Mucho Gusto Costa Rica!

The trip we've been waiting to take for 10 years creeped up on us quickly this summer, but we were ready!  Way back when we were planning a honeymoon we were looking into going to Costa Rica, but there weren't all-inclusive hotels, and the US tourism there wasn't booming yet, so we opted for an all-inclusive Jamaican resort, hoping one day we'd make it to Costa Rica.  Fast-forward 10 years later, and when we were planning our BIG 10-year anniversary trip this was the only place I thought about!  Luckily we've had numerous friends and coworkers who've traveled there and were able to give us some tips.

After months of planning ourselves (we're not vacation package people), we were so ready to hit the beaches.  Luckily Steve's parents offered to watch the girls for 8 days without hesitation.  We decided we'd stay in 3 places - Manuel Antonio (the Pacific beach), Monteverde (cloud forest), and Arenal (active volcano).

Although many people recommended to not rent a car, we knew that was the only way we'd be able to see all 3 places without spending hours on local buses or expensive taxis.  Needless to say, the car was returned in one piece, and the transmission still intact (somewhat).  Steve learned real quick how to maneuver the hills, curvy streets, and large trucks just like a local.

After a 2-hour drive we arrived in Manuel Antonio and our sweet hotel that was a 5-minute walk to the beach and next door to the park.  Guess all those TripAdvisor reviews paid off!

 Our pool friend

 Our little bungalow porch with a hammock next to the pool

 We spent no time checking out the beach

 On our way to lunch we spotted these monkeys walking the power lines and dropping fruits on the tourist vans below.  Pretty funny!

 Enjoying a mojito at the restaurant on the beach

 Our lunch view

The next day we spent at Manuel Antonio Park with our guide.  Right away he spotted this 2-toed sloth.  We knew we were in for a sweet day of spotting wildlife!

 So awesome!  I know they say sloths sleep 22 hours a day, but every time we spotted one they were on the move....slowly....but moving.

 Howler monkeys - these guys are so loud!

 Golden Orb female spider (the male is a tiny dot above it)

 Squirrel monkey in the park

Beach in the park

 Did someone really unpeel a banana right in front of these monkeys?  Yep, that was Steve!

 The capuchins surrounding us!

 Even the aggressive raccoon came out!  This raccoon stole a couple's lunch next to us at the beach.  They have no fear of humans.  It was hilarious watching the guy chase it while swinging a log at the raccoon.

 Crazy cool crabs everywhere!

 Pacific ocean from our hike

On our last night in Manuel Antonio we went out with the hotel staff and guests for dinner and drinks.  We went to a Mexican restaurant that had an oldies cover band.  We had a great time and were sad to say goodbye to the beach and the wonderful people!

 Steve and his buddy, Jonathan, who worked at the hotel going out in style!  Although it was a fun night, we had to get up early for our canopy tour zip line!

Our most anticipated trip was the canopy tour.  When Jonathan recommended this tour (the longest zip line in Central America and 3rd longest in the world), it was a no-brainer!  The tour was amazing (our favorite on the trip)!

Ready to do this!

 With our awesome guide, Jackson

 We all had to try upside-down - scary as hell!

 Good thing this line is held together by a zip-tie and duct tape.

 Steve coming in after the longest zip line (about 3/4 mile long) and being airborne for a minute and a half.  Yikes!

 Steve going upside-down too

Although there are lots of these tours in Costa Rica I'm glad we chose this one.  Freaking amazing!

Up next:  Killer drive to Monteverde (cloud forest)

Oh No They Didn't.......

Ever since we went to Chandler's dance recital in December Brooklynn wanted to dance but truly wanted a show to dance in front of an audience.  We thought win win, because they could be in the same class.  So after months of practice it was time for the big day - dance recital time.  The girls were so excited to wear their new costumes, perform outdoors at the new park, and have so many people watching them.

The girls waiting off-stage

Having a good time with the other 2 girls - Jordan and Nevaeh

Showtime!  We were front-row ready to see this.  I was hoping I wouldn't cry like I did for the last one.  Everything's going good.........

And then this.......

So later we found out they were confused on which number they were supposed to stand on.  They had done really well all session, but with the new stage they weren't sure, so Brooklynn gently pushed Chandler away telling her it was the wrong number.  Chandler disagreed, and after some shoving, there were tears.  It was ugly!  Thankfully the teacher stopped the music, regrouped the girls, and restarted.  But the same thing happened again!  So I went up to the stage to try to talk to them (but of course I had no idea at this time why they were fighting).  After a third try, and yes, another fight I walked Chandler off-stage so they could continue.  She just kept saying she wanted to dance, so we tried one more time......

She interjected right at the partner dance (and luckily they finished without any more fights)

Picture pose at the end (one of my favorite pics ever).  Chandler was still pretty upset with her sister!

Although there were many laughs from the audience, I have to admit it was a little embarrassing.  I really felt bad for the other girls in the group and their parents, but at this age, what can you expect?  Needless to say we learned they will NOT be in the same class again!  And at least I didn't have to worry about crying from pride, but maybe from embarrassment.  (Hopefully I can upload the video soon.)

After show poses!

1 Year!

It's hard to believe our little bug is already one - just seems like yesterday we were anxiously awaiting his her arrival.  Although in hindsight it seems so fast, at times it has felt like time has been moving at a snail's pace. Adaley is an angel of a baby, but with 3 little ones, it can be stressful!

Here's what our little girl is up to:

Grub - She's gotten SO picky!  Both of the other girls have always been great eaters, but Addy won't touch anything that's healthy (or so it seems).  She hates most fruits and all veggies.  Unfortunately at this age there's not much to do - no bribing yet.  She does loves mac & cheese, any meat, avocado, and could live off milk alone.  Frustrating for a mom trying to be healthy.....

She still only has 2 bottom teeth.  I'm always amazed at what she can eat with just those 2 little teefers!

Blabber - Addy's favorite word is "hi".  She loves to say hi to anyone and everyone.  The other day she was practically yelling "hi" to anyone we passed on our bike ride.  She also says "mama" and "dada" and has started repeating some words, mostly by following the syllables.

Moving around - We thought for sure Addy would be walking real young watching her older sisters.  Not the case!  Although she's been cruising forever, she just started having a desire to start trying to walk.  However, she does love to climb!

Dr. checkup
Height - 31.5" (100th percentile - off the charts)
Weight - 22.8 lb (84th percentile)

Still long but not so lean........Then came the 5 shots.  Poor girl!

*Pics to come...........

Graduation Day

This week we celebrated a big day for Brookly - she graduated pre-school and officially became a kindergartener.  Wow!  It's been amazing watching her develop from the timid, frightened 3 year-old into a confident, fun-loving girl that everyone wants to be around at school.  Her classmates and teachers just adore her.  It was hard for her to say goodbye, because most of her classmates will be going to different elementary schools, but we'll be back next year with Chandler, so she'll be able to see her teachers regularly. 

The night before her graduation Chandler came into our room in the middle of the night saying she was sick, and then came the barf!  Are you kidding me?  Who gets sick in late May?  Next thing we know, Brooklynn was down for the count as well.  She said she felt better though, and we toughed out the graduation ceremony.  I just sat there hoping she didn't puke on the boys in front of her (of course she had to be placed in the middle back row).  She made it through and did wonderful, which I can't say for the rest of us.  At least we made it through the graduation before we were all down for the count!

Singing a few songs

 Getting ready to walk the bridge to kindergarten

 She did it!

 Sister love!

 Proud parents

 Magra & Papa

 Magra Betsy

 Mrs. Baker (3 year-old teacher)

 Mrs. Blomgren (teacher)

Brooklynn has loved her time at TLC, and we're so thankful for everything they've done for her.  Now we start a new chapter with Brooklynn, while Chandler will start at TLC next fall.  We know she's ready for kindergarten and will do awesome!