece and her daughters

Here is a photo of almost everyone, but I am sure there are a few dozen Medeiros that aren't pictured : )

Brasil 2009

Our trip to Brasil was amazing, just like every other time I have been. The opportunity to embrace such a culture is a wonderful experience for me.  The only thing I wish for is more opportunity to take pictures.  Sometimes taking out a DSLR camera is not the safest thing to do.  You have to be very discreet about your belongings, or you bring unwanted attention to yourself.  Something I am not always good at ; )  In fact I got in trouble for taking a picture of the meat (see below) by a security guard.  Yikes! But all in all it was an amazing trip. For now I bring back to the USA new memories of family and of Brasil until next year.

Nossa viagem ao Brasil foi incrível, assim como todas as outras vezes que tenho sido. A oportunidade de abraçar uma cultura é uma experiência maravilhosa para mim. A única coisa que eu quero é mais uma oportunidade para tirar fotos. Às vezes, levando a uma câmera DSLR não é a coisa mais segura a fazer. Você tem que ser muito discretos sobre os seus pertences, ou você trazer atenção indesejada para si mesmo. Algo que eu não estou sempre na boa;) Na verdade eu comecei com problemas para tirar uma foto da carne (veja abaixo) por um guarda de segurança. Caramba! Mas no todo, foi uma viagem incrível. Pois agora eu trago de volta para as memórias E.U.A. novo produto da família e do Brasil até o próximo ano.

Rafa and I woke up every morning, had a nice breakfast with the family and then headed straight for the beach.  The air was hot, humid, and the beach was breezy and refreshing.   Perfection.
Rafa e eu acordasse todas as manhãs, tinha um bom pequeno-almoço com a família e depois foi direto para a praia. O ar estava quente, úmida, ea praia era leve e refrescante. Perfeição.

 

The tastes of Brasil are amazing....
Os sabores do Brasil são incríveis ....

Now that is an avocado!
Agora que é um abacate!

Coconuts are sold everywhere, all of the time.  While I don't prefer them, I understand they are good for hydration, something that is very important in such a hot place as Brasil.  But for those of you who like coconut, can you think of anything better than sitting on the beach, with an ice cold one, with sounds of the waves in the air?
Cocos são vendidos em toda parte, de todos os tempos. Embora eu não preferi-los, eu entendo que eles são bons para hidratação, algo que é muito importante em um lugar tão quente como o Brasil. Mas para aqueles de vocês que gostaria de coco, você pode pensar em nada melhor do que sentar na praia, com uma gelada um, com sons de ondas no ar?

Carne!

 Pineapple growing in its natural environment, tasty!
Pineapple crescer em seu ambiente natural, saboroso!

On one of the days we got to experience an afternoon outside of Rio at the Burle Marx Gardens and a meal in a little town specializing in seafood dishes. It was a beautiful opportunity to take pictures and enjoy an incredible meal!

 

 

On one of the evenings, we went to see a Bossa Nova show.  I think this might be my favorite music in the whole world.
Em uma das noites, fomos ver um show Bossa Nova. Acho que essa pode ser minha música favorita no mundo todo.

 While not professional material, this is probably one of my favorite photos from the week. This is an area that we would drive by everytime we came home from the beach.  I love this photo because it sincerely  reminds me of Brasil.
Embora não seja material profissional, esta é provavelmente uma das minhas fotos favoritas da semana. Esta é uma área que nos levaria por cada vez que voltamos para casa da praia. Eu amo esta foto, porque sinceramente, me faz lembrar do Brasil.

A Brasilian Turns 34...

My sweet husband turned 34 yesterday.  Rafa says, "It feels just like 33, but this time I went to town with wine and bubbles". And indeed he did : )

As well as enjoyed a nice dinner at the Quay restaurant along the Columbia River...

A simple and sweet birthday for the man I love : )

Viva Brasil!

I was browsing some old photos and found this one of Bella and couldn't resist posting it.  While the fluffy one has never been to Brasil, it is perfect timing to stumble across this photo since Rafa and I leave for Brasil in less than a week.  VIVA!

Spoiled

When Rafa goes for Soccer, Bella usually finds some way to find it to the bed, not sure how, but she does ; )

This is the epitomy of spoiled:

Paris, je t'aime

It was Chick Flick Friday at my house the other night.  The perfect evening for friends, food, and an awesome movie, Paris, je t'aime.  This movie has 18 short 5 minute films about various types of love all in the city of Paris.  It was beautiful, heartbreaking, passionate, lovely, and strange.  And it was a great time to spend it with my friends, Olimpia, Stacey, Nataliya, and Noela.  Thanks ladies for a lovely little night.  Now, when are we going to Paris : )

Perfect.  Wine and Food.

I made a salad bar....

Me, Noela, Stace, Nat, and Lil

My friends are ambitious, spirited, genuine, and loyal...all in the order below....