Thanks to some wonderful friends I was able to tag along with Rob on a work assignment in Florianopolis.  FLN is the capital of the state of Santa Catarina in the South region of Brasil. 

(View from the hotel room)

An example of some of the interesting combinations Brazilians come up with...carrot, honey & orange yogurt

An antique relic

Our first morning Rob and I set out to explore Fortaleza de Sao Jose da Ponta Grossa

This is one of the old fortress build during the first Portuguese settlement in the Island of Florianópolis - formerly known as Desterro.

Unfortunately these were the ocean views we had most of our week

We headed south in the winter...

note to self, next time head north in the winter months!

Original cannons to protect the fortress

Small chapel on the grounds

Found these delicious little bites at a frufru market, they were worth their weight in gold

I joked with Rob that it felt like I was eating Christmas (cinnamon and chocolate cookies)

Add this sign to my love of Brasil cities collection

A giant Russian nesting doll that I found in an open market near our hotel

Most afternoons Rob was in meetings so I found ways to occupy my time

Another cloudy ocean view

"Ribeirao da Ilha is a small fishermen's village on the southwestern side of the island, where many people still make their living from fishing; particularly oysters. It's little more than a small strip of houses and restaurants — mostly colonial in style — situated along the coastline, and is a very charming spot." TripAdvisor
I'm sure it would have been more charming had the shops been open and Rob and I not the only people walking up and down the street.

Afternoon visit to Palacio Cruz e Sousa, the big pink building that was once the Governor's House, and is nowadays home to the Museo Historico Santa Catarina. This historical museum is a great place to learn more about the history of the city and the state of Santa Catarina.  It was also a great place to get a good chuckle as we were instructed to put these slipper looking things on our feet so we wouldn't damage the wood floors. 

A section of the wood floor

Our exploring one morning and we drove past this yard and house that was constructed of our glass bottles.  We didn't have time to tour the house, I'm sure it would have been an interesting tour.
These are a few pictures that I took from the driveway.

End of School wrap-up

I was lucky to get to take Jo to learning day at her school

She walked me to all of her classrooms, showed off her projects and let me meet her teachers

It's always a good thing to hear that your child's teacher is so happy they are returning next year

It was hard for all of us entering a new school at the mid-point

I'm grateful for the blessing of my children adjusting well to their new environment

Some projects Madison brought home from her art class

I love seeing the things she creates

So proud of this crew!

They completed early morning seminary for the year

a.k.a. waking up before school to attend 1 hour of bible study

Lots of dedication, hard work and support from parents and each other

Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park

"This spectacular national park in the highest area of the Central West showcases the unique landscape and flora of high-altitude cerrado across 650 sq km of pristine beauty (with a near doubling of protected area in the works).

With high waterfalls, raging canyons, natural swimming pools and oasis-like stands of wine palms, the park is a popular destination for ecotourists. In fact, the whole area is beautiful, with its big skies, exotic flora and dramatic hills rising up like waves breaking across the plains." Lonely Planet

Our family snuck away for a long weekend to the beautiful Parque Nacional da Chapada Dos Veadeiros.  It's a short 3 hour drive from our home.  We will be back to visit again!!

Hiking along the Cachoeira Raizama

Hiking along the Vale da Lua
"Over millions of years, the rushing waters of the Rio São Miguel have sculpted rock formations in the lunar landscape of Vale da Lua. An ethereal metaconglomerate of rocks containing quartz, sand and clay reflect a rainbow of colours and the chilly emerald waters add to the otherworldly atmosphere." Lonely Planet

Almecegas I Waterfall with beautiful lookouts

We took one day and hiked the yellow trail in the National Park.  It took us to beautiful swimming ponds, waterfalls, flowers, a picnic lunch and tired girls at the end of the day.  The park also offers permits for those wanting to hike a longer trail and sleep overnight in the park.  Once Gwen can walk on her one we might attempt that.