We took a little road trip this weekend to Rio Quente. The area (Southern-Central Brazil) is known for its natural, thermal springs, and there are many attractions centered around warm-water activities. Our destination was a water park - aptly named Hot Park - to let the kids scamper in the lazy waters while the Winter air temps are mild-to-cool.

The drive was longish, but amazingly-scenic...

The park is like an oasis in the middle of the Brazilian cerrado (High Plains)

...and, the girls had a great time wearing themselves out

Inside the park, there's also a bird preserve. Now, I have a thing with tropical birds, not a weird thing - I just think they're incredibly beautiful, and amazingly-intelligent. Every time I see one up close, I'm more convinced I want one as a pet.

My favorite - Mr. Toucan (If I had one, I'd name him Mr. T - original, right? ;)

Incredible Hyacinth Macaw.

Several of the parrots in the preserve were very friendly - LOOK at his coloring!

So, I was still in "bird-want mode" when I spied this ginormous painting at a local display. Ben said it belonged right next to the Velvet Elvis, but I think it was pretty amazing - especially given the scale. I picture it in a room with large, white walls (ahem, our casa), but without other tropical references. Balance it out.