Where the grass is greener...

...and so much for staying caught up. 

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We've  moved one day right into another, lately.  Whether it is the crazy weekdays full of commitments, responsibilities, and assignments or the weekends stacked with errands, visits, and chores, we seem to never PAUSE for much.

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Maybe it is for that reason that we have been seeking some true down time; looking for greener grass.  Chato and I finally settled on a summer break.  After all of the research for the grant that we were unable to secure, my broken heart was intent on figuring out a way to experience Costa Rica's rainforests.  I investigated the coast of Manuel Antonio's National Park and came upon Hotel Parador's lush fauna and ferns, not to mention howler monkeys, sloths, and titis.  The family packages are tremendous on the inclusives, and for the love of a six night stay in Quepos, we added on a couple more nights in the capital, just out in Heredia at a family owned B&B located on a Coffee Plantation, Finca Rosa Blanca. With a few loose ends to tie up, we are equator bound mid July. 78 day count down is in place.

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And this is April summed up in a post:

 

We've spent time googling over our newest little family member, Noah.  He is growing so fast.

 Chato ran his tenth Shamrock Shuffle on a very bright spring day.

And then Easter was upon us.

On Good Friday, I tried a self concocted recipe using wonton/phyllo wrappers and shrimp.  They were delicious little treats with a touch of avocado and salsita. I will definitely be concocting more with these little wrappers...so yummy.

 

We celebrated Easter at Mom and Dad's house, where the Easter bunny left baskets for A + B.

 Again, with perfect weather, the Easter egg hunt was great.

 I'm still surprised that these crazy kids paused long enough to let me take their picture BEFORE running off to find all of the hidden eggs...

 ...and then they were off...

 ...searching high and low for that elusive silver (i know its supposed to be golden; ours happens to be silver!!) egg...

 ...the elder kid got it!

 ...and made sure that everyone knew it...

 ...unfortunately (OR fortunately), his love for his sister has shown through once again, too..

 It was a very sweet holiday, indeed...

 ...and THIS cute deviled dyed egg version of a family Easter tradition was a colorful hit that we will make sure to repeat from now on! (Thank you, Pinterest)

 While on Spring break, I got to sit down with some of the most gifted educators I know...

 ...and took time to be both silly and serious with them.  I don't know where I would be mentally, physically and emotionally without their presence. They are unbelievable people, indeed.

 
We celebrated another birthday for my favorite little girl in the world.

 Is it possible that she is this old already?  

Sigh.

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My basketball boy ran into Stacey King at the mall yesterday, which thrilled him silly.  

And today he and I are awaiting his neurology check up.

There isn't a day that goes by that doesn't offer us something new and interesting.  We can make predictions, but in the end it's not all within our control.  We can change the setting.  We can wiggle and stretch and research and learn.  We can try and try and try some more, but the grass is only greener if you water it where you stand.  While we will always look for pastures of every hue, we know that what we are granted is what we must use and develop.  There are no strokes of luck that can alter our pathways, rather great strides of intent and determination that will guide us along.