Leg One

We were running around all day and still left things undone when our shuttle arrived at 3:00. Sometimes I say things to the kids only halfway paying attention. And then the other half is speaking from a place that is not in reality. For example, Nina asked me yesterday if I could take her to Dairy Queen. I told her maybe we could go the next day if everyone helped me get ready.  Maybe must mean certainly, and if must mean regardless. So with only 2 1/2 hours before our ride was supposed to come, I loaded up all the kids to run some essential, and some non-essential errands. Returning library books, getting money from the bank, turning in my ballot, and Dairy Queen. By the time we got back home, we only had a half hour until go time.  We left Randell a lovely mess in the kitchen and dining room, but we got everything we needed ready for our pick up. This was awesome. Super easy, and I had time to run through all my lists and make sure I didn't forget anything. 

I finally get to use all the passports we got way back in January. I still can't believe today is here. We have been talking about and planning this trip for over a year. 

I played it safe with our pick up time. Maybe a little too safe. We got to the airport so early, but the kids came prepared. The boys had plenty of time to have a Pokemon battle. 

And we had time to find Panda Express. 

The first leg of the flight went fine. Nina took care of Rex, Howie took care of Donovan and I took care of Cameron. Once we landed, we let Nina navigate us to our gate. 

And now we get to hang out for 4 hours until our flight leaves. At 12:40 am. 

It's Finally Here!

Many months ago I made a countdown chain. Each day we pulled off a piece of the chain and learned a new word in Spanish. We tried to use words that would be helpful for our kids as they lived their lives in Costa Rica. The chain draped across our whole dining room, and we watched it get a little bit shorter as the weeks went on. But even then, it seemed like June 9th would never come. But here we are, learning another very important word. El avion. Our plane leaves tonight and we arrive in Costa Rica at 7:30 in the morning. We will be tired, but ready for the biggest adventure of our kids' lives. 

My Mother's Day

Today has been a very nice Mother's Day. I got to sleep in, enjoyed a delicious breakfast in bed, only worried about getting myself ready for church, got to substitute for Rex's adorable primary class, took a short walk with Howie, and spend time updating my blog. Matt has taken care of everything, even though he isn't feel 100%. He is currently making a steak dinner to be followed by strawberry shortcake. I love how much he supports me and encourages me. I also love these little kids that made me a mommy. And Nina has been pouting all morning. Oh well!

Hopkins Lady Frogs

Last fall Nina played on her first ever sports team. My friend Michelle and I were able to secure a spot with Littleton Soccer's elementary school outreach program, and it was a very good thing for our school.  There is a boys team and a girls team, made up of 4th and 5th graders.  One of their teachers is the coach and they play 3 games against other LPS teams.  I never got a team picture in the fall, but here they are after their final game.  They have shown so much improvement just since the fall, I am so excited to see them play next fall!  

The New Eagle Scout

Donovan had his Eagle Board of Review tonight and came away an official Eagle Scout! Matt talked to Donovan a little bit as the Board was "deliberating".  Donovan said there were some pretty tough questions, but overall he felt confident that he answered everything well.  This is a huge accomplishment for Donovan and I hope he can view himself in a new light - as someone who can do hard things!

And how happy I am that my kids have such a dedicated and talented dad.  I hit the jackpot with that husband of mine.  

Snow Fro 2.0

Tonight was Jermaine Jones's debut game with the Rapids. We saw him play here once before, and wouldn't you know it, it was super snowy that night too!  The field got plowed before the game, and again at halftime.  Matt got a pair of tickets to the game and they were awesome seats. We were almost exactly at midfield, and totally covered from the snow. And another bonus, the Rapids organization gave away free hot chocolate to all the faithful fans. We both had 2 huge cups. The game was exciting and the Rapids won 2-1.

Our March Madness Winner Is .......

Donovan!! He had an amazing first round which helped him hold off Howie's strong finish. Have I ever mentioned how much I love this time of year?