Costa Rica 2009
G'ma Cheryl and G'pa Mike invited Ken & I to join them on their trip to Costa Rica at the Los Suenos Resort last week and we had an amazing time!! Ken and I have never left our kids for more than a weekend and it was way overdue... I figured that out last week LOL! My sister Susan kept the kids as we enjoyed ourselves with G'ma & G'pa who were so much fun to be with. This was such a relaxing trip and we were able to do several tours including kayaking/snorkeling, white water rafting, zip lining, hiking at Manuel Antonio Park and visiting the Costa Rica temple. We already miss Dad and Cheryl and wish we didn't live so far away but are so grateful for the time that we get together! Thank you Dad & Cheryl so much for a fabulous time and thank you Susan for taking care of Jesi & Josh! Here are some pictures of the trip less the kayaking & rafting that haven't been developed yet.

Ken, Debi, G'pa Mike & G'ma Cheryl at a look out on the way home.

The amazing pool at the resort!

The view from our rooms.

The iguana that I spied on every morning... I think he knew it... and was throwing me a look! LOL

Ken & I in Jaco at the Hicaco restuarant

Dad & Cheryl in Jaco at the Hicaco restuarant

All of us enjoying the zip lines!

View of a water fall from the tram up to the zip line!

Debi zip lining

Ken zip lining

G'ma Cheryl zip lining

G'pa Mike zip lining

Mr. Sloth at Manuel Antonio park throwing me a smile!!

The only monkey that wanted to be seen!

The gorgeous beach at Manuel Antonio Park

One of many scarlet macaw's we saw on the way home from Manuel Antonio Park

Ken & I on the balcony of our hotel room

The very scary crocodiles we saw off a bridge on our way back to the airport! YIKES!

The amazing scenery in Costa Rica

The Costa Rica temple at night

The perfect view from the airplane as we left Costa Rica... on top of a rainbow!

I am grateful for: I can't even begin to express my gratitude to G'ma Cheryl & G'pa Mike for taking Ken and I on this trip with them. It was such a joy to enjoy their company and be able to share these amazing memories with them. I am also so grateful to my sister Susan for being willing to take my kids for 11 days!!! Hopefully her sanity will return shortly! I am truly so grateful to the Lord for making such a beautiful world for us all to live in and enjoy... there really is so much beauty around us!

Artist in the House!
This is Jessica's first completed landscape and I am impressed! She has a very creative side and I am so glad that she is developing her abilities. I was stunned when she brought this home... this is only her second formal painting. WOW!! She did this using water soluable oil paints! Good job Jesi!!
I am grateful for: Jessica's creative side and the chance to watch it grow!

By the Way...
If you've never used ricekrispies to build cake toppers etc... it actually works! I need to make a lighthouse (if you couldn't tell) for our YW in Excellence cake... I forgot the camera so I didn't get a pix of it on the bright blue cake w/swedish fish saying "Let your light so shine." This was my first try ever at the ricekrispy thing and I rather enjoyed it!
I am grateful for: The opportunity to try new things!

Happy Birthday Ken!
This year Ken said he is old... officially in his late 30's! LOL

Ken & Josh are into the "Pie" thing for their birthday desert!
Last night for his birthday, Ken took Josh to see the Harlem Globetrotters! They had a blast and Josh got his basketball signed by the team.

I am grateful for: My old husband LOL! I am so grateful for him and all that he does for our family.

Discipline
OK... so I'm sure everyones kids fight, argue and annoy each other at times. We've tried several different tactics to help these two get along when they are going at it. We've found one that seems to work so I will share it. When the kids are going at it and they've been warned a couple times they have to PLAY a game together that Ken or I pick. This gets them really upset at first but almost always by the end of the game they are friends again. (They also know that if they aren't civil they will have to keep playing games until they are! Only once have they been sentenced to MONOPOLY! LOL)
I am grateful for: These stinkers and GAMES :)

Congrats Jesi!
Jessica got straight A's last quarter and we are so proud of her!!! She was so stressed out about her report card coming... and well, no need to be :)
I am grateful for: Jessica's success and the opportunity for her to feel so accomplished!

Random Stuff!

The kids have had a great break and are getting ready to go back to school this week. I thought I'd share a few pictures of what we've been up to!

Josh has been busy learning to program his Mindstorm...

Jessica has been sewing up a storm with her fashion kit! 10 doll dresses already...
the "dress store"

um.... Ken wouldn't look at me for the picture....

I am grateful for: A new year, new memories, new experiences, new friends and a wonderful family!