You know you have had TOO MUCH Olympics.....

when every man over 50 is trying to back-flip off the bridge at the swimming pool.

when Mark is trying to figure out how to do the butterfly-stroke AND breathe at the same time.

when Claire "rewards" everything we do with "a gold medal and roses".

when Olivia is "Michael Phelps winning the gold" with her pool floaties on and swimming 2 feet away from the wall.


Today, I am thankful for closing ceremonies!

Planetarium and Children's Museum

Today we set out to see a couple of things that we had heard about here in Costa Rica but not yet done.....the planetarium and the Children's Museum downtown. We had a great time and here are a couple of moments in the day. Enjoy!

The video is from the museum...they have one exhibit that simulates an earthquake so that children learn what it feels like...important info for Costa Rica!

EL SOL Cheese dip!

This is one for the record........Mom and Dad arrived here with tons of goodies but this one you won't believe!

We ate nachos and cheese dip from my VERY, ALL TIME FAVORITE place in Pine Bluff to eat....that's right baby, I had EL SOL last night!!! They transported the food in an insulated bag all the way from White Hall and Miguel sent it all free of charge! Thanks Miguel...we miss you!

Support El Sol restaurant and thank Miguel and Gloria for supporting your missionaries with nachos and cheese dip!

By the way when Mark called Miguel to say "thanks and hello" he started out with a complaint of receiving cold food (obviously just teasing with Miguel)!

Thanks Everybody!!!!!

WOW...Mom and Dad arrived safely yesterday and with them TONS AND TONS of goodies, gifts, cards for all of us. WOW...I cannot say "thank you" enough to express how much we appreciate every item that you sent. THANK YOU SO MUCH!

The girls ripped into packages and cards and goodies until they were worn out. Mark and I dug into presents and treats like it was Christmas morning. Thank you!

Marilyn, I baked a chocolate cake last night in my very own pan...thank you. I couldn't possibly name every person that was involved but collectively we so appreciate the love you have shown our family....thank a million.

Quote of the Week

Today Olivia was checking our blog to see what countries have hit our site (a favorite past time of our family) and she saw the Philippines.....Olivia says "Mom, what country is this?" I replied "It's the Philippines" when Olivia says "Oh, yea the people that David fought!"

Joke of the week!

Two blondes living in Oklahoma were sitting on a bench talking, and one blonde says to the other, 'Which do you think is farther away... Florida or the moon?' The other blonde turns and says 'Helloooooooooo, can you see Florida ?????'

Too cute!

Bummer week!

OK, we got our oral exam results back yesterday...which I didn't need to see in writing to know how bad it went! I was SO depressed after taking mine on Thursday that I skipped grammar class and came home to cry for 2 hours straight.....it was that bad. The worst part is that for about 2 weeks now I have really struggled with language, fatigue, and keeping my mind focused.
Not excuses....just reality!

Anyway, we watched a ton of Olympics last night after we found them in ENGLISH and it was a great time. We cheered for the USA team and teared up when we heard OUR NATIONAL ANTHEM. Funny how you take those simple things for granted but it has been months, I suppose, since we heard our national anthem. Sure sounded good!

My take is that we all really need a nice long break......

18 years and counting!

Wow, today is our 18th wedding anniversary!! We don't have any big plans because we are in our last "real" week of second trimester language, we have oral exams this week, Olivia has ballet this afternoon, and a host of other priorities that superceded a "date". When Mom and Dad arrive in 2 weeks, we plan to go have dinner and a movie once or twice!

One thing we can say......our life has been anything but boring. What an adventure together!

Mark.......te amo ahora y siempre!

Quote of the Day

Shortly before his death, he said: "I am not tired of my work, neither am I tired of the world; yet, when Christ calls me home, I shall go with gladness..." Adoniram Judson