BIG DAY

Yesterday we returned from our visa required 3-day (exit) trip to Costa Rica. We had a great time. The weather was terrific. And thank goodness, we had a pool at the hotel. Our daily schedule went something like this: wake up, eat, swim, do some school work, swim, eat a snack, swim, eat lunch, swim, do some more school work, swim, a little quiet reading, supper, you guessed it - swim, then watch the "National Geographic" channel - and then - crash. And do it all over again 10 hours later. We don't have a TV at our place in Panama, so it was a real treat to have Direct TV when the kids got tired of swimming. They also loved playing "Marco-Polo" which they renamed, "Marco-Pollo", meaning - Marco-Chicken, in Espanol.

My "super kids". If you think they look bigger, you're right! Syd is 5'1". Josh is 5'. Both have out grown many of the clothes we brought from Canada!

Pool side fun

Crossing the border back into Panama only took 30 minutes! Last year it took 6 hours, but the computers were down, so each passport had to be called in! This time we approached the process with low expectations and were pleasantly surprised. After we got through so quickly, I told the kids, maybe they should pray that Pricemart would have a trampoline in stock. Things were going our way that day!

Here's the backstory. The kids decided that they wanted a trampoline as their Christmas gift. We went before Christmas, but of course, there was no trampoline in stock. We told them it could take months and that they could change their mind about what gift they would like. Syd and Josh talked it over and decided to wait. They really wanted a trampoline. As is the theme here, I expected a trampoline in February, maybe even March. (It is all about managing expectations here). Guess what (as if you haven't read anything before this sentence)? We got a trampoline! The kids were so excited. So early this morning, Syd called all her friends to come and "raise the trampoline". Kind of like a barn raising.

There is such as thing as too much help!

Getting there. Please note - most of the interest in the set up process is now declining rapidly.

At this point, the kids are having more fun playing with the box. Above, Zion, Alayna and Ellie.

Merry Christmas Syd and Josh!. And yes, we removed the little one from beneath the trampoline!

This is my friend, Jenni and her daughter, Alayna. I often refer to her and I love this shot of her and her daughter. Syd and Alayna are fast friends.

This week is a big week. Tomorrow - Josh is getting baptised in a local river. Monday - the kids start a month long spanish course at a local school. It runs from 8AM until noon - Monday through Thursday. Should be fun trying to fit in home school, dance and basketball! Amazing how normal it feels to be here.

So, until I blog again.

Linda