May 2011: Playa Pelada, Costa Rica

As we searched for our next family vacation location, Costa Rica seemed to have a lot to offer. Beaches for Cara to play on, interesting hikes in cloud and rain forests and not too much driving to see it all. We started in the NW part of the country, in a lovely beach community called Nosara, 20 km down a dirt road. The actual town of Nosara is 5 km from the beaches, but a series of three beaches support a range of lodging and restaurants.

We spent most of our time on Playa Pelada, a lovely cresent-shaped beach. The different aspects of the beach resulted in varying sizes of waves to splash in (or dodge) and a rocky outcropping provided interesting tide-pooling. In the evening we were surprised to find the shell-strewn edges suddenly springing to life in little hermit crabs scurrying along the sand.

Playa Pelada.

A good place to run!

Play in the sand.

Find some friends.

Play with the waves.

It's catching up to us!

Sitting and enjoying eachothers company.

Not need for sand toys - sticks and shells abound.

The last comment on a beautiful day.

April 2011: Easter

Easter turned out to be a big weekend this year. Cara met up with friends Ida and Sophie at the Zoo for the annual Bunny Bounce event, including an egg 'hunt' and face painting. She colored eggs at home and then got to hunt for them in our backyard. And finally our neighborhood features a yearly egg hunt which Cara was very excited to participate in.

At the starting line for the Zoo egg hunt.

Bunny face in a butterfly

There's an egg!

Sneaking up on the next one.

Is it hiding in the flowers.

Ready with all the neighborhood kids.

Picking up eggs.

March 2011: Cherry Blossoms

March in Seattle is cherry blossom season. This year C and Cara met up with friend Ida in the UW quad, celebrating the 4th anniversary of meeting Ida there for the first time! How big the girls have grown.

Cara investigates the individual cherry blossoms.

The girls found the trunks of the cherry trees, with moss and tiny ferns, interesting as well.

Hanging out against the tree trunk.

The view is always good from Dad's shoulders.

Reaching for flowers.

March 2011: Ski Lessons

The weekly trek up to Snoqualmie Pass proved worth it. After a few lessons Cara got the hang of those boards and really started to enjoy herself. C also enjoyed getting up on skis and working with the teachers and other parents to get all the kids going downhill in the same general direction. An added treat - our pediatrician was there with his daughter!

We were sad when lessons were over but, thanks to some unusually late snow, were able to get up and ski three more times before calling an end to the season. I think we'll be out a whole bunch next winter.

Standing tall.

Turning.

Down.

This takes focus!

Getting the correct stance.

Snack time!

All in a row.

Now that was fun!

Jan/Feb 2011: Hanging out with Megan

Despite not sharing a nanny any longer, Cara and Megan still manage to get together regularly. On school holidays we often try to get the girls try to together, and this year Megan's family joined us for one evening of the Chinese New Year.

Cara has learned how to make goofy faces for the camera.

Hanging out with Megan

At New Year's, Cara enjoyed the sticky rice dessert.

While Megan cracked peanuts.

The happy friends.

January 2011: First time on skis

Cara had exhibited interest in skiing, and seemed sufficiently coordinated to pick herself up when she fell down. So we decided to try out ski lessons at Snoqualmie Pass. After renting some skis for the season we realized it might be a good idea to try Cara on the skis before starting the lessons. About 20 minutes on the freshly groomed slopes at Hyak gave Cara her first taste of sking, and she seemed ready for more.

At first just standing up was a challenge.

But she got the idea and could stand without holding hands.

And then do some gliding!

Sledding with Dad is still pretty fun, though!

December 2010: Nutcracker and Christmas

Christmas saw Grandpa back for a longer visit. Cara enjoyed her very first ballet, with a trip to the Nutcracker. The Pacific Northwest Ballet does a wonderful production with sets designed by Maurice Sendak. Cara had a chance to preview the Nutcracker on Netflix a few times before she saw the live production. She was captivated by the costumes and dance. Christmas itself was the usual fun of special food, stories and of course presents. Some friends joined us for Christmas dinner, so Cara was able to show off some of her favorite toys.

Cara, Grandpa and the Mouse King.

Cara, Mom and the Nutcracker.

The Christmas Tree.

A special mug for Grandpa

Helping Mom open her present

What does Grandpa have?

Hanging out with Grandpa.