Costa Rica

 For Christmas this year my side of the family decided to switch things up a bit! Instead of Christmas presents, Christmas morning sticky buns, and snow.. we decided to head to COSTA RICA for a sunny Christmas! John & I left early Christmas morning from Raleigh, flew to Houston, then on to San Jose, Costa Rica. While the rest of the family flew to Liberia, CR... I made a booking mistake and we flew into SJ which was 4 hours from our destination on the Pacific coast. We had set up a rental car, and thought of it as an adventure to drive across the country. 

Looking back, I am glad we flew in to San Jose. If we hadn't taken the adventure, we would have missed out on much of the beautiful country. John did a great job driving there given the pot holes, lack of driving laws and pavement or speed regulations. I do believe it was one of his favorite parts of the trip!

Four hours passed and we finally arrived in Tamarindo. We were greeted by the rest of the family: Mom, Dad, Sister, Will, Uncle Larry, Shealagh, and cousin Scott. After a great dinner together, we made our way to Playa Langosta... a couple miles up a dirt road to our beautiful home for the week, Casa Natalia. 

Playa Langosta is a quiet beach a few minutes away from busy Tamarindo. While the beach was rocky, it was still beautiful. While John, Will, and Scott enjoyed morning runs on the beach, the ladies stuck to our leisurely strolls! 

Our days in Costa Rica were filled with exciting activities, good food, and spending time with those who we love. Some of our favorite memories are pictured below:

Beautiful arrangement at the restaurant, El Coconut.  

Some of us who went on the canopy tour zip-lining! (Will was taking the picture, of course he went too!)

We took an ATV tour from Tamarindo to the canopy tour location..  a lot of fun, but this is also how mom got hurt. 

Day trip to Playa Grande. Beautiful beach! 

Scott's last night in CR.. out to eat at Dragonfly

Blue Dolphin snorkel/sunset cruise

Trip to Poas Volcano - 9,000 feet above sea level - ALL clouds behind John!

John & I in the rain forest surrounding the Volcano. 

View from our outdoor restaurant coming down the Volcano... had the best food & amazing view!

The whole trip was a wonderful experience. I feel blessed to have been able to travel as much as I have in the past 23 years. Our world around us has much to teach us, enjoy it!!