My vacation in Brazil. (Jul - Aug 2023)

Vacation is winding down, and guess what? Someone's already asked if I'll be penning a report about it. Well, buckle up because the answer is a resounding YES! Here's my thrilling report:

My vacation days whizzed by at lightning speed. I mean, come on, July 14 to August 30 is an epic stretch of time for anyone to savor. When time zooms by like a shooting star, you know something magical happened – my vacation was an absolute blast! I soaked up quality moments with my kids and soaked in the joy of family.

But let me tell you, my vacation didn't kick off on the smoothest note. As soon as I got home, I was greeted with heartbreaking news: my brother's beloved dog was seriously ill, and it ultimately crossed the rainbow bridge. And guess who ended up digging a solemn hole in the backyard for the dear pup's final resting place? Yep, yours truly, the reluctant doggy gravedigger.

Eating out became our fantastic pastime during the vacation extravaganza! Picture this: me, my rambunctious kids, my brothers, and a bunch of our pals too. It was like a gastronomic fiesta! But here's the cool part – this is a universal activity. You see, back in my life in China, I was basically the "Eating Buddy Extraordinaire." Yep, I'd cozy up to students all the time and make lifelong friendships over shared meals. It's how I rolled in China, and it's the secret sauce behind most of my awesome friendships there – just asking students if I could crash their canteen party!

Now, let's talk about the next scene in our adventure – a deliciously sweet one! Behold, a snapshot of me and my adorable kiddos indulging in ice cream sticks at a spot that holds a special place in our hearts. You see, this is where we used to make precious memories when they were mere ankle-biters. And guess what? The ice cream joint still stands strong, so we just couldn't resist revisiting for a hearty dose of nostalgia!

Prepare for the next snapshot in our wild journey – a fierce family showdown over a board game! There we were, me, my brother, and our dear mom, all locked in a battle of wits and strategy. Let me tell you, it was an absolute blast! But here's the twist – our mom, the secret board game ninja, pulled off an epic victory, leaving me and my brother in awe. Turns out, we may have underestimated her skills just a tad... or maybe a lot!

Now, brace yourselves for the next frame in the thrilling saga – and guess who's at the center of the action? Yep, you got it, yours truly! In this snapshot, I'm strutting my stuff as the ultimate tour guide. Picture me leading my lovely niece and her buddy on a grand adventure to rendezvous with my kiddos at the hallowed halls of the movie theater. But that's not all, folks – it was a double-feature extravaganza! We didn't just watch one movie; we devoured two cinematic delights back-to-back, making it an epic movie day for the ages! 

Hold onto your hats because the next picture is like a mind-bending time warp extravaganza! Imagine this: it's as if we're frolicking in a mystical lake that's not just mirroring our present selves in 2023, but also unveiling a glimpse of the past – 2019, the last time I set foot in the marvelous land of Brazil.

And the best part? This surreal snapshot was so epic that I couldn't resist turning it into wearable art! Yes, you heard me right, folks. I slapped this mind-boggling montage on a T-shirt, making it a portable time-travel souvenir that's bound to turn heads!

Ah, let's dive into the treasure trove of snapshots featuring me and my kiddos! These special moments were often captured on our Sunday church meetings. Yes, you heard it right, even in the midst of life's twists and turns, my heart swells with joy knowing that my children were brought up with values rooted in a faith that champions the very moral compasses essential for any thriving society.

Oh, my friends, there's a whole treasure trove of tales I could regale you with about my vacation – the wild buggy rides, the eye-popping tour of my brother's company, and oh-so-many adventures with my kids. But alas, every story must have its final chapter, and I'm closing on this report with a flourish. It was an absolute wonder, a magical moment in time that I'll treasure forever!