Jan 29, Mexico with family, and Monteverde

After Christmas we had another week in our neighborhood to do some fun things. Then on Dec 31 we flew to Mexico to be with Amber's parents and sister togther at a rental house in Chapala outside of Guadalajara. After a week together we stayed with Jacque at her home in Guadalajara for a few days before flying back to Costa Rica. Soon after we returned, our old au pair and friend from Argentina came to visit us for a couple of weeks. It was great to have her and we missed her. We explored Monteverde together.

Enjoying our favorite playa blanca

Parker learning the ropes at Jaco beach

Our neighbor Paul is a fishing yacht captain and gave us a tour of the boat at the local Los Suenos Marina

On our flight to Mexico for New Years and family, a smoking volcano.

Chapala is the largest lake in Mexico

Dance of the flying men--an ancient mesoamerican ritual.

The Endres family with gelato and pinata to celebrate new years.

A local hike gave us a surreal view at the top.

Parker, Drion, Gabe and Nathan took a shot. I've got it--no you don't!

A local waterpark and natural hot springs was a great time to have fun and relax.

The view of the lake from our rental home for the week.

Pepe the dog!

Day visit to Tlaquepaque

Local market in Guadalajara. Tamales!

Cousins

Todd found the Guadalajara Steelers bar

A long layover in Cancun on our way back to Costa Rica was awesome. We loved the beautiful water and beaches.

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Back in Costa Rica! Check out those crocs.

Plantains are a regular part of the diet.

Parker's gearing himself up to hit the surf!

Swimming in the rain with our friend and au pair 5 years ago--Vale from Argentina!

We found a place where the monos like to jump on you for food. Or just to hang out.

Their palms are very soft.

Hummingbird cafe in Monteverde was special. So invigorating when they whiz right by

your face, and muy bonita.

Sunset from Monteverde: a lovely little mountain town with fair weather, cloud forests

Ziplining! Parker has been asking to do this for a while.

Whew! a little scary adrenaline rush.

Can't even see the end, the longest was over 1km.

Our night tour was special with active sloths, snakes, spiders, birds, scorpions, and this little guy.

Our trek back to playa blanca with Vale

blessed us with a colorful macaw up close.

Usually at least one of them is participating

while homeschooling. haha. ha. heh.