Costa Rica 2012...bit by bit. 

 Hank getting ready for his first airplane ride. 

Our first adventure in Costa Rica was a little hike to a volcano, Parque Nacional Volcan Poas. I must add that it costs $2.50 for the locals and $10 for tourists...go figure. The air was super thick and the fog prevented us from seeing the big volcano crater (at which point we wished we had only paid the 2.50). At least we were able to see the pretty lake behind us in our family pic.

Hank all ready for church our first 

Sunday there. And us in front of the LDS chapel. 

 

One of my favorite parts of the trip was mingling with the Costa Rican LDS members. The Gospel of Jesus Christ is the same everywhere regardless of differences in cultures and geography. So enriching for me to see first hand. We are all God's children. 

Costa Rican Babe.

This  9-month-old little man got to come along with dad and mom on a trip to Costa Rica! Hugh is coaching the BYU Men's Soccer team this season and the team went to Costa Rica for a international soccer trip. We had such a nice time, but this past week has been painful trying to get back into the normal routine of life. Ruby thoroughly enjoyed herself staying home with grandmas, aunts, and cousins....and also  needed to adjust to her parents being home and in charge :).

My little Hank was a dream on the trip. His smile rarely left his cute chubby face. The local Costa Rican's just ate him up. Nothing better than a cute chubby white baby in Central America. He LOVED the beach....the sand, water, and naps in his personal tent. Hank is really such a sweet little guy, with an easy smile.

He is crawling (well, actually army crawling on his arms) like a mad man. He has even tried going up the stairs. Still no teeth in his little mouth and doesn't care too much for food other than momma's milk. He just puts food in his mouth, then spits it back out.

Here's to you little Hank....9 months in, 9 months out!

How I love these three!

Hugh looks great as a new MPA graduate...don't ya think? 

Smile, it's your big day!!

Last year at this time, Hugh was in Ghana, Africa. This year, today to be exact, he is graduating from BYU with his Masters in Public Administration. I am very proud of him and all the hard work that got him here today. What I'm most proud of, is that despite his busy and often times rigorous course load, he still managed to take care of his responsibilities as a husband,father, and scoutmaster. It has also been fun to see all the great friends Hugh has made while going to school. We love you Hugh! Last night when I asked Ruby what she wanted me to put in the card for dad, this is what she wanted me to write:

"Congratulations! I love you. I'm glad you're done with school. 

Good job on graduating. Hugh--I'm really glad that you are home"

We love you, Hugh!! Can't wait to see what our future holds....

....I'm hoping it has nothing to do with wild animals :). 

Easter 2012.

...Saturday...

Neighborhood Easter egg hunt and dying eggs at Grandma Suzi's

...Sunday...

Egg hunt with VW cousins 

Ruby having fun watching everyone crack confetti-filled eggs on one another's heads. Such a fun tradition that Jasmine shared with us. Weeks leading up to Easter, we all hollow out our eggs and then the week before, fill them up with confetti and seal the hole with tissue paper. On Easter, the uncles hide the eggs and the hunt and smashing begin! **Note all the confetti and egg shells around Ruby's feet in this pic**

Family pics after great meetings at church

I love Easter and the beginning of spring. I'm grateful to have the knowledge that Christ lives, and just as spring brings new life all around us...Christ brings new life to all of us. 

Gray and Hank pondering the meaning of life...

...until  Gray's hunger got the best of him and Hank's bow tie looked yummy.

To the grocery store we go.

One too many times each week. Why is it that I always forget something? I'm sure my lack of organization has something to do with it...but until I'm ready to commit to that truth, I blame the kids.