FAMILY! IN SÃO PAULO! part I

A tradition in our family has been - when each of our grandchildren have turned 8 (or close to it) we like to take them on a special vacation trip.  Originally, the idea was for that child to come with us, one on two, to really make a connection and make them feel special.  The plan has evolved somewhat, over the years, making us more flexible and open to other options.  Some have included a sibling, cousin and/or a parent, depending on circumstances.   We have, so far, successfully completed 5 of these amazing adventures.

Our latest idea came from the fact that we knew we would be out of the country when 2 of the grand kids would be turning 8. - Lucy and Ryan -  

We initially thought we would just "catch up" after we return.

Then we got THIS GREAT IDEA -  Grandpa says "Why don't we invite and pay for Lucy and Ryan to visit us in Brazil?  They can bring along anyone else they would like, but we can't fund everyone's fare."  Coincidentally, I had been silently thinking the same thing
but didn't dare hope
 or even think it would be possible.
Well, one thing I have learned in the last few years:

"If you don't ask, the answer is always 'no'."  So - we asked.  Before we knew it, Ryan and Lucy both had passports and tickets!  

Along with one sibling each and one parent each!  My gosh. 

 They have come and gone and it still feels - unreal and unbelievable.

I must add that this would not have been possible without the help and support of
 the spouses, Katie and John, who willingly stayed home with the other kids, 
checked in often via FaceTime, and cheered us on! 
 Thank you is a weak expression of our thoughts and feelings :)

So here is Ryan with his 9 yr old sister Jane, 

the day they got their passports in the mail.

And here's Lucy, on her way to São Paulo with her passport 

at the airport with her mom and baby Savannah.

goofing off in Detroit layover :)

and this is our first view after 8 months of no family

ok I need a break -

blogging about this is quite weepy  :(

First day - First stop
Vertentes Apts. PLAYGROUND!

First day - Second stop

Sexta-feira
which means Friday outdoor market

Craig and Randy go here every Friday morning
to buy the weekly produce
I'm normally at the temple of Fridays but I took time
off while the kids were here.

bananas (portuguese for bananas)
all shades and sizes!

free samples~

This was on Good Friday so more crowded than usual.

Now it was time to unpack and get settled.  We arranged for an unoccupied Vertentes apartment for the kids and grandkids to stay.  We were very happy to have them just across the courtyard and to give them a little space.   We were all surprised by the great view out their window!  Day and night~

As they unpacked they delivered this group hug from some of the other grandkids
at home.  They traced and cut hands and attached to "wing span" yarn.
This is the BEST long distance hug I ever got!

Savannah seriously needed a bath after the trip.  Bathtubs in Brazil are rare.
So our baby is here in the kitchen :)

The next day we drove out to the zoo.  The place is huge, the kids got tired, still feeling some time zone adjustments, but a great time just being together.

I think everyone likes giraffes-
they seem so   easy-going

monkeys in the background island
-and in front!

time for Brazilian ice cream break

don't worry - be happy!

Jeff is a good relief provider


Randy and monkey island~

 

and we can't go anywhere without a photo

of a "bunny"

 

After the zoo and returning to the apartment,

we hailed 2 taxis to go to a local Brazilian soccer game

which felt quite different than any other soccer game

we had ever been to!

The fans are rather "animated"- more fun to watch than the players !

This is the stadium where Palmeiras team plays.

Opponent - Mogi Mirim  !?

Palmeiras won the game. 

Jane thought it seemed more like a party than a game....

Savannah getting a little weary of it~
and  - this could be another "bunny" :)

of course this is the biggest fan -
Our seats were right here on the front row of this section,
behind the glass.

stay tuned for 
Family - part II :)
(it gets better!)