Back From Brasil

The Gringa is back from Brasil now, but there's so much story left to tell.

Since Tuesday, April 24th, wedding travelers began to arrive; the pace of life at once accelerated and came to a screeching halt for me.  My 'simple cold' turned overnight into a not-so-simple respiratory issue that put me into quarantine during the arrival of half the guests.  Since Cecilia and Will's apartment was the meeting place for hotel guests and travelers, I managed to sneak out of my room to capture some shots of the reunions.  (Not hugging everyone after so many months apart was very difficult!)

John and Doug survey the view from the living room window.

John takes his favorite seat.

The wedding travelers who arrived on Tuesday and Wednesday
are waiting for the Thursday travelers.

Brothers embrace.

Will and Luey hug while Steve looks on.

Cecilia welcomes Luey.

A Happy Reunion
(l-r) Cecilia with Daniel, John Monday, Will, Jo Monday, Steve, Luey

Will has something funny to say--imagine that!

Steve tries the rede.

It's all right!

Iris' Chicken Noodle Soup tastes good after an overnight flight.

Josie and Daniel tell each other secrets.

Will takes a shine to Luey's purse
while Steve shows off all the nursing bras and tops he brought in his suitcase.

Luey learns what happens when you get between two brothers acting cra-zay.

Great Aunt Iris and Great Uncle Doug brought a pop-up tent
that's just Daniel's size.  Pretty cool!

Doug never travels without his backpack,
shades, and Astros baseball cap
whether it's to Belgium or Brasil.
Hey!  Don't you know that you never leave a purse or bag on the floor?
According to Brasilian tradition, you'll lose all your money.

Poppi (John) couldn't wait to hold Daniel again.

There's a point in the afternoon after an overnight flight
where you just can't hold those eyes open another minute.

So, the Beattys arrived on Tuesday, the Mondays arrived on Wednesday(!?!), Steve and Luey got to Brasil on Thursday.  Cecilia and Will were waiting for their friends Anna and Troy as well as Fred and Michelle--scheduled to arrive on Friday.

I stayed home on Thursday night while the families met at a great pizza place in Sao Francisco.  [Photos (by other folks) may wind up here when we share pix.]  They had a good time, and the Gringa got to finish up wedding reception/party table decorations while sucking on Hall's Black Label Extra Forte Cough Drops and using one of Daniel's cloth diaper-turned-burp-rags as a hanky.

Stay tuned for the next blog post to see the what and how of the decorations.