The Little Equestrienne

In the weeks before we left Brasilia, I had the chance to take horseback riding lessons.  The riding school works with kiddos to help them feel comfortable with horses, but also to provide a unique form of exercise that focuses on balance and coordination.  Many children and adults with special needs also take lessons for riding therapy.  The "tia's" or riding instructors were super-sweet, and I had a great time riding in the hills above Brasilia!

Gotta have a riding habit

 Getting to know my new, four-legged friend

 

 

Heading into the arena

 Doing some of the riding calisthenics

Heading out to palmy pastures

~ Avery

Pre-Birthday in BSB

Since we'll be in Rio for my REAL birthday, we decided to have a pre-birthday/going away party, so I could celebrate with friends. Our party theme were the blue macaws from...what else?  The movie, Rio!

My friend Sofia and I hung out while the party gear was being set up.

When it was party time, we (especially Isla) all had a blast jumping on the "Poula Poula"

One, two, three lil' princess

Fresh french fries, anyone?

"Birthday" Girl

My cake had sparkler candles.  We weren't sure exactly what they'd do when Daddy lit them up.

Parabens!

That darn trick candle!

Isla knows a good cake when she sees one.

Me and my BFF, Nina.  I sure hope she'll come to visit me in Rio.

Birthday cake with my peeps.

~Avery

Out and About in Brasilia

It's hard to believe that in a few short weeks, we'll be moving from Brasilia to Rio.  We decided to take a little picture-taking outing to one of Brasilia's scenic points to help capture our time here in Brazil's capital city.

Ready to head out

 Isla...never one to hide her opinions

 Just being sweet girls.  I'll admit, we turned quite a few heads. 

What was that you were saying about smiling, Mommy?

  I think we'll probably miss BSB, but are definitely looking forward to Rio!

 

~ Avery

Isla Turns TWO!

 Yesterday was my birthday, I'm now a big TWO year-old!

It was actually a fairly low-key day.  Avery and I shared cupcakes....

 ....and then had a Packing Peanut Party.

Overall, not a bad way to start off another year!
~Isla

Easter Weekend 2012

We've been gearing up for this fun and candy-filled weekend all week, and now, Easter has arrived!  We spent Saturday morning meeting the Easter Bunny, and hunting eggs with many other kids from the Embassy.

...There was also face painting and a cupcake decorating station.

The three of us girls "hopped" into a picture with the Easter Bunny.  At least Isla didn't cry!

Then, it was off to the Egg Races!

Isla wasn't too sure about the whole hunting for eggs idea...

...but, she quickly learned the work had its rewards.

Mmmmm....Jelly Beans!

Since Isla was such a sport, I gave her my cupcake. (Can anyone say sugar rush?)

She thought that was a very fair deal.

Sunday morning, we had a treasure trove of goodies waiting for us!

It was all we could do to wait until we'd eaten breakfast before diving into all that chocolate!

Then, it was time for Easter Sunday church.  Just a quick pose in our dresses and bows.

....and thoughts of more chocolate and bunnies!

~ Avery

Just life with a new kitty

We recently adopted a little black and white "tuxedo" kitten.  We've named her Lilly, or as the Brazilians say it, "Lee Lee," but most of the time, she just gets called, "kitten."  It's been fun having a little creature around the house who jumps at our feet, and skampers down the halls.  I've been taking good care of her....Isla.....well....let's just say Lilly has learned to run when she sees Isla heading her way!

Poor kitten....she has no idea what she's up against.

Just kidding....Isla can be a sweet girl.

I think I've taught her well.

Still, if I were the kitty, I'd stay under the couch for the time being! ;)

~ Avery