July Adventures and Camp Fun!

With everyone at camp, Alex and I headed to Costa Rica!

For the first part of our trip, we were at the beach in the Guanacaste province. We really did nothing except sleep, read and spend time at the pool or beach. It was glorious! 

 

Our friend loved hanging at our room!

Nice yoga views!

A very dramatic change in the scenery as we went from the West Coast and the pacific ocean to the Northern part of the island and the mountains. 

The Arenal Volcano.

We took a tour on the river with a guide and saw monkeys and a ton of birds!

Next, we learned how to make chocolate. The farm grew cocoa trees for a very small batch of artisanal chocolates but mostly for showing tourists how chocolate is made.

 

Drying the seeds!

Then grinding them

Tasting!

We stayed at the Tabacon Thermal Resort & Spa in La Fortuna near the Arenal Volcano National Park. Attached to the resort are the most amazing natural hot springs and a lovely section for hotel guests only. 

That's Alex under there!

It was so beautiful and peaceful there!

 

 Ziplining!

 We did it! All 13 zips!

 Rewarded with an Imperial!

 Thank you, Costa Rica, for the wonderful trip!

The next morning after arriving back to Austin, we headed out to pick up our girl from camp!

Just missing our big boy!

Post-haircut and being very patient with his sister!

Kids Acting success: The Descendants 2!

Allie played Mulan's daughter, Lonnie!

  

 Allie's cheering section!

 Got our boy back!

Tired boy (and puppy)!

Fun night with friends!

Orientation for middle school! Gulp...

Let the summertime fun begin!

 Walking into summertime with Kirby! 

 Celebrating Father's Day!

 Alex took Jake to iFly!

Officially ready for camp!

 See you, Kirbs!

I finally got to take Jake (and these boys) to camp!

So excited to finally see the 6 Points campus even if it sadly the last year here. The former boarding school was sold this year but we'll find out where camp will be soon! 

 Loved getting to see Jake reunite with one of his favorite counselors, Blake.  

Sitting at the Greensboro Airport, I treated myself to a nice big glass of wine while waiting for my flight and got to think about what a special day it was. I loved seeing Jake in his happy place and people who absolutely love him and were all so complimentary about what a great kid he is. 

Visiting with family in Plano 

(and rockin' new kicks!)

 Allie and her fellow castmates from Sing! She played 2 roles, the rocker porcupine and the llama bank manager!

On the way to take Allie to camp, we dropped Kirby off at my sweet friend (and former assistant) Sara and her boyfriend's house. They have a lab, Charlie, who is 6-months younger than Kirby. They played and played and played the whole time we were gone. 

 Allie is CYJ ready! She's been ready since her first visit in January! 

 So excited for her and for both of the kids to be at camps but the parents are ready for vacation!