The Junior/Senior "Prom"

As the school year draws near it's end, formal activities for graduates commence including the prom.

In Costa Rica, the prom is a bit different than in the states. First of all, 6th graders graduate and go to high school which starts in 7th grade so they get a Graduation dance. And this dance isn't just for the grads, families are urged to attend. 

As for the seniors, the same thing goes. High school ends in the 11th grade so the Grad dance is essentially a prom. However,  instead of a date, seniors take their parents and any other family member that wants to go. In Costa Rica, proms are a family affair. You can, of course, take a date but usually its mom and dad and a sibling or two.

And if you're wondering, no the graduates do not die of embarrassment bringing their parents to the dance. It's actually a fun family friendly event. There is something for everyone; entertainment, shows, music, dancers, the works!

Now usually, grad dances/ the prom are reserved for 6th and 11th graders, since they are officially graduating. However,  in Costa Rica you do essentially "graduate" 9th grade and receive a title, officially allowing you to get a job. 

And in the case of my daughter's high school, she was also awarded with a graduation dance which we attended as a family.

It was a memorable night for sure. And most importantly, the graduates had fun

His 14th Year

 I look forward to celebrations, especially birthdays. So when it came time to celebrate my son's 14th birthday, I wanted to make sure to do it right. I wanted to make the day special, which meant doing whatever he wanted to do. 

And all he wanted to do was go out to eat and money to go shopping. Easy enough. I could have done more, done it bigger. I could have been extra but it was his day, not mine ( more on my upcoming birthday soon). 

What my birthday boy wants, he gets. So we went to his restaurant of choice, which was Outback Steakhouse. And he was gifted cash money, and lots of it, to ball out however he saw fit.

The celebration continued all weekend with a trip to the mall so birthday boy could spend some of his money. However, little brother just had to make a pit stop at the arcade.

To end the evening, birthday boy chose Dominoes for dinner and a milkshake as a sweet treat. It was a simply memorable birthday.

A Day For Costa Rica

 After two whole years of not being able to celebrate, Costa Rica came back as strong as ever with their Independence day celebrations. 

There were the typical patriotic assemblies and Tipico style activities and events. And it all culminated in the Independence day parades all over the country. 

Happy Independence Costa Rica

Kids Day Celebration

 Let me tell you, Costa Rica knows how to celebrate big when it comes to Kids day. They go all out. And since it's the first year where celebrations are being normalized again, this years Kids day did not disappoint.

The kids schools had a variety of activities including bounce houses and musical chairs, among others. And Kids were allowed to dress up in costumes. A few restaurants even got in on the fun and offered free face painting to their patrons.

What made it even better was the fact that Kids day fell on a Friday this year. All the more reason to celebrate, it was TGIF!!!

My kids day was spent taking in the scenic views on the mountain side overlooking the central valley. It was breathtaking.

Worldwide Food Festival

 You ever wonder how cool it would be to visit a few different countries, learn about their customs and culture and try their cuisine all in one day, without so much as stepping foot on an airplane? 

Well, the kids international Food Festival had me covered.  In the span of about an hour, I learned about the traditions, the culinary delicacies and the language of over 16 different countries all over the world. 

I was able to travel far and wide in just a few steps and it was such a treat. The entire experience was a feast for the eyes and the stomach.  There were so many amazing cultural displays and costumes as well as delicious traditional foods to try.

What a wonderful way to teach kids about other countries by getting them to immerse themselves in the culture and teach others about what they learned.