The Itiquira Falls is a waterfall about 115 kilometers from Brasilia.  The falls have a height of 168 meter, making them the highest accessible waterfall in Brazil.  The falls are formed by a drop of the Itiquira River.

This selfie was taken before we approached the base of the falls.  Once we were right near the falls I didn't take my phone out of the backpack because the water was so intense.  We walked away dripping with water and the girls saying, "that was awesome!"

Flora along the trail

This visit we just walked to the base of the waterfall.  A short walk up a paved path.  Next visit when we have the big three with us we would like to attempt the hike that takes you to the top of the waterfall.  The guide said it's about 4 km and not recommended for kids under the age of 12.  Jo has some decent hiking experience under her belt so we hope to be able to give it a go.

Took the kids a little further downstream to play in the water, build mud castles and learn how to skip rocks

A view as we left the waterfall area.  Everything is so lush and green and beautiful

We stopped for lunch at Dom Fernando, a typical Brazilian lunch buffet.  Except this typical lunch buffet had horses for my equestrian loving girls to ride.  The lunch was also a delicious variety of Brasilian goods.  Beans, rice, pork roast, fresh fruits, breads, fried goodies and a live musician playing the afternoon away.

The Brasilian's often comment that my girls, "are good with a fork."  Meaning they eat well, not sure where they would get that idea from ;)

Every Brasilian lunch ends with a warm drink, it helps your tummy settle.  They always offer coffee and then a decaffeinated drink.  My favorite is milk with cinnamon.  Today we enjoyed caramel milk. 

"Sleeping" off some of the carb goodies

Sunday shenanigans

Our church holds a camp for the youth of the ward during the week of Carnival.  Rob and I found ourselves home this week with three less children.  Sure makes things quiet around home and I'm also finding myself making way to much food and missing my big girls. 

Needless to say we have been trying to keep ourselves busy. 

Jo set up a café for the family to order from.  The prices were decent and despite the fruit tasting a little waxy I would visit again

The gorgeous skies of Brasil

Driving around town and saw this bumper sticker beauty.  If you look closely you'll notice its a Utah Utes sticker.  How random and awesome is that

This is what happens when big sisters aren't around to help mama out.  Little one went to the corner of the church parking lot while I was talking with a friend.  She thought it would be fun to make "chocolate milk" with the Brasilian red mud.  Hope she didn't taste test it!

Our in home knitting expect was away so Daddy took it upon himself to teach Jo.  Thanks to YouTube they were able to make decent progress on an American Girl doll scarf.  Etsy shop to come.

It's a Carnival

Thanks to Wikipedia I was able to get a true definition of Carnival:

Carnival is a Western Christian festive season that occurs before the liturgical season of Lent. The main events typically occur during February or early March.  Carnival typically involves a public celebration and/or parade combining some elements of a circus, masks, and a public street party. People wear masks and costumes during many such celebrations, allowing them to lose their everyday individuality and experience a heightened sense of social unity. Excessive consumption of alcohol, meat, and other foods proscribed during Lent is extremely common.

The embassy put on a Carnival celebration the weekend before true Carnival began.  The kids enjoyed face painting, mask creating, dancing to samba music and a good excuse to run on the playground with their friends and stay up late.   

The embassy hired a full band and dancers to come and get the crowd on their feet.  It was fun music to listen to even when the dancers pulled me onto the stage to join them.  My hips just don't have the south America vibe. 

It's Great to be Eight!

 

 We believe as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints that when a person turns 8 years old they are old enough to be accountable for their actions.  This also means that they can make the choice to be baptized and become a member of the church.  Jocelyn was able to witness her older sisters make this choice and many friends also make this important choice.  When we found out our family was moving to Brasil one of the first questions Jocelyn asked was, "will I still be able to be baptized?"  The answer was of course yes and one of the many questions she had about our move was put to rest.  When the day drew closer we started talking about location for the baptism.  The baptism needed to be held in a body of water where the person being baptized can be fully submerged.  There is a font at our church but Jocelyn was really intent on being baptized in a pool.  When it was decided that she would be baptized at the same time as another girl in our congregation it was decided that the church font would work out best for logistical reasons.  The date was set for February 12th.  On the 11th Rob got a message that the water at the church was not working, that issue thankfully was resolved and we moved forward with the original plan.  Our family arrived to church on the 12th and the font was being filled only to find out that the plug was not put in correctly and all the water drained.  It was starting to look like Jocelyn would get her wish after all.  The baptism was moved to a backyard pool.  The other family that was baptizing their daughter was more than gracious to host the wonderful event. 

A few of my girls getting ready for the day

 

       My little eight year old ready to make wonderful promises to our Heavenly Father.  She was full of sunshine and love.

All my girlies.  The big three were such great help making goodies, singing a song and playing music for the event

Though our extended family was so far from us for the event we felt so much love and support from our new family of Brasil.  Being a member of this church gives me strength, support and love.

Baptism Buddies

Tidbits around town

Gwen enjoying one of her favorite snacks....a fresh fruit smoothie

Beautiful purple flowers on a tree at our church building, a little Valentine lego dog from Grandma and Grandpa Bonner, and Aubrey's hair after sleeping in "straw curls"

 Our fridge after Mom's weekly trip to the farmer's market and Aubrey's invention to stop her from crying when cutting the onions.

 Gwen learned her ABC's!!!!!

Lego fun....our new family obsession

Gwen is often found wearing Jo's shoes now instead of her own.

Gwen "helping" mom shop at the local nursery.  All the shop owners think she's adorable and say stuff in Portuguese with a really high pitched voice and ask for kisses so I'm assuming they think she's adorable until she picks up all the rocks of the ground stuffs them into her pockets and attempts to ride the twig bikes that are actually used for plant displays.