Our trip home was a little crazy, but lots of fun! We were all looking forward to seeing our family and friends.

Jen was able to come for Kyle's baptism and help me inventory our house so the movers could pack us up. She was a lifesaver because my brain was fried!!

Alison adores her!!!!!

The movers spent two days packing. Tim stayed at the house and I ran around trying to remember all the things I wanted to take back with me to Brazil. Peanut butter, taco seasoning, shampoo, pressure cooker, etc. etc...

Grandpa Tim took time off work to help Tim with all the house stuff and Kathy entertained the kids by taking them to see the new Diary of a Wimpy Kid movie and trips to McDonalds.

Our house has been on the market for a few weeks and we got an offer the day we arrived in St. Louis. Normally this would be great news, but we just found out Tim's sister and her family are in need of a place to rent for awhile so we told our realtor that we did not want to sell anymore. She was a little unhappy with us, but what can you do! We are happy to have Kim and Mark in our house. I know it will be loved!!

After all was settled in St. Louis we left for Atlanta where we were to pick up our Brazilian Visas. Jimmy and Michelle met us there and we had a great time seeing them and their 4 adorable boys who make us laugh!! We went to the Aquarium. Truly AMAZING!

Kyle petting the Stingray.

We spent hours and hours in the Atlanta and Washington DC airports because of flight delays.

Thank goodness for the United Red Carpet Club!!

It was worth the wait when all six of us were upgraded to Business Class thanks to Tim status on United.

Kyle eating his fancy meal in business class. The other kids would not let me take their pictures. I tried!!

At least we were all able to get a good nights sleep! Kind of !:)

Kyle's Day

We were able to celebrate Kyle's baptism with all our friends and family. It was a special day! Jake, Tyler and Cole gave a talk on baptism, Jen (kyle's aunt) and Alison talked about the Holy Ghost, and Tim Baptized and Confirmed Kyle a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints! Kyle was a little nervous and quiet, but did everything perfectly! I am proud of him for the choices he is making in his life! In the end of the program Bishop Blair welcomed him to the church by reading a scripture in Ephesians...... "Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God". A fitting scripture considering our new home is so far away!

Our Family at the Big Tree

Brazil 2011

Happy Birthday Kyle

Yesterday Kyle turned 8 years old. He chose to go to the mall and eat McDonalds for dinner and then we played a few games in their kids center.

I made a cake with a layer of ice cream inside and he opened a couple of gifts.

Even though it was almost bed time. we played in the pool with his new Alligator!

We will be celebrating Kyle's Birthday twice this year. He will be Baptized in St. Louis in two weeks and then we get to have another party with the rest of our family that we miss so much!

LUCKY BOY!

We love you Kyle!

TACO NIGHT

Cooking has been one of the hardest things for me here. I cannot find a lot of items we would normally eat. Today I found this at one of the stores I shop at. After the sticker shock, I put them in my cart and bought them. I knew Tim would strongly disagree with this decision. Good thing he rarely makes it home for dinner and never reads our blog! We loved our 15 dollar taco kit, but the 7 dollar can of refried beans will have to wait for another day. I realized I have no can opener. I need my stuff from the US before I go CRAZY!

Jake and friends at Luana's 15th Birthday Party

Jake with Marinna and Giovanna. It was quite the festa. Brazilians sure like to party considering it lasted until 3am.

Tyler at Leticia's birthday party!

Happy Birthday Tim

Today is Tim's Birthday! and Kim's too! They are twins.

Alison blew up lots of balloons and cleaned the house. I bought a cake and we waited for him to come home from work. As usual it was a little late, but we sang and had Birthday Cake!

Thanks for all your hard work for our family.

We Love You Tim!!

WELCOME TO THE JUNGLE

The kids spent the week of Carnival at a camp with our church. I think it is a way to keep the kids safe and out of trouble. Alison and Tyler were not sure they wanted to go, but with a little coaxing and a few tears they decided to give it a try.

They had lots of fun activities. Here is Alison trying to learn how to sew. Her and Fernanda were best of friend the entire time.

The boys got to go repelling. Here is Jake giving it a try!

This is a stray dog that would get in the girls tent at night and try to sleep with them. Yuck!

The most favorite was the Dance and BBQ on the last night. I guess they don't really care about the 14 and up rule here. Alison (11yrs) dancing with a boy! Yikes!:)

Tyler and his buddies!

What a great time they all had!

I was so bored while they were gone. I drove up there a couple of times to check and make sure things were okay. On my way up I ran over the biggest spider I have ever seen. I have been carefully going through and washing all the stuff they brought home. So far no creatures have been found!