Bilingual Babes

A Winter Sunday in Brasilia

It turns out that "Wintertime" in Brazil isn't quite the same as in North America. The shadows may be long, but the sun is still waaaaarm, warm. It makes for some nice, water-bucket playtime.

Little Shoe Diva insists on being fashion forward, even during otherwise "naked time."

...and we Dancers in the family just can't contain ourselves.

FOUR!

That would be THIS GIRL: Me!!

Had a great birthday with family, goodies....

...and of course, an ice cream cake!

Summer 2011 Recap

Wow! We've been busy! It's been over a month since we've shown our faces around our blog, but it's only because we were having a blast up in Texas! It was a fun-packed five weeks, so buckle your belts and get ready for the recap!

For starters, we did whatever we could to beat the Texas heat, which meant opting for water sports whenever we could.

Supa-Staaaahhh!

One of the highlights for me was getting to spend a week with my cousin, Isabela. She stayed with me in Victoria, and we took in all the sights, which really just means Daddy took us out for awesome Jeep rides at The Farm.

Most days, we played our hearts out, and ended up like this before it was even dark outside...

When it was time for her to go home, we decided the Hill Country would be a good place for a meet-up.

...and besides, the River is very entertaining!

I think Isla was more tickled watching Granddad make funny faces!

Goofy Grapes

Have I ever mentioned my Daddy is a Master Marshmallow Roaster? They really should give trophies for that kind of sweet, warm gooey-ness by a campfire.

Isla: Destined for Stardom

Back in Victoria, I tested my skills on the new tree swing at Mims and Pops'.

...and just like that, our trip was over...

Where did the time go?

Water-Park Weekend!

This weekend, we drove to Rio Quente where there's a giant water park called Hot Park. All the water in the park is warm because it comes from a natural, warm spring, so even though it's wintertime down here in Brazil, we were comfy-cozy splashing around.

Hot Park has so many things to do - a place just for babies and kids to splash around, crazy-fun slides and rides, a "beach," and even a Lazy River when you're ready to just relax!

Isla was a little-bit sick with a cold, but she still had a blast playing in the water. To her, it was just a giant bathtub!

I can't tell you what I liked best: all the fountains...

...or, being able to practice my swimming skills in the ginormous wave pool!

Waterloggged.

When we were ready to dry off for awhile, we visited the bird sanctuary inside the park. There were so many beautiful birds; some of them even let you hold and pet them. I was a little nervous about it, though.

Daddy seemed to think he and this parrot might have something in common! :P

A friendly, small deer saying hello

On the road-trip back home, we stopped at a restaurant with a little park, and stretched our legs a bit - then it was time to head to the casa.

I think it's safe to say our first trip to Hot Park was a hit, and we'll be back for more!

~Avery

Parents' Day at Ballet Class

This weekend, my ballet school held an open class for parents to see what we've learned. Daddy, Mommy, and Isla were excited to see me perform all those graceful moves I'm always practicing at home!
First, we warmed up, doing "butterflies" with our legs.

Next, we practiced our flexibility...

Standing in line for the "tutu trot." Ballet in Brazil involves placing as many articles of decoration in our hair as we can!

My turn! I have to say, I can walk on my tippie toes very well!























I made sure my Fan Club noticed!























Then came the Big Moves

Before I knew it, the show was over, and I was getting some very proud hugs 'n kisses!
Future Prima Ballerina!
~Avery

Stylin' and Profilin'

Even though it is technically Fall here in the Southern Hemisphere, we still need to seek shelter from the bright, Brazilian sun. Thanks to my cousins, Isabela and Sofia, and the darling cap they gave me, I can do that in serious style!

Avery, meanwhile, is more interested in seeking out every caterpillar in our yard. Poooooor caterpillar! ;)

~ Isla