Let it Snow, let it snow, let it snow!

Snow in San Jose, Costa Rica? Yes. Well, sort of!

It is a long-lasting tradition here to go downtown to Avenida Central and throw confetti. There is a stretch of the main street about 6 blocks long or so that is a walking-only street. No cars allowed anymore. And during the month of December the tradition is to throw confetti on anyone who walks by. And not just a little. Like loads and loads of confetti. They sell big gallon-size buckets of it for about a dollar. And everyone, young and old alike, toss it on those they meet. It was hilarious to see!!

Our good Costa Rican friends, the Abdallahs, called Thursday afternoon and invited us to join them to "throw confetti" downtown. We had heard of this tradition but hadn't experienced it first-hand so I was quick to accept the invitation. Oh my! We were in for quite an experience. I should have known when I saw many families whose children were wearing swimming goggles that things could get a little crazy. :o) At first we started out rather innocent. Buying a little tiny bag for about 20 cents and tossing it up in the air and watching it fall while yelling "Feliz Navidad" (And yes all that white confetti does start to look like snow!!) But after walking a bit we realized it was so much more. People began to pelt us with huge handfuls. Men, little kids, teen-agers, old women --all with their hands stuffed full of paper confetti tossing it right at your head or face! Ha! I couldn't stop laughing which was a big mistake as I often ended up with a mouthful of the stuff! My hair was covered. Our clothes were covered. The streets were an inch thick in paper confetti. And everyone was loving it. Zachary and Austin quickly discovered the little bitty weeenie bags of confetti Mom bought weren't enough. And they dug in their pockets for change and bought the big bag and buckets full. Actually, to be honest, we ALL went through quite a few bags each! So funny to see grown-ups beaning one another with handfuls of confetti! Much like a snowball fight. Except is wasn't cold and the confetti doesn't hurt (unless it gets in your eyes like it did for poor Austin and his friend Isaias! We will definitely join the goggle-wearing groups next year!)


**TO NOTE ABOVE-- Please notice the adult man in the center throwing a large handful of confetti right into Zachary's face as this photo was snapped. (Double-click to see this bigger -- It cracks me up!!) Obviously he was a pro as his daughter and son both came in swimming goggles as you can also see. We'll be ready next year!!**


The kids are quite obviously having a good time!

As you can see, it is hard to get out of your hair!! L to R, Chrissy, Darrin, Emilia and Fran.


The kids enjoying a Frosty. Growing up we had hot chocolate after a snow ball fight. Here it is a Frosty after a confetti fight. Still fun though!!

Such a fun, fun night. Laughing with good friends. Playing in the snow! Ending it all with a big Frosty (new Wendy's in town! yeah!) What a fun Christmas tradition!