The Kids Santa Picture

My kids are getting older but every year I still keep the tradition alive of having them take a picture with Santa.  Most years it's not just Santa but also Mrs. Claus and the elves, which adds another element to the photo.  So far, the kids don't complain about taking the picture and actually enjoy themselves.  I am just a sucker for tradition and want to continue keeping the 'magic' of Christmas alive as long as I can.

Another Great Thanksgiving

I Just Had To Do It

I finally did it; I finally decorated the house for Christmas.  It has become a tradition to decorate the week before Thanksgiving the last couple of years.  I just love how festive and merry the house looks on Turkey Day with all the twinkling lights and our Christmas tree decorated in all her glory.  I love the holiday season, everything is so merry, bright and magical.  But Christmas time comes way too quick and before we know it, the season is over.  So I like to take advantage of the time I have and start the decorating process just a little bit early.  I do still leave up my fall and Thanksgiving decor but I don't have a ton so the Christmas decor just adds a bit more cheer.  Besides, it's also a good way to see what I have on hand, what I need to buy and an excuse just to have the house decked out for the holidays.

                           The Tree All Ready For The Season!

Start To The Holiday Season

It is blowing my mind how fast the year has flown by.  I cannot believe the holiday season is already upon us but I can't say I'm complaining.  I love the holiday season and look forward to all the fun activities and events in store for my family.

The Time We Went Minigolfing

This was all the way back in August, which feels like a lifetime ago now but I still wanted to make a blog post about it because it was such a fun day and something budget friendly to do as a family. 

Did I Forget?

With all the birthday prep for my son's 10th birthday and travel prep for my Boston trip, I must have forgotten to post a blog of my daughter's big band presentation for Costa Rica's independence day.  It was a great day and my daughter's first band experience, which made it all the more wonderful.

Also, my little mister was in his first independence day presentation and I just have to share.

An Excuse To Get Away

Back in September, before my Boston trip, we decided to celebrate my 10 year old son's birthday at the famous hot springs town of San Carlos, La Fortuna.  It was really an excuse to get way and for us to spend some quality time as a family before I headed to the states for my little 'mommy vacation'.

 

And then we just had to celebrate at school with all my son's classmates with the traditional semi homemade cupcakes. 

Celebrating Halloween

Costa Rica did it BIG this year and I am so so proud.  When it came to Halloween events for kids this year, there was an over abundance to choose from.  I have to say, I was pleasantly surprised and pleased to have so many options this year.

There were so many events to choose from I had a hard time picking which event to take the kids to, which was a first.  Usually we have one event and that is good enough for us, as in years past there were few or no Halloween events for kids.  But this year, the activities ranged from Halloween contests to trick or treating at a few different malls as well as Halloween themed parties and crafty events.  And just about every single event was FREE!  Also, for the first year ever, there was a Halloween trick or treat event ON Halloween.  My kids would finally get to celebrate Halloween on the actual day for the very first time ever in Costa Rica.  That was exciting!

The best event this year, as far as trick or treating, was at San Pedro Mall where my kids made out like bandits with a TON of candy.  They got so much loot.  More candy than they could possibly eat in a year. As far as costumes, we kept them simple as always, with a lot of DIY elements.  My daughter's costume was by far the most popular and she did it all by herself. But my boys got their fair share of attention as well.  It was just the best Halloween!

                                                   Mall San Pedro

                                  Zombie Cheerleader, Ninja, Sheriff

      Then on October 31st, we headed to Escazu Village to celebrate Halloween

     Not sure what this costume is but another it was another attention grabbing DIY

                            Alien, Scary Unicorn and Robin

                           Photo Op with the Mad Hatter