Brody's Birthday in Brazil

Brody's birthday celebration in Brazil was a quaint, intimate candlelit dinner for two. I made his favorite meal, Beef Stroganoff, and baked a vanilla cake with chocolate icing drizzled on top. He tried to blow out trick candles three times. They tricked me too! I did not even know I bought the "trick" kind! What a surprise!

I contemplated what to buy him for weeks! Trying to find the perfect gift for Brody is really difficult. He never really 'wants' anything new. In fact, I have to tell him when to donate or trash old clothes. When he loves a shirt or shorts, he will continue wearing it, even with holes! So, for this birthday I decided to create his present.

I made a "Birthday-Love Coupon Book" with 29 coupons for him to choose from for the year. He has a "Get-Out of the Doghouse free" coupon, "Total Control of the Remote for a Night" coupon, "a Weekend Getaway" coupon, a coupon for a massage, "A Perfect Date-Night" coupon, and more. After each coupon, I described why he deserved that coupon, and why I love him.

On the Friday after his birthday, Brody invited all of his colleagues to a restaurant near their office building to meet for Happy Hour. I was imagining a group of ten, but thirty people showed up! Everyone was drinking Chopp (beer on tap) and chatting. I enjoyed meeting everyone that Brody works with and I practiced my Portuguese! (I think I am a bit rusty from not practicing all summer!) We went to a popular outside restaurant for dinner at around 10pm. What a celebration!

A Quick Visit Home

We travelled to four cities, and three states in fourteen days. Whew! It was a whirlwind of catching up, laughter, hugs, and goodbye tears, but it was AMAZING! Unfortunately, I did not take as many photos as I should have taken. I was just too distracted having fun!

We attended our first Jewish wedding in Baton Rouge, and were able to see some of our Atlanta friends. From Cajun brunches to "his" and "her" exit umbrellas for the bride and groom, and a true walking Jazz Band, the wedding was unforgettable. It was so much fun, in fact, Brody pulled out one of his forbidden dance moves and injured his left knee. Poor honey... I hate to say it, but Karma, baby!

Next, we visited my family in Houston. My niece, Kaylee, is a happy little piece of heaven. Why do babies smell so good?  From bowling, shopping and hanging-out at the beach soaking up the warm Texas sun, to selling my car and eating at all of my favorite restaurants, we enjoyed every minute! Thank you mom, dad, Nellie, Anne, Tripp and Marshall for making us feel so loved in Houston!

Next, we flew to Charlotte. We attended a "Gender- Reveal" Party for Melissa and Tim. They are having a little girl! Her gender was revealed through red-and-silver fireworks! The After-Party was at Erin and Rob's. On Saturday,  Beth organized a "Girl's Get-Together" brunch. It was wonderful catching up with old college friends! Brody's grandparents recently moved to the Cypress in Charlotte. This was the perfect time to see their lovely new home. We also were wined and dined at the restaurant.  It was Sundae Monday, I couldn't resist a double scoop in a cone!


We celebrated the 4th of July at DeBordieu. Hands down, DeBordieu is one of my favorite places on earth! Every time I visit, I am reminded of our wedding and being surrounded by our family and friends! From walks on the beach, a killer botchy-ball tournament, and enjoying delicious dinners to hearing stories about everyone's life, our visit was perfect! Thank you Mike and Sherry for organizing everything and thank you Granny and Boppa for always being such thoughtful and generous hosts!

We already miss all of you! Hugs and Kisses!
Beijos!
Emily