Christmas with a Cousin

I'm so glad I was able to spend some time over the holiday with my "West Texas Giese" cousin, Isabela! We laughed and played, and opened presents together - just being the Sillies that we are!

Here we are with Daddy, in front of Aunt Becky's wonderful, candy-themed Christmas tree!

At some moments, we were all grins for the camera...

Other times, we put on our best pout!

Isabela received crayons and color books, and Uncle Monroe convinced her to share with me.

Opening a pots and pan set - perfect for our gourmet kitchens!

I can't wait for Christmas with my cousin next year!

Christmas Card Outtakes

Sometimes, I'm just not feelin' it...

Decking the Halls - at Mims and Pops!

There's always lots of Christmas festiveness going on at Mims and Pops' house! They waited to buy their big Christmas tree, just so I could help decorate!

For the most part, I chose to adorn the lower branches...

..But sometimes, Mims needed my help picking a perfect spot up high

I brought my handmade, dough ornament all the way from Brazil!

And, some of the others look good enough to eat!

When I'd had my share of ornament-hanging, I took to my other favorite creative outlet: glitter pens!!

The house is almost ready for one Jolly 'ol Saint Nick!

Summertime in November

This weekend, we drove to Pirenopolis - a small, historic town, for some fun in the sun.

We stayed at a really great place that had a wonderful swimming pool..

...monkeys to feed (can you see him?)

...and cozy, canopied beds.

They even had a sweet kitten for me to pet!

Oh yeah, we ate some yummy ice cream, and frozen açaí, too!

By the way, have I told you I'm going to be a Big Sister? That's my baby sister in Mommy's belly (I don't think Mommy was ready for this picture!) I can't wait for the baby to arrive in April!

Saturday, we went on an off-road excursion to this Cachoeira - it was beautiful!

I had a great time, and am ready to go back!

Beach Encounters of the First Kind

Can you believe I'm almost 2 1/2 years old, but had never been to the beach? That is, until last weekend! I think it was worth the wait, for my first beach visit was to one of the beautiful praias in Rio de Janeiro!

We went to a small beach near Tio Alex' house. We had to climb down a lot of big rocks to get down to the water.

I admit, I was a little nervous at first.

...But, Daddy and Mommy held on tight!

We couldn't swim at this beach, the waves were too big, but we had a great time watching the surfers!

...And, wrapped up with a wonderful sunset over the water.

Beauty Salon Baby

Today I went for my first Beauty Salon Haircut! I've had many haircuts at home, but never the "celebrity treatment" of a salon!

Mommy gave me some Smarties candy, so I would be very, very still while the lady worked some magic with the scissors
Blow dry time was much easier!

Piece of cake - and I think I look simply maaah-velous!

Not again!

Trying to pretend there's not a camera in my face...

Got Candy?

I had a spooky-fun week, full of Halloween festivities! It all wrapped up with Trick or Treating with my friends at the Embassy! I dressed up as a red M&M, although I could've passed for a cheerleader, too!With my best friends, Michael and Anna. Michael dressed as Nemo, and Anna was Minnie Mouse!
Checking out all my loot!
...But, I really didn't eat that much candy - one tootsie pop kept me busy the whole time!

Posing with Mommy & Daddy
This pretty much sums it up...

Swimming kind of Sunday

Although October is Springtime down here in Brazil, it's also the rainy season, so it's not too often we get a full-sun afternoon perfect for popsicles and a dip in the pool. Today was beautiful and warm - we jumped at the chance to have some fun-in-the-sun!