Here we are in Costa Rica

So here we are in Costa Rica. A new year, a new adventure, yet it feels like home. It is home for six month at the very least, and then... well - I will inform you all (all four of you) when we get to that point.
Getting here...
We arrived at the PDX airport on December 15th to fly out, only to find that one of the airlines we were flying on had gone under four months earlier. I guess CheapAir thought it would be a fun surprise! But as things always seem to work out one way or another, we found ourselves on a plane the next day and in Costa Rica early morning December 17th. Once again we ran into complications with Heitor's surfboard, but hours later were on our way in our "tourismo" shuttle, through the mountains and little tico towns until we finally pulled into the beach town of "extranjeros" (foreigners); Tamarindo. Hotels were already pricey in preparation for the winter break flow of tourists, and we found that the condos we had arranged to possibly rent were not ready, nor were they that appetizing. So after a quick chat, Heitor ran across the street and made a deal with a sweet lady at Hotel Nahua and minutes later we were hauling our luggage and children down the dusty road a couple stops to a bright and shady little cabina where we could swim, cook and rest a little, while we searched for a home. Heitor quickly set out to make friends and find us a place.
Getting settled...
We also took time to play at the beach, and Heitor got the local ticos to teach him how to fish. Ticos are among the nicest, if not the nicest, people. They also showed him how to scoop up all the little fish (that attract the larger ones) with a net, and we cut the heads off, fried them up and made fish tacos for lunch.
In the end we found a great place with bright walls, a washing machine and a pool right outside our door and the kids have made friends. These condos seem to be mostly empty long term, but filled up over Christmas and the New Year. Our neighbors have been great, and although they may be headed back to Villa Real (10 minutes away) after the busy season, Heitor and I have learned that most people come into our lives for a reason and/or for a season. So we will see.
Kalani & Kaila...
The kids have enjoyed playing with the neighbor's two year old boy. The pool has been where they spend much of their day. Kalani went from not wanting to put his head under water, to swimming under water from one side of the pool to the other, non-stop (10 feet or so?). He has also gone from eating a little, to eating everything and anything he can. He has, on multiple days for multiple meals, eaten at the neighbors and then crossed over to our place to eat again. At the same time, he seems a little skinnier and of course tan. He must be growing up! Kaila has also made progress in the pool. At first she just watched from the side, then she got in (the shallow end is about at her shoulders), then she tried swimming with floaters and now she will float around, even in the deep end. Yesterday Kalani went in the ocean with Heitor and was lifted over big waves at they played together. He has also been out on the board with Heitor as Heitor paddles around, and although he is still nervous about the waves and surfing, he practices and talks about how awesome it is. And talks about everything! And talks with the neighbors and asks them every question under the sun. He is very social and him and Kaila both are starting to use Spanish.
Coming soon...
We are looking forward to having visitors. Starting with a long needed reunion in 18 days!. It seems that someone will be here each month through April. From both the United States and Brazil.
Heitor is working on a place to train and teach BJJ, and we will soon go into Villa Real and check out the schools, once they are back in session. For now, PURA VIDA!