A World Cup Party

In honor of Brazil's hosting the World Cup this year, Daniel's party had a World Cup Soccer theme.

Flags of some of the participating nations

Elevated above the status of pesky Texas road kill,
the armadillo is the mascot of the 2014 games
(because it rolls up into a ball).

Some of the 33 national flags
hang above the snack table.

More flags above a table waiting for desserts.

Brazilian soda and fruit drinks

Cecilia's hand-made sweets--Brigadeiros and Beijinhos
share the table with fresh fruit
and THE CAKE.

A Birthday Balloon wreath
greeted everyone.

The star of the party!

And the real star of the day--
Daniel in his Futebol uniform.
Brasil!  Brasil!!
(He's just starting to pose for pictures.
That expression is his "CHEESE" smile.)

Daniel had to test the bread
at the hot dog station.
Cachorro Quente is served
at every child's party in Brazil.

With the world in one hand and a piece of bread in the other,
the new Two was a happy camper.

Uncle Steve aka Hunka Cheese
was the first to arrive.

My brother Doug aka Uncle Dodo and friend John aka Papi

I could kick myself for not getting Doug's arrival shot.
He was wearing the jersey of Argentina, but took it off so quickly;
didn't want to cause a riot between archrivals.

Friend Jo aka Josie talked with Steve.
She wore the red, white, and blue.
HeyYea represented neutrality.

Cecilia and neighbor friend Lovely

Little party-goers with their moms

Little sister came along with mommy Diane.

Two mommies from Brazil catch up on baby news.

Steven learned that pinwheels were a big hit on this breezy day.

This little guy loved, loved sports balls . . .

. . . and a famous Brazilian player.

Marcos first spoke to Will one day at church
when they were both in the foyer with their little ones.
Marcos heard Will speaking Portuguese to Daniel.
What a coincidence that they were actually living in
neighboring communities in Brazil.  Small world, huh?! 

Joe and Sachin watch the Futebol!

Daniel was mesmerized by a pinwheel.

The International Team included members from the US (Joe),
India (Amol and Naveen), and Brazil (Marcos).  The Dads loved it too.

A four year-old faked out goalie/ref Will with a pass.

As soon as he can walk on his own,
Mom and Dad will apply for his soccer scholarship!

Marisa and Roberta

Trucks and sand--awesome.

Can I eat my crackers
without ingesting mass quantities of sand?

Hugs for classmates
while moms Cecilia and Olvia looked on.

Papi wished D a happy day.

Angel-haired

 

 

Meanwhile, back inside . . .

Amol and Sachin enjoy snacks,

laughter,

and connections.
Steve listened to advice from Aunt Iris aka Nana.

Ooo!  Veggies!

New friends

 

 

Then it was time for the cake.

Cake and Fruit and Sweets
and Presents!

Singing first in Portuguese, then in English

Wishes will come true, you know?

Daniel had eyes for fruit.

 After the party . . .

Cecilia and Will found the closest place to sit for a little rest.

HeyYea was happy to find the heating pad.
(See the control?)

Hunka Cheese got a party favor.

What were they looking for?

See?  That's why he was smiling.

Still loving the pinwheels

Party favors all ravaged

The party hosts

Daniel came to Hunka Cheese
after he hunted and gathered
some sweets.

That Beijinho was really good!

We all introduced Hunka Cheese to
a Veggie Tales Silly Songs dvd.

Daniel talked to Vovo Dora
and other family in Brazil
on a Skype call.

Cecilia told the family
all about the party. 

Tia Flora, Tia Maria Cecilia, and cousin Fito looked
at the contents of a favor bag.

Happy Birthday!  Parabens, Daniel!