La Fortuna, Costa Rica

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!

June activities

June was spent with Jim  on the roof - re roofing and putting up solar panels 

I went to Michigan to honor Austin and his decision to get baptized

While I was in Michigan  Jim  was still on the roof,,Scary!

We celebrated Karina's birthday the day a returned, It is so great to be able to see and visit family

We got to spend the night at Shelleys cabin in Midway

 

Most of my time is with the grandkids<Here we are picking cherries.

We are finishing up our first year serving with Pathways,, BYU I Pathway Worldwide online educatio service mission

Jim's brother Tim and Rita came  to visit

I love having my hair done by my professional granddaughters

Jim and Tim

M

The baptism of Austin Mercado,  There  are so many times I want to see the grandchildren, I had to miss Dance shows and graduations to continue to honor our Pathway Service mission but I chose to miss for Austins's decision to be baptized and I am so glad I did, I got to give the talk on receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost and used the symbol of Light which the Holy Ghost gives us from within. Austin loves light and radiates the love of our Savior Jesus Christ,

69 and holding

We made it through another winter in Orem. Each General Conference we have the opportunity to get together with Missionaries from our missions, Here we are with our French speaking missionaries. We love getting together with other couples who love to serve like we do. This first photo is with Sister Anderson from our Philadelphia Mission.

Jim loves working and most of this winter he has been working on his solar project.

Most of all we love being with grandkids.

Here we are with Nikki at the capital building

Early morning serving at the Provo Temple with Karinas kids

Celebrating with Austin Lunds new calling singing with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir

Brothers helping each other, This winter 3 of Karina's boys broke 6 bones within 5 days of each other, Andrew, Calvin and Peter are in casts for 6 weeks!

Jake helping Izaak.

Izaak helping grandpa in the garden.

Jim and I celebrating my birthday

Watching Mariah run in track

Missing Valerie's 39th birthday

Missing seeing Victoria as she advancing in her dancing skills, OH How I miss!

Trying to get all the family together is a challenge. We tried to get the Utah kids and grandkids together this Easter. 

Most mornings, I love being in the Sunroom reading and studying, These are moments that I ponder all the blessings that I have. I thank my Heavenly Father that I can be here at this time being able to experience many wonderful times with family and friends.

How do we lose the winter blues?

January and February are much more fun when we share it with family. We were in Michigan in the beginning on January, visiting with the Mercados. Since then we have been able to see most of the grandkids in Utah. Jim helped Shelley while she and Heber went to Hawaii. We have been helping Derek while Missy and Jake went back to visit her brother at Harvard. When Angie returned from one of her trips, we got to celebrate Milos birthday. Mariah has been working hard at breaking records in swimming. This weekend we are headed to St George to see how she fairs in the Utah State Swim meet. Most of the older grandkids have been skiing when ever they get a chance. 

Here we are with Kallies favorite---puzzles. See King Nik! He is so happy that he can do the hard ones now.

Reading books is my favorite

The hammock is even used in winter

Mariah on the right, preparing to swim

Watching movies

showing our flexibilty

Nattie and Layla are tumbling

Twister helps with colors and body coordination

All this fun and I need a nap

Jim and Derek share the latest news while I clean up and pass out!

The best news this month is the change in Pathways, It is now BYU Pathway International. I think! The name change means that all the church colleges will work together for students around the world in the Online college education program we have been serving in for the last 5 months. We love serving and helping.