Church Retreat - Mojacar 2011

Last weekend we had a church retreat in Mojacar, a beatiful village with wonderful views. It was an amazing time where together with other churches we praised the Lord, enjoyed our brothers and sisters in Christ, had a lot of fun, and ate like crazy - free buffet for all meals, can you believe it!!!!!

While I was there, the pastor asked me to take some photos and though I didn't have my professional camera with me, my faithful rebel 450D camera took care of the job (Note to myself, next time, take all my gear).

We had a wonderful worship team.

We had great speakers!

Our Talented Theatre Group.

Great Actors

And the kids also performed a beautiful dance.

 Nicholas had so much fun playing with his friends.

 My good friends.

Almost everybody from the group. 

 Me and Gina, going home.

Nicholas in Brazil

I've been back in Spain for two weeks now and though I miss all the delightful moments and people in Brazil I can't stop smiling as I feel the fresh breeze of the ocean. Being away showed me how blessed and loved I'm. God has given me wonderful people wherever I go and I'm so thankful for that.

My time in Brazil was amazing. It was almost three years since the last time I've been there and been back after all this time just filled my heart with joy and love. It felt good to be among my family and friends. We shared many laughs and talks and seeing Nicholas bonding with them was priceless.

Back in Spain life has been great. Nicholas and I still adapting to the time zone and being just the two of us. He is now non-stop and wants mommy's attention 24/7! It's tiring some days and oh how I miss the many helpful hands that I had all this time (Brazil and Ohio: ) But though It's been a lot of work taking care of my sweet little ball of energy I'm so happy here! I feel so in ease. Our life style here pushes us to slow down to contemplate the pleasures of life : walking on streets, lunch with friends, watching the moon light over the ocean, enjoying church...

It's tough to live far away from our both families (and we can't wait to visit all of them again) but we got good friends that care about us like family. For that I give thanks to God! I felt loved back home in Brazil and arriving here not only from my hubby but from all of them.

Now some pics from our time with family and friends!

 Nicholas in a bassinet in the airplane watching Pocoyo! 

Getting a haircut! We needed 4 people to hold him!

 Taking a cold bath and having fun!

 Nicholas got another 1st birthday party! 

 I just looooooooove this pic!!!! Nicholas having a blast with Tio Conho!

 We spent some time with my dad!

 Nicholas with his aunt, tia Aya.

 Playing with his friend, Mariana.

Good Bye Ohio

It's time to say good bye. We've spent around 3 weeks with my in-laws in Ohio and today we're leaving back to CA and soon to Brazil (Nicholas and I)  and Spain (hubby). Although I'm super excited to visit Brazil after almost three years, I can't deny that I'll miss Ohio (not the hot weather though :) I'll miss the smiles and the laughs, the talks and the wine, the noise and the kids, the food and the zucchini bread, oh and the beets with hot pepper and the sweet corn, so yummy! I'm sure I will miss seeing Nicholas crawling to Grandma every time she was busy in the kitchen, or jumping into Grandpa's arms to go outside. The image of my baby playing with his cousins will be treasured forever in my heart and for the first time seeing his great grandparents and uncles, what a joy! Talking about language and motherhood and practicing my "portunhol" while my niece learns some words in portuguese are all priceless. Getting called to watch a deer crossing the road and finishing the night watching "Locked up Abroad" with my parents-in-laws, so much fun! I know I'll miss all the extra hands I've had these past three weeks and the genuine smiles they produced on my little boy. Watching my hubby's enthusiasm with his sister, drinking a beer while watching The Cincinnati Reds with his dad, and hugging his mom for pure love warmed my heart! And of course my cute nephew's face in the pool with his papa, unforgettable!

It's hard to say goo-bye, but I think all the wonderful memories will sustain us until the next time for more great moments together!

Thank you all for the support and love given to us. I'm thankful to have you all as a family!

PS: Today Nicholas had his first "big" fall. He was in his booster chair for breakfast and kicked the table and fell backwards. He cried... I cried... and I don't know who cried more (probably me). But thank God his grandma was there to calm us both down :)

And here are some pics from the fam.