Day 9--Horseback Riding

Today we went down the road to a stable and went horseback riding. It was raining a bit at the beginning, but after about 20 minutes or so, it stopped. (We have been very lucky with the rain on this trip!) We rode up the mountain and had great views of the valley, the lake, and the volcano. We then got to take and break and hike down to a waterfall. It was a very steep hike down. When we got there, our guide cut up some pineapple for a nice break. Then after hiking back up the hill, we got on our horses for the ride back. Our guide was very nice, and the trip was great. (Hindsight--we should have done this first, and then had our day of pampering.)

The beautiful views

The Waterfall

Day 8--Tabacon Hot Springs

Today was all about pampering. We went to the Tabacon Hot Springs and Spa Resort. There are natural hot springs due to being right near the volcano. It was all very lush. We went all out and got a couple's massage also. (It was Dan's very first massage!) We then enjoyed a nice dinner at the resort after all of our pampering.

Enjoying the hot springs

On the way to the springs we saw an entire "pack" of coati. They are kind of raccoon like animals.

A coati

Day 7--Arenal Volcano

Today we went to the base of the Arenal Volcano. It is an active volcano. We hiked up some lava rocks from the 1992 eruption. We then hiked around the forest at the bottom. We didn't see very many animals, except for lizards and butterflies. There were many different types of plants and trees to enjoy. The pictures just don't do it justice. It was a gorgeous day for being outside.

Arenal Volcano Park

Walking on 1992 lava flow

After our hike, we went to the town of La Fortuna for lunch and to go grocery shopping. (The village we are staying in, El Castillo, is very tiny and don't really have any real stores.)
Late afternoon, we had several thunderstorms where the clouds just opened up and poured, and then suddenly it would stop--it did this off and on all afternoon/evening.

Day 6--Monteverde Cloud Forest

Today was another adventure. We went to the Monteverde Cloud Forest. We hiked out to "The Window", in which we were to see the Continental Divide...well, we went there, but the clouds prevented us from seeing anything. (I guess that is why it is called the "Cloud Forest".) Then we hiked over the "Hanging Bridge". It was all very beautiful--lots of forests and plants. We didn't see very many animals--some of that was probably because we did this on our own without a guide. Bob saw a coati, we think.

On the hanging bridge

 Then we stopped at the dairy/cheese factory--they were not making cheese when we were there. We really just went for the ice cream, which was okay. Then it was time to drive to Areanal. Again, it was not the best roads, and took about 3 1/2 hours to go to 60 miles!

We made it to our "house" for the next few days. Beautiful view from the house. We had an early dinner/late lunch, since we hadn't really had anything all day to eat except for ice cream. Then we relaxed by playing some cards.

Our View

Day 5-Zip Lining

This morning we drove from Jaco (on Pacific coast), inland to Monteverde (in the mountains). Mileage wise, it shouldn't take that long, but due to the quality of the roads, it took almost 3 hours to go 75 miles. The last 12 miles were on an unpaved, rough road, which took at least 40 minutes. It started raining, just the last few minutes of our drive.

Once at our hotel, the shuttle came and took us to the zip line place. At this time, it was raining pretty hard. Luckily, it stopped raining as we started zip lining. We did 9 different lines, including the longest zip line in Latin America--1,590 meters, 5, 216 ft. long!! It was crazy. We could choose to do that one, and another one Superman style--which means lay on your stomach and the cables are connected to your back! We both did it! Then we did the Mega Tarzan Swing. This is where you go to the end of the platform, 295 ft. above the ground, and step off! You drop free fall for 148 ft. before the rope's tension catches you!!!!! It was the scariest thing we have ever done in our lives!!!!

After we were brought back to the hotel, we had a late lunch, picnic style on our balcony. Then it was off to the Don Juan Coffee plantation to buy some coffee and chocolate. Next, we strolled around town, looking at the shops, and eating ice cream. We found a fun place for dinner called the Tree House--basically we sat around a huge tree that was in the middle of the restaurant. To end the night, we came back to the hotel for drinks, and then to bed. It was a tiring day.

Day 4--Relaxation

Today was a day of relaxation. We hung out at the pool and beach. Luckily, the rain stayed away all day. It was nice to sleep in, and be lazy all day! While swimming, Dan and Chris got stung by a jellyfish, but all was fine--it only stung for a short time. While Dan was reading a book on our balcony, he spotted a HUGE  iguana--it may not look like it in the picture, but it was about 3 feet long. We went back into the downtown area of Jaco for dinner. Tomorrow we leave early to drive to Monteverde to go zip lining.

Iguana outside our room

The beach

Day 3--Manuel Antonio National Park

Today we went to another national park, Manuel Antonio. It is known for its monkeys and sloths. It was a much different experience than yesterday. First of all, it was very crowded, people everywhere. Second, we walked on a wide path (at least 20 ft. wide), instead of ducking under branches and having to walk single file. Also, in our group there was 8 people, instead of just us with our friends, Chris and Bob. We did see some animals/insects that we didn't see yesterday. We saw the following: red eyed tree frog, helmet lizard, tropical land crab, whipped tail lizard, gold & green rainbow grasshopper, golden orb weaver, blue hummingbird, iguanas, three toed sloths, howler & white face monkeys, and raccoons. The best thing was seeing a sloth really close (usually they are farther away and up very high--hard to see with the naked eye), and then it was moving, not fast, but still moving.

3 toed sloth

After our guided hike, we ended up at the beach. We sat and had nice picnic lunch, quick swim, and a short walk along the beach. It was beautiful. At the beach, the white face monkeys hang out, looking for handouts. We saw a little family--mom, dad, and little baby--so cute. We also witnessed two raccoons being "very friendly" with each other--didn't really need to see that!

Monkey Family

We heard thunder, packed up, and headed out of the park. We were not fast enough--the downpour began, as soon as we packed up! It took about 30 minutes to walk out--we were drenched! We were mainly concerned with keeping our packs dry, so we covered them, and we were soaking wet.

It continued to rain, hard at times all evening, so we just enjoyed staying in our room.

Day 2--Carara National Park

We went to the Carara National Park today. It was fantastic! We had a great tour guide that pointed out all of the wildlife. We saw a howler monkey, white ghosts bats, scarlet macaws, a 2-toed sloth, white-face monkeys, iguanas, toucans, leaf-cutting ants, white lined bats, and a crocodile! Most of those we would not have seen without the guide. We watched the white-face monkeys for a long time while they just played in the tree tops. They were very close to us. A lot of the animals we could really only see with the guide's telescope that he would use when he found the various animals. He then took our phones and was able to take a picture through the lens.
After our 3 hour hike, it was time for lunch. We went to a restaurant with a fabulous view. The food was also delicious. Then we drove to a bridge where all the crocodiles hang out. We just looked from above. There were about 40 crocodiles--some were huge. Then it was back to the resort to relax by the pool. Luckily, the daily afternoon rain shower didn't occur.
We went to downtown Jaco, and enjoyed a nice dinner and stroll. Then it was back to the resort to watch US play Costa Rica in soccer for the Gold Cup.

Our view for lunch!

A white faced monkey

Day 1--Arrival

Well, we made it to Costa Rica! We did have a bit of an experience in landing---there were thunderstorms, so we had to keep circling. The pilot made one attempt, then pulled up abruptly. Luckily, we made it on the second attempt, or we would have had to go to another airport to get more fuel! There were people in every row with their paper bags ready to use, which some people did! We did not--close, but didn't.
We got to experience the traffic of San Jose, the capital--it was bad, and that is saying a lot coming from Los Angeles. We arrived at our hotel/condo after dark, but made it safely. We then had a wonderful dinner. Can't wait until tomorrow.

Welcome to Costa Rica!

It's that time again!

Tomorrow, Dan and I will be heading on our "Anniversary" vacation. We will be celebrating 20 years in August--what better way to celebrate than go to Costa Rica without children!!!! Stay tuned for our adventures.

Days 7, 8, & 9--soccer, soccer, soccer, luau, and more soccer

We were on the soccer field for days 7, 8, and 9. Erin played in 5 games over the three days. The girls played well, and had a blast. They ended up winning the tournament! They had fun playing, but to actually be the "champions" was an added bonus! Erin also enjoyed just hanging out with the team in between games, and at team dinners. After the championship game, we all went to the team's hotel and took pictures of the girls in the water, and then they swam around in their uniforms for hours. What a way to end our trip!

We are the Champions!

Ready to receive a pass

Chasing down the ball

On Saturday night, we attended a luau with her team, and her other team that she played on all spring. Erin enjoyed the pre-luau activities--getting a tattoo (not real), holding birds, making a lei, riding a canoe, etc. The show was also good.

Doing the Hula

Day 6--Snorkeling & Parasailing

Day 6--What a great day! We started out nice and early and went snorkeling at Hanauma Bay. Then it was off to meet one of Erin's teammate for some parasailing. I wasn't so sure about it, but Erin really wanted to go, so I bit the bullet and went. It was really fun. We were even able to spot some turtles. Erin was singing the entire time we were up in the air. It was great to see her have such a great time. Tomorrow it is finally time for some soccer!

Yes, we are up there!

Hanauma Bay

Day 4 and 5--Turtles and Dolphins

Day 4--We started out the day nice and early going on a morning catamaran sail. We got to snorkel with some turtles. They would just "pop" up next to you. The actual "sail" was nice also. Then we went to enjoy the beach at our hotel.
The soccer team that Erin is playing on invited us to go to their hotel in Ko'Olina to watch the USA vs. Argentina game. I wish I could say I enjoyed the game, but I can say that I enjoyed the company. Erin didn't watch any of the game, but got to hang out with all the girls in the pool. (Erin did somehow stub her toe--might have broken it--not sure how well she is going to play soccer in two days.)

Erin enjoying the catamaran

Day 5--Erin and I went to Sea Life Park to swim with dolphins today. The actual park was a bit sad--hardly any animals, not much to really do or see. Our dolphin encounter was great! We did get to feed some birds--Erin loved this. She was very cute, especially at the beginning, when they first landed on her--she couldn't stop smiling.

Erin loved feeding the birds

Loving the dolphins

Day 3--North Shore

Today we went to the North Shore. First, we found a good spot to stop and went snorkeling. We had a great time. Next, we stopped at Turtle Beach, and we were hoping to see some turtles. Luckily, we did. It is amazing how they just swim right out of the water, come to shore, and then just hang out for a bit. Next it was on to paddle boarding. We lasted about 2 hours--through some rain and shine. When it was raining, we tried to stay under a bridge to wait it out. When it got really warm and sunny, we just floated along and enjoyed the sunshine. We paddled over 3 miles before we were done. We had a great time! We could not leave the North Shore without having some shaved ice to end our time. Then it was off to find out hotel in Waikiki.

Erin and her turtle friend

Paddle boarding

Shaved Ice

Day 1 & 2: Traveling, Jungles, and Kayaking

Day 1 was basically a travel day...all day. By the time we flew, got our rental car, went shopping for snacks, checked into our hotel, and ate dinner....it was late, and we were tired. We are staying on the east side of the island for a couple of nights. It is a nice, relaxing hotel.

View from our balcony.

Day 2 started with breakfast outside on a terrace enjoying the beautiful surroundings. Then we went to Kualoa Ranch for a Jungle Jeep Expedition. It was fun. We went on a little hike up to a beautiful lookout point. Our favorite part was that we had a lot of Japanese tourist on our jeep, and whenever we went a bit fast, or downhill--they would all yell and get excited--it just made us giggle, since we were not going that fast.

Kualoa Ranch

One of the views from the Jeep Adventure

We then went back to our resort and went kayaking and swimming. It was a nice relaxing afternoon. Tomorrow it is off to the North Shore.

Erin thinks she is a kayak model!

Summer 2016--A Bit Different This Year

This summer we are not doing our usual "Family Vacation". This summer, Dan wanted to work on restoring his '57 T-bird, so we decided not to go on a big trip so we could use the money for the car. Kyle is doing summer school, which takes up most of the summer. So our plan was just to do a few weekend trips.....well, that changed!

Erin was on a Select soccer team this spring, and when they are in the U12 year, tradition is to go to Hawaii for a tournament. So due to the car, and summer school, only Erin and Wendy are going to Hawaii. We decided to spend a few days, just us, and then join the team for the soccer tournament. So we leave tomorrow!

Stay turned for our "Girl Adventures"!

Day 20--Home Sweet Home

Well, we made it home after being gone almost 3 weeks. We visited (or drove through) 7 states, and Dan drove over 2,500 miles! It was a great trip, but it is always good to be back home. It rained almost every day, except 4, which was a bit of a disappointment at times, but we still made the best of it!
When asked about everyone's top things, here were the responses:
Kyle: Wisconsin Dells, family reunion, Lambeau Field, and Wriggley Field
Erin: Wisconsin Dells, family reunion, the Cubs game, and the Arch
Dan: family reunion, Chicago, Wriggley Field, and the Arch
Wendy: Chicago, Lanbeau Field, Wriggley Field, and Greenfield (Henry Ford village)

We have no idea what we are doing next summer (I know that is a surprise to some of you.), but I'm sure we will come up with something!

Erin and the Arch

We love Chicago

Kyle doing the "Lambeau Leap"!

Day 17, 18, & 19--Family Reunion

We enjoyed the family reunion with Dan's family in Yankton, South Dakota. We stayed at the Lewis and Clark Recreation area. It was a great time of visiting, relaxing, and enjoying the sun (yes, I said sun!). There were about 50 relatives there--we were hoping for closer to 100, but we enjoyed visiting with everyone who was able to come. There were aunts and uncles and cousins from all over--North Dakota, Iowa, Colorado, Minnesota, Texas, Washington, and California.
We were right on the water, and rented a ski boat for one of the days. The kids loved being in the lake or the pool, and hanging out with their cousins. We of course had a ton of food to eat. In the evenings, we played games like volleyball, ladder golf, bean bag toss, etc. There was a campfire every night, complete with s'mores. Did I mention that we ate like kings and queens? We are looking forward to the next one in 2018!

Enjoying the lake

Playing ladder golf

Most of the gang that was there

Day 16--Hannibal and traveling

This morning we learned a lot about Mark Twain. We went to his boyhood home, Huck Finn's home, and Becky Thatcher's home--or at least the real people whom he based his characters. We also went to the Mark Twain Museum, which was very well done. Then it was time to explore the Mark Twain Caves. It was a good tour, and they tied in parts of Tom Sawyer, which made it fun. The best part of all....the second day in a row without rain!! Then we drove 4 hours to Des Moines. The hotel we are staying at tonight has a water park inside, so the kids are enjoying that.
Tomorrow we are off to Dan's family reunion. I'm not sure about the internet access, so you probably won't be hearing from me until we are back home.

Tom and Huck

White-washing the fence

Mark Twain Cave

Day 15--Katy Trail, and Hannibal

We started our morning with another good, home-cooked meal. (You really appreciated that when you have been on the road for two weeks.) Then it was a tour of the chicken hatchery. Erin really likes all kinds of animals--she wanted to touch some of the baby chicks, but their mamas were not going to allow it. We also saw same eggs with chicks ready to hatch--we looked at them with a "candle light"--which allows you to see inside the shell. A couple were moving around in it.
Then it was time for a bike ride along the Katy Trail. This is a trail where Lewis and Clark went along the river. It was a very enjoyable 8 mile ride--lots of green trees and mosquitos! (We were fine as long as we kept moving--we were too fast for the mosquitos!) Thank you Sandy and Bruce for the hospitality!
Then it was time to travel to Hannibal, home of Mark Twain. We arrived in late afternoon, and did a little exploring of the town. We went on the Mark Twain Riverboat dinner cruise. It was fun to eat,

 and enjoy the scenery, while going up and down the Mississippi River. Tomorrow is more Tom Sawyer things.

Tom Sawyer's "Jackson Island" along the Mississippi

Ready to ride!

Erin and the chickens