Costa Rica Bound!

So we are obviously horrible bloggers but we are starting anew! We are leaving tomorrow for Costa Rica for a month and wanted to keep family and friends updated as well as have a record to print off. I can't believe July 9th is here already and this crazy adventure is actually going to happen. When Sean first proposed the idea of doing a study abroad for the summer, I agreed thinking it would never all actually work out for the kids and I to go with him due to restrictions and finances. I thought he could check in to it, get it out of his system and move on. God has a funny way of leading you to the things you say you will never do. Sean will be studying ecotourism among other fascinating things for a month while the girls and I tag along. So here I am a few hours away from packing up all four of us for a full day of travel tomorrow that will end in San Luis, Costa Rica.

When I got the email today saying it was time to check in for our flight this morning, I had a mild panic attack that we are actually going to do this. I have been a mixture of emotions about it and I think if it was just Sean and I it would be a lot less nerve wracking but what kind of wild adventure am I taking my 2 and 4 year old on? God has definitely paved the way for this trip and I know he has amazing things to stretch our family with and teach us about him and ourselves. That part excites me to no end but the rest scares me to death. Haley is fearless and will most likely get stung by any bug around and jump off waterfalls and continue to make my heart flutter. Whitney is the opposite although she has come a long way in being more adventurous she is like her mom and would much prefer to observe beautiful scenery from indoors a nice air conditioned cabin. Hopefully I will be able to balance the two and stretch Whitney (and myself!) out of comfort zones while keeping Haley in check.

Some of the things we know we will get to do include hikes, milking cows, watching birds, canopy bridges, and going to the beach. The rest for the girls and I is fairly unknown although I know if will be some great bonding time for us without my daily distractions of housework and cooking. I am thrilled about this gift of time before Whitney starts school a few days after we get back.

We will try to update with consistency and should know more once we figure out the internet situation. If you want to know more about the campus, here is the link

http://www.externalaffairs.uga.edu/costa_rica/index.php

Can't wait to share the amazing moments and pictures I know we will have. Be praying for details and safe travels tomorrow as it will be an all day affair.

Our little craftswomen!

Sarah discovered a great opportunity for me (SEAN) to take the girls on a fun daddy date.  Lowes does some great building crafts on Saturdays.  It is completely free and a great time.  Whitney did an awesome dog leash holder and then Haley joined us for a puppet theatre on our second visit. 

Both girls love sporting their tool aprons and collecting their patches for their finished projects.  Thanks Lowes!

Camping Weekend

We were able to get away for a weekend for some camping at Watson's Mill Bridge State park. Only a 30 minute drive away, it was a perfect choice. The campground was great and offered so much to do.

Being Haley's first time to camp, we left all idea of how the weekend would go at the doorstep. SHE DID AWESOME! Both girls were great campers. They loved the tent and did great sleeping. Morning fires were fun as well as our little hike along the river, playground time, watching squirrels, gathering sticks, befriending furry caterpillars, and of course cherry pies on the fire.

Most unique part of the weekend was the amazing rock shoals that you can walk out on and cool off. We all took our tumbles but Sarah took the brunt of the blows with a busted toe that swelled and bruised pretty quickly. It was a beautiful time just being in the water and seeing everyone's adventuresome spirit.

Tailgating in the Garden

With every good football game comes a great tailgate and we are so lucky to have the most wonderful place and spread in all of UGA, the founders garden.  All the fam enjoys a great meal and some great time running around the awesome landscape.  Beautiful wife and little ladies in a beautiful place, what could be better!

Whitney's new fish

Well, the tank has settled and our first 3 fish managed to prove healthy water so off to the store we went to find some more swimming friends.  Whitney decided to have ciclids so we got an orange, yellow, albino, and striped one.  They are doing great and growing quite a bit.  She loves feeding them...when she remembers ;)

Homecoming

Football is in full swing!  UGA had a rough start but have now pulled even for the year and still have a shot for the SEC east.  Homecoming 2010 was a great event.  UGA was collared, it was a little cooler, the band, cheerleaders, and crowd all had returning alums to make the fanfare that much sweeter.  The game was a shutout of Vandy so Sean, with camera in hand, decided to document a Saturday in Athens.

Enjoy the slideshow.

Our new patio

before...

after.

With Sarah out of town, Sean hit the backyard with a significant makeover.  Our landlord agreed to reimburse us through smaller rent payments if we put in the labor.  The upgrade includes 75 additional square feet of patio, a retaining wall that now offers a level gravel play area and 2 small planting beds.  Room now for the grill and some water issues are now solved with an underground drain tube and a massive dirt berm to direct water away from the patio and downhill away from the property.  2 big myrtles will offer some summer shade and of course add some pink/purple color, the girls favorite.

It has been an enjoyment for all.

Little note:  This was completed in a single stretch of 14 hours from friday night to saturday morning.  Amazing what you can get done even in darkness