It's Been A Wild Ride

 I can hardly believe December is almost over, and we're about to celebrate a new year. It's been a wild ride for sure.

With our Family's ups and downs, I'm thankful that we're closing this latest chapter of 2022 on a positive note. There is so much to look forward to in the new year, it makes me so excited just thinking about it.

But before I jump forward, let's go back a bit. December was amazing. I took a step back and really just tried to enjoy the season without putting too much stress or pressure on myself. It's truly not about perfection. It all comes down to quality family time and sticking to old traditions while creating new ones.

We celebrated with family for Christmas Eve and had a wonderful time. There was so much good food, really good company and great conversations. 

 Christmas morning was pretty amazing as well. Starting off the morning with brunch as we watched a Christmas movie was such a memorable moment. It also helped keep the vibe mellow as the morning started slowly, because we all slept in.

After brunch, Stockings were opened before we moved onto gifts. And if I may toot my own horn and give myself a pat on the back, but I knocked it out of the park again this year with some of the best gifts ever. It truly was a wonde

r family Christmas. 

Our Family's Christmas Celebration

 

The Big Surprise

 My son is not the best student. He's capable but lazy and sometimes struggles academically. So imagen our surprise when he was recognized for academic excellence in his grade. To say I'm proud would be an understatement. It was a wonderful moment and the look on his face when he was called up to the stage was priceless. 

My Daughter's 9th Grade Graduation

 Though she's not technically graduating high school, a 9th grade graduation is still a pretty important step in students high school career in Costa Rica.

In 9th grade, the academic year is pretty intense.  After a successful school year, ninth graders receive a title of completion and a ceremony to accompany such a feat. I am so proud that my daughter not only successfully completed 9th grade but did so with a recognition of academic excellence. 

Making Gingerbread Men

It's been a pretty laid back December for our family but I could not let the month pass us by without incorporating a few fun elements like decorating a gingerbread man and baking peanut butter blossoms.  

Traditions are important to me, from our annual Christmas card photo to watching our favorite Christmas movies. It's all about the quality time we spend together as a family.