what are you doing here?!

This is the question that defined our "surprise" weekend in Jersey!

About two weeks ago, Larissa called G with the idea for us to come home during the third weekend of October - and after realizing that it really would be a perfect weekend to go since we would be on fall break, we bought the tickets that day! Honestly I was a little worried about making such a rushed decision, but it turned out to be one of the best spontaneous decisions we have made! Especially because we were able to pull off surprising both our moms by coming without them knowing! & we got an awesome video of my mom's reaction when she saw me which is absolutely hilarious!

Although quick, it was a warm & sweet fall weekend we got to spend with so many people we love!
From getting to see Julie in the morning to have a very Brazilian breakfast & a quick stop at Mandee (of course!) To spending Saturday at Henrique & Jeanny's and having the most delicious food & pavê thanks to my awesome mother-in-love and Jeanny! & taking some fun photos in the woods with Michelle & Ang. To going to church on Sunday morning & feeling home again. & then to have our closest friends (some of who weren't able to come, but we still consider you best!) come over to the Paschoal home for some food & laughter. & just living life for a couple days among so many people we love. It was so good!

I don't have photos of everyone we got to hug & see (really wish I did!) but here are some moments from our spontaneous surprise weekend in Jersey.

& even though Chicago is home, Jersey will always feel like home to us.

who knew Newark had some pretty purple walls! 

(not pictured: Julie crying when we met! It was beautiful & so so funny!)

Right after the surprise!

Henrique's heart-felt speech was the cutest!

 the best!

One of my favorite Timer Cam apps took this picture with this lighting & we all loved it!

 cutest.

<3

 Me to G: Babe, what happened to all the chicken? G: Babe, the guys loved my chicken! 

So the ladies had no chicken...

 ...but it was ok because Martha made cake. (lol!)

missing Ju & Michelle!! Love you ladies!

This girl. <3

Mamas!

 blessing

family. 

& a very happy birthday to you Jon! I can't believe you are 18 years old today! 

You are sweet, loving, caring & have a servants heart. I love you so much!

"Every good and perfect gift is from above, 

coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, 

who does not change like shifting shadows."  James 1:17

Thank you Lord!

Love, t Olive