I want to retire.

Seriously, our trip to Brazil was the exact thing I needed in my life and now I don't ever want to work again. Here are the highlights in no particular order:

1. Eating. Brazil is a great place to go off your "healthy living plan." Favorites include: traditional Brazilian buffet at the Old Place, fresh sea food in Cananneia, Mom's salmon with mango chutney, the yummy turkey on Sunday, rice krispy treats, pao de queso - especially the mini ones. Fresh fruit is also a major plus. Matt particularly liked the pineapple and I fed myself watermelon for dinner twice. Yummm. The real star of the trip, though, were the pineapple leite bars. I could have died from happiness when eating them on the second to last day. Picture to the left is my dad's birthday cake that a Brazilian caterer made for him. Unfortunately, it was kind of gross.

2. The flower market. Lots of entertaining people-watching, beautiful flowers, 6 dozen roses for about $2.50, and a dozen sunflowers and a dozen cala lillies for just a little bit more than that. A real treat.

3. Water and sun. Truly, I love being warm and this was a major highlight! Summer and I tried to get an hour of sun every day (we didn't accomplish that goal, due to the occassional afternoon rainstorm), and we enjoyed my parents' nice pool. A real highlight was playing in the pool with the whole family. Because mission presidents don't swim (but fathers can), my parents had never visited the pool. Playing chicken and Marco Polo (Mom even played!) was very hilarious. We loved the temperate ocean water in Cannaneia (sp?) and had a blast being five year olds on the water slide at our hotel. I really never thought I'd see my dad have so much fun on a water slide. I think he was glad for a few P-days. Below: me feeling very happy at the beach and my little brother getting fancy with the water slide.












4. Temples. Several hours before we flew out, we all went to the Sao Paulo temple, a really, really beautiful temple. I like going to temples in other countries - it reminds me how global our church is. And, of course, being there with our family was a special experience. We also went to the Buddhist temple in Sao Paulo. I love the tenets of the Buddhist faith and it was great to learn more about it. We really enjoyed walking around the peaceful Asian gardens and I have decided I want one just like it. Right next to my English garden, of course.




























6. Playing with my family. I love these people!
Making cookies with Chef Matt wearing the silly kangaroo apron.

Matt attempting to get fresh with me in the garden.

Logan, Aliss, and Summer