~ Adventures in Costa Rica ~

Moved!!

2008-09-13T10:53:00.001-07:00

OK, so I made the move. Please go to www.carpentersadventures.com
If you are linking to blogger, please change the link.

Thanks,

Christy

Pirate Party!!

2008-09-12T10:22:00.001-07:00

Hailey's school had a super fun party yesterday

The teachers put tattoos on the kids.

Rob attack!!

There was a treasure hunt too

I finally grabbed all the pictures that Andrea took in the past year and a half so here are a few of my favorites.

Hailey telling Brady a secret ~ Hailey and Brady made wedding arrangements before he left Costa Rica ~ good news for our family because they are getting married in Arizona!

Libby and Hailey at a pool party

Hailey and Kade taking a school event seriously

Changes!!

2008-09-08T18:59:00.000-07:00

I finally read the privacy laws, in depth, and they suck! So once again, I'm working on moving our site. I'm also considering making our site a friends only site so if I know you (and like you :o)!) then no worries. Anyways, we didn't do much this weekend because I'm a bit obsessive-compulsive so when I started on a scrapbook for my kids on Friday night, I just couldn't put it down. On Saturday night, we went to a friends birthday party and it was HUGE! They are loved but that's not surprising because they are great people! Kevin drove to the party so that gave me the opportunity to drink :o)! So, I drank A LOT which explains the lack of pictures. A couple that just ended their tour in Africa, brought a bottle of this to the party. YUM!

What a FUN week!!!

2008-08-31T20:50:00.000-07:00

My sister and her kids are back in Arizona which makes me very sad :o(! Kevin and I have decided that we will probably head back to Arizona in Jan. 2010. I miss my in-laws, grandparents, parents, and sister soooo much. For those of you that are thinking about visiting us in Costa Rica, you better hurry up!

Megan and Hailey at Bahia Pez Vela in Ocotal

Lauren helping Zach

Lauren feeding the giraffe at Africa Mia

Zach saying hello

parking lot at Rincon de la Vieja

warming up after taking icicle showers to wash the mud off

on the way to San Jose

feeding the pigeons

La Paz Waterfall Gardens

I should have the photo album up by tonight

YEAH!

2008-08-25T15:47:00.000-07:00

We are having FUN!!!!!

Yes, the baby is covered in mud too.

Africa Mia

Megan and I petting the giraffe ~ that was so freakin' awesome! Well, we have a few more nights at the beach and then we will head back to our house.

Friends!

2008-08-21T06:37:00.001-07:00

Hailey and Raquel at school

Yummy breakfast with the girls...picture by Lauren

My face is red because I forgot sunblock for our 2 hour tennis lesson. Oops, I won't do that again. Today is going to be a VERY long day because my sister and her kids are coming tomorrow!!!!! I can't wait!! Well, off to the store for diapers, wipes, milk boxes, water, and snacks.

Trip to Cachí Dam!

2008-08-16T18:51:00.001-07:00

Kevin and I took the kids to see Cachí Dam which supplies San Jose with hydroelectic power.

After looking at the dam, we took the kids over to Casa El Soñador - Dreamer's House.
This is the home of Hermes Quesada. Following in his fathers footsteps, he carves figures out of coffee plant roots.

In front of Hermes house

being goofy ~ I LOVE my kids!!!!

carving the date on bottom

One of the figures we picked.

Last stop, Balneario Los Patios

Lunch

Only for emergencies - don't use it for play
Seriously?!

10th Anniversary and Mother's Day!

2008-08-15T07:32:00.000-07:00

YEAH! We plan on spending a night together without the kids but with this weekend being Mother's Day weekend, we will have our night alone in September.

I love you babe!!!!

Mother's Day Show! Jen took video so I'll have to get that from her later.

Hailey's mini solo

Our gifts

My coupon book

Lunch with Friends!

2008-08-09T13:41:00.000-07:00

Kevin and Lauren went shopping so Hailey and I met up with Raquel and her mom for lunch at the mall.

Shirley and I were going to let the kids play in the play area but they put the toys away because Huggies and Nestlé were doing promos.

If there is a kid related event in this country, there is always a clown facepainting.

Heading to the restaurant for lunch.

Thermal Pools in Orosi!

2008-08-08T18:22:00.000-07:00

Hailey and Talha in downtown Cartago

We were waiting for Heather to find us because I followed another person that thought they knew where they were going but they didn't. After driving for 30mins and backtracking, the police pulled me over. Since my license plate ends in the number '9' I am not supposed to be anywhere near San Jose on Friday. Oops, I forgot about that law. As I pulled over, the person I was following ditched me. Hopefully they didn't do it on purpose :0)!! Anyways, 1 1/2 later and 6 cellphone calls to Heather, I finally found this church.

YEAH ~ the other people gave up and went home :o(!

Hailey and Talha swimming

Lauren and Xavien

wrong bathroom

All the kiddos ready to go home.

Hailey's 1st Presentation at School!

2008-08-07T19:23:00.001-07:00

She had to tell the class all about amphibians.

She made her poster all by herself.

She did such a great job. I'm so proud of her!!

her award

She gave each classmate a plastic red-eyed tree frog.

We went back to the library yesterday and Lauren picked out the book, "Bedtime for Frances." This was a book my mom read to me when I was a kid but I don't remember this part. I guess it was so common back then that it didn't phase me.

. . .And if you do not go to sleep now, do you know what will happen to you?"
"I will be out of a job?" said Frances.
"No," said Father.
"I will get a spanking?" said Frances.
"Right!" said Father.

Hailey just laughs and laughs when I read this. She thinks the father is joking so we will leave her with that thought.

Hike to the Cross!

2008-08-02T17:54:00.000-07:00

Kevin and I took the girls on a hike up to the cross which is very close to our condo.

Me and our kiddos

Hailey is a great hiker.

Amazing view

The kids loved the hike so we will go back another day to see the other two crosses which are further up the hill.

He also loved the hike

Karen and Joshua's house!

2008-07-28T17:14:00.000-07:00

Since the kids were out of school for the holiday, (if the actual holiday falls on a Thursday or Friday, the holiday is celebrated on the following Monday - I'm constantly confused by the things they do in this country) anyways, we spent the morning and afternoon hanging out at the community pool and playground. Her community pool is more like a resort. There is a golf course, to the right, 2 different playgrounds surrounding the big pool and the baby pool, and there are two different restaurants to choose from.

Hailey and Joshua throwing toys for Lauren so she could dive for them.

Very pregnant Karen with only 3 weeks left!

Lauren catching Joshua

Lauren was a great help but after today, she is rethinking the, "I want a little brother" idea. After swimming, we headed back to Karen's house where Lauren ran around the house (with Joshua's clothes in her hand) chasing Joshua's naked butt . Ten minutes later Lauren won the clothes struggle! Happy that she finally got him dressed, she went to the bathroom. Joshua stood by the door trying to open it while screaming, "Lauren, Lauren, Lauren." When Lauren came out of the bathroom, she was greeted by Joshua but he was naked again. So round two began :0)! Since Lauren didn't mind and Karen is VERY pregnant, she was more than happy to let Lauren dress him. Besides, it was funny to watch while Karen and I made lunch.

Hailey!

2008-07-25T00:01:00.000-07:00

Today, the country celebrated the annexation of the "Partido de Nicoya".

Flashback to the 80's!

2008-07-23T19:31:00.000-07:00

Mary found a little English library near our house. It is wonderful and I'm so excited to have a library option again!

Los Trapiche!

2008-07-20T15:18:00.001-07:00

Today we checked out the old sugar mill that dates back to 1865.

Kevin and Hailey at the entrance into the processing area

Lauren inside

boiling

Hailey watching

Lunch with Hailey at the kid table.

The kids were thrilled to paddle the rowboat.

Later they went swimming in the pool next to the mill.

relaxing

Lauren is 9!!!!

2008-07-12T16:08:00.001-07:00

Birthday Parties!

2008-07-06T21:33:00.000-07:00

Morgan's party was at Waterland

Inside the little cave

There were bunnies...

horses...

and quads too!

Later, we went to Colin's house for his 5th Birthday Party.

My Microbiology Final Is OVER!!!!

2008-07-04T22:11:00.000-07:00

Finally!!!! Now back to some fun!!!

Two years ago,.....

2008-07-01T07:54:00.001-07:00

we moved to Costa Rica!

Leaving Phoenix, Arizona

The kids were so excited

The Neighborhood Cow!

2008-06-30T14:04:00.001-07:00

Drinking from a pothole

Vacation!

2008-06-24T18:57:00.001-07:00

Kids playing Wii

Hailey has the next 3 weeks off and Lauren is out of school until I do some research on other schools. We pulled her out of Blue Valley because it just wasn't what I had hoped for and Lauren was miserable. She is finding it hard fitting in as a foreigner and the fact that Costa Rican girls are very feminine and Lauren is not, doesn't help! Next Friday I will be at the University, kissing my Micro class good-bye. Hopefully I will pass because I'm worried. Losing all interest 8 weeks ago hasn't helped but no sense in giving up now. Back to studying!

Day Trip!

2008-06-21T15:27:00.000-07:00

We drove over to the Puriscal area for the day.

Lauren cooling off

Kevin carrying Hailey across

Our kids!!

James had fun but he is still afraid of the water. He tried to kill himself at Playa Hermosa last year so he is very cautious now.

It's back!

2008-06-19T20:06:00.003-07:00

The cradle blanket that I sold to Jill before we left Costa Rica in 2003.

YEAH!!!!

My yellow Lauren in 1999

Why does this blanket mean so much?! Honestly, I'm not really sure but having it back makes me very happy. Maybe it is that little piece of Kevin's parents that I feel like I have around the house. Maybe it is because Kevin's parents picked the cradle and bedding out at a time that I was to selfish and bitchy to really appreciate it. Maybe it is because they let us live with them when we were at our lowest point in life. Maybe because they were the only ones that stood there with open arms while Kevin and I fought so hard to keep our marriage and family together. Maybe because they never judged us for all the financial mistakes we made. Maybe because they were the ones that refused to give up on us. Maybe because they just wouldn't let us fall apart.
I am now forever grateful!

Lauren 3 hours later :o(!

Camping Trip!

2008-06-14T17:07:00.001-07:00

The group on their hike

It rained so hard that water came through the tent and everyone went to sleep wet. I'm happy I skipped this trip!

Lauren and her friend Jesse

On top of the mountain

Climbing down

Taking a break - they hiked for 2 hours

Father's Day Celebration at Hailey's School!

2008-06-14T09:20:00.000-07:00

The audio on our camera broke but you can see a video of the kids singing on Rob and Jen's website. click here ~View the video where Kade is holding his hat~

I was laughing my ass off at number 7 so I asked Hailey what she was talking about and she said, "He comes in at night to snug me!" When you look at the video on Rob and Jen's site, look at number 2 on Kade's list.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MEGAN!!!!

2008-06-08T12:38:00.001-07:00

We miss and love you soooooo much!!! XOXOX

Lauren, Megan, Hailey ~ Costa Rica 2007

June 2004

February 2005

December 2005

Dinner with Friends!

2008-06-07T10:06:00.000-07:00

Lauren, Hailey, and Joshua (He will be a big brother in about 10 weeks!)

Happy Birthday Kevin/Dad!!!!

2008-06-02T18:57:00.001-07:00

The girls decorated the house and gave him gifts. We went out for dinner and a movie yesterday.

Self entertainment while waiting in the pick up line at Lauren's school.

Wow!

2008-06-01T18:12:00.001-07:00

I wonder if they have life insurance policies?! Can't they wait until the rain stops?

The Importance of Being Bilingual

2008-05-28T20:07:00.001-07:00

So I checked my email and my two Costa Rican neighbors sent this link to me. Both speak perfect English and Spanish. I'm trying to decide on whether they thought I would just think it was funny or if they were trying to give me a hint that my Preschool level Spanish just isn't cutting it anymore. I'm leaning more towards the latter.

¡Necesito más tiempo por favor!

Rain!

2008-05-28T19:10:00.001-07:00

I love the rain but it's been raining for 3 days straight!

"Bragging moment" ~ Lauren wrote an essay in SPANISH!!! I'm so proud and jealous all at the same time.

Felipe's Birthday Party!

2008-05-24T09:21:00.001-07:00

Valeria, Hailey, and Felipe

Hailey and Kade

Felipe showing Hailey the proper way to eat pizza

Lauren and Javier (Felipe's brother) saving the cake from little fingers.

This morning, Hailey found a dead baby frog (on the piece of paper) in our house so she gave it a proper burial.

Bonfire at Preschool!!

2008-05-19T18:06:00.000-07:00

I just have to say it one more time, "you gotta love Costa Rica!!!"

Bulletin board

Hailey and Lauren at the entrance

Felipe (blue sweater), Libby, and Hailey

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!!

2008-05-11T09:27:00.001-07:00

In 1975, with my brother and sister

Kevin's parents 2005

Mom & Mom, we miss and love both of you!!!!! Happy Mother's Day!!!

Weekend!

2008-05-04T18:50:00.000-07:00

Friday night, Kevin and Lauren went on a school camp out on a farm in Alajuela. Unfortunately, Lauren lost her camera at school so she couldn't take pictures of the monkey grabbing her water bottle or the tarantula that greeted her as she opened the tent in the morning :o(! Hopefully there will be a next time and then Hailey and I will tag along too.

Today, Kevin took us up to Salitral to hang out.

Having fun!

Our dog is 2! He is still neurotic so he wouldn't sit still while the girls sang to him. I'm hoping that this means no more chewed up shoes and toothbrushes. I know, wishful thinking.

The day our driver dropped him off. Wow, can't say I miss those ready bed days.

Birthday Party!

2008-04-26T17:15:00.001-07:00

Having fun

Awesome party favors

Poor piñata

Parque de Diversiones!!

2008-04-26T08:20:00.000-07:00

Mary and I were going to take all the kids to the park yesterday but Lauren wanted to go to school and stay for her teacher's going away party and then Dylan was denied at the ticket gate because of his broken arm. So it was just Hailey and I. It was nice having a day alone with Hailey.

First stop, the roller coaster!

Then to the horses

I was shocked when Hailey said she wanted to go on this ride.

She loved it so we went again, and again, and again.

This ride lasted forever because it was towards the end of the day and there wasn't anyone waiting so the guys didn't stop the ride. Luckily another girl threw up before I did. I'm trying to decide if I'm more thankful that I didn't throw up or that the girl that did throw up was behind us :o)!

We loaded up on sugar.....

Hailey went on one last ride and then we grabbed a cab by 7pm and headed home. Our car won't be ready until Tuesday.

Lauren didn't want to go to the park with us because her class threw a going away party for Ms. Williams. Ms. William's 3 month internship has come to an end and she is heading back to Texas.

Today!

2008-04-24T21:13:00.000-07:00

Everyone was buckled and ready to go this morning but our car wouldn't start. Lauren and I ran across the street so she could ride to school with her teacher (a bonus of living in CR) and our next door neighbor took Hailey to school. Hailey asked if we could take the bus home.

By the bus stop which is a 1 minute walk from Hailey's school. Some people call Escazú the "Beverly Hills" of Costa Rica. Hmm, I guess they've never been to California :o)!

My kids just love riding in the bus.

Lauren is down two more baby teeth!!

Hailey's New Boyfriend!

2008-04-24T08:00:00.000-07:00

When Brady left, I thought Hailey would have a really hard time but she is doing great and loves hanging out with Felipe now. For the past two weeks, before and after school, Felipe would run up to me and say, "Can Hailey come to my house?!" So yesterday I took the kids to Burger King and then they played at our house. Felipe is a super cute kid!

PJ Morning!

2008-04-20T19:26:00.000-07:00

Hanging out in their pj's at 10:30am

Yesterday we went to Mary's house and while the kids were outside playing, Dylan broke his arm. OUCH!

Published!!

2008-04-20T11:52:00.001-07:00

Lauren's essay was published in the school's newsletter.

She wrote about her trip to Puerto Viejo.

Field Trip to Don Pedro!

2008-04-12T09:25:00.000-07:00

Hailey's school took her class over to Don Pedro, in Cartago, where Hailey said, "there was this big machine that polished the beans, then another machine went like this (she took both arms and smacked them together) , and then a guy named Franco lifted us up so we could see."

Hailey and Libby on the bus with their bags of beans.

Showing off the beans painted on their arms.

Time to renew!

2008-04-08T06:58:00.000-07:00

5 years ago, Kevin and I were getting passports for our newborn! Now Hailey is a little girl and her passports expire next month.

ProMotor Sport!

2008-04-07T07:59:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, Lisa invited us to come watch her husband race. We had so much fun!!

Cheering him on while he passed us.

Lunch time

Daria and Hailey covering there ears.

I can't wait to go again!

After the race.

It started raining so we headed back to the car.

Lisa ran over to this truck driver and asked him if he could give us a 1 mile ride through the parking lot, back to our car. We offered him money but he refused to take it. Those white spots are rain drops; it was pouring at this point! Since we are from Arizona (where it rains 5'x a year, if we are lucky), we love the rain!

Family Day at School!

2008-04-05T21:04:00.000-07:00

Hailey and Lauren entered the benefit race which helps build playgrounds for public schools.

Alia and Daria entered the race too.

Getting ready!

Lauren almost at the finish line

There was so much to do (rock climbing, potato sack races, bouncy houses, etc.). We had such a great time but just when we thought everything went smoothly, we were reminded that we live in Costa Rica!!!! As we walked back to our car parked in an empty lot, full of HUGE piles of cow poop, we saw that the owner of this Corolla was kind enough to park behind our car, making it impossible to get out.

Yep, no way to squeeze out of this space so after 40mins of waiting, the parking attendants decide to lift the car up (by hand) and move it. I wish I stuck around to get that picture but I took the kids back to school to play Bingo.

Monday!

2008-03-31T12:26:00.000-07:00

First stop, Cima Hospital for a hearing test.

Passed!

Then we headed to the jewelry store for earrings.

No tears.

Then I dropped Hailey off at school and met up with the girls for Katie's good-bye breakfast.

Barbie House!

2008-03-30T21:16:00.000-07:00

This weekend we stayed home and worked on the Barbie house that has been sitting around, unfinished, for 6 months.

On Saturday, Hailey and I sanded while Kevin and Lauren went to the store to buy some primer paint.

adding primer

On Sunday, the girls painted every room.

This is what it looks like now. We still need to finish up the light switches (yes, they really work!) and we need to find someone to build some furniture.

The kitchen......

living room.....

the babies room......

the boys room that is still under construction....we are almost finished with the back wall for this room.

Birthday Party for Brady and Sophia!

2008-03-20T17:41:00.000-07:00

Hailey and Brady chatting

Lauren and Hailey

Andrea, Jen, and Katie taking pictures of Libby, Kade, Hailey, and Brady ~ Jen, please email one of the pictures to me because I missed my chance to snap the four of them!

Eating cake and candy

Freedom is over!

2008-03-18T08:42:00.000-07:00

I started my Microbiology class yesterday.

Well, off to the park to jog off that yummy Chinese food I ate with Karen yesterday. Next month I get to find out whether her new baby will be a boy or a girl!

Dinner at Marlo and Susy's House!

2008-03-16T23:19:00.000-07:00

Susy shared traditional Columbian food with us....

and we shared our traditional egg coloring with them.
~ Hailey, Juanita, Lauren ~

Since I've colored eggs every year since I can remember, it was fun showing them something they have never seen before. My Spanish classes are paying off!! I can finally hold a conversation in Spanish. Marlo and Susy don't speak any English and we were there for 3 hours without any awkward moments of silence. YEAH! Kevin is pretty close to fluent because he uses Spanish everyday at work.

Friends!

2008-03-07T16:54:00.000-08:00

After school, I picked up Lauren and her friend Alia so they could hang out together.

Hailey didn't find all the girl talk and giggling fun so she joined the water fight outside.

Happiness!

Hailey was really happy once Daria came over (Alia's little sister). They found a better use for her closet. Once we move Hailey over to Blue Valley, they should be in the same class.

Hailey and Brady!

2008-02-25T17:01:00.000-08:00

Lately, Hailey has come home with pictures from Brady (notice all the hearts). He tells her everyday that he loves her and that he is going to marry her. If I pick up Hailey before he has had a chance to hug and kiss her, he will say, “WAIT!! I need to give Hailey a hug and a kiss.” I find this so adorable but sadly, Brady leaves Costa Rica for good on April 2^nd. I’m dreading that day :o(!

Hailey and Brady, August 2006

Birthday Party / Charity Tea Party!

2008-02-09T16:27:00.000-08:00

In the afternoon, we went to a party for Sophie.

The guys were joking with Amy because she bought the "non-violent gringo" piñata....

....so the kids were thrilled when the strings failed and Sophie's dad had to grab the broom handle!

After the party, we headed to the Blue Valley/Country Day School Tea Party which raised money and awareness for Lifeworks.

some of the Blue Valley kids

Clothes!

2008-02-08T09:40:00.001-08:00

When flipping through my photo albums, I would ask my mom, "why would you let me out of the house wearing that!?"......

(pink and white dress, plaid pants, red dress shoes, and white socks)

but this morning, I told Hailey to get dressed while I took a shower. Five minutes later, she opened the curtain and said, "I'm ready!" She was so happy and proud that I couldn't say anything but, "You look beautiful!" Mom, I understand!

(red shirt, pink pants, with purple shoes)

First Day of School for Hailey!

2008-02-07T10:00:00.001-08:00

This is Hailey with her teacher (left) and the classroom aide. Hailey couldn't wait for school to start again! For the past two weeks she would run into my bedroom and ask, "How many more days until school starts?" Then she would stand over my head, stick her hands in my face, and say, "This many?"

I started Spanish school today and I just can't seem to get the vowels, "e" and "i" to come out the right way. The Spanish "e" is pronounced "a" and "i" is pronounced "e". Ugh, maybe next week!

School!

2008-02-05T06:36:00.000-08:00

It's official, Lauren is a 3rd grader at Blue Valley!

Lauren on her first day of Preschool at The Country Day School in 2001. Where does the time go?!

Joshua's Birthday Party!

2008-02-03T21:01:00.000-08:00

Joshua is 2 (he has a baby brother or sister on the way). YEAH!!! So the party started at 1pm and since this was an all Costa Rican party, I showed up at 2:15pm and I was still early. When going to a Costa Rican party, NEVER show up on time!

Joshua hanging out with Lauren. He just loves her. The minute we walked in the door, he ran up to her, grabbed her hand, and pulled her way.

My Princess/Fairy playing soccer

Lauren was the Goalie while playing soccer with the big kids.

Trip to La Fortuna!

2008-01-27T09:12:00.000-08:00

We stayed at Baldi hotsprings until 10pm

at Baldi

Boat ride on Lake Arenal

Trip to Puerto Viejo!

2008-01-20T16:48:00.001-08:00

We went to the sloth rescue....photo album here

More trip pictures here

On the way home, we checked out Cacao Trails

My Mom is HERE!!!

2008-01-13T14:45:00.000-08:00

YEAH! I love it when my mom visits.

We are off to the beach until Friday so.....hasta luego. I really need to start practicing my Spanish because I signed up at Ileri and I start in February!

The police amaze me with their friendliness. We took my mom to Valle Azul for dinner and while we were taking pictures outside, the police officer asked the kids if they wanted a picture with him.

Kade's Birthday Party!

2008-01-12T13:07:00.000-08:00

Kade's mom threw a Batman themed party and on the way home Lauren said, "Mom that was the best party I've been to!"

Jen gave all the kids Batman capes.

Lauren and Providence

Waiting for Rob to hang the piñata

Lauren wasn't holding back

Rob made this sandbox for his kids. How cute is that?!

Hailey and James hanging out this morning

Off to Sámara!

2008-01-06T12:28:00.000-08:00

Mary and I are taking all the kids to the beach first thing in the morning. I feel so lucky to have Mary as a friend! We get along so great and we have so much in common.

Aideen's House!

2008-01-05T19:12:00.000-08:00

On the way to Aideen's house, we use the on ramp made by the people of Costa Rica. For example, if the people of Costa Rica decide that they don't like the cement medians in the middle of the road, they remove them in the middle of the night. Just like this on ramp, they didn't want to drive 4 miles to circle around so they just broke the metal guard rail.

Broken Guard rail

The kids had fun playing around with Aideen's new Mac.

My favorite

Later they made pizza

Playdate at Andreas House!

2008-01-04T13:57:00.000-08:00

She lives in a nice development with a bunch of US Embassy families.

Hailey with Brady's new sister - she is 3 months now

Riding her bike with her friends

Hailey and Brady

Done!

Hanging with Friends!

2008-01-03T18:44:00.000-08:00

We've spent the last few days just hanging around the house. Now that the holidays are over, we are catching up with friends.