One day to spare...

With one business day to spare before our big trip, we received Elijah's American passport! Hallelujah! We have been planning our trip back to the states since the beginning of June, and we took a bit of a gamble by buying our tickets back then without having the baby's passports. The prices were looking ridiculous the longer we waited, so we decided to get them and roll the dice.
We wouldn't be allowed to leave the country if Elijah didn't have both passports, so once we started planning our trip, we had to act fast. The Brazilian passport took much less time, though was quite a hassle regardless, but the American one had a 3 - 4 week window to arrive. We didn't start getting too nervous about it until this week, and Jay was very vigilant about repeatedly calling the American consulate to check if it came. After our unlucky experiences in general with bureaucratic things (hello visa), we sort of figured it would come at the last minute. And thank goodness it did, not a minute too late!!!
Now we can officially begin packing up the house, though I of course started my part a while ago. While we are grateful for our experiences here in Manaus, we are looking forward to seeing our family and giving Elijah the chance to be closer to his extended family. We know everyone is anxious to meet our lil Bubba, and we're just as anxious to see them, too.

He's ready for that Arizona sun :D

Festa Junina at the Aeroclube

We just got back from Elijah's first Festa Junina, and I think he had a little too much fun. He was so content  being outside, listening to music, seeing new people, and feeling the breeze blow in his face that he stayed awake the whole time we were there. Granted, it was only a few hours, but in baby time, that is an eternity. Jay is in the bedroom paying the price with our overly tired boy who needs to sleep but is resisting with all 12 pounds of him, but we both agree that it was worth it!
Festa Junina is a fun holiday that involves dressing up like country folk, doing square dances, eating traditional foods, and usually includes a bon fire and fake wedding.

Gloria (the bride), Debora, and me caipira-style

We didn't get to see or do all of that this year cause we left before the party ended, but we still had a lot of fun. It was hosted at the Aeroclube here in Manaus, and we were lucky enough to get a show of professional parachutists jumping. They made it look so easy, and now Jay and I both have something to add to our bucket lists.

The sky made a beautiful background for these jumpers.

We were so lucky to have had such beautiful weather this afternoon while we were there. I figured it would be hot and sweaty like usual, but it was absolutely gorgeous. Not too sunny, very breezy, and no bugs! What more could you want? I know Elijah was enjoying himself. 

Daddy and Bubba chillin

<3

Love this face! Look at that stink eye...

Now that's more like it.

Check out the glowing sunset. 

Elijah got a little grumpier (aka tired) as the day turned to night, and Mommy had to do some samba-ing with him. He really seems to like samba, and although it didn't put him to sleep this time, he stopped fussing for a bit. 

We didn't stay much longer after this since the little guy was gonna need to eat soon. On a side note, he now eats every 3 hours instead of 2, and it is amazing what a difference that makes! We actually get to do stuff now without being in such a rush, as you can see from this blog. 

All three of us had a really nice time today, and it was a fun way to celebrate Festa Junina and our own 4th of July! A Happy and Safe Fourth of July to you!