Terra Amada...(Obsession: Brazil)

When I returned from my mission to Sao Paulo, Brazil and more seriously re-entered the dating world I told my sister Marie that it would be great to marry someone who had served in Brazil and loved it the way I did. She worried I was being FAR too picky. I told her it wasn't a requirement...but wow would it be a bonus! Truthfully, I didn't really expect it to happen, but let me tell you...it's one of best similarities ever!

Last week C and I hit up Austin for a Brazilian extravaganza (such a popular word on this blog as of late. ) We ate some delicious Brazilian food (amazing pao de queijo and sweet sweet guarana) and saw Gilberto Gil in concert. Gilberto GIL! The man is an ICON and has been popular in Brazil for decades. What luck that he was performing at the University of Texas. We had A BLAST.
For your listening enjoyment here's one of our favorite tunes:

An Irish extravaganza....

We Texas Ingoldsbys are continuing to make the most of living close to each other. Michelle hosted a fantastic St. Patrick's day party. Great people, games, lots of GREEN, corned beef and even some family history (FH post coming soon!) made for a fantastic get-together. Clint found the hiding leprechaun and C won the pot-o-gold for our game of darts (inspired by Grandpa Ingoldsby's Thanksgiving 'get the turkey before you eat' type games.)

(PS as a side-note for those who loved the Colorado pics I must give all the credit to C for the great shots! I was in Boise while he was in Colorado so he is the photographer deserving of your compliments in that post! )

I love you Austin.....

I love the city of Austin. Last week I hit up Austin to enjoy some of the free shows courtesy of the South by Southwest film and music festival. The city was crawling with people and there was music on every corner. I saw John Hiatt perform as well as a few others hoping to get discovered among all the madness. Loved it...every second...awesome.

A belated shout-out.....

It's a bit overdue, but I have to give a shout-out to the San Marcos Young Women. Not only did the pretty much dominate church basketball this year, but they were known as the kindest girls on the court. So proud!

A quick thought.....

Today I wrote a facebook status - which is incredibly rare for me and just like this post I wrote last year my thoughts are more morally based than politically charged. I don't pretend to agree/disagree/understand all the details of legislation, but I've been deeply disappointed in a lot of the current dialogue.

"I usually stay out of facebook banter, but I will say this concerning health care. I don't care which side you are on. Most opinions are valid for one reason or another. However, the language being used by many to describe all poor people as lazy and undeserving is unkind and frankly un-Christian. It's also important to note that the overhaul, imperfect as it might be, isn't designed to only help poor people."

In the words of C: "Good Times".......

Want to know something that makes me happy? C's chosen profession. Not only is C involved in a field of study that uses many of his skills, talents and overall smarts, but it also encompasses many of his passions and interests. Loving what you do? Awesome.

Case and point: A few weeks ago C had a research field trip....that's right, a class FIELD TRIP.....to Silverton, Colorado. I love, Love, LOVE that for WORK C gets to head to the mountains. This time around C and his comrades studied the mining history of the area as well as avalanches. And of course there was some time for play....snowshoeing, sledding, skiing and a scenic train ride. Yes please!

Happy St. Patrick's Day from us to you!

(Photo courtesy of the Green Party 2006)




Here are a few reasons we like this holiday....in no particular order.....

1- We both have Irish heritage.
2- The Green Party....enough said.
3- We love us some corned beef and cabbage.
4- We enjoy the opportunity to pinch people who refuse to follow funny traditions.....okay that's not true....but seriously, the pinching? Weird.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Spring Break -- Texas-style.....

Oh Spring Break...why did you have to come and go so quickly?!

Last week the planets aligned and C and Marty had the same Spring Break. Larz and Marty ever so kindly made the trek down to Texas and we happily showed them the sights of central Texas. So. Much. Fun.

Here are some highlights:

Welcome to San Marcos, TX home of Texas State University!



Austin:
The LBJ library, cheese at Central Market, the bats, a pile of seafood (you'll see later that eating piles of food together are a common theme of this vacation) and getting locked in the state Capitol at night. SUCCESS!


Around San Marcos:

Sweet succulent Texas barbeque (aka: another pile of awesome food), kayaking the San Marcos river and the glass bottom boat tour.





San Antonio:
The Mercado, good Mexican food at Larz and Marty's fave restaurant from their honeymoon, the riverwalk and boat ride and of course....THE ALAMO.


Too. Much. Fun.
And it went by far too quickly.
Now we're trying to get over our spring break withdrawals. Wish us luck!

(I should also mention that at least 5 or 6 bags of Cadbury mini-eggs were consumed during our 5 days together.....the remaining eggs are currently getting C and me through our above spoken of withdrawals. Oh...and don't forget the absurd amount of Dr. Pepper consumed...I'd blame Texas for being the birthplace of DP, but such consumption is pretty common when Marty and I together. In the words of C....GOOD TIMES!)

Sunday dinner....

I have to admit.....spring-time in Texas is pretty fantastic.
70 degrees+the grill= yes please.

I couldn't help it...

I know...I know...Boise picture overload right? I just can't help myself. Here are a few more faves of the good times. (And stay tuned for more picture heavy posts....Larz and Marty are currently here for spring break and we are snapping away!)

We love pinky promises....




We love Chucky Cheese....



We love snuggles.....Cute.

More cuteness....

No wonder baby Ty is so cute (see previous post)....he has great examples!

ONE has never looked so good....

Baby Ty turned one today and I must say he was mighty cute while doing so (case and point - these pictures). This kid is the coolest. He's all smiles and gibberish. His baby chub helps too. And as for birthday festivities he didn't disappoint! He loved opening his gifts (and playing with each and every one) and downed two pieces of cake like he'd been waiting his whole life for that very moment. It was awesome.