Graduation/ Christmas program

Christmas comes early in Costa Rica! Or at least starts early. Since Halloween and Thanksgiving aren't holidays here, Christmas decorating gets an early start. Trees and lights have been up all over town in stores and homes and malls for weeks now. And since the school year is ending this week any school Christmas programs have to be done early as well.


So tonight was Wyatt's turn. His little preschool had their Christmas program for all ages and then at the close the older kids who will be going on to Kindergarten next year all got a little diploma and a graduating puppy stuffed animal.


Wyatt dressed like all the other boys "red shirt, khaki pants, and a Santa hat". They were all so cute. He had one line "We hope you enjoy our activity" said out loud and with gusto! Here are a few pictures of our evening!

Chloe all dressed up and ready for Wyatt's show!


Wyatt ready to start his program!


The new little graduate-- diploma in hand! :o)


We were all proud of Wyatt. He has learned so much this year. It was amazing to watch him sing and talk and play in Spanish all evening with his teachers and little friends. At the beginning of the school year his Spanish was minimal and he was afraid to use the little he knew. Oh the difference a year can make.
The kids and I with Wyatt after he finished!

End of the school year madness!!

Well, the school year is coming to a close here and that means a lot of end of the year activities and test and parties and more test and programs, etc.!! We are crazy busy but surviving. And actually enjoying it all as we go!! Here are some quick pics of two big activities this past week.

On Saturday Darrin, Zachary and I went to the big Sixth Grade Graduation Dinner/Dance. It was a FANCY deal with a rented hotel, fancy decorations, pictures of the graduate, mariachi band, big buffet, etc. Here is my Zach-- looking quite grown up as we got ready to leave. I decided to let him enjoy his friends in peace and not embarrass him so I didn't bring my camera to the event. I regret it now because I could have had some great pictures of the salon, the decorations, etc. But I probably would have gone over to take some of Zach too and that would embarrass him (he's at that stage!) and then I would feel bad so maybe it's better I left it at home after all!!





And then Tuesday night we had the "Obra Musical" for the 5th Graders. It was a big school musical with all 4 of the 5th grade classes participating. It was a Christmas musical this year called Meet Me At the Manger. It was dark in the gym so the pictures aren't great. But Austin was a wise man. He did a wonderful job!! So much fun.





Next week is Wyatt's little Pre-school program and graduation. So stay tuned for more pics!! :o)

Salad for Suzanne

My friend Suzanne is having a birthday today (Happy, happy birthday Suzanne!!!) and some friends of hers got together and made a salad scrapbook for her. Each of us made a page with a favorite salad and recipe for her and one gal is putting them all together in a scrapbook and viola a custom made salad cookbook!! What a fun gift!! So, here is the page I made and the recipe. I think if you double-click you can get it big enough to read.

Of course to get the picture of the salad I had to make it. Then of course, I decided to eat it. I asked Chloe to take a few pictures of me eating it thinking if I got a good one I would put it on her page. Well, this is an out-take. But it makes me laugh. Apparently Chloe didn't notice Wyatt was in the picture. And as I got ready to take a bite he was anticipating it along with me -- notice his mouth opening too. Hee hee. That makes me laugh. Anyway, it didn't make the page but I did think it was blog worthy!!



Hope you are all doing well! My husband is finally back from yet another long trip out of the country. We are all rejoicing!! :o) Now maybe life can get back to normal a bit (but not really sure what normal is anymore.) So if you are waiting for me to answer an e-mail or note, please be patient. I'm getting to it!! :o)

ps--update on Tabitha's Travels from post below = no luck. Several have asked and looked but it is hard to find. It isn't for sale anywhere at the present time. I'm still hoping someone will know somebody who owns the book and has already used it so we can borrow it for one month!

Can you help me????

I am looking for a book called: Tabitha's Travels by Arnold Ytreeide. It is the third in a series of advent devotional books. The first was Jotham's Jouney, the second Bartholomew's Passage and the last is Tabitha's Travels. Our boys loved the first two and we wanted to get the third one for them to read this year. Unfortunately I can't find it online anywhere. It appears it is currently out of print and I can't find any copies floating around on e-bay or anywhere else. Sooo, I turn to you my internet pals. Do you have this book at home or do you have any friends or homeschool buddies who own this book? I would love to use it this year with my kids. If you or your friend or buddy no longer want the book, I would be happy to purchase it. If you wish to keep it (and I can't blame you) but won't be using it this year, I would love to borrow it for the month of December. I PROMISE I will treat you book with much love and return it promptly. Sooooo, anyone out there that can help????


The first book--teaches so much about the times and culture and life of people around the time Jesus' was born. A little scary-- not for little kids. But our boys loved it and were at the edge of their seats each night. We will probably just read this one again if no one can help me find Tabitha's Travels.

Thanks for your help!!