World Traveler

After narrowly escaping the chaotic pandemonium of traveling this stormy holiday season, we made it home yesterday afternoon from our first trip to Costa Rica. While it's wonderful to sleep in our own bed (and crib!), and it's obvious Stella is enjoying the comforting familiarity of home, we are already talking about how we can make it back to such a beautiful, peaceful and relaxing country.

Before we get to the photos, I have to share that Stella was a total trooper on our trip. I mean a seriously accomplished world traveller. Sure, she had a few moments of trepidation - sand completely freaked her out when we first arrived at the beach - and she relied on the binky a bit more than we like. But overall, Stella handled the chaos of traveling and the discomfort of new surroundings with a calm finesse that had us floored. We are so proud of our wee Scout for her bravery and adventurousness. What a pro.

Okay, enough bragging. Now for the photos...

(We shot over 1200 photos while traveling. But rest easy, I've paired it down to a few of the best. I'm sure I'll find more as we edit and reminisce, so I may add more later.

On Stella's first morning at Playa Grande, she enjoyed some delicious pancakes on the porch. She was still a bit apprehensive about her new digs but was obviously pleased about bumping fists with Uncle Bob and being able to run around with bare feet. We were tickled to see Stella's curls emerge in the heat.

Love.

After recuperating from our long day of travel, we headed to Mount Arenal with Uncle Chris, Aunt Lisa and big girl cousins Eva Maria and Olivia. Surprisingly, we got pretty socked in by rains and couldn't ever see the famous volcano, but we made the best of it by hiking around in the jungles and exploring the Lake Arenal area.

Stella unearthed a passion for sickly sweet yogurt drinks while touring. Quick caloric intake is a good thing while on the road.

After our three day field trip into the Arenal region, we returned to Playa Grande to meet up with the rest of the family. Stella was thrilled to play with her cousins and to meet the fabulously entertaining and ridiculously adorable second cousin, James. (Note Brian happily fulfilling the role of Pied Piper.)

Did I mention James was cute? Here he is showing off his balloon muscles. (About an hour after I took this photo, I walked by James totally conked out in his Mama's arms with his muscles still on. Goofball.)

Stella had an amazing time bonding with Olivia and Eva Maria. Both girls were unbelievably wonderful with our babe, helping her feel safe and comfortable and showing her how to handle the waves. Thank you, Olivia and Eva Maria. You rock!

Okay stop laughing. I know this is a goofy shot, but we had to do it. Stella was very tolerant during our trip as Mama learned how to surf. For a few days, Stella kept calling all surfers "Mama."

One of the few problems we encountered on our trip were Stella's total and complete meltdowns when we removed her from the pool. For a girl who literally screamed in agony when we first put her in the sand and who nervously eyed the pool with suspicion, she quickly caught the water bug...

Hmmmm. I wonder why?

The gang. I have to thank my brother Bob, and his girlfriend, Cindie, for initiating this trip. As veterans travelers of Costa Rica, it was unbelievably gracious and thoughtful of you to invite all of us to such a beautiful and peaceful place. We had a fantastic time and are already looking forward to our next visit. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

This is my favorite photo from the whole trip. I will hold this image in my head forever. My tiny girl heading toward the surf.

And a big ol' chilly P.S. ...

We've gone from surf boards to sleds in the Burnsler family. Stella is reacting to the snow the same way she initially reacted to sand. We figure we have another day of her being scared and then we'll have a little snow monster on our hands. (We feel very thankful to have made it home safely and relatively quickly and wish all our family members trekking home right now luck and safe passage. We love you!)