A fun treat from Grandma !

Grandma Roxie had a great idea to send us caramel apple wrappers.

We had a great time decorating and eating our apples.

Thank You Grandma Roxie!

Sweet Hair

I am not sure why we get such a kick out of R babe's crazy hair. R (yes..my husband) loves to comb it and make it as puffy as possible. It is so 80's. Eat your heart out!

Reese's Pieces

Sunday afternoon we decided to make some Reese's pieces bars.

R babe really enjoyed them. Talk about licking your plate clean.

One year Anniversary

Time really is a peculiar thing.

It seems like one year has flown by,

on the other hand, it feels like we have lived here for a really long time.

We went to Outback steakhouse to celebrate.

The time here has been such a challenge but well worth it.

We have grown together as a family. We have met some wonderful people along the way and experienced more than we could have ever dreamed.

A Really big THANK YOU to Westech for letting us have this experience.

I can't wait to see what this coming year will bring.

Sushi, Pizza Hut or Mcdonald's

This was actually the first time we never found our destination. After circling the area 3 times and paying the same toll booth 3 times we finally gave up. It had been 1 1/2 hours of driving and no luck. We did however keep passing the same mall and decided to see what it had to offer. The cinema was closed so we ended up having lunch and browsing around some stores. I was pleasantly surprised that my children picked Sushi over Pizza Hut and Mcdonald's. I am really not a big fan of Sushi but the rest of the crew is.

The funniest part of this was, we had no idea how close to home we were. I mentioned we drove 1 1/2 hours looking for the destination and I think we were home in about 12 min.

Taking notes on how to make your own Sushi

M trapped in the Pythons tight grip!

Not wanting to be eaten alive

HELP!

Sao Paulo Aquarium

Good times at the aquarium.

Stunt Man

C decided one day to show M how he can jump out of a swing. A short netting fence has been put around the perimeter of the swing area so no one will be hit by the person swinging. C was jumping at a fairly safe height and the fence was not infront of him. A few days later we went to another park within Portal (where we live). I was playing ball with R and M was swinging. Next thing I knew M was crying. I wasn't alarmed because M cries a lot. I looked over to make sure he was moving but was hopeing it would just work itself out. Then I took a double take because I thought something looked a little off. He was walking over to me with a spout of blood coming out of his head. I layed him on the ground had C take his shirt off and used it to apply pressure. After all I did have my brand new clothes on and didn't want them blood stained;). By this time we had quite the crowd around us. Thankfully a lady spoke english and a guard that was close by called an on-site EMT. He assured me that no stiches were needed. (really?) He cleaned him up and drove us home in a mini ambulance.

Come to find out M was trying C trick but landed on the metal pole that held up the safety fence. One side of his head had a cut and the other had a rope burn. We returned home and J and C did all they could to make M comfortable. Bowls of ice cream, bandages, his favorite blanket and movie were quickly gathered and he was as happy as could be. I was so thankful for the people around us who were there when I needed them. It seems whenever we are in a bind someone magically appears to help us out. We are definatley being watched over. J even commented how it was a miracle that it worked out the way it did.

Christmas Morning

C sporting his new wetsuit. He had this on most the day.

This was R babes favorite present of Dads.

Everytime M opened up a present he commented, "I needed this"

It was really hard getting into the spirit of things without the snow and the cold. This may be the only year the kids get swimsuits and a wetsuit for Christmas. We went swimming today and enjoyed each others company.

Christmas Craft

Recipe for the perfect christmas craft:

paper plates, green crete paper, gum drops, glue and a few children

Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve

I don't know what we would do without the company of our friends.

We feel so blessed to have come to Brazil if not for anything else but meeting these wonderful people. We ate dinner and had a little program. It was just what we needed Home away from Home.

It was hard knowing all of the fun activities going on at home. The smell of beef brisquet and cinnamon rolls in the air. The hours spent making 7 layer Jello. All the preparation that goes into the gifts and the red ball. Here we were a little homesick but determined to have a meaningful Christmas. It all really started coming together a few weeks prior to the big night. The kids were pulling out all the stops trying to earn a few dollars so they could go out and buy each other gifts. We took them to the dollar store and they all went crazy with excitment. They had there treasures and it took all the self control they had not to give each other gifts then and there. The next few days they wrapped and hid the gifts in anticipation for the big night.

Not only were they going to be giving there gifts but they would also be getting there gifts from Grandmas and Aunts. After a fun night at the Jackson's we came home and sat around the tree. Before we give each other the gift we tell the other person why we love and appreciate them. It was such a sweet night. They were bursting with excitement to finally have these treasures unveiled and they were genuine in there comments and gratitude for each other. Afterwards we skyped with Grandma and Grandpa A and we had them open gifts with them. It was really a wonderful night, one to be remembered.

It was amazing how the kids new exactly what each other would want or need.

R babe was so funny. Everything he opened he would say "WOW WOW"

School Christmas Concert

Visiting in C's class after the concert.

I loved hearing the kids walk around the house practicing there songs.

The concert was pretty great too.

J's Birthday

My Sweet Sassy J just had another birthday.

We had a little get together with some friends. It was good to have some girls over. She is always outnumbered. Swimming, cupakes and presents filled the afternoon.

J is one amazing girl. I always tell her I don't know what I would do without her. She is always helping me with dishess, laundry, babysitting or dinner. People ask me if I have a full time maid. I tell them I don't need one. J helps without any complaints. She is my little shopping buddy and is always wanting to slip out for a quick trip to the mall or cosmetics store.

J likes to try new things and loves to learn.

J in a few words: FRIENDS LOVE LEARNer FUN GYMNASTICS PINK TWILIGHT CARING HONEST SHOPPING CRafTy crEatIVe RollErblader READER Math PIano Respectful Wizards of Waverly Place AQUA Babysitter

I hope you had a fun day.

Love you Forever