I'm Gonna Soak Up The Sun

Being that I am an INCREDIBLE mother (listen to the sarcasm in my voice) I didnt have swimming suits for my girls when I got to Brasil. To my defense, no one was selling them when I went on a shopping spree to find some. Both Riley and Zoie had outgrown theres. And since you cant possibly go to Brasil without swimsuits, Auntie Mariana picked some up for the girls....Brasilian style. I told Riley that she was only aloud to wear her itty bitty bikini in Brasil this one time.
Dispite my failed attempts at finding swimming suits for the girls, we enjoyed quite a few days soaking up the sun (when it wasnt raining) and enjoying the pool! There was even times when Riley decided the rain couldnt stop her and she would continue to paddle and dive.

My little fish Riley--she spent HOURS in the pool.
Zoie LOOOOOOOVES the water. Its hard to tell by the pics, but she really did.

Riley drinking guarana by the poolside--life doesnt get much better than that!

Zoie sunbathing...moohaha

What a beautiful view!!!

hahahahahaha *breathe* hahahahah *breathe* hahahaha.

you cant really tell--but it was POURING rain in this picture, but she refused to get out of the pool.

um...seriously?

Ah--all that beauty--the rain forest, the tropical rain forest...

Lissa is probably the only one laughing at the title of my title right now...it was a song in like...second grade that we learned... *sigh* thanks for the chuckle Liss. REGARDLESS--it doesnt matter where you go in Belo, there is always LOTS of green. Their foliage and fauna are thriving to say the least. It put my "jungle" in my backyard to shame.

We stayed the night at Auntie Mariana's weekend home and got the chance to hike around by the waterfalls the next morning. It is quite the little rainforest. It was absolutely beautiful. Berns and Riley's took a dip in the little pool by the waterfall. Zoie enjoyed tryin to eat anything she could get her hands on...flowers, plants, birds, bugs...anything. It was a beautiful day and beautiful scenery. Let's ignore the fact that both Riley and I had a leech attached to us when we got home....

Going to the Chapel....

The other big reason we went to Brasil when we did was because Berns' long time buddy Rafael was getting married!! Berns and I were asked to be the Godmother and father of the wedding...I'm not too sure what exactely that is other than it's part of the wedding party--so we got to walk with the party and be a part of the wonderful event. I must say, it was the most BEAUTIFUL wedding I have ever seen...it was quite intense... Im still in shock and it was 3 1/2 weeks ago...

The Beautiful Couple...precious...

Riley at the salon getting ready. Cant you tell how much she LOOOOVES the blow dryer..

Her beautiful bun...quite the princess!!

This is what Zoie thought about the salon.....

The fam dressed to the T and ready to go...

....our true colors...

Fancy baby girl...we loved her tutu--she loved eating it.

My big baby girl and me--the fact that I got her in the picture frame is quite the feat--nevermind the fact that she wont look at the camera.

The girls dancing the night away...as I said, Zoie ate her tutu...

While the girls danced, Berns did this....

Zoie, I would like to introduce you to...

Grandpa Gui! Zoie LOOOOOOOOVES grandpa Gui. In her eyes he does no wrong.

Grandma Ceriz!

Uncle Felipe!
Auntie Mariana!

Grandma Rita --Grandpa Gui's mama--four generations!The Costa side of the family (well, not all of them)
Grandpa Wilson and Grandma Dorita! Ceriz's parents--four generations!

Cousin Victor!! This is who I hope Zoie has hair like, it's pretty amazing. Cousin Luis Henrique--I'd like to note that he is 3 months younger than Zoie and the same size....she is a little peanut.
The Bicalho side of the family...well some of them...there is about eleventy billion more...

A main part of the reason we went to Brazil this time was because no one besides Berns' mom had met itty bitty Zoie. It was great fun to see everyone oooh and ahhh over her. Berns and I decided that I will have to visit more than once a year so that the family will be able to watch and enjoy Riley and Zoie as they grow and learn!

Berns has finally learned that once you have children no one cares if you come to visit, you dont get presents, and they dont really acknowledge your existance anymore. Poor guy sulked as Riley and Zoie were showered with gifts from every direction. I will admit that I was showered with gifts as well. Berns, I guess you just learn that when you have such cute girls in your family every one over looks you!! Just kidding, we love you Bernsie.

Hitchin a Ride

Yes, yes, it was high due time to visit the fam in Brasil. After much waiting and anticipation, we packed our bags....

Zoie was excited....doesnt she look like an elf?

Riley was stoked cause not only did she get a window seat, but she also got TWO seats to lay down...

Zoie was a little confused about the whole flying thing...and got rather messed up on her sleep schedule...

And I was pretty stoked too...can you tell--also note the lovely drool spot on my boob from Zoie...thanks Zoie.

Berns was equally as thrilled as everyone else...however, he was the camera man, so no pictures were taken.....Brasil, here we come!

It took 17 hours of travel time, but we made it there with a warm welcome! The flight from LA to Miami was a normal flight--long and uncomfortable--However the flight from Miami to Belo was glorious because there were only 37 PEOPLE on the flight! We all took our own row and layed down to sleep....heavenly...if only all flights were like that.

Stay tuned for more posts about the trip....

A Tale of a Monkey and her Banana

Here it is folks. Halloween 2008--Riley wanted to be a monkey. Zoie was a banana....Riley HATES getting her picture taken, so this is the best I could do. I couldnt find a monkey costume to fit Riley, so I sewed her one...it's quite ghetto-fabulous....enjoy the pics while I go enjoy the stash of candy Riley has brought home....She is about to take a bite out of her monkey in this picture...