Nicaragua: la casa

We were so lucky to have such a beautiful place to stay! And, it truly was the perfect spot for our family. We could hang out in the house and still see the pool and beach. We could lounge in the pool and still feel like we're right next to the ocean. And the boys only had a brief jaunt to the prime surf spots, which made it especially nice for our viewing pleasure.

We determined seashells were starting to take over and that the decor is still trying to decide who it wants to be. But- we could care less if there were butterflies or lizards painted on the walls with feathers or scales... we had an amazing place to be.

One of the most loved belongings of the house was most definitely the hammock. It was occupied about 93% of the time we were at the house. It was perfect for naps, reading, cuddling and relaxing.

The rocking chairs were also delightful! The entire patio was a getaway all in it's own.

And then, of course, there's the pool. Mekena and Kirra transformed into fish, they loved it!

We all loved it, how could you not? Wonderful water hanging out in the sun right on the ocean... it was a form of heaven.

We loved the house, it was a place we could all relax and be together.

Reef mastered the stairs and the girls spent lots of time coloring. (one of my personal favorite activities.)

We read, napped, cuddled.... just relaxed and loved being in la casa!

must interrupt nicaragua week:

the spark event

i want to attend this sooooooo bad.

really, very, much would love to be there.

it's in november, but registration starts on 8.24 and they are only accepting 150 people. and my guess, with the ladies they have in charge, spots will fill up within seconds. why am i sharing this great find with you when the spots are so limited?

one problem. the event is in utah, and i'm in florida.

maybe i could start a birthday fund and get enough mula to pay for a plane ticket to utah and to save my spot at spark....

a girl can dream, right?

(i feel like i say that a lot....)

so, if you are in utah, or fortunate enough to be able to afford to get there, take advantage of this opportunity.

i would dare to bet these 2 days will make dreams come true!

Nicaragua: how it began.

08.01.09

We flew into Managua. The Packer family arrived earlier in the day, and the rest of us got in that night after a few flight delays. After going through customs and baggage checks Jeff and I waited for the rest of the family to arrive.

This was right about the time I had my first encounter with the people of Nicaragua. I was lugging my baggage, weaving in and out of people when a man in a uniform came to greet me. He smiled and took my bags from me. I thought, how nice is this! Wouldn't expect first class treatment in the 2nd poorest country in the World! Well, that should have been my clue.... The men dropped off our bags and looked at Jeff and said a few words in Spanish. Then, continued to stand there with a smile on their face and their hand stretched out, palm up. We had nothing smaller than a $10- that was a quick spend. But, lesson learned. I warned my dad before they could get to them.

The hotel shuttle was supposed to be able to pick us up from the airport and drive us safely to the hotel. We didn't see the shuttle waiting, so right around 9:10pm, Dad and the translator (aka my husband), found a phone and called the hotel. Wouldn't you know it- the hotel stops sending their shuttle at 9:00pm.

So another first experience, this time with Nicaraguan taxi drivers, was about to begin! I will admit, I was very nervous. Men began shoving and cramming all of our baggage into the trunks of two small cars. And off we drove with the truck secured by some twine. Each time we stopped, Chrissy and I would check behind us to make sure everything was still there.

So far we had experienced the small airport, the money beggars, the taxi drivers and now - the streets. Cars seemed to be in a continual criss-cross, back and forth, and consistently honking their horns. People were everywhere. There were tents for housing and dogs on the sidewalk every two minutes.

Then, finally- we arrived at the hotel.

Lucky Dad, he got to spend his special 50th traveling! We tried to make it special for him though. I made a banner and sent it with Tiff so she and the girls decorate the hotel room for him. It was quite festive with lots of balloons and streamers. He loved it!

To end the night, Jeff and I ordered a pizza from room service.

with anchovies. oops. and yuck!

8.02.09

After a good nights rest we were ready to head to the beach house. We ate breakfast, and then the boys met our driver Jose and picked up the rental cars. We loaded up and made our way to the grocery store.

My parents decided to hire a driver for the trip, and we are so glad we did. Not only because we were able to meet such a nice man, but because of the roads and some of the experiences. He was a huge help. He drove in his little car with Jeff and the other two cars followed behind. He drove us to the beach house and then back to his house in Managua. And then at the end of our trip, he came back to the beach house to lead us back to the hotel. For all of that, he charges $35.00 total. Can you believe that? Of course we took good care of him...well, we meaning my dad of course. But everyone loved him so much we all gave him a little something extra.

Meet Jose:

He is a humble, sweet, hard working man. He is a father of 4, the youngest only 15 days old! He spoke only Spanish so we smiled and nodded to each other a lot... thanks to Jeff for helping us out with the communication department.

The grocery store in itself was quite the adventure! The employees were quick to help. I imagine they were quite surprised to see the size of our load... and then our grand total.

After some time we were back on the road. Only to be stopped by our new amigos... the policia.

Apparently they are really picky about blinker usage but don't mind a whole family of 4 riding on a small motorcycle without helmets. We may or may not have had to do some bribing in order for Rand's license to not be taken for 15 days. This was one of the many times we were extremely grateful for Jose.... it helped to have a local.

(Take note of the gun, so carefully slug across the man's shoulder. And, notice me in the corner of the rear view mirror? I was excited to see myself in a few of the pictures because I was usually taking them. haha)

After some bumpy dirt roads and splashing through some large puddles.... we made it! We were ecstatic to finally be at our destination! First things first: check out the waves! And then unload the cars.....

Welcome to Nicaragua,

and

Welcome to 'Casa Luminosa'

Nicaragua: the people that made the journey

Nicaragua was amazing. There were so many adventures and memories made I could spend a whole month (at least) telling you all about it.... but I thought that might be a little excessive. So, I'm going to write a week about our Nicaragua trip. I realize that some might think a week is a little lengthy to sum up a ten day trip, but it was just that incredible!

So, if you're interested.... come along as I look back on my journey. And if you're not.... come back next week!

One of the best parts of the trip was being able to spend time together as a family.... all of us, on the same side of the world, in the same city, on the same beach.

And thanks to my family for letting me share some of their photos as well.

Meet my cute family:

The trip was made possible thanks to these hot folks.

Thank you very much dad and mom!

This is my little sis Chrissy and her boyfriend Cameron (a.k.a. Katie... as my nieces so nicely named him for the week)

Here's the Packer pack. My sis Tiff, her hubby (and Chef) Rand and their 3 little munchkins....

Mekena, Kirra and Reef.

and of course my sweet Jeffy.... and then there's me. (and yes, I'm aware of my dorky grin)

The 11 of us set off on a journey, not sure what to expect.

I think we all were a little skeptical (whether or not we all admit to that...) due to some alarming web articles and the fact that it was completely unfamiliar territory to all of us. And a few of us were so anxious for the trip that we couldn't sleep for the entire week before the adventure began. (Or, maybe that was just 1 or 2 of us) We had gone through a few on again/off agains, (not sure we would actually make the venture) that I'm pretty sure we were all relieved when we were finally securing our seat belts and listening to the flight attendants talk about oxygen masks and emergency exits. And eventually, we began our decent into the city of Managua.

one. already?!

Dear sweet Reefy,

It seems like only yesterday I was driving to the hospital to meet you for the first time.

you were tiny.

It's been so fun to cuddle you and play peek a boo and chase. I love to watch you learn and grow...scoot, then crawl, then toddle, now walk. Your blonde curls and big, bright blue eyes take everyone by surprise, even me... even after spending an hour playing with you. Your giggle and little toothy grin bring me so much joy.

I am a lucky girl to be your aunt. I've loved the times we've had to play in the sand, swing on the playset, read "Pat the Bunny", devour cherries and watermelon, and when the little tickle bug comes out. You are a good little buddy- did I mention I was lucky to have you?

You make me happy. oh, so happy.

You make me wish for a little boy of my own. Someday you'll have a cousin to chase after dogs and make mud pies with. someday.

I love you beef and hope you have a very happy first birthday. I can't wait for all the birthdays we get to celebrate together... but please, don't grow too fast. And if you do, please don't get sick of me smoochin' on your adorable cheeks!

Happy Birthday little guy, I love you!

in loving memory

aunt debbie, mom, aunt darla, aunt cindy 6.05

The day before we flew home from Nicaragua we drove from the beach house to a hotel in Managua. Upon arriving at the hotel, we received a note and a phone call bearing bad news.

My sweet Aunt Darla passed away.

I will forever be grateful for the love and tenderness of my Aunt Darla.

So many fun times, including bug hockey and snarf, were shared while snacking on Twizzlers Nibs and peanut M&Ms. We'd laugh until we cried at the floating teeth in a cup. I fattened myself eating the delicious rolls she made- fluffy and buttery- along with cookies and pies and all sorts of yumminess. We drove through a herd of buffalo together and stood in awe at the beauty of Yellowstone.

One thing I will remember most about my Aunt Darla are definitely her hugs. She was always warm and readily available for a hug. She'd wrap her arms around me and squeeze me in until we almost melted together.

Oh, how I will miss her hugs. and her smile. and her rolls.

and her laugh.

For now I am grateful to have this beautifully hand crafted reminder she made, the amazing memories we shared and the knowledge that we'll be together again.

i love you aunt darla.

back in the usa

i want to be back in nicaragua.

it was an amazing place. the trip was more than i imagined it could be.

i missed ziggie. and now he's home with me.... and now, i want to take him with us and stay a while longer in nicaragua.

america is great- we are blessed to live in this country. but, there's something about spending some time away and seeing how other people live so simply that makes me want to be part of that smaller group. the people in nicaragua were hard workers but they weren't always rushed and in a frantic mess all the time. they loved their family and friends and spent time enjoying each other- sitting on the porch and talking. the kids have fun with a ball and a bat, they don't have video games and cell phones- they get exercise and enjoy the sun. they aren't spoiled, they don't know what spoiled is. and then again, maybe they do- maybe they think that a ball and a bat is spoiled... because some children don't even have that.

it's amazing to me to see how they live their lives and i was thinking to myself, wow- i have so much and if only they knew how i lived my life. but, the truth is, the majority of the people probably have no idea what life outside their pueblo is like. and they are probably better off for that as well.

more pictures and experiences from my trip to come....

the count down begins

1 month....

that's it!

i LOVE birthdays. Big, fat, bright red puffy heart them.

my mom and dad always made a big deal about birthdays growing up. i remember being so excited to wake up on my birthday morning wondering what type of merrymaking my mom had been up to the night before. i would open my eyes to streamers, balloons, confetti.... all sorts of festivity decorations surrounding me. she would come in like a little birthday elf and fancy my room all up while i was dreaming of presents and cupcakes in ice cream cones and birthday wishes.

our birthday celebrations ended up being more like a birthweek celebration. which i am definitely not complaining about. i love a celebration.

we got to choose our favorite dinner for mom to make. sometimes i would choose "perkins stew" to be honest, i'm not quite sure why. don't get me wrong, i'd be thrilled to have my mom make me perkins stew for dinner... but it's just not exactly a lavish meal. it's carrots and mini hamburger patties (which is weird all in itself because i was never a huge hamburger lover... until i met in-n-out and five guys) in a gravy served over creamy mashed potatoes. okay, now it's starting to make me salivate. after dinner the birthday person got to skip out on dishes. that was a great present.

i loved partying with my family and friends. i thought birthdays couldn't get any better. and then i met jeff.

he's always full of surprises. my favorite are the homemade cards. they always make me smile. i love how he thoughtfully plans a day that he knows i will love. a day that brings a permanent "ice cream" smile (that's what chad calls it... and it's the perfect description) to my face. he dubs me the birthday princess. actually,

he makes me feel like a queen.

i know my family loves me. they are always so good to me. and on my day, my very special ME day they shower me with extra special love and i can't wait.

30 days and counting....

not so itsy-bitsy

i just happened to look up in time to see this tarantula wanna be on the wall across the room.

yuck!

i thought the enormous frog population would help extinct these 8 legged enemies...

but i guess when you have little green friends that are just that, little and green, they don't do a whole lot of anything. except be green.

and little.

it looks to me like this beastly intruder might have feasted upon some of my little green kermits.

and for that.....

hasta la vista baby.

where's kermit?

do you see anything cute in this picture?

nope- definitely not a cute garden full of gerbers and snapdragons.

nope- not a cute window treatment...just boring blinds.

why don't you look a little closer?........

These little froggies are all over my house right now. They are soo itsy bitsy- not any bigger than the tip of my pinky!

I feel really bad when it rains so much and they all decide to have a neighborhood block party on the street. I'm afraid several of them have fallen victim to the big bad monster Michelins on the 4Runner. oops. sorry.

Hopefully, to make up for it a little bit, I can keep providing shelter for a few of the kermits and miss piggys in the area.

.....as long as they don't invite animal.

happy 50th

Happy birthday daddy!

i am one lucky girl to have you as my dad. yes, i am.

here's 50 little reasons why i love you:

■ you're superman

■ you're one of the hardest workers i know

■ you can fit 60ft of stuff into a 3ft space

■ "the look"

■ you'd give the shirt off your back

■ you wear cool shirts on your back

■ you're humble

■ you can organize a desk like nobody's business

■ "stupid" cookies

■ you jam to old rock while you clean the garage

■ i could often eat off your garage floor it's so clean

■ you try new things

■ you swim with a sling shot

■ dad's meatloaf

■ your choice of ring tones

■ you are strong

■ you are brave

■ you introduced me to 24

■ you let the missionaries into your home

■ you baptized me

■ you are a worthy priesthood holder

■ you love the Lord

■ you serve the Lord

■ you've taught me to love and serve the Lord

■ you live your testimony

■ you are silly

■ your skymiles

■ you taught me the importance of 'thank you' notes

■ you always get it done

■ i know i can ask you for anything

■ and when i do ask, i know it'll be done before you can write it on your list

■ your love for tape when wrapping presents

■ the way you brush your hair

■ the way you wrap the chord around your blow dryer

■ you show me unconditional love

■ you're a good husband for my mommy

■ you married my mommy

■ you brought me into this world

■ your old sweater collection

■ fresca and cranberry juice

■ the way you stir your crystal light in your cup with your fork

■ your cup

■ your willingness to help a friend

■ you're easy to talk to

■ that i want to call you when i'm scared even though you're on the other side of the country

■ your cap gun and rabbit foot

■ your quarter cup

■ i know i can always count on you

■ because you're my daddy

■ because you're my friend

i hope you have a great birthday! i love you!