Recife Temple and Beach days! (aka Heaven)

One of my dreams that I finally realized was going to the temple for the first time with Pace. We drove up with friends, but we had a moment on our own just to talk after we had both just come out of the temple. I was hit with how grown up he is getting and it was wonderful to be in such a holy place with Pace.

Jake's Brazillian unit was celebrating their 70th anniversary so we went to their celebration. I love watching it because there is a fun parade of singing soldiers and they are really great marchers as well.

And we finally got our beach vibe back on and went to the beach several times. We love it, but it is really funny how many of the kids grumble that they don't want to go, then we get there and then happily play once we get there. Also when it's time to go, no one wants to go. Anyway, we had a blast and burried Jane a few times. Swam to our hearts content, and even convinced Kai to come out and swim (usually he is too content playing in the sand). One of the trips we went with friends to a fun restaurant on the beach. This is someething that brazillians do right. You alternate between playing and eating and end up enjoying the entire day on the beach. Honestly it's a perfect way to spend the day. And this restaurant had amazing fish...probably the best I've had here in Brazil. So Yum! Also on one beach trip Kai found a "sea pen" and was really into practicing writing his name. Now he is a professional.

Louis Jane and Kai have really gotten into painting. They have created beautiful, messy, creations. We even explored with marble painting and Grant even joined us for that one. All I can say is I am really thankful for easy to wash paint.

Then one day while we were playing at the park we saw a neighborhood marmoset. It's been a while since we saw one, so it provided lots of fun.

While life can feel hard sometimes, I love writing up these posts because it reminds me that we're making fun memories. I'm glad we live in a place where beach days are the norm. And I feel super blessed to have gone to the temple with Pace. Also I just the creativity of my kids. It makes all the growing pains (complaining, fighting, chores being forgotten, temper tantrums, etc.) worth it. Parenting is so funny with it's roller coaster of emotions...and definately the best way to keep me learning, growing, and improving.