Waterfall Canyoning in Costa Rica

Our last adventure day in Costa Rica was spent getting wet, wet and more wet. It was the first day it rained on us in the morning during our activity plans, but we weren't discouraged. We expected a lot more rain on this trip than we experienced. So as we were getting our inservice on how to "rapel" down a waterfall it was raining and we were all thinking please don't let the rope be too slippery. You can't see the fear behind my smile in this photo, but believe me I was shaking on this first drop. It was 180 ft. which is probably somewhere between 10-12 stories (it felt like 20). I looked over the edge once and I just about chickened out. About 1/4 the way I looked down to see how much farther - Oooooooo, BIG MISTAKE!

Greg is smiling too, but he said he was a little freaked out by the height of the drop.

Yes, those are the little people down there.

Our second rapel was EASY in comparison to the first. I got pretty wet in this waterfall.

But I felt like a stud at the end of it!

Greg enjoyed this one as well. . .

Can't beat that grin!

We were once again feeling young again!

By the third waterfall and forth and fifth, we were ready to do it for the rest of the day. I wish I could do that first drop at least one more time. This adventure was a serious adrenaline rush. It was the icing on the cake of the trip. The greatest fear factor, but also pure fun in the great outdoors. I think I know why people love rock climbing so much. If I wasn't a mom I might think about making it a new pastime.

Arenal Volcano and La Fortuna. . . One of our days in Costa Rica

In the Middle of Costa Rica, or somewhere thereabouts, is the town of La Fortuna and the active volcano Arenal. We never went to see the lava flowing, which you can apparently see at night time, but we enjoyed the views of it during the day on the Zip Lines. These were such a blast! I highly recommend it for those who need a little adrenaline rush. Your heart pounds pretty hard before each "zip," but it was awesome!

This was the tram up to the top of the mountain. We met some nice people from Chicago.

This is the Volcano Arenal. It was gorgeous the day we went up to view it!

The Lake below (can't remember the name), I just wanted to go waterskiing on it.

This was the first real zip after the first two practices. You can't get a real idea of how long it is, but "Yikes", there was no easing into this. You can see the platform below and then you can't see the other end because its way over where you see the tree in the foreground of the bottom right side of the volcano. You are so flying across a deep valley. I was so nervous to do this first zip!

Here we are getting ready to go. Still gritting our teeth.

Greg did an awesome job on these zips. This one had an incredible view of the lake.

Here I am on my way in for a landing. Can you see me grinning ear to ear. By now I was a pro!

Later that day we went on an ATV tour

Looking over part of La Fortuna. To get to this point we rode through a ranch with lots of cows. Greg scared the heck out of one cow in our path. I thought it might come back to charge him, or me who was right behind him.

My Prince riding his red stallion

We saw this old bridge down a long road. It was like something out of a movie.
On our ride we passed this church. There was a birthday party going on and I just wanted to throw $20 bills as I rode by. There are some areas of Costa Rica where the people live in such simple homes and by such humble means. I myself was humbled during this trip. I learned to love and appreciate the Costa Rican people who lived so simply yet seemed very happy.

We saw these large ants all over the place. They were so cool because they were lifting really heavy things and taking them back to their ant hill. Okay, kind of boring for adults, but the kids like these pictures.

Then, after a long day of high adventure (sort of) we went back to our hotel that has an incredible hot springs facility down the road that is heated from the Arenal Volcano. The Tabacon Hot Springs were the perfect end to our day. So how were the kids doing?. . . What kids?

They missed us so much

When we got back from our trip to Costa Rica yesterday, the kids were giddy with giggles and hugs. I don't think I've heard my kids say,"I missed you " this much in my life. It made me feel so good to finally return home to my little treasures. Everett gave me the first hug (I made a point of making his the first) and then Dawson joined in for a group hug. Greg had Sidney in his arms and she kept making a deep sounding giggle - almost as if she was delusional and laughing as she tried to decipher if what she saw was real or an illusion. "Is that really my mommy?" Poor baby! I honestly think she was not sure.

I must admit having the kids be so cuddly and sweet has been so heart warming. At various times today Dawson kept saying, "I'm so glad your home Mommy!" And also adding, "your so much nicer now!" And maybe he is right. Sometimes a little break makes you realize how precious your little treasures are. I hope I can continue being "nicer." Today while I was on the computer Everett said, "I'll be right back." He ran out the door and came back with something behind his back. "Which hand?," he said and after my guess he handed me a daisy picked from our backyard. He then said "I got this for your because I missed you so much."

Sidney has her own way of showing her feelings. She caught a little cold and today was a bit under the weather but she still giggles whenever she sees me. I guess I'm still a novelty to her since we've been back.

Pictures of our trip coming soon. Here's a sneak peek.

Left home with Daddy

This is what happens when Sidney gets left home with Daddy -

she gets a little spoiled, but it's still so cute!

At least Greg used a bib!

No broken bones please

We finally got our new play structure. It's a little bigger than our last, so I'm ultra paranoid about broken bones in our near future. Sidney already climbs up the ladder as well as the boys and she even does the tire swing. The boys have enjoyed it every day and even today when we didn't get out because of the sweltering heat Dawson was whining about it. This has always been a hit in our family. So glad Greg got this for me for our 9th anniversary. So, who wants to come over and play?

This is what happens about 70% of the time when I ask my boys to smile. Thanks guys!

Ms. Photogenic today

Conquering his fear of heights

Okay it's blurry, but if you look closely they're all SMILING!