Jake's BBQ

Jake, Danilo, and Saulo

Shopping for the food and drinks for the party!

Jake was wanting to have a party for his Birthday, but because his birthday is on a holiday he planned the BBQ for the middle of January so more of his friends would be in town.

He and Danilo made the guest list. I was shocked to hear they invited 100 people. I didn't even know he knew 100 kids here in Brazil, but he said you don't need to know them all!! :)

I think there ended up to be about 70 teenagers. Yikes it was crazy, but the boys did all the cooking themselves!

I don't know why this picture is so blurry. It was 1 am so maybe my camera was as tired as me!

We told the kids no alcohol was allowed inside so by the end of the night the party had migrated the the front of the house! Teenagers think they are so sneaky!!!

Next party will be much smaller!!!

Happy Birthday Dad!

Today is my dad's birthday!

I love this crazy guy! He taught me many things, but the number one is... Never give up even when life is really really hard!!!

My dad grew up without the stability of a Mom and Dad. He never learned what it felt like to know your family will always be there for you. As a parent he always wanted us kids to feel loved and tried hard to be a better parent than he ever had.

He served a mission for our church in Brazil many years ago. I grew up learning that Brazil was a wonderful country full of loving people. Now I live here in Brazil with my own little family. I feel blessed to be here among the people who showed my Dad such love and acceptance.

Happy Birthday Dad! Because of you I know I can do hard things....