A day in the life....

So what is our usual day here like..?? I keep getting that question from everyone. I think you all picture us beachside sipping cold beers, or learning to surf. While Harper takes naps in the sun. Ahhh, almost.

A few signs to point you in the right direction....

Tamarindo Beach

My new favorite drink: Michelata. Fresh Lime juice and light beer. Over Ice. salted rim. 

The road near our house.

We are in a very small and funky little town. Dirt roads and all.There is a "main" street that is full of mostly bars and beachside restaurants, along with nicknack shops.And of course, a gazillion surf schools/shops. Lots of great dining. But only 2 small grocery stores. With limited stuff. The big "auto mercado" is a 15 min cab ride and has EVERYTHING! But a bit more expensive. It has forced us to be very picky about what we buy and to use everything in the fridge. We are cooking at home almost every night, light and fresh food! Very little processed food. Feeling very healthy.There is a small park in the center of town, so we can take Harper to swing, she loves it. I may even get involved in a "park clean up" program to revive it! The one thing I find odd about Tamarindo, is unlike other Central and Latin American countries, there is no town square or old church...because it has been a "surf side" town since the 1970's, the history is just that. Not your usual historic side. But It still has charm. The house we are staying at is pretty close to town and the beach. But still recquires a 15 minute walk down( the way back is no bueno..UP hill) Along the way there is a structure that holds the local Gym, and the Nanny garden, which has become a regular stop for us. Harper is officially going there 4 days a week for 2 to 4 hours a day! It is run by a sweet french woman and her mother. It looks like a United colors of Benetton ad. Every nationality you can imagine. Kids from all over and lots of different languages being spoken( primarily spanish) Harper is the youngest. The first day was REALLY hard for me, Nick was excited for her, I wept like a baby. But having our first breakfast alone and an hour on the beach to actually nap, was really needed! And she LOVES it there. I don't cry quite as much now. But the eyes still get teary. We now have some time each day to figure out our routine. We are looking at apartments and meeting people about possible work.Nick went to Nicaragua this month to start working with the Beyond Study Abroad Program and I am looking into some photography work. Most importantly, we are having some Nick and Colette time! It is well deserved.

First Fiesta!

Harper and I with Rhonda. We didn't plan the stripes.

Harper love.

Harper and Dad enjoying the music.

Pensive party goers.

We are almost at our month mark!! It has become harder and harder to keep track of the days. We were warned that this starts to happen here in Costa Rica. The days kind of all mold together. We  had a very memorable fathers day. We were invited to our first party! Rhonda and Jean Marc( our hosts/friends) have a dear friend who was having a birthday party on fathers day. So we packed up the munchkin and walked over to Rosie's house down the street.And what a house!A hacienda style home with a stunning courtyard surrounding a pool, in which tan beautiful kids splashed around in, while all ages of more tan and beautiful people mingled about sipping on cocktails. With a soundtrack provided by a live Brazilian band. We suddenly felt a little glamor in Costa Rica...but tropical and relaxed glamor. It was so nice to meet and talk with some locals, most of whom have been here for 10 or more years. And all from different parts of the world. The majority have raised  there kids here. Harper loved the live band, especially when they gave her a shaker. And mom and dad loved the people. It was a great day.Thanks to Rhonda and Jean Marc for introducing us to all their dear friends.

 Here are a few unforgettable moments I wanted to share.... most of which involve Harper Grace.

Sunset is Costa Rica is breathtaking. Unfortunately, Harper goes to bed so freaking early, we rarely had a chance to see one the first month. But we have gotten her to keep her eyes open a little later lately. I was able to capture some very sweet moments with her yesterday as she took in a little nature and contemplated life.







How our little one keeps busy....

Some pool time. Harper is actually starting to ENJOY it!!!

Having some yummy Costa Rican dinner....rice and beans with Gallo pinto chicken.

Testing out her new carseat!!! Now we just need a car:)



Watching Harper drink Pipa Fria at the beach , while bouncing to music. Her rosy cheeks and dimple smile making my heart full with love.

Looking down at the sand and noticing these beautiful tree like designs that the tide leaves behind as it rolls in and out. The beach looked like a canvas.

There is a "magic hour" at the end of each day. Everywhere I have lived has had its own beauty at this special time of day. Taos NM is infamous for it. The golden light that spreads over the mesas with a pinkish hugh. Even LA had its moments of beauty. The So cal sun kissed the concrete jungle in a way that seemed to press pause on all the chaos. Here in Tamarindo it is especially beautiful. Overlooking the water and watching the day come to a close we are reminded of how glad we are to be on this adventure we call life.

Some wonderful moments during our visit to Iowa and California in September. 

                               Harper enjoyed her first snookies milkshake with her Aunt Katelyn.

                                        Lots of snuggle time with her Aunt Aria in San Pedro.

                                                   A windy beach day with Grandma Dana.

 We were so lucky to spend a few days with Rosa and Benicio in Silverlake. One of Harpers boyfriends.

                         Sweet and funny Irion had us at her house for a few days, Harper and she "Bopped"!

A yummy breakfast at Sweet Butter.

International playdate for all!

 
  Some things just fall into place, such as, the fact we were so very lucky to find this darling guest house to stay in for our trip or should I say, "new life".  Thanks to Leslie.  Then there is the turn of events that led us to our first international play date.  Costa Rica is a pretty big place and it just so happened that our friends were here on vacation the same time we arrived and only a 7 minute cab ride from us. With the OH so funny Kate and Kyle and their darling boy Jasper we had a glorious five days of playing "vacation".  This included late night taco eating, and by "late" we mean 8pm. That's right people. We are wild. A gorgeous day at the beach, with a surf lesson for lil' old me from my instructor Kyle who taught me how to get up by the third try without losing my top.  Surprising, I know.   It was such a treat for Kate and me to sip Imperials and watch our babes drool and roll around.  The kids were pretty darn cute too.

Harpers 1st Beach Day!