We traveled without much sleep but with much joy to final meet up with the Val and Jason , Victoria, Karissa, Austin, and Erik in the airport at Costa Rica. This was the pre- vaca mini family reunion.
Many hours later and weak stomachs from the twisty, hilly roads we arrived at the beautiful resort town of La Fortuna. Lucky for us, we had Jason as our tour guide and ever prepared with medication for our car sickness (even if I was too stubborn to take it before it was too late,ugh!).
First on the agenda was exploring the town, getting some good local food and going swimming.
The next day we took a scenic river trip which included seeing the local green jungle with white face monkeys, lizards, vultures, herons, and the Jesus Christ lizard that walks on water! Also we heard howler monkeys and smelled all kinds of new smells. At the end we were treated to the best local pineapple, watermelon and the local turkeys, chickens, and roosters.
We had to grab a quick local lunch on pan and fresh fruits and veggies at the local Marche and then we were off to the volcano- Volcan Arenal. When we got there it POURED RAIN. But, the kid didnt complain, in fact, Erik loved all the puddles
We took at cue from the locals and used the sun to dry off all our wet clothes and of course took a swim before we headed south to Quepos.
From our studying and reading up on Costa Rica ( again, thanks to Jason!!) we stopped at the famous Crock bridge. I am not sure which was more dangerous, the narrow busy street or the hungry crocks down below. The drive back was hilly and curvy but we were prepared this time. The last few hours we got to see the beautiful coast and local greenery. If you are thinking about going to Costa Rica, I highly recommend it, but make sure you have Jason help set you up!
Why not start a family reunion off at a dangerous bridge with hungry crocks. Grandkids were excited to be together and couldnt wait to see all the exotic animals and about a new culture
Each family had their own villa 2,700 square feet, with their own hot tub, great room and room to sleep at least 9.
most of the time was spent in water. Jim preferred the shade and hot tub
a lot of the kids loved making sand castles
Kayaking
surfing
swimming
too much sun
boggie boarding
We ate at fancy restaurants
the best Mexican restaurant ever
beautiful sunsets
love birds on the roof
momma and bay sloth
monkeys in our hot tub
my best accomplishment - lovely kids
Jake and his girls
little E and V and me at sunset
Victoria teaching Layla 
mermaid buddies
Spoons and food
Karissa and Layla
me enjoying our balcony
I love being with the grandkids
I love being together relaxing
I love being all together
I love the sunsets
I love the fresh fruit
I love shopping at Quepos, at the local feria ) Marche
I love the rain in our matching rain gear
I love sitting around the pool
But most of all I love finding the local branch and going to church together. We doubled the branch, We had to take the bus into town and then walk to the next small town, It was Fast Sunday and I really felt the spirit, so with my limited Spanish and a little French I bore my testimony, at least 3 sentences, Oh, what a joy it is, to have the church the same where ever we go, AND what a joy sharing this family reunion with those I love the most/
