Lilah Colors!

Here is a mini video of Lilah coloring for the first time at Sunday school. Her little friend's name is Ana Julia. Lilah will be 11 months in one more week. Enjoy!

Slacker!

Yes, that's right...I am the Blogger slacker. But you already knew that. Sorry, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and friends. My apologies. Where should I start? Hmmm..... Finally, a tooth has come in for Lilah. The Brazilians say that a tooth has "been born." (nasceu) She had 4 fussy days before it finally broke the surface. Double-click the photo to see "toothers."
I really like this photo. It is so sweet to see James and Lilah start to play with one another. She loves watching him and following him around the house. And I love the mornings when Lilah wakes up first, I get her out of her crib and together we go to wake brother. I let her climb all over him and she squeals with happiness. James wakes with a smile on his face too.
This is the position that James usually carries Lilah around the house. I hated him picking her up at first but he is strong and she loves it.

Here Lilah is posing with neighbors Raissa, Marina and baby Vinicius. Lilah loves being over at their apartment. Usually, when I open our front door, she bolts to the neighbors door. I need to get it on video....I am sure she is the fastest crawler in the mundo!
I took this photo to show you how sweaty Lilah gets when sleeping. It is winter right now in Brazil but our winters are very mild.....usually sunny and warm during the day and then cold at night. So it is hard to know how to dress her because it is hot when she goes to bed but then cools off later in the night. It's kinda a pain to wake her up and put more clothes on her before I go to bed.
Here are my two "goobers" playing nicely on their little sofa.

There is no doubt in my mind that Lilah will be walking within a month. She is always cruising around the place, holding on to the coffee table or cabinets. She likes to pull herself up while hanging on to my pants while I am cooking or washing dishes. (James didn't start walking until he was 14 months old.)

A care package from Nana arrived........Yahoo! It's like Christmas around here when we get a little "love" from home. (books in English, small toys, Cheetos, and other goodies.) Thanks mom, it was a lot of fun! (especially, the dinosaur egg that hatched in water....the excitement lasted for days!)
Lilah was playing more with the box than it's contents.
For over a month now, I have been hanging out in the nursery during the morning service at church. Lilah cries like crazy when I try to leave. Normally, I would let her cry it out but the Brazilians can't handle the crying..............they get nervous and come and get me. So hopefully this phase will pass soon.Lilah and Sofia coloring. So cute to see her sitting in a big chair....it didn't last long.
James covered in ice cream. He loves ice cream as much as his parents do!
Another photo of Li-Li and V. If the Lord allows, his little family will return with us to the states in November for two months ( just to vacation) Vinicius' father works at Fiel with Rick and can still work on design while there........just like Rick.

The Fiel College Conference

Early last month, we had our 5th annual College Conference with over 300 young people in attendance. The theme this year was "Knowing God's Will." The speakers shared about God's will and how it relates in every aspect of our lives. ( i.e. career, relationships..etc.) I heard several say that they were really encouraged from the messages and thought this was the best year yet. Overall, we had a great group and the Lord used this time together for His Glory! James and Lilah having a snack picnic in the back of the auditorium during one of the messages. Unfortunately, it rained 2 out of the 4 days of the Conference. When the sun finally came out, everyone was ready to play. Here is a photo of the relay races getting ready to start. There was also horseback riding, hiking, paddle boat, fishing, swimming (although too chilly) and there was an organized treasure hunt that lasted several hours.The children getting ready to watch the relay races. Here is a photo of us at lunch after morning messages. Our nephew Adam ( green jacket) and his friend Mark (first on right) came down from the states to participate and travel a bit. They just went home last week. We enjoyed their company.Here are the children of our Fiel Ministry team members sitting down watching an impromptu puppet show in one of the cabins.
And little Lilah all bundled up at night. Look at that little red nose.....she was cold....we all were!

Hot Chocolate Anyone??

So I thought you would think it interesting that there is a gas station/restaurant on the way to the beach where you can stop and get a hot drink....literally! That's right folks, you milk the cow yourself. For only a dollar you can grab a cup and milk Reininha (Queenie) the cow. Not only that, but you can flavor the hot milk. The sign reads " Milk at the foot of the Cow". Then you can choose different flavors to add to your milk: honey, coffee, sugar, cinnamon, chocolate, and grenadine.
James thought it was interesting too. I am glad that they tie up the tail and back legs to make sure you don't whacked in the face.

I had a small taste of the milk and it was totally normal tasting. I didn't finish it however, because I was a little freaked out at the idea that it hadn't been pasteurized.(Yes, I know I'm crazy...how do you think our ancestors drank milk?!) But here is a little lady that patiently waited for the "gringa" to stop playing and taking pictures! She happily drank hers!

Sunday Lunch

One of my favorite families here in Brazil invited the kids and I over for lunch on Sunday after church. They were so sweet to think of us, especially since Ricky has been traveling the past two weeks. Valdir, the father, is the music director of our church and the principle of James' future school. Vanda, the mother, is such a sweetie. We are hoping that she will one day join the Fiel ministry team when the timing is right. Their daughter Carolina also lived with us in the states for a short time when James was a newborn. This family is near and dear to our hearts!

After lunch, Lilah had her first piano lesson with Tio Valdir.

And of course, James got in on the action.

Here is a cute photo of Miss Lilah hugging her Teddy bear as she slept.

I had just climbed down from the top shelf in the kitchen when I noticed Lilah already making a B-Line for the step ladder. This girl is FAST! I have to keep my eyes on her.



Our friend Jura set up shop in our building and cut 14 different haircuts, including mine and James. I get milk, pizza, and medicine delivered.........now haircutting services!