Costa Rica - Panama

We have spent the last 9 days in sunshine-bliss. We spent our first week in Costa Rica and it was as lovely as remembered. From the Caribbean food to miles of black beaches and beautiful people as diverse in culture and nationality than anywhere that I have been before. The first four days was spent without Lance- as he had to work. It was a bummer and I missed him like crazy- but it was nice getting to know the boys again. Not that they don't live with us or in the same town as us- but with school and life I feel like I don't know them like I should. Dylan, Colton and Ethan (Dylan's boyfriend) have been amazing with Simret. She calls them all her "brothers". She adores them! There has been so many fun adventures that we have had on this holiday that I could write pages. I also don't have the cord to my camera so cannot post pictures that I took, but do have few that Lance took.

We are now in Panama - probably the most spectacular, relaxing place that I have ever been. We have to take a boat to get to our house- it is perched over the ocean that looks more like a lake. The water is crystal clear- so clear that you can see the bottom. There are a diversity of fish jumping all day long, dolphins, sting rays, a few manta-rays (crazy scary) all around our house. We just jump off the deck of our house to swim and snorkel- there is a large corral reef within swimming distance from our house. We have also been fishing off of the deck and I have caught at least 2 fish a day- we cooked a few black snappers up that I caught yesterday for lunch. We also have our own canoe that is carved out of a huge tree. Could life be better? Probably not...

Costa Rica

"the boys" Ethan, Dylan, & Colton

Simret playing on the black beach in Cahuita, Costa Rica.

Stretching on the beach - the only thing close to exercise that I have done since I have been here (seriously- I know it is hard to believe- but I have not worked out in almost 11 days now and I don't plan on starting anytime soon).

a picture for Letha & Shane- just in case you forgot?

our main transportation in Costa Rica

Simret getting ready for dinner & a play date with "the sisters" - some girls she met last time we were here. They were so excited to see each other. I love how they speak different languages but have no issues playing. Apparently, play is its own secret language.

Panama

crossing the boarder- I have some great pictures on my camera of this and will post them later. We had to carry all of our luggage across the boarder- over this bridge. Simret decided that it was a good time for Mommy to carry her as well- a complete cluster!

waiting in line to cross into Panama- Simret doing my hair.

Line to get into Panama- this was after the line to get out of Costa Rica. We waited over an hour to get out of Costa Rica then walked across the bridge to wait in another 45 minute line. It was crazy hot- but who's complaining- I LOVE hot weather even if it involves standing in line for hours.

Colton

Relaxing on the deck of our house in Panama.

fishing off the deck- local style- with a bottle, some fishing line, a hook, and some bait.

the boys watching my mad-skills when it comes to the art of fishing.

local guy fishing...

fishing at night- yup I know it is wrong in the States- but we aren't in the States and the fishing is good and legal anytime here. I have also found it nice to have wine while fishing. Two of my favorite activities- life is good here!!

Dylan & Ethan enjoying our canoe carved from a log.

our dog that apparently thinks he lives with us now- Simret has named him "Wednesday".

lizards in our blender taking a dip in our rum-punch.

I think we have finally worn her out- besides it always being the other way around!

"scumming with Daddy" apparently the new word for swimming.

hotel on the water.

dinner "pumpkin pie soup" as Simret calls it.

boat ride to red-frog beach.

just a few accessories?

Hanging out in the chair swing on the porch.

Mama swimming...

dylan & ethan after they jumped off of our deck.

the good life..

what a sweet... sweet moment!