Portugal Part 1

As we recover from jet-lag we thought we'd post a few photos of our great trip to Portugal! and Spain! More to come soon!

Gabriela got to sleep in a bassinet hanging on the wall of the plane... who knew they had these?

Gabriela, the world traveler.

First glass of wine in Spain (Mama's glass)
(Note: No babies consumed wine in the taking of the above photograph)

Mama and Gabriela, relieved to have finally arrived in Portugal.

Under the lemon trees in Grandma and Grandpa's backyard.

Gabriela's first of many 'bolo de arroz' -- rice cake!

A beautiful day at the beach in Povoa de Varzim!

Papa and Gabriela posing at the cafe in Prado.

One of many family photos with an amazing backdrop

Gabriela couldn't get over the family resemblance between Grandpa Sousa and his brothers.


We met Papa's cousin Carla and her daughter Iris... Gabriela in 2 years! The girls have the same hair color, eye color, complexion and build!

Gabriela and Papa's second cousin Diana... family resemblence?

And we enjoyed many great views and visited LOTS of beautiful churches...

The Sousas are leaving on a Jet Plane.....

So, we leave for Spain and Portugal tomorrow for Gabriela's first visit to Europe and Mommy's first visit to Portugal. We're flying to Madrid for a day and then headed to the Sousa Family Compound in Vila de Prado for two weeks. We're very excited to see Grandma and Grandpa Sousa, all of Jose's aunts, uncles and cousins who haven't seen him in seven years, and many great sites throughout the two countries.

We'll update the blog when we return with many photos and updates!

See you all soon.

Papa & Mommy Sousa

Daddy, do we have enough Euros to buy me lots of toys and pretty clothes in Portugal?

Point me in the direction of the plane please...

1 and 100

Today Gabriela's great-great-grandmother (Maria's paternal great-grandmother) turns 100 years old! Happy 100th Birthday, Nanny Blair! We love you so much and are blessed by your presence in our lives! We cherish every visit with you!

July 12th - Happy 1st Birthday Gabriela Maria!

Our little princess Gabriela turned 1 on July 12. We had two birthday cake celebrations that day with lots of family and friends around to help us celebrate. We have thoroughly enjoyed the many adventures we've shared as a family this past year and are so proud of our beautiful baby girl.

More birthday pics and video here!

Welcome Justina Martha!

Maria's 1st cousin, Diana gave birth to a beautiful, healthy baby girl today (today is also Aunt Brigid's 9th birthday!)! Justina Martha is 8lbs. 13oz. (the same size as Gabriela when she was born) and 20in. tall. We can't wait to meet you and to see pictures of you! Welcome to the world, little one! Congratulations, Diana and Woody!

Happy 4th of July!

Gabriela celebrated her first 4th of July with a very fun, kid-friendly parade in the morning, then a nice long nap followed by the Heritage party and fireworks viewed from the rooftop terrace! Gabriela's due date was July 4th last year so Mommy was very happy to be holding her baby girl for this year's celebration!



along the parade route

on the roof with Daddy

watching the fireworks

Pretty rainbow... Pretty girl

Gabriela and Mommy saw a beautiful double rainbow in the evening when it was still drizzling outside and the sun was out too!

And here's a new video of some of Gabriela's new tricks. All of Mommy's italian relatives will recognize the first sign that Gabriela does when she's "all done."