Peace and Love

Isabella turned 11 in a peace and love inspired garden party.... Happy Birthday Isabella!

Amanda: 4

Amanda is a dear friend of Georgia's from her old pre-school.  I realized yesterday when I was decorating her cake that this is the 3rd year her Mommy trusts me to sweeten the occasion.  I am seeing Amanda grow before my eyes.

This year the theme:  Beauty and the Beast.  My children enjoyed every second of the party and Amanda grows lovelier by the year.

Happy Birthday Amandinha!

Hello Kitty for Clara!

Parabéns Clara!

Consumerism

I really try to avoid buying incessantly for my children.  I remember when I was a child, we received gifts on our birthday and Christmas and not too often in between.  At the time I might not have agreed, but today I think it was an excellent conscious decision on my parent's part.

Can I tell you what an exercise in restraint it is?  Sometimes I just can't resist.  Case in point:  Georgia's Dri Knapp princess headband.  I am certain in this photo she was contemplating how she could take a bath with it on her head.  Because it hasn't left its perch.

Although she has let me try it on....

Lola is 1!

Happy Birthday Lola!

Lola: Strike!

Lola turned ten and celebrated at a bowling alley.  Strike!  Happy tenth Lola!

Anaïs is 3

Anaïs turned three twirling and dancing around balls of tulle, ballerinas, and fairies.  What better way to grow up?
Happy Birthday!

Before and After

Anna turned 8 yesterday.  And she wanted a cake with figures of her friends on top holding hands in a circle.  Sweet.  Her Mommy kindly sent me some incredible photos of the cake, shortly after the birthday song.   I loved to see the frosted remains!

Happy Birthday Anna!

Long Weekend

Tuesday was a holiday here in Brazil.  And most people added Monday to the weekend.  And there you have it five days to fill with activities.  Here is what we did to enjoy:

1.  Wedding.  Pablo and Alice got married on Saturday.  Georgia handled the flower girl responsibilities with skill and grace.  I, on the other had, helped with the decoration and had twenty minutes to get home, change my leggings for stockings, grab the children and run back for the ceremony.  Of course, I forgot my camera...missing Georgia's moment and picture opportunities of one of the most romantic couples in town!  Congratulations Pablo and Alice.  Can't wait to see the photos!

2.  Theatre.  My husband and I took the kids to Sala Sao Paulo to see Carnaval do Seu Noe.  

3.  Visit to the Aquarium (new meaning after our pet goldfish Stonsie arrived).

And I tried to keep the kids warm and dry and in their socks.  Temperatures dropped and we were stuck indoors Monday and Tuesday.   Wednesday arrived and we all felt like it was Monday.  And, gee, the weekend is almost here again.

Any ideas on what to do?