Part of the Brazil Pictures.

We stopped at a mansion which is now a museum. It once was the working place for the Presidents.

On the rocks in the gardens.

In the gardens of the mansion.

The mansion was beautiful. The door knobs are awesome.

The real picture.

The had OTIS elevators. Chris had to pose next to it.

A portrait of Isabela's favorite president.

This are the pajamas that the President was wearing when he commited suicide. If you look close, you can see the bullet hole near the pocket.

Isabela's College.

This is a drink...it is tea. (pronounced: Mah-Chee) ? We had some straight from the barrel and with lemon on the beach.

The Flowers we bought for Grandma. Dinner there was AMAZING!!!

Chris with the painted cow! haha!

Food at the Hippie Fair - OMG, this place was a blast! It is like our version of a flea market or the Covered Bridge Festival.

Eating our corn on the cob at the hippie fair.

Getting a snack. I know -lovely picture right?

That's better. Chris is addicted to Guarana - a Brazilian soda.

With Isabela in the street!

Getting ready to go up the cable cars to see Sugar Loaf. You have to go up one and then you can walk around, and then you get on another cable car to go up higher to another. It is really, really great. We highly recommend it.

This little cutie came out to say Hello.

Sugan Loaf was such an experience. One that we almost didn't take because I had such a terrible headache after the heat of the day at the hippie fair, and the bus ride to Sugar Loaf. Once I got some tylenol it was okay, but I had to use threats to convince them that I was fine and wanted to go. Plus, Chris wanted to go really bad.

Isabela knows how to pick 'em, lol. This guy that took this photo must be a photographer because he was like, "no, no - you got shadows. If you must look at the sun, you look at the sun." It was entertaining.

Family Portrait at Sugar Loaf before leaving.

Emilia's arrival!

(Monday) I couldn't wait for Emilia's flight to arrive. I had to leave really early for the airport in South Bend because I just couldn't stand waiting around at home any longer. Here is the sign I made for Emilia. I thought it would be welcoming, but then I thought just in case I don't recognize her right away, or if she don't recognize me then I have the sign...but AS soon as she walked off the plane we spotted each other - I still shook it in the air as I rushed to her just because.

We pretty much came right home after she got off the plane. She was tired, and all shopped out from her stay in New York. We ordered Albano's Pizza and just ate at the house for dinner while watching "Back to the Future".

(Tuesday) We both got up and moving around 7ish. We ate some cereal, and chit-chatted while we got ready for the day. At 10am we went to the high school to get her registered. She was not in the system yet, but thankfully she was approved - so there was not much standing in the way of making this happen...except the twenty other new enrollments waiting. But, we waited patiently, and finally got in to see one of the Assistant Principals.

But then...it would be a while before the counselor could see us because they were so backed up. So, Ashlee gave Emilia a tour although we didn't have a schedule. We wanted to be sure the counselor knew Emilia wanted a theater class, and she was just putting a schedule together for her when we walked in! Perfect! So Emilia got to pick all of her classes, and she is excited to have a theater class - and NO math class.

After showing Emilia her locker and teaching her how to work the pad locks (apparently those kind are not popular in parts of Brazil and Sweden), we went to Ashlee's house to pick up her soccer gear, and headed to Carlson's for hot dogs and root beer.

We came back to the house for a few minutes before the game and then I dropped Ashlee and Emilia off at the field. Ashlee introduced her to the team. I came home to mow the yard - but forgot I had to turn on a gas switch, so it didn't work.

I went back to the game about game time and sat with Emilia. She got to meet her host-sister for the week Betsy, her host-mom for the week (We properly titled them co-host family though) Debby and co-host dad Jerry.

Here Emilia is at the Soccer game. This was JV, it was a little more crowded for Varsity.

There is Ashlee (facing us, on the other side of 25) playing full steam.

This is Rachel - I thought Bela might like to see her!

And now, Emilia's first day of school. I know she has to be super nervous, but she played it off really well. She does know where her homeroom class is at, so she can at least get the day started right. I know it is going to be a mad-house, and she was pretty surprised to the police officers outside the school this morning, but she has met lots of teachers and girls to call on for help. Ashlee's locker is thankfully only like six away from hers so she will have her there to point her in the right direction, but however she finds her next class, I know she'll be fine.

Haircut Destiny Fullfilled

So, we find it entertaining that Chris is getting a haircut in Brazil...but not just by any barber....Isabela is taking him to the barber who cuts her Dads hair, her brother's hair, her Grandpa's hair and now...he cuts her HostDad's Hair!

Pretty wild, right? Love it!

And - Chris seems to be having a great time in Brazil!

Why, Why???

Can someone please tell me why it always happens to US!??!

So This weekend we spent the night in Danville, so that Sunday we could take the girls to the Colts game. Well...after the Colts game Chris is putting his bags back in the trunk.

(We put them in the backseat so we could pull all of our tailgate food out.)

And he says, "Where's my lap top bag?" So of course we immediately believe it must be at my mom's house. So we call and call and finally she answers and says it is not there. I'm not too worried and I tell Chris "Oh, she's probably just looking too hard and over looking it."

(Of course, we are freaking out while we try to convince ourselves of this! It was not calm or rational by any means.)

I get her house Sunday evening - it's really not there. I rush home early Monday morning, hoping that he accidentally put it into his car while rushing around to get everything packed....hmm...NOPE.

So, There is nothing I can do. I decide to go detail clean my car out...yeah...that is when I discover the big black hole on the side of door....some PUNK done went and pried the entire lock mechanism out of my drivers door.

(Which I'm told will not trigger the theft alarm????)

We must be too trusting of society, and have much too little faith in ourselves because we never once thought that somebody would break into our car! Not to mention, the thought NEVER crossed our minds because nothing else was missing.

I had the ENTIRE books of season tickets in the glove box, we have the 6 disk changer, the GPS was in the console (all the cords were out, and there is a ring on the window - all signs point to GPS HERE) Thankfully (I guess,) everything else was left alone, but GRRRRR! It is just so frustrating -

Not to mention Chris had his Passport with his Visa for Brazil in the bag that got stolen. So he has been in Cali for work, not able to do his work because he's been running around San Fransisco trying to get a new Passport and Visa in a week. (Which I think he has successfully accomplished.)

Can I just say GRRRRR and stomp my feet one more time, please?

Dentist Appointment

Had my cleaning/exam today...NO CAVITIES....HOORAY!

Meet Emilia

This is Emilia. She is an exchange student from Sweden coming to live with us for ten months. She is 18 years old, and enjoys acting, golf and movies. She arrives on the 23rd.

We are excited to have her come and stay with us!

Funny Exchange Student Fact:

Isabela had the same birthday as my sister casi - And - Emilia has the same birthday as Chris's mom Cathy.

Colts Game with Rachel & Ashley!

So MAYBE the Colts DID lose - It's only pre-season BAY-BAY! And we still had a blast at the game. Sat in our seats for the season - and then spent part of the game three rows from the field - Boo Yeah!

Chris at our private (and highly exclusive) tailgate party. :) We had Angus burgers, Macaroni Salad, Potato Salad and Chips.


Girls ready for some play!

Manning warming up.

Manning receiving the MVP trophy.

Holla Reggie! REGGIE - REGGIE!

Vinnie after good kick!

Ashley getting a boost from Uncle Chris to cheer.


Annd.... down ya go!

That's right - We ready to Scream!

The Blues are always a joy to watch...Watch Out Air Blue!

Bummer dude.

Oh, good. Air Blue is good and they still be friends.

Oh Isabela!!!! Do you see a certain handsome young man on that bench???

To name the obvious - Collie, Manning and Painter.

Gonzalez - and Gary Brackett The Man! OoooWwwwww.

Vinnie, Reggie and Coach Moore - Glad to see him still there...well...

What's football without some eye candy??? Huh, I didn't forget the boys.

Coach, Coach, Coach.

Manning talking biz-nez I'm sure.

Game Over -

Girls can't get any closer than that.

Yup. We Happy.

JB Ready

I think I can say that the kids had fun at the concert! Chris and I really enjoyed Sean Kingston more than the Beebs, but the kids really loved the whole show. Wish I could have bought them better seats, but them be the breaks kids.

Rachel and Ashley eating all of our Salt Water Taffy that mom brought home for us from Tennessee.

Uncle Chris explaining all the stage equipment to Ashley.

Neither of them really knew what was about to happen.

I <3 This Guy.

OMG, It is really him.

Austin bracing himself for the flash, haha.

Devon is happy to see us back at the car.

West Reunion

We actually failed to take pictures during the reunion itself - but - We did take pictures afterwards at the memorial. Here is Uncle Stan, Grandpa West, Greg and Dad - all served proudly - Thanks guys!

Tuition, Colts, Brazil and more...

Tuition has been paid, and all but one class of books bought. I am taking ALL online classes this semester...this was no easy decision for me, but I think it will be a good thing. School Starts the week of the 23rd - it is getting closer.

We actually have a very busy weekend ahead of us. Today I am working all day - Chris is going to Chicago to pick up our TOURIST VISA's. Whoot! Tomorrow - we head to Illinois to pick up the girls at Jason's house and head to Indianapolis for JUSTIN BIEBER - where we will meet up with Austin - With the exception of Rachel going to a bunch of Nsync concerts as a baby - I think this might be the first concert for all of them! =) Sunday we are going back to Illinois to pick up the girls for the first pre-season Indianapolis Colts game. After the game - Chris is leaving for Cali.

Ordered a new swimsuit for Brazil - I love when VS has their $3.99 clearance, and I have a $10 off coupon. I also ordered some new Yoga pants. (Not that I do Yoga - but they comfortable.)

Chris is getting the lawnmower fixed and he even waxed it. I'm loving having him on Furlough this week - he has been a machine when it comes to getting the garage organized.

YES! We have another exchange student.

Just got word that Emilia has been approved by the school for admittance! We were told it will take a few days to get the paperwork completed in the office - and then they will send us contact information. Super excited one again - we ca not wait to find out when she will be arriving. :)

First Meeting

Just had our first meeting with the new representative for the exchange student. (Our previous rep. has sadly passed away) Things went smoothly and now we are just awaiting confirmaition from the school that they will accept the student we have chosen.

Two Week Notice

Finally caved and put in my two weeks notice at the bank. Interviews for positions with the school district, and an offer to work for Xbox has rolled around as well - not sure I'm "gamer enough" to take a job with them though. Things are definitely in the works if I decided to go that route. Guess I'll find out soon enough - going to see how things pan out at the school.

From South America..

to Europe...

We are pretty sure our next exchange student will be coming from Sweden. The representative just has to verify our hold is still active, and that someone didn't snatch her if the hold did expire....

Does it sound silly to place "holds" on people? LOL! I'll post more information that we have received about her once all is confirmed.

Brazil is Booked!

Ran into a snag with booking Chris's portion of Brazil trip. I'm already flying there by myself, and we really wanted to fly back together...buuuuuuuut....the flight we wanted coming home only had room for one of us. And since there is only one flight out a day on the cheap airline we just moved our trip forward one day. We are soooo looking forward to spending time with Bela and enjoying Brazil.

Reunion Videos

As Promised - I managed to get a few of them loaded today....check them out - some are posted below, one is posted to facebook - but you can find them all in one spot on the YouTube Channel. More to come this weekend, but for now - Enjoy what you got.

Reunion linclogs

Reunion-Chris Waterballoons

Reunion-"Jeep Ride"

Chemistry!

Got an 'A'! Giving myself a super pat-on-the-back for that one. Don't know how I managed to squeeze by with that one.

Family Reunion

Apparently my dates were a little off - The trip to PA for Chris was LAST Tuesday - not today...and I managed to squeeze outta work on Friday to be able to attend. I flew in to Laguardia, and since Brent and Amanda were so close - they graciously agreed to pick me up Thursday night and take me back to PA with them for the reunion.

In true Lara Fashion I left my camera on the passenger seat in my car - but did manage to pack the video camera - so videos will be posted on YouTube tonight or tomorrow.

Chris and I had a real great time at the reunion. I am soooo glad that I was able to make it out there.

First, I got to fly - I love flying and traveling. Just something about it. Second, I got to spend the night in Harlem. Third, We got to love on Makenna all weekend. Fourth, we got to hang out with the family. Fifth, We got to meet relatives for the first time and catch up with others. It has been way too long for Chris. Sixth, We got great food. Seventh, We got see the waterfall. Eighth, I got to paddle around the pond with Momma West. Ninth....okay you get the point...WE HAD FUN! Videos will tell it all.

Back to the daily grind ::::Chris has already hoped on a plane for work and should be back tonight. =)

GAGA

I was hoping to get pictures of the Lady Gaga concert here real quick, but since they are on Casi's camera and it takes her longer to load things then it does me - I'll just post some other people's stuff from the concert.


Thursday I drove to Gary to take my test in the morning instead of waiting till my afternoon class, and Chris came home early from work so we could get on the road. We drove to Indianapolis and met Mom, Casi, Shane, Austin and Devon at Roadhouse for dinner. Chris drove Casi and I to the concert and everyone else went to swim at the waterpark hotel.

The concert was absolutely amazing and I'm so glad I got to share it with my sister Casi! (Thanks for the tickets Dad!) We were in the 11th row of section 13 - it was freaking awesome!

Whoaaa...

Today was our slow-down-and-do-nothing-day and it felt GRRRREAT!

We woke up late (7:45) - Chris started the day's meal in the crock-pot (roast) - I finished all of the disks of our 2007 vacation to Florida and started putting together the West Reunion from last year - We went to watch The Last Airbender (awesome!) - came home, ate on the patio - Watched Eagle Eye (a Redbox purchase) - I worked on the video some more, Chris played with the alarm system - and now he is looking stuff up for the alarm, while I am going to study for my Praxis test on Saturday.

We have had a few busy weekends however - for the 4th Mom flew into Chicago and Brent, Amanda, Makenna, Chris and I all went to pick her up. We stopped by Navy Pier and all took a speed boat ride followed by the Ferris Wheel. Dad showed up later. I had to work Saturday morning - we bought fireworks - Cathy and I went to see Eclipse.

Monday after they all left - Chris and I took Makenna to Indiana Beach where we met up with my parents, Casi and her family and Rachel and Ashley. We kinda-sorta lost track of time and everyone got home much later than planned...but...it was fun.

Last weekend we went Danville for the Danville Dans Game with Rachel, Ashley, Dustin and Kristina. Dinner was great at Jocko's with Mom, Dad and Grandma. Sunday we had lunch there and then came home for the Michigan City Fireworks that night.

This weekend The Steffen Family stopped by and stayed Friday night. Chris worked with Mitch in Fort Wayne. Saturday I worked (of course) and then Chris and I joined them at the beach in Chesterton. After that, we all met in New Buffalo for dinner at The Stray Dog and enjoyed walking the tourist stores there.

NOW - it is time for me to STUDY!

Summer Class & Brazil

So...This summer class is kicking my boootaaaaay! Up till midnight, 1 am every night doing equations, balancing a hundred formulas really stinks - but surprisingly - I'm enjoying it at the same time. I bet I would have really like Chemistry if I would have taken it as a regular semester instead of a hybrid - then I could have really enjoyed it and learned it.

My instructor is awesome because he really wants us to understand it, so he lets us make notes for the quiz and he gives us a study guide to use during the quiz. It kinda goes with how I feel about this type of thing - the more you make me write it - the better I'm gonna learn it.

As for Brazil, if you're wondering - Since we are selling the JetSki - Chris and I have decided to use part of the money to get me to Brazil so we can take advantage of his free airfare there for work. He is going to extend his week long trip by a few days. I will fly there at the end of the week and we will stay with Bela and her family for a few day - wish it could be a longer trip, but what can you do?

Summer (45 photos), by Lara West

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