¡Pura Vida Karlinseys!: January 2013

18 January 2013

Helping to make breakfast at Irazu

Have you ever wondered what you would do if you got stuck in an elevator. Yah, me too. Tonight we found out. Half-way up to our 10th floor apartment, the entire panel "died." We called down to the guards on duty, but, they did not inspire much confidence that we would get out any time soon.

There we were--the three of us--Dalton, Brynne, and me. Dalton was rolling on the floor (literally). "This is comedy central" he gushed. Brynne saw nothing funny in the situation, since she really, really, REALLY had to go to the bathroom. I . . . I tried to be patient (not in my nature). Then, when we realized we were lined up to the entrance of the fifth floor apartment, I tried the Incredible Hulk thing. To all of our surprise, with some huffing and puffing, we were able to break out. The neighbors were in the middle of a birthday party, and they were notably surprised (although I cannot vouch that it was a surprise party, per se). They were neighborly enough to escort us past the birthday cake and to their rear entrance, so we could take the service elevator up to our back door. Geez.

Who wants to jump into the crater?

Who in the picture stayed up until 4 the night before?

In the spirit of making family memories (fresh off of vacation, remember), last Saturday, Dayna and I decided to "kidnap" the children at 6:30 a.m. from their warm beds, and haul them to the top of a volcano on the other side of the valley to make breakfast and explore. Yes, we expected that getting teenagers out of bed that early on a Saturday might raise a little fuss, but, dragging our nearly 17 year-old out of bed "took the cake" as it were, and severely tested our commitment to positive family memories. After no small amount of "cajoling" (huffing and puffing?), we finally got him in the car. Later, he confessed that it was really only a pain to get out of bed because he hadn't slept but two hours the night before. Skyping until nearly 4 a.m. . . . . Really??? Not much sympathy from this camp.

It's a cousin thing . . .

Dayna had a "big" birthday while we were home

Our time at home was amazing over the holidays. We really loved seeing family and friends. We all got our batteries charged, and found it more than a little difficult to get back on the plane headed south. We are still missing everyone, but, will admit that we are acclimating well to the weather. The kids finally started back to school on Wednesday, after more than a month hiatus.

Tonight the teenagers and I started back into Chinese lessons. The spirit is willing, but the brain is weak. Actually, the kids earned some kudos. My biggest accomplishment was charming the teacher's visiting grandmother, who seems to come from the camp that ANY gringo attempting Chinese should receive positive reenforcement.

Saludos a todos, and Pura Vida!

Glenn, Dayna, Dalton, Brynne and Braden (a few saludos in absentia from Keaton as well . . . !).