The month of the end ofs

For the world outside of the school setting, it is mid-year right now. For educators, it's the end of...and...
It seems every time we turn around these days we have another "end of the year" engagement or "farewell, see you soon" party for someone leaving or "last time of the season" outing...I thought I would just post a few pics from several of these at one time.

Here are Julie and Parrish at our "see you soon Parrish" dinner and cocktails night.

Here are some of my students at their "farewell 8th graders" dinner.

Here I am on our "last Sunday on the beach for awhile".

Here are Sierra and Camila, Julie and Gustavo's daughter, also enjoying the "last Sunday at the beach for awhile".

The beach is full of vendors: food, drinks, jewelry, clothing, bubbles. You name it, they sell it on the beach! It's nice when you're thirsty or hungry because you don't even have to get out of your chair they come right to you. The beach ball vendor above happens to be our favorite sighting though!!! Imagine carrying all those balls when it's 100 degrees.

We are down to our last week of our first year in our new home in our new city in our new country in our new hemisphere...I have to say it has been an amazing year of discovery and transformation. This time next Sunday we'll be in MN!!! We are all quite anxious for our return visit to the states. But, I have a feeling we will have saudades (longings) for Rio while we are gone.