Christmas Highlights (part I)

We've had quite the whirlwind Christmas vacation, here in Texas. It seems we've had one celebration after another, and we're still not done yet!
We started off with a little gift-giving at Mims and Pops house...

Nothing like a good bear hug from your Pops!

...or a little snuggle with my Aunt Brooke

Isla has been such a sport, getting into all her First Christmas spirit.

One of our highlights has been spending time with our cousin, Isabela. She drove up all the way from Del Rio just to spend some time with us.

Most of the time, we were a couple of Giggle Monkeys!

We left a message with Santa that we'd be spending Christmas Eve at Aunt Brooke and Uncle Mark's. I'm so glad he remembered, and dropped off lots of goodies while we slept! In fact, I was a little overwhelmed when I took in the beautiful site of all those gifts under the tree!

Isla didn't have any such qualms.

Daddy helping us inspect the goods.

I'm all about everything ballerina these days, so I was super-excited to receive a leotard, skirt and ballet slippers. In fact, I haven't worn much of anything else since!

At the end of the day, we braved the brisk weather for a little game of aerobee - Isla kept warm in the cheering section.

What a wonderful Christmas!

Festivities Galore

My school held its annual Christmas Pageant this week. We've been working very hard to perfect our song and dance routine, and I was ready to take the stage!

We had a chance for a photo op before the show. My friend, Michael and I - so camera-ready! ;)

When it was my class' turn, I acted as if I was born to perform!

No stage-fright here - Mommy was amazed, and so proud!

However, the next morning we met Santa for breakfast at the Embassy. I wasn't too sure about this up-close-and-personal encounter with The Big Guy. Isla had a case of the curiousities, but was otherwise unfazed...

I guess with a stocking full of goodies, I can be bribed into anything.

P.S. - Santa had to forgo his usual, black boots in favor of more Brazilian attire!

~Avery

Carnival Day

I finally had a chance to go to the little carnival here in Brasilia - it's called Nicolandia. Mommy and Daddy took me, and we met up with my friends Ana and Michael. At first, I was not convinced it was going to be fun, but I was quickly convinced otherwise.

For the most part, we stuck to the pint-sized rides...

But, with a little moral support, I braved a couple "big kid" rides

We had a great time!

I'm sad to say Isla stayed home with Clea (who is very sweet, but obviously doesn't like to take pictures!) Oh well, something tells me Isla didn't mind!

Holiday (home) Photo Session

The other day, Isla and I dolled up in our matching, Nicaraguan dresses so Mommy could take pictures for this year's Christmas card. Isla wasn't really in the mood, even though I tried to make her smile. Needless to say, catching us both at our best was easier said than done!
We'll keep the "winning" shot a secret, but here's a sneak peek of some outtakes from our photo session...

Counting Down

It's getting exciting here around our casa...

The holidays are getting really close. I'm already working on my list for Santa, which of course, includes a lot of things pink, ballerina, and/or princess.

In a way, Santa has come a little early - look at this very cool parque Paolo is building for me! Well, it's for Isla too, but she'll need to get just a bit bigger.

Speaking of Isla... She sure is a messy eater!

...but, she cleans up nicely

...Aaaand, she's got two of the cutest little teeth - they just arrived!

She's got a while to catch up...

Quick Glimpse

Just a short video of Isla and I doing our thing: bouncing, giggling, and (in Isla's case) wiggling around!

Halloween Happenins'

We celebrated Halloween a bit early down here. The Brazilians don't really have the holiday, so we have to show 'em how much fun they're missing!
I wore my "pre-game" outfit to school, complete with the bewitching legwarmers Aunt Brooke sent me.

Later, Isla and I dolled up for trick or treating at the Embassy. I was Snow White; Isla was the cutest skeleton I've seen!

Of course, we weren't without an initial meltdown. I was a little nervous about all the potential scariness inside.

...but, by the time my bag was full of sweet treats, I was A-OK!

Hmmm....I wonder if Mommy and Daddy will notice how many pieces of candy I've eaten!

Happy Halloween!

Bookworms

Headgear

Pumpkins...in pink (of course).

...and a feeble attempt at headgear. Mommy, why must you??

Mommy & Me

Mommy's have a way of always being the person behind the camera, and that's certainly the case at Casa Portu-Giese. So, this weekend we talked Daddy into channeling his inner Mario Testino. With a little direction, we think he did a pretty good job of capturing us with our favorite lady!