The Foulger family's CR adventure

Saturday, October 25, 2008

Nica or bust!

Read this post from the bottom up to get the jist........Still smiling having crossed the mud-filled road to reach our awaiting taxi-our taxi driver didn't seem to mind us loading up his trunk with our mud-covered bags and stroller nor our mud-covered bodies, just another day in the Nicaraguan rainy season.

A little mud never hurt anyone!

We finally got to a point in the road that we could not pass by four wheel drive vehicle, spots were sunk in the mud 3-4 ft deep. The only way to cross was by foot thru the mud on the sides of the road. We took off our shoes, carrying our bags and with the help of many locals crossed the 3 block stretch.

McKenna and Tatum were fascinated to see this lady carrying her load on top of her head.

We crossed many fast moving rivers that washed over the road we traveled. Holding our breath across many we felt fortunate to cross safely.

Heading back to Rivas by car to catch our bus we saw many local Nicaraguan homes like this one on the way.

One of the many beautiful beachside homes on Rancho Santana

low-tide

After the storm, we explored many beautiful beaches.

McKenna takes a turn after Tatum blazed the trail!

Tatum was the first to jump aboard the horse for a ride :)

View from the Rancho Santana clubhouse

The resort had amazing grounds with lush gardens.

family photo hanging out at the clubhouse under a large open straw roof veranda

Playing at the resort playground with friends we met that had recently relocated to Nicaragua from Maryland; Ana was Tatum's age, Joe pictured was 4 and baby Jack 11mo.

McKenna and Tatum exploring the beach during low-tide, collecting treasures. The coast water was brown due to the heavy rains driving a local river to overflow into the ocean.

Tatum, Gabi and McKenna hanging out in the Casita, escaping the rain!

From Rivas, we headed to a resort on the Pacific coast, Rancho Santana. Here's the Casita we stayed in, very nice 2 bedroom bungalow with kitchenette, a five minute walk to the beach.

We ventured on a bus trip to Nicaragua in mid-October, amidst the rainy season. This was our bus, Trans Nica, which was clean, comfortable, economical and most importantly had a bathroom aboard. What was intended as a 4-5 hour trip there took 12-1/2 hours! We were heading just over the Costa Rican border to the Nicaraguan town of Rivas.

Wednesday, October 8, 2008

Soccer and Basketball CR style- Tatum & McKenna

Tatum at practice, playing her heart out on the muddy soccer field

Tatum getting a soccer tip from her coach

Lookout, here I come!

Tatum and friend Tallia

McKenna at half-court during a game

McKenna's #11

Half-time coaching session

Our family has jumped into the Costa Rican sports scene with a vengence! Tatum and McKenna are playing soccer together on the elementary school team. McKenna is also playing basketball. Brad is coaching two basketball teams, McKenna's elementary team and the boys' Varsity HS team . Gabi and Lisa are constant fans enjoying all the activities from the sidelines! It's been a fun way to meet new friends.

Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Gabi turns 8 months!

Gabi says "Come play ball with me!"

Such joy!

Playing ball is one of Gabi's favorite games. She's just turned 8 months and is very steady sitting up. Her newest adventure is attempting to commando crawl on her belly....pretty cute!

Monday, September 15, 2008

New family additions- Sally and Goldie

Goldie

Sally

McKenna with Sally and Tatum with Goldie.....hard to tell who is happiest the girls or the puppies :)

We've rescued two adorable high-energy puppies into our brood- Sally and Goldie, both two months old. While it saddened us to leave Reggie (our 1st baby) home in Auburn we hear he's doing well and being loved by many! McKenna and Tatum have welcomed the puppies with open arms and Gabi is intrigued by them also, they're providing much family enjoyment already in their first 24 hours. We have a dog pen and a big grassy yard so there's been much exploring by the pups. Goldie is the bronze one and Sallie the tri-color pup, they're likely a combo of breeds-Heinz 57 like :)

CR Independence Day- Sept 15th

Recyclying float

Brad and Gabi in front of the roasted chicken restaurant's wood pile- our viewing spot for the parade which offered some shade for Gabi.

Many musicians performed for the parade.

McKenna and Tatum sporting their Independence headbands as they lined up to watch the parade.

Costa Rican flag

Two little girls sporting the Costa Rican national dress as part of the parade.

McKenna and Tatum proudly dress up in the CR national dress as they prepare to attend the Lincoln school Independence parade.

Tatum flashing her shy pose.....we all know there's hardly a shy bone in her body :)

McKenna showing off her full skirt, great for twirling! These costumes are our newest additions to the dress up fashion wardrobe for playtime.

Today is Independence Day here in CR. McKenna and Tatum enjoyed dressing up in the Costa Rica typical dress for a day of festivities at school. We barbequed at friends' yesterday where the girls enjoyed quad riding, especially Tatum who insisted at driving at every opportunity! And we attended a colorful parade in Tibas, a nearby town, earlier this morning. Many marching bands and colorful floats and costumes. I thought I was fortunate to enjoy a 2nd Mother's Day holiday celebration upon arriving in CR in mid-August, and the kids also voiced their enjoyment at getting a second round of independence partying this past weekend--we're definately double dipping on the holiday front!

Friday, September 12, 2008

Trip to Poas Volcano

One of our first day trips we headed to Poas Volcano and enjoyed seeing our 1st Costa Rican live volcano. It was a beautiful clear day and the volcano was in clear view-pretty awesome! About an hour from our house, we were proud to navigate successfully :)

1st day at Lincoln School

Tatum in 1st grade and McKenna in 4th started Lincoln school on wed, August 12, 2008. Here they are as they set out for day 1 in their new school uniforms!