Elana's Violin

Elana Practicing her new violin

Jake trying to play on Elana's little violin

Lucia arrives with Gabs.

Claudia's Nieces:

Elana

Sarah

Juliana developing her artistic talents

Gabrielle

Claudia's Trip to Rio

On my way to Brazil for the first time in 20 years.

At my Aunt's house, this is Lucia looking at Glaucia's new computer pad. 

 I met my nephew for the first time.  He is very easy going, not even 6 months yet.  I put this sweet boy to sleep a few times.

I went to church and actually met some people from back in the days of primary.  People really made me feel at home.

Rio-Visiting Claudia's Aunt, Cousins and Grandfather

Rice, Black Beans, Salad, Fish or Meat.. delicious staple foods.

It rained for a few nights.

I made the desert you see below.. cookie layers with sweet condensed milk and other sinful ingredients. 

Digging for sea shells.  The waves were huge and the sand perfectly clean and soft.  Unfortunately, because of the season, it was only safe for fishing, no swimming in the ocean at that particular area.  I went swimming two times..one at my the beach close to my Aunt's house and also at a lake by my Grandfather's.

Hanging Out at Claudia's Parents

 Claudia's Mom made food and hung out with Lucia's family as well, .. grandma loves to make Gabs laugh.

Happy Birthday..Gabs !!!

Here's Grandpa holding Gaby only a few weeks old:

Grandma made her baby blessing dress:

 She grew up so fast... she soon turned one year old.
Aunt Claudia and Grandma Leni made the cake.

We can't believe she is 2 !!!

Her 2nd birthday party is this weekend...Her mom is planning a great party for a very special girl.  we'll see it soon.

Claudia's Father

My father was raised by a mom with a strong personality and a father that was much more gentle, but who died relatively early. He went to the Brazilian Naval School very early, started at about sixteen.  He became a mechanical engineer for the Navy and progressed through the ranks until he eventually retired for years of service.  My father is very logical and intelligent.  He is a leader by nature.  Since retiring he has embarked on many endeavors.  The biggest was moving to the United States, a monumental challenge for all of us.  He is now a US citizen and can relax a little bit more.  He has retired a 2nd time (now due to his age), and spends a lot of time planning and growing his garden.  I've been able to enjoy some of his onions, garlic, tomatoes, berries, lettuce and who knows what else he'll try next year.  Everything he does he does without holding back. People like him. He is friendly; he loves to teach Sunday school.  He likes to think and learn. He likes to work and make life better for his wife and family. 

Claudia's Siblings

I have two brothers and one sister.  My youngest brother Gabriel was adopted and he very recently met his biological brothers and sister for the first time in Brazil.  We were all anxious and excited for him and he had a great experience.  Gabe regularly comes to my home to watch movies.  He has really connected with my husband and my husband's brother.  The four of us hang out together on many weekends.  My sister Lucia is married and has a baby girl.  I've helped babysit many times.  This year she asked me to make her daughter's 1st birthday cake and birthday outfit.  My older brother is Alex.  He and his wife have two sweet and strong daughters.  They were my first nieces and I love having fun and playing with them.

Claudia's Mother- Leni

Claudia's Mom holding granddaughter Sarah.

  

Leni holding Claudia                   Leni as a child.

(Claudia looked a lot like her mom)



My mom is very talented, selfless and wise.She went to college and studied fine arts.  She married, got pregnant with her first child (my older brother Alex) and became a full time mom for most of her life. It was her dream to be able to come to the United States to provide a better future for her children, but also, to be closer to her sisters, who one by one, ended up in the USA for one reason or another.  She has a positive attitude and outlook on life that really came through last year as she was able to beat breast cancer.  I feel privileged to have been there to help her when she needed the most.  I know that she is happy to be around longer to give to her grandchildren like she gave to her children.