Boyd Bear Tracks

We were pretty busy the weekend of July 4th. On Saturday we went to a "party" the American Embassy puts on for all American Citizens in Costa Rica. It was like being in little America. Everything was free :-) (but, the lines were long too). There were games for all ages and hot dogs, cotton candy (which neither kid liked--more for me!), pop, ice cream (we didn't get any--the line was always too long), and little american flags for everyone. They had a flag raising and we sang the American and Costa Rican national anthems. It was pretty fun. However, the most fun was getting there :-). We didn't really know which bus to take so we ended up taking one bus, a taxi, another bus, then another taxi. At least we got there! On the way back I rode with some fellow missionaries and Jon only had to take two buses. So, we'll know for next time!! :-)

Monday, the Institute put on a picnic at a park (close to our house). The kids rode ponies. Actually, Ellie only rode the pony for about 50 meters and then climbed up my arm to get off! Fortunately, they didn't charge me for her ride :-).

Monday night we met together with our fellow ABWE missionaries. I made Ribbon Jello (7 layers of jello) which took 2 days to make :-). They all believe I'm a gourmet cook now! It was fun to be together and get to talk to everyone. Usually we're all busy and don't see each other much. The kids played together really nicely which was a blessing too!

I've been itching to find something to buy with Lucas' and Ellie's birthday money. So, I ended up getting a tent. They love it (Jon is thinking about the fact that we're only here 5 more months and I'm buying more things :-)). Actually, I think it will fit in a suitcase :-)! I think the kids would live in the tent if I let them. I finally took it down because it was taking up the whole living room. I'll find another time to set it up for them again (after the weekend when we usually have company).

I did want to include a little story about Lucas (before I forget). We were on a walk and were going toward the Institute (which is by Burger King). Lucas asked if we were going by McDonalds and Jon told him that it wasn't McDonalds it was Burger Sling :-). So, now, Lucas thinks that's the actual name of the restaurant. Anyway, Lucas was talking about "Burger Sling" and ended up by saying David must go there. Jon didn't know who he was talking about until I told him it must be David from the Bible because he had a sling :-). It was pretty funny!

Ellie has added another Spanish phrase to her vocabulary, "No quiere" (which should be no quiero and means I don't want any or I don't want to). My question is, why do they always learn the negative phrases first? She is talking a lot more now and I can reason with her (a little bit--at least more than before). She's started letting me put bows in her hair now, but always pulls them out before nap time. I guess that she decides that half a day is enough :-).

We're all doing ok, but the kids are starting colds again (no surprise there). At least they don't seem to get sick as often as they used to. Thanks for praying for us!