Costa Rica

I was in a bit in crisis at the start of the school year. In an effort to save me from a mental health collapse, Ryan planned and booked a wonderful trip for just the two of us to Costa Rica. We were married at 22 years old 22 years ago, so we called this trip our "half lives together" vacation. I am grateful that Grandpa & Grandma came from St. George, so the kids wouldn't be alone for a week. 

He really spoiled me rotten. First class seats, massage at the spa, lots of time outdoors, and great food! 

After we arrived and got our rental car, we headed to Oropendola Waterfall. We were literally the only ones there. They had lots of fun hanging bridges and stairs, and the quantity of water was astonishing! 

Next we drove to our hotel, a perfect little casita - Nayara Gardens - tucked into the rainforest. The animals were LOUD each night. Right in the resort, we saw sloths, toucans, wild turkeys, tree frogs, cacao and kapok trees, etc. We had our own private pool patio with a great lounger for reading.

Our first full day we went zip-lining at Sky Adventures Arenal. It was seven different lines over the rainforest, sometimes while it was even raining. The longest was a half mile and we reached speeds of 60 mph. I was definitely scared at first, but it was awesome! 

After ziplining OVER the rainforest, we hiked their trails underneath. We saw a capuchin monkey, chachalaca birds, and an anteater. The trees and plants were incredible too! 

For dinner, we headed to Rainforest Cafe. Delicious!  

The next morning we drove to Tenorio Volcano. We took the Tenorio Trail to the Rio Celeste Waterfall (250 stairs!), Laguna Azul (blue lagoon), bubbling geothermal & sulfur smells, and last El Teñidero, wher two rivers - Quebrada Agria and Rio Buena Vista - meet after an Indiana-Jones-style bridge. 

For dinner that night we went to Italianissimo. Yummy Italian food! 

The last morning we headed to Arenal Volcano. We hiked along the lava flows. Unfortunately, the volcano was in the clouds pretty much the whole week. We saw lots more plants and animals though!  

Our last night we enjoyed dinner at Travesio. 

It was truly the best to be away with my best friend! It was also just the kick-start I needed for another long, hard school year as a mom, teacher, and relief society president. Thanks, Babe! 

Ethan's 12th Bday

Ethan chose to go to Six Flags with his friends Logan and Colt this year. Ryan was a good sport and rode coasters with them all day. 

Afterwards, they headed to Red Robin.

I went to BOA with Katelyn and missed his actual birthday, but Ryan made sure he felt special. They went to Texas Roadhouse that night for dinner.

Ethan is on his own at the middle school now. He is alone every morning for about an hour after Katelyn and I leave for elementary school and the older boys are already long gone at Seminary and Cross Country practice. He won an award for his positive attitude in December.

He is playing the alto saxophone in the school band and loving it. He has made good friends with a boy named Caleb, and they have a friendly competition for first chair each quarter. 

He tried out water polo last summer, but he decided he wanted to focus on soccer. He returned to soccer this fall after taking his 5th grade year off. He's enjoying Jr Super League, but I'd like him to try out for Select in the Spring. He says he wants to play for the school, and he needs more minutes playing and better coaching if he wants to make the team. 

Winter 2026 brought ortho work, with an expander and braces. I got him contacts last summer, but he can't get them in and won't try anymore. Sigh. Instead, he got new glasses Mar 2026.

He also competed on the Academic UIL team in calculator, number sense, and social studies. He got 1st in calculator twice. Unfortunately, the flu ravenged our family in February and he missed the District meet where his school took first in all grades. 

Ethan serves as the deacon's quorum president in the ward. He has presidency meetings twice a month. He is enjoying serving with his friends, planning activities, and visiting the less-actives. He doesn't even mind ward youth council each month after church. 

Ethan spends a lot of time on his wifi phone and tablet. He's very reserved and keeps to himself most of the time. We often can't find him for dinner. He is much more outgoing outside the house than inside. I am so glad he is such a good friend to others.