Happy Mothers' Day

Happy Mothers' Day to everyone.  We had a speaking assignment in the Jardim Florenca Ward in Ponta Grossa.  Dallin bore his testimony afterwhich Bonnie and I each spoke.  It was a beautiful day filled with great people and the Spirit.  After meetings we were treated to a banquet at Bishop Camargo's home.  It was great to see their son again who has returned after serving two years in the Campinas Mission in Sao Paulo.  The Sister missionaries were also invited and were able to talk to their families after lunch on Skype.

Bispo e Irma Camargo and Sister Presidente Cordon

Sister Hammon, Irma Camargo, Sister Cordon, and Sister Lima

Baptisms of Rafaela and Giovanna Botega

Today the twin daughters of our dear friends, Araldo and Edna Botega were baptized in the Campo Magro Branch.  President Cordon had the privilege of performing the baptisms for them.  We are so excited for them and the decision that they made.  Dallin spoke at the baptism which was attended by many of the members of the Campo Magro Branch and Pres. and Sister Hepworth of the Curitiba Temple Presidency.  President Hepworth will confirm the twins on Sunday.

Sisters Cavalcante(manaus) and Sposito (BH), Rafaela and Giovanna Botega, Sister Cordon, Araldo and Edna Botega.

Dallin with the Twins!

Our dear friends, the Botega Family.

Date Night for Mothers' Day

We finally escaped and were able to have a quiet dinner together at the "2nd Largest Restaurant in the World".  Dallin had a birthday party at the same location so we dropped him off and went upstairs to eat.  The Madalossa is enormous and sits several thousand people at a time.  You don't choose your food, it just comes out family style.  It was great to have a little time with the greatest treasure in my life.

Mowing Parque Barigui

A beautiful morning for a jog in the park.  The workers spend endless hours keeping the park looking fantastic.  It is impressive to see how much time and effort they put into the city treasure.

Temple visit with the Botega Family

We met the Botega Family at the Curitiba Temple tonight for a quick visit.  It was absolutely stunning and although just a tad bit cold, it was a lovely evening.

Happy 16th Birthday Dallin!!!

Dallin turned 16 so we invited several family friends over to celebrate and help us ordain him a priest in the Aaronic Priesthood.  It was a fantastic evening with great friends.  I am not sure if Dallin wants to return to the US.  He is loved by everyone down here.

Bonnie Conquers Pico Marumbi

Not OSHA approved!  

Several friends invited us to climb the second highest peak in Southern Brazil, Pico Marumbi.  Dallin and I found ourselves grounded with the flu but Bonnie was ready for the challenge.  She got up early and caught a ride with the Samways family.  The hike was a lot more than she had bargained for.  After a 90 minute car ride they started their hike just outside of the city of Morretes which sits basically at sea level.  The hike begins quite traquilo following a dirt road for several miles. The road begins to climb up to the Marumbi train station which is the trailhead to the summit.  Marumbi is a massive granite mountain with several summits.  This party headed to the Olimpo Summit at 1,549 meters which is approximately 5,082 feet.  Normally that would be quite a climb in and of itself.  This proved to be much more.  Departing from the train station Bonnie found that the hike was filled with climbing up sheer granite cliffs using steel rebar inserted into the rock as stairs and ladders.  In some places ropes or chains were permanently strung to pull yourself up.  It took 2 hours and 45 minutes to reach the train station and 3 1/2 hours to more to reach the summit.  She did it!!  Elderson and Robertson Samways helped a lot.  After an arduos descent they arrived safely back in Curitiba this evening.  Nice job Bonnie!  We are glad you are back safe.

At the Trailhead: Jefferson, Cristofer, Jhonaton, Silvana and Dhafne Rasera, Adriane, Leonardo and Elderson Samways, Bonnie, and Robertson Samways.

The road up to the Marumbi Train Station, passing through the Atlantic rainforest.

Marumbi Train Station

One of several mountain creeks Bonnie passed.

Samways family and Jonathon Rasera resting at a cool little river.

Pico Marumbi Conquered!!

On the Summit with Robertson and Elderson Samways.  Silvana and Dhafne Rasera can be seen on the right.

Another Summit of Marumbi, not quite as high.