Feliz Navidad!

Sarah: It's been almost a month since we've written on here, and there is a lot to say about the past month! We'll try to do a few blog entries in a row to catch back up. First, our trip back to the States. When David and I agreed to stay in Costa Rica for a third year, we decided it would be important for us to visit our families more than once a year, and were excited that it worked out for us to be back for Christmas with both families.

When we left Costa Rica the weather was just starting to turn toward summer - the sun was shining every day, the building was staying warm, and people were staying outside playing until late afternoon. All of the school kids have their summer break from mid-December until February, so lots of kids were around, hanging out and playing outside. David and I were excited about summer beginning, but we were still hoping to see some snow back home for Christmas...

We had NO idea what we were hoping for! The night we flew into Spokane, a huge snowstorm was just hitting. That huge snowstorm turned into a record for a 24-hour period in Spokane - 23 inches in that short amount of time!! The snow didn't stop with the 24-hour record, either. It continued the entire week we were there, with our total ending up over 40 inches! We had a great time both inside and outside - when we were trapped in the house, we'd sit by the fire and watch movies, and when it was "warm" enough to go outside, we went sledding near Jordan and Rusty's house with our niece Gracelyn (4 1/2 yrs) and nephew Gabriel (3 yrs). Not only is the snow a lot of fun, but it was absolutely beautiful with all of the pine trees around.

During the week we also got together with lots of family and some good friends. We were able to see some family members from both sides of David's extended family, and had many days of delicious, big home-cooked meals. Christmas Eve was a special time with David's family - spending time together, opening gifts, and then all of us kids sleeping in the same room upstairs. Christmas Day we opened stockings, and spent the rest of the day in our pajamas, eating more good food and relaxing together.

Our Christmas didn't stop there, however...the next day we flew to the Gosselinks to celebrate Christmas with my side of the family. December 26th turned into Christmas Eve, and we had a wonderful big meal together and watched our favorite Christmas movies (Claymation Christmas, anyone??). The following morning we woke up to open stockings and gifts, and the biggest surprise of all is that my older sister Emily is expecting a baby next August! David and I are excited to have another niece or nephew, and my whole family is excited to have the first grandchild join the family. It was a very special few days, to feel like we truly celebrated Christmas with my side of the family as well.

Later that day our Christmases continued with my mom's side of the family, and the following day we celebrated with my dad's side of the family. It was great to see everyone and spend the holidays together. The next couple days we took advantage of the winter season and went ice skating and sledding. Emily's husband Greg and her stepson Hunter aren't exactly pros at either, being from the south, so it was fun to treat them to some real winter activities. It was great family time, and sad to see Emily and Greg and Hunter leave. David and I finished out our week there by getting together with some good friends in Iowa, and getting as much family time in as we could before returning to Costa Rica.

After New Years we returned home to Costa Rica to a very busy time of year! More updating to come in the next few days about our busy start of 2009. :)