A Costa Rican Christmas

A Costa Rican Christmas for the Smiths was relaxing and sweet. It consisted of time with Nanc and her dear friend Susan. Good food and drinks made by Morgan. Skype time with friends and family in the US. Some generous gifts from Nanc for us and a few more for Myles. Lots and lots of Elmo! It also inspired me and Myles to start some art projects. He's been a huge fan of stickers for a while, so we've introduced scissors, glue and paint.



It was nice not to get caught in the rush of Christmas this year. We didn't buy any gifts... not even for Myles. (All were provided by Nanc and a few from Susan.) But I do look forward to next year when we can afford more things for him and see his face when he has new toys to indulge in. And I also look forward to spending time with my sisters and father. It's been 4 year since I've spent Christmas with them.


(Beautiful flowers from Susan)

A video of Myles opening his first gift.

Road Trip

Saturday we rented a car and set out for a road trip. Myles had his blanky, Elmo, Grandma and LaLa with him so he was happy and content. And a little sleepy too.


First we landed in Quepos. A small town on the Pacific Ocean. It was a cute little town, and Myles loved that there was so much water to play in. He's a little fish... that's for sure!


Sunday we visited Manuel Antonio National Park. We hiked and saw lots of cool animals and plants. The end of the trail (for us) ended at a little beach that was clear and beautiful. Lots of locals there taking advantage of the beautiful weather, ocean, and land.



Myles enjoyed time with Nana learning to swim. That little boy was kicking his little heart out. I can't believe how old he's getting!



We were welcomed to our hotel by some friendly neighbors.




Monday we headed to Dominical, a small beach town.
As you can see... he loves that water! Thankfully it was pleasantly warm.

Elmo's arrived!

And so has Nanc and Susan!

Hasta Luego Sally

Oh Sally! We're going to miss you. Especially Magoo who loves you dearly! We've enjoyed traveling with you, hanging with you, working out with you, eating yummy dinners with you, and learning Spanish with you. We hope your travels to the US and Australia are smooth and enjoyable. We look forward to reuniting in DC. Thanks for the cool present (skateboard,) and be safe.

Muchos besos y abrazos muy furte!
Ciao!

Learning Spanish

I knew learning Spanish wasn't going to be easy. Let's be real I took it 2 years in high school, 2 years in college, several classes since college, and even had a private tutor for a summer. Plus I was always around the language when I taught second grade and Head Start. Therefore, I felt like I had a leg-up when I started classes in September.

This has been a rollercoster ride that I was not expecting. One day I feel like I'm on top of the world, I can communicate, I understand, I'm moving along so well - and then I fall. I have days where I literally can't say anything but Hola. I stare at the person and my brain is frozen. It's so incredibly frustrating.

I know I've made progress, but not nearly as much as I had hoped to at this point. I will keep plugging away at it and I hope I'll get there, but some days I have serious doubts if this is going to happen.

Going to go study...

Fiesta de Navidad

Myles, Sally and I crossed the city yesterday to attend a Christmas party. Our International Mum's group planned a fabulous fiesta. It was an action-packed event.

Holiday Card Crafts


Yummy Cookies to Decorate


Playing with Ian's cool toys. Can you guess which one was the hot toy?

It's hard when the older kid plays with the toy you want. What to do?

Of course a Pinata!


And Secret Santa gift from Tots and Mums!

(Myles opened his this morning b/c we had to head out early. A TRUCK! He loves it!)

Thanks Hannah for hosting, and thanks to all the planning and group effort to make the party fun for our little people.


To view all the party pics, click here.