Carnaval

For those who are wondering "What exactly IS Carnaval?":  It is a world famous festival held before Lent every year and considered the biggest carnival in the world with two million people per day on the streets.  There is a parade filled with people and floats from various rival samba schools.  The performance competition between the schools is the climax of the whole carnaval festival.  Each school chooses a theme and work to build the best floats and costumes to represent it.

Over the years the event has become more and more elaborate, and world renowned.  Well known for it's scantily clad performers (often bare buttocks and some even bare chested), the event is not new to controversy.  Although technically originated as a "religious celebration" (though not celebrated as such anymore), the entire country of Brasil seems to shut down in preparation and anticipation.  

For our little band of crazies, this meant one VERY important thing:  DADDY IS HOME!!! :)  We decided as a family to celebrate the holiday in a less traditional, but still very cultural way - a Brazilian churrasco!  We were able to get together with some members of our local LDS ward and have a fun family day sharing good food, good conversation, and LOADS of fun!  Stateside, following a traditional LDS gathering, the men often play basketball.. but here?  Futeball (aka: Soccer) is the proud sport of choice!  It was a wonderful day, and we are already counting down the days until Carnaval next year! :)