This year we were Costa Rica bound for Thanksgiving....
Can you think of a better way to spend a week?
Because I can't!
When my In-laws first presented us with the idea...I was SO excited.
Swimsuits in trade for Turkey...
Yes. Please.
The only downfall....
is the Travel to and from.....
I truly did not think we would make it.....
We arrived at the airport with plenty of time to spare....
We played on the people movers...
and bought snacks....
and abandoned our much loved toys.....to goof off....
Thank god for Gumpy and his assistance with everything pink.....
We were not happy campers when our boarding time came and went
and we were still waiting....
Some of us....
Were going a *little* stir crazy....
We finally were on our way...
My children were all about safety first...
When we arrived in San Jose...
Jack-man had to sign his pass port in front of customs....
(please note the bag of Cheerios...*love that little man*)
On our way to Manuel Antonio we stopped at the famous Gator Bridge...
Where we got a close up view of some amazing creatures....
*just* close enough if you ask me....
After 3 airports, 2 plane rides, and a 3 hour van adventure we arrived.
The house did not disappoint....
The traveling was worth ever gruelling minute.
It was incredible.
The top floor of the house was like a tree house. No windows, no walls...just us and nature.... open to the world...with views for days..
I-N-C-R-E-D-I-B-L-E.
My Mother in law did us all proud.
Every time I looked out at our view I thought to myself....I can't believe we are staying here.....
I had so much fun cooking in this Kitchen....
An indoor Grille, Gas Burners...anything I needed to create delicious meals was right inside.
Plus a Handy Sous Chef...
;)
Just down from the top floor was a beautiful pool nestled in by a waterfall and tropical plants.
Lots and Lots of time was spent in the pool...
Let's take a tour of the house shall we......
The Master Suite was picture perfect.
Open Shower and spa tub for two.
With a wrap around deck and a view to match the floor above.
Perfect.
Uncle Justin had the whole third floor....
Uncle Cam and Andra had the bottom floor that looked over the pool.
Clay and I stayed in the room under the pool house.
Complete with open shower
Every Morning I had a new creature with me, either hanging from the tree just feet away...or scurrying across my toes as I lathered up.
We had LOTS of creatures all around....
The Monkeys waited until our first morning to make their first appearance....
The sloth was not as shy and was hanging from the closest tree to the house upon our arrival.
I wish this picture was more clear.....he's hanging back and smiling....
(I believe his exact thoughts were... "What up my Homies! Welcome to Costa Rica!")
We toured the National Park of Manuel Antonio our first full day and became acquainted with all the creatures we would be co-habitating with during our stay...
I love this guy....I wish you guys could see how close I was to him to snap this shot....
One night during a major rain storm..
one of the Monkeys jumped into the house to get dry....
I wish I had video of everyone's face....
So awesome....
Jack lost a tooth!
And the Tooth Fairy gave him 1000 Colons....
He was rich!
(it works out to about $2....)
;)
Jack lost a tooth!
He was rich!
(it works out to about $2....)
;)
Monday we traveled to the suspension bridges.
And hiked on up.
Even Madeline joined us in our excursion.
At the end of the hike were crystal clear waterfalls
All the boys jumped right in.
I had to stick my feet in and snap a shot to prove I was there too.
Tuesday we went Horseback riding through the creeks of the rain forest.
Maddie rode with Momma
We rode all the way to a swimming hole complete with waterfalls.
The boys hiked up to the top.
Madeline couldn't quite make it the whole way....
Out like a light.
(my daughter can sleep anywhere...I'm pretty sure she inherited this quality from her Aunt Lindsey....)
Here is the gang...Just the kids and their parents....(giving some peace to the others)
After our ride we were brought back to the Owner of the Ranch's home where his wife made us lunch.
Complete with Refreshments...
Jack ate every bite.
Madeline made herself right at home with the Ranch Owner's daughters toys....
And Jack worked with his Son to harvest some peppers for us to enjoy with our lunch.
By Wednesday we were ready to kick it up a notch.
ZIPLINING!!!
WOOT! WOOT!
I'm pretty sure Jack could go without Christmas this year....
He had the time of his life....
As
Did
Everyone
Else....
(Hellooooo Handsome....)
;)
We Repelled
And Got a little
Crazy.
So. Much. Fun.
I did it too!
Unfortunately the only person with proof is Shan..... on her I phone...
But I swear I was there!!!
And I'd do it again in a heartbeat...
We had rainy afternoons in the pool...
And impressive sunsets for dinner.
Fun evenings out.....
And playtime
at the
Beach.
There was bonding....
Had by all...
I can't wait to go back....
If you haven't been.......
I can't express to you enough how much I loved this place. It was clean, and kid friendly and full of exercise and fun for the whole family.
Don't get me wrong....it's warm....and there are LOTS of little creatures....But if you can get past all that....(and you should) It's a trip of a lifetime.
You HAVE to go.
You won't regret it.
I promise.
This year I may have missed my Black Friday shopping and my Turkey Dinner with Pies galore....but what I didn't miss out on is what's most important. I spent my Thanksgiving week being truly Thankful.
I am Thankful for my Daughter and My Son. They keep me young and adventurous. I'm Thankful for time with family who I don't see as often as I'd like. I'm Thankful for my Mother and Father in Law for giving us a gift I will never forget, this trip was beyond my wildest imagination. I'm Thankful for time spent in a relaxed atmosphere where we could get to know each other on a whole new level..even after 15 years. And most of all I'm Thankful for my Husband. I love that on our 16th Thanksgiving we are still traveling and experiencing new things together. I love you so much and am so blessed you picked me to be by your side.
I am also Thankful this Holiday for the IPad
I think Apple deserves an award for best invention and most loved item used by parents around the world.
Thank you Jesus for the IPad....
You made my 16 hours of travel back home bearable....
without you...I may have lost my mind...
Good-bye Manuel Antonio......
I will miss you...
And I promise....
I will...
Always...
Remember you Fondly...
(until we meet again....)
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
