After 10 days in Costa Rica... we are IN LOVE!

After saying 'goodbye' to many wonderful friends and family, and three 3-hour flights, we arrived to Liberia, Costa Rica, on Friday, February 4. We were all immediately DRIPPING with sweat as we waited for our MANY bags and our rental car and were relieved that our rental car had air conditioning. The kids didn't waste any time... they found the airport snack bar and ordered four coconuts with a hole drilled in the top with straws, with everyone in love with coconut milk... except Britton.

The owner of the home we are renting was very kind and met us at the airport and showed us the way to his home. We were immediately THRILLED with the home... better than we EVER expected! Pictures can simply not depict the incredible view from our back yard. A beautiful pool and view of the ocean can be seen from the master bedroom, living room, kitchen and 2 more bedrooms, in addition to one more bedroom.

We didn't waste any time to get acquainted with the area. Our landlord took us around and showed us the beautiful beach, the fish market, a fruit stand, and several grocery stores. The area we are in, Playa Hermosa, is a hot spot for many tourists from Costa Rica, Canada, and occasionally Americans. For that reason, we were very surprised that groceries are very expensive, especially if we want American food. For example, a box of cereal costs $6-10! But, we are learning what to eat and where to go for less-expensive options.

The second day we went to Tamarindo, which is a famous surfing destination and a little more commercialized than our area, and about an hour away. We heard that it was possible to hire surfing instructors
, so we hired 'Pedro' to teach all four of our kids to surf. They did SO great... we couldn't believe that ALL FOUR of them had success!

We then went and checked out the school for the kids. The kids, although nervous, decided it would be a good fit for them. The private school, called 'Lakeside' is a 25-minute drive away. Gracie is in a combined class of Kindergarten and 1st grade, Britton 4th and 5th, Brock is in 7th with 10 GIRLS and he is the only boy, and Austin is in 9th grade. This is the first week of school, as the students just finished their 'summer' break. The kids are required to wear a red shirt and blue pants or shorts. They were happy to have air conditioning, and delicious lunches. They have to take their own money to school every day for lunch.

When school began the next day, Gracie cried the entire morning because she felt very lonely. Only one girl in her class speaks English, along with the teacher. However, after lunch she was fine. Britton was upset because he said the studies were WAY too easy. The principal reassured us that his class would get more difficult, because they are in review now. Austin and Brock were absolutely THRILLED with their classes and are asking if we can live in Costa Rica for more than just the six months. You certainly wouldn't have to twist my arm!

After school, the kids jump in the swimming pool and swim and swim and swim until dinner. It is dark at 6 pm every night, which is kind-of nice because it forces us to wrap things up for the night and get settled for bed.

Jason and I have enjoyed the days here after the kids go to school. We have air conditioning, but it is very expensive to run and we try to limit it. Generally the weather is very pleasant outside with the breeze, but the inside heats up. So, we go about our day and jump in the pool whenever we start to overheat. For me, I jump in about four times a day and swim laps each time. Jason takes his laptop and works in the shade next to the pool.