Costa Rica 2020

Costa Rica is a place I have wanted to visit for awhile. It was our first attempt at getting the girls out of the country (besides Mexico). We planned an 8 day trip over the girls "ski week."

We flew in to San Jose, Costa Rica. It's one of the two international airports in Costa Rica. Unfortunately, it's the further airport from the areas we were wanting to visit. However, do to costs and times, it was the better option. We arrived after midnight and took an uber to our hotel. The hotel had a Mediterranean feel. It was beautiful in every way. We slept a short night there and then drove to our first destination, Arenal Volcano. It was a few hour drive through the beautiful country. Once we arrived, it was very green, moist and cloudy (normal being at the top of a volcano). Our hotel had over 30 tropical springs. We played around in several of them. We had dinner at a local restaurant with views over the volcano. The next morning we went on a river raft ride. We saw tons of unique birds, sloths and monkeys. Later in the afternoon we drove to the coast.

Once we arrived in Guanacasta we saw some of our soccer friends. It was nice to see some familiar faces. We spent the week relaxing at the JW Marriott, zip lining and horse back riding. Horse backing ride was a highlight for the girls. We started in the trees and ended on the beach. We saw monkeys in the trees and even a random cow. Both girls did wonderful on the horses and want to do it again soon. Zip lining was quite the adventure. The girls were brave and we all had a great time. We visited a few local towns. In one we rented jet skis and went out to the ocean. Addy and I rode together with a modest speed. Addy had fun pushing the acceleration. Justin and Alexa had a more adventure approach. They had quite the speed. Although it ended with some blood and tears, they had a wonderful time. We are all wanting to do it again.

On the Marriott property there were a lot of wild, but fed horses. We took several trips out to see them. We brought them apples and enjoyed their company. One day they even got into the parking lot and we helped guide them back to the fields. The Marriott also offered a kids club. This was a first for us besides the cruises kids club. The girls enjoyed stopped in and doing a craft while we were having some quiet time.

Costa Rica is a fabulous country and we hope to go back in the future.

Easter 2019

Easter Week/ Holy Week started our as our return from Spring Break. On Tuesday we colored eggs. Addy enjoyed writing on eggs with the white crayon. Alexa enjoyed seeing how many different colors she could fit onto one egg. They both liked Justin adding lots of glitter to their final products.

Since Justin was traveling to Egypt, I decided to volunteer at church during the one outdoor service. This meant we were invited to church on Saturday night for a pre-Easter event. We enjoyed worship, praying over the chairs and a wonderful meal. The girls mostly ate bread and cheese. Afterwards all the kids ran around the field and had a fun evening.

Sunday morning we woke up early. The girls raced around the house to find more eggs then their baskets would hold. (Time to upgrade their infant baskets) They enjoyed sorting their eggs and even eating some chocolate before breakfast. The girls wore their dresses from the father/daughter dance to church. Once we arrived at church the girls were able to enjoy the bounce houses before anyone else arrived. They then went to their class and had a wonderful service, including games.

After church we went to the Ellinghaus' home for an egg hunt. The kids once again ran around and had a great time. I wasn't keeping close tabs on Addy's sugar intake. She ended up sick at dinner later in the day. Opps! It ended up being a learning experience for her on her personal limits.

Easter was a special day with a focus on Christ. We did make the most of the commercialized part as well. It never quite felt like a holiday having Justin away.