Center of the Universe Syndrome

I have no pictures to back up my stories. I feel like I need to blog some of the good the bad and the ugly experiences we have had while living here in Brasil. I will try not to ramble. Ok, so I am totally generalizing and if you are from here don't read this post because you might be offended at some of my comments. Brazilians not as a person but as a driver have a characteristic R and I have labeled it "The center of the universe syndrome"..If you drove here one day in your life you would know exactly what I mean. For Example, today I went to the store. There was a man. There was no parking. Instead of driving a little further away and walking to the store he parked right in back of me and left his car. I came out to leave and could not get out. After waiting some time I am sure it was only 5-10 minutes he gets out sees me doesn't acknowledge what he has done and gets in the car and drives away. Who does that? Well, only people with "The center of the universe syndrome" Another example. I go to school today to pick up the kiddos. I am in a long line of cars probably 10-15 cars in back of me. The car in front of me stops, puts on his hazard and just sits there while waiting for the people he is picking up to get in. There was plenty of room for him to have pulled off to the side and anybody with an ounce of consideration would have been courteous enough to do that but instead he makes 10 cars wait while he is doing his thing. Once again, "Center of the Universe Syndrome". Another example, instead of waiting in line, people make there own lanes. There were already 2 lanes of cars trying to squeeze themselves into a 2 way street. Some lady decides to make three lanes because she doesn't want to wait her turn. She fakes a left and then when somebody lets her through she goes right and totally butts her way through. Who does these kinds of things? Who?

Ubatuba

Poor R babe hates the beach. I would have thought he would have grown out of it by now.

I think he just goes to sleep trying to make it all go away.

The guy selling cotton candy!

We bought it once it tasted funny won't buy it again.

Atleast the guy in the easter bunny outfit wasn't selling it today....Creepy

The guy selling grilled cheese sticks. Yummy

Making soup for everyone.

Riding the waves is so much fun!

M was as giddy as can be spending time out there with his Dad.

He usually stays out of the water but he loved it.

We love these guys!

catching the waves

I was so glad to get a picture of this.

R giving us a sneak peek at how burnt we would all be the next day.

Those aren't his undies showing

C stayed in the water all day long. Love the raisin fingers.

Trying to get some relief from the awful sunburn. They both blistered and peeled.

We have so many fun memories of the past year. It seems like everywhere we go for the first or second time we always plan time in there for getting lost. This was no different. It was suppose to take us 4 hours or so...I think we ended up driving about 6. Once we got out of the city it was a very pretty drive through a long canyon and very I mean very steep and windy road. In some spots the fog was so dense we could barely see in front of us. It Just adds to the adventure. C usually gets sick on long car rides and I came prepared this time. I made sure I had a bag without holes in it this time. Yes he did use it and felt a lot better afterwards. The drive along the coast was very beautiful ! Another successful trip to the beach. We rented a beach house with our good friends and had a wonderful weekend.

us

Thanksgiving 2010

C riding the Mayflower across the ocean!

President R has 12 children and they do this play every year. I can only imagine how many times he has done this.

Getting ready for the play to begin.

We really felt so blessed to spend Thanksgiving with all these wonderful people. It has been such a blessing for our family to know these families that are serving missions here in Brazil. We felt very blessed this Thanksgiving. A tradition that they started years ago and hopefully we can pick up is.. at dinner time they all go around the table and tell 3 things they are thankful for. Some of the things that people were thankful for were: having righteous families, good health, the gospel in there lives, having the Holy Ghost, scriptures, loving parents, and being able to attend good schools.

These are all things that we have access to everyday and need to remember to be thankful for and give thanks for them daily. I was so glad for thanksgiving and it made me appreciate our families back at home and how we can still feel of their love even when we are so far away.

I can't resist

I just can't resist this little guy!

I was so happy to see his curls grow back!

The "Goods"

What to eat first!
The animal crackers it is!

It took a small army of people who love us but it all came. This was just a drop in the bucket of all the groceries, goodies and gifts that were delivered by our angels Ralph and Sharon.

We really are so thankful to our family and friends who have helped and supported us while we are here in Brasil. The kids were SO excited to get birthday gifts, toys and treats. It was just like an early Christmas. Thank you Grandmas, Aunts and friends for all the little gifts and treats that remind us of home. We are very grateful!

Waiting patiently!

I love this Picture.

R was gone for the week to Chile. We all miss him so much when he goes. M opened up the door to the elevator and waited patiently for his return. We always tease each other who gets the first hug upon his arrival. I guess M was determined to get it this time.