28 October, 2009

Beach Weekend



Sorry for the delays in posting...the blog has just been at the end of a very long to-do list lately. Things have been rather quiet around these parts-work, school, and just life in general have led to full days.

Last Thursday afternoon I found a little inspiration when I checked the weekend forecast and discovered a large yellow ball (I almost didn't recognize it!) posted next to Saturday. Paul and I did a quick email exchange (since walking across the courtyard would have been difficult ;) ) and decided to take a last minute weekend getaway. We headed back to Guaruja but this time stayed at THE. BEST. HOTEL. Casa Grande was amazing! We arrived Friday evening and stayed through mid day Sunday. The grounds were beautiful, we were right across the street from the ocean, and the room comfortable. They also had a Casa de Criancas (Kids' House) that was filled with toys, a kids' pool, a dinner buffet for the kids, and monitors (babysitters) for the kids. We tested it out Friday evening and the kids couldn't have been happier! They stayed at the Casa de Criancas and we headed to the Thai Restaurant across the street. Saturday, after a full day of sun, the kids swam at the kids' pool and hung out for dinner. Paul and AGAIN enjoyed a slow, quiet dinner at the hotel's restaurant. It was so relaxing and the kids were so happy hanging out with other kids. Sunday, after breakfast and a few hours at the beach, we headed home. We were back in Sao Paulo by early afternoon. We will definitely head there again-we all had the best time!

12 October, 2009

Raise Your Hand If You Like Purple Potatoes

I made a super yummy dinner last night for the kids and me. Paul was doing some very serious work with some friends until very late into the evening. Or watching ridiculous amounts of football. Either way, yesterday's menu was salmon pesto burgers and sweet potato fries. Sweet potatoes here are purple! Yes, purple! Sophie still didn't eat them. Or the berry ice cream that followed. While I was cooking I said to her, "Sophie, c'mon purple french fries...you're no fun!". She replied, rather confidently, "Yes I am. I just won't eat purple french fries,".



Uh, at least she's cute. And she does eat an astounding amount of broccoli and ketchup.

I've gotten a little lazy about cooking dinner around here...I may use the blog to keep me honest as I've vowed to cook dinner every night this week. We'll see. Tonight? Pesto chicken, whole wheat pasta salad, and roasted zucchini.

11 October, 2009

Glee

Paul and I downloaded the show Glee from itunes. I totally loved it and was a big fan as well...but have you seen these kids? Incredible!

Spring Has Sprung *at least for one day




The weather here in Sao Paulo has been pretty bad since we arrived back in July. Most weeks are filled with rain with a random absolutely gorgeous day thrown in. Sometimes the day begins with promise only to finish as a soggy mess. And it has been cold. C-O-L-D. I know, people don't believe Brazil is cold, but without heat inside our apartment it can get rather frigid. Last year was apparently a random event, because it was sunny and warm almost every day from the time we arrived. Well, Mother Nature is making up for it this year. We,are though, officially in spring and today was a random beautiful day. I took advantage of the nice weather and snapped pictures for our Christmas card and these awesome shots from around Portal.

10 October, 2009

Not to Be Outdone...

Noah's definitely NOT the type to put on a song and dance show and let me record it (like another little person I know). So, to capture him on video I need to use secretive tactics and break into his room late at night as evidenced below:

Noah's Reading from Abigail Kasky on Vimeo.

07 October, 2009

A Sophie Medley

a.k.a. how I attempt to make Sophie speak Portuguese so that our extended family doesn't think I am lying about her skills

Untitled from Abigail Kasky on Vimeo.

01 October, 2009

We had a Visitor!

Last week we got an email that Paul's buddy Wes was flying into Sao Paulo. Wes and Paul went to high school together, Wes and I went to UVA together, and Wes was a part of our wedding. He's been living in Charlotte and New York for the last few years and finally moved back to D.C. just before we left for Brazil. Needless to say, we were super excited about this visit. Thankfully, the weather cooperated! Paul picked Wes up at his hotel just after noon and Sunday (yeah for Sunday traffic!). The blue sky and warm day dictated spending the afternoon at-where else-the Clubbe! It seemed like the perfect solution since we could lounge and visit and the kids could run free. Much more relaxing than dragging them through the city. Wes may or may not return to Sao Paulo soon, but we discussed meeting him in Buenos Aires in November and definitely catching up in D.C. in January. It was so good to see a familiar face!


Wes and Paul



Enjoying the Clubbe (and the caips!)


Soph and Mama