All you need is a Car..... by Eric

Every morning outside our condo complex, the "blue tarp restaurant" is open for business to all passersby. I haven't had the chance to eat there yet. But, someday I will. The gentleman has a very elaborate set up. He has poles sticking out of the back of his "Datsunesque" car that he puts a blue tarp over. He's got a thermos of coffee and shot glass size cups that he gives to every paying customer. Hanging from the tarp he has a roll of paper towels that he also uses to run operations. The customers sit down on the white plastic chairs and enjoy good conversation and some good cakes and pastries. 

So whenever you're in the neighborhood, look me up and we can got get a cup of hot cocoa and some breakfast pastries from the good ol' "blue tarp restaurant". 

"It's the Network" just not in Brazil :) by Eric

Outside our building today, I saw an old VW van. Upon closer inspection, I saw a laminated sign on the front passenger door, which said, "Vivo - Authorized Service". For those unfamiliar with the Brazilian market, Vivo is one of the three biggest cell phone carriers here in Brazil. 

We were able to get two prepaid cell phones with SIM cards through Vivo. 

So far the service has been decent, especially since the alternative was radio silence. 

Nevertheless, the sheer "caliber" of the service technician as evidenced by the service vehicle below provides me a strong sense of comfort that our "cell network" will always be there for us. 

Playing Airplane

The girls moved the sofa and made themselves an airplane. They were the pilot, the flight attendants, and the entertainment. It was the best flight I have ever been on!!! They provided child care, had crafts for the kids, feed us a great food and even provided entertainment. 

The cutest thing was them using the Uno cards as the microphone.

It's always fun to see them play creatively and nicely together. 

Carli just loves to be in the mix too. 

Lunch Today

There is a little lunch shop right next to Carli's preschool. I have wanted to stop and try some things before, but have never been brave enough to stop and try and order something. Today we stopped and bought these two pastries. The one on the left had ham and cheese in it and the one on the right had cheese and sausage. They were both good and Carli especially enjoyed them. We might have to stop again. 

They were both about $1 each. 

She Does Hair

Gretta did her own hair before school this morning. Doesn't it look cute! I can't believe how big and grown up she is becoming. 

Miss Independent

Carli wanted to take her own shoes off when we got home from school today. It took a little work but she did it. She is really enjoying school. She likes the teachers, kids and all of the activities. 

She had a little potty accident and got her outfit dirty. They changed her close into school clothes and then at pick up reminded me I should put an extra change of clothes in her bag. I did wonder what was in all of the kids big back packs. She pulls her bag like is a rolling back pack like all of the other kids have. 

It looks like I might need to get her another set of clothes for school. 

We got a note home from Eliza's school yesterday about clothes too!

I think we underestimated their uniform needs!

Dear Parents,

Because of the frequent temperature fluctuations and also the needs of the school day we ask that even students who are in school part-time, do not forget to bring changes of clothes in the backpack (coat, pants, short-sleeved shirts and long shorts and / or dress, underwear and / or pants). Remember that exchanges must be in uniform or plain colors (white for the shirts and navy blue for coats, pants, shorts and dresses).

We have the collaboration of all!

Sincerely,

GREEN BOOK SCHOOL

I emailed Eric and asked him if he thinks this note was sent to all parents or just us! Last week Eliza came home with someones coat because she was cold at school. I know it's suppose to get hot, but it's been pretty cold and rainy lately. I think the high yesterday was 64 deg F. The crazy thing is it can go from 60 to 80 deg is 1 hour or from 80 deg to 60 deg in one hours. 

I am going to have to figure out how to order them fleece jackets and a pair of long pants for Eliza and another outfit and jacket for Carli. I actually know how to drive to the store, but after that is where it gets tricky. I can order them online and they will deliver them, but I haven't figured out how to except a delivery at home yet. Once again everything is a bit complicated.

Eric's Parking Garage at Work and Rain!

I guess I thought our parking garage was tight and so was the Church Parking lot where people park 3 deep, but for sure Eric's parking garage a work takes the cake! 

Today Eric drove to work because rain was in the forecast and he also took the only umbrella we brought with us to Brazil. 

About 11:30 when I needed to walk to go get Carli from school I looked out the window and it was POUR rain. I tried to figure out what my options were: 

1.Run as fast a a pregnant woman can the 2 1/2 blocks to Carli's school. Get sopping wet and then put her in the stroller and cover her with the rain cover and run home. (I am sure the teachers and other parents would have been mortified to see me sopping wet and even crazier to think I could push Carli's stroller home in the rain. Brazilians do not like to get wet!)

2.Take a Taxi to get her, but without an umbrella get wet walking to the taxi stand hoping there would be a taxi waiting. 

3.Call Eric and have her pick her up. 

I opted for #3. Eric said since it was raining no one would be going to lunch anyway, so he would drive and get her and then stop and then come home for lunch. What a great guy! This is why I am so glad we live close to his work. 

When he got down to the parking garage this is what he found. I guess it's not a good thing to be one of the first ones in the office. It took quite a bit of moving cars around to get his free, but he made it in time to pick up Carli. 

Eric brought home some treats for lunch. This pastry was wonderful. 

I think I made the right decision about not running in the rain to get Carli because this is how wet I got just taking Eliza from our building literally 100 feet to dance class tonight. 

Notice the soaking hair and wet shirt! 

When I picked the girls up at the front door from the bus we stayed underground in the parking garage to avoid getting wet. I felt bad for the bus driver because I didn't have an umbrella to get girls so she hoisted them over the river running in the street to make sure their shoes didn't get wet. She is super sweet!

I think we need to buy some umbrella's.