Costa Rica - Sunny Side Up

the morning we woke up to sun - we opened up all the doors and windows and blasted this song...
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Luke loved "costawica!". He ran through every airport full speed - knocking into people as he went. We'd try to look surprised like "whose kid is that?"
Here we are getting off the plane in costawica - Luke is super excited.

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Costa Rican Crocs: (we are on a bridge looking down. Lucy was being really squirmy and kept trying to dive out of my arms. With that thought - looking at these pictures kind of freaks me out)

along comes mr. crocodile sly as can be

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We decided to try the beach for some sun. We were lucky and got some slices of sunshine. And even when it rained - it was nice and warm. This is Samara beach on the Nicoya peninsula. It was really beautiful and the waves were perfect.


gracie & jake

horseback riding - jake's neighbor let all the kids ride, lay on and do tricks with his very well-trained horse. Marvin (pronounced marveen) is a pretty entertaining horse guy.


monteverde was founded by quakers who made their living by farming dairy cattle. this is the famous monteverde cheese factory where they make a variety of cheeses and ice cream. Luke's loving the mango ice cream.


monteverde's bat jungle museum. Luke tests his bat hearing.


monteverde's world of insects


One of the best things was the "trainforest" - a ride through the rain forest on a little train. at the end we had a view of lake arenal and a volcano and then took a hike through the dense cloud forest . Then some hot chocolate and brownies and a train ride back. Don't you hear the whistle blowing?

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And I have to mention really quick how awesome Gracie was with Lucy. See how awesome?


Here is Solenne riding her neighbor's horse, learning spanish and math at school and eating guava she picked in her backyard. She seems to really be in her element.


oh and both of the girls could eat these crazy mamon chino fruits all day. they love them. Luke calls them 'monster fruit'.


One of my favorite things about this trip was just seeing my bro and his family living in costa rica. Speaking Spanish, hanging with the ticos, shopping at the market and making all the local cuisine. I admire their adventurous spirits. I also really loved our late night talks and movie nights. The thing is - their passion for life and fun make every day a party - rain or shine.