We had an extended weekend last month and some friends invited us along for an "adventure"

We were not sure what to expect but so glad we went along for the journey

About a 3ish hour car ride we experienced the small town of Mambai

It's right on the state border of Bahia, another state we hope to visit soon

We spend the whole weekend repelling, rock climbing, caving, rope swinging and hiking

It was an awesome weekend and my kids had a blast, including the little one who like always was the charmer of the trip

Starting the weekend early with a little glass removal from Rob's foot

So thankful it wasn't any of the kiddos 

My wee little brave one

She repelled into a deep, dark cave with a little fear at first and then laughter at the end

One of the caves we repelled into

This zip line was a bit longer than our Maryland adventure

So many cool rock formations as we were hiking 

Look closely and you will see us repelling down the cliff

I almost chickened out until Jo confidently walked to the rope and proceed to go down

Couldn't let me 8 year old show me up

Getting in some driving practicing on the empty, dirt roads

Add caption

Gwen with her best friend on the trip, our tour guide

Might have helped that she carried Gwen on all the hikes 

Here's a link to the video Samantha created:

Mambai Adventures

Just Serve

With so much nasty, sadness going on in the world our family is trying to serve

Little, simple things

How can you be the light for someone today?

Working with the youth each week

Taking these smart, hardworking young men to their new transfer spot

 Temple work

 M making goodies to share

 Our awesome water refiller

Working with our adopted school's

Making care kits for the local children hospital

If we all looked for there good there wouldn't be so much time for the bad

Construindo Sonhos - Habitat

My two older girls have the opportunity to attend this habitat for humanity build that will be taking place in Recife, Brazil. Rob was able to serve for 2 years on a church mission in this same area over 25 years ago. The first part of the post is in Portuguese but you can scroll to the bottom to read in English. There is so much going on in the world right now but if you care to donate any amount will be appreciated.

Habitat for Humanity rehab project in Recife, Brasil

GC Weekend

Every 6 months our church holds a General Conference

It's an opportunity for the general membership to hear from the leaders of our church

It's always held in Salt Lake City, UT for 2 days

Totaling 8 hours of training and teaching (12 hours if you count Women's Conference and Priesthood session)

It's a reboot and recharge for me and hopefully my kids get a little out of it as well

I'm so thankful to live in this time of age that we can watch live via the Internet

If you want to read or listen to any of the talks I've attached the link...

2017 October General Conference

Some of my absolute favorites:

Abiding in God and Repairing the Breach

Be Ye Therefore Perfect—Eventually

Spiritual Eclipse

Now on with traditions...Saturday evening I broke out my crepe pan that my parents had sent for my birthday

The girls are I feasted on crepes and all the creations they came up with

Rob was away this weekend so the girls are I enjoyed our fun food time!

Sunday morning we have ALWAYS since the kiddos remember enjoyed Ebelskiver's

"A beloved treat in their native Denmark, ebelskivers are light, puffy pancakes that can be filled with fruit, chocolate, jam or cheese and served for breakfast or as an hors d'oeuvre, dessert or light supper. "

For many years we would have our dear friends over to feast and enjoy this tradition with us

Sadly we moved and they moved and the tradition is not quite the same

We miss the Hagedorn's!!

The kids and I still enjoyed our yummy baby pancakes and then we headed up the road to a friends house to enjoy the Sunday sessions

Dates

Before moving to BR Rob and I would try and take the kids out

on a little one on one time once a month

Since our move we have felt even more compelled to continue the tradition

Time is fleeting, my littles are getting big

I'm freaking out that I have sophomores...

This particular night was J's date night

I picked her up from a church activity and we enjoyed a dessert pizza and racing slot cars

It was a fun night, she's a funny talkative girl and brings a light to our home

My little

This little one keeps us on our toes

Into EVERYTHING

Super curious

If she's in the house and it's quiet run to where she is 

inevitably she will be into something

Good thing she's a cutie, a mischievous cutie but still a cutie

Baskets of Fun

A few weekends ago Sam's basketball team hosted a tournament

Three other teams from around Brasil came into town for the event

There are not many teams in the area for the girls to play against

so this was a good chance for them to work on their skills, playing together and competition

Enjoying a lunch out with my girlies after the games

During the weekend we were able to host girls from the other teams

We added 5 additional girls to our house

They were a wonderful addition

It's always a joy to see smart, caring, understanding teens doing their best

Sam and some of her teammates

Jo passing time on the stairwell

The team posing for a picture

They took third place out of four teams

It was a tough weekend for the girls but they are doing so much better 

This team is fairly young so next year should be even better!

Project 101

We are SLOWLY turning our house into our home

It's a process

one that involves furniture supplied by the Embassy

let's say its not really my style and

a very, very modern styled home which again is not my style

But it's hard to complain to much when the rent is paid for and we can use that money to travel

This past weekend Aubrey and I worked together to cover her

Drexel style headboard and turn it into something that fits her style 

For a do it yourself project she was happy with the results

Biker Chick

One of the very best parts of living in Brasil is the weather

It can't be beat

except this week when we've had rain almost everyday...but it's needed

Typically I can get out on my bike 2-3 times a week, every week

without having to wear warm socks, jacket, long pants, etc

it's the best for this sun loving girl

Jaguar Sanctuary

One of Jo's bucket list items before we even moved here was to visit the Jaguar Sanctuary

It's about an hour from our home

When we first arrived we were disappointed to find out that it had been closed

Fast forward to almost 1 year later...

a friend of a friend had made a Brazilian connection and was arranging private tours of the sanctuary

J was on cloud nine when I told her we would be able to go and visit the "cats"

Many Brazilians, especially farmers hate Jaguars

There is a back and forth between the government, farmers and activists

The hope is to rehabilitate these cats to return to the wild

Unfortunately with all the red tape that has to be cut through it doesn't look promising

We were impressed with how well the cats are cared for

They were all alert, tracking Gwen and very aware of their surroundings

The trickiest part of the day was keeping these Scooby snacks away from the gates

Lunch time!