Thursday, July 28, 2016

Playa Conchal


Soooo I'm not the most positive of beach-goers. 
I don't really like sand. I don't like feeling sticky. I'm scared of the ocean. I complain a lot.
BUT I LOVE THIS BEACH!! 


Visiting Playa Conchal, just a bit north of Tamarindo, makes you feel really in the know because it's quite hidden and requires driving right onto the sand, crossing several beaches and blindly gunning it up over a narrow ridge between some trees. Sure, there's a local dude there guiding you, but can you ever really be sure of what his vague hand signals are instructing you to do? Once you pop over the hill, suddenly a happy little community and gorgeous beach appears magically right in front of you.



The shore is made entirely of beautiful, smooth shell fragments that feel delightful under your feet and brush right off your skin as soon as they dry. Also the cove is totally protected so the waves are small enough not to feel intimidating, and there's an even more protected rocky hot-tub like area on one end that is perfect for an ocean wimp like me (not to mention my beach-novice two year old) to lounge around in like monkeys bathing.






Graham looooved sitting right at the water's edge, scooping up handfuls of shells, 
moving them back and forth, back and forth, scoop plop scoop plop.




When DaBo starting burying G in the sand, there were (shockingly) no tears at all, but rather a fit of giggles - he thought it was hysterical and actually allowed himself to be covered. Then D dug a giant hole so he could really bury our little seal pup, and G climbed right in and laid down!



Look ma, no hands!

Tuesday, July 26, 2016

Surfing Safari



What is Costa Rica known for??  Lush landscapes, volcanoes, monkeys, coffee and SURFING!

We made an appointment with our friend Gustavo for surf lessons early in the week, in case anybody got hooked and wanted to go again before we had to leave. We met Gustavo several years back at our favorite zipline place (which you'll hear more about in a later post) where he used to work as a guide, and have remained friends as he's gotten married, had two little girls and opened his own surf school. He teaches at Playa Avellanas, a gorgeous lesser known spot a few miles south of Tamarindo, but still getting more popular than we prefer (ugh, tourists!). It takes quite a commitment to get out there - the only route in is a crazy dirt road made of constant potholes for 30 minutes straight - but upon arrival you are rewarded with a tranquil coastline, terrific waves and yummy nachos at Lola's. 


Jamma, G and I opted to stay on dry land and watch the water activities from afar.



 

While Leaf, DaBo and DVC got out in the water bright and early - 8am call time for the best waves! 


 

G had a blast  munching on  playing in the sand 
and ceremoniously walking out to greet each surfer as they came in one by one for breaks.



He even took a turn on a board!

 

Not a huge fan though. 
He much preferred the comfort of someone's arms while frolicking in the waves. 

 

Cue dad singing Little Surfer Girl in his best Brian Wilson falsetto...


Bonus beach babe footage:

Monday, July 25, 2016

P is for Pura Vida



Lots more to come on the Costa Rica front, but wanted to give you a little taste of our week off...




Saturday, July 23, 2016

Off to Costa Rica!


Here we gooooooooooo!!!


Back in a week, with light golden tans and zero bug bites (fingers crossed).


Wednesday, July 20, 2016

Artsy Fartsy



Guess who brought home his first art folder from school this week??


He was so excited to open the folder, carefully extract the one piece of art, show it to us proudly, then slip it back in and put the folder away...then go get the folder off the shelf again, slowly take out the piece of art...lather, rinse, repeat. I've been shown this masterpiece more times than I can count. 

And I love it every time.

 

HOW COULD YOU NOT??

Monday, July 18, 2016

P is for Playground


There is nowhere in NYC this kid enjoys more than the park right across the street from our house. It's essentially his backyard. Lately it's been so warm we've been heading out after dinner for one additional romp round the playground before coming back inside for a speed round of bath/books/bottle/brush/bed. It feels a bit mischievous going out for another quick adventure at 7pm and by that time it's a little bit cooler and a whole lot less crowded at the playground. Plus Graham tends to fall asleep a whole lot easier after he's really been running around like a crazy man getting all the wiggles and giggles out.

 

And he's been getting more brave lately. He can climb all the way up on the big kid structure and has even started going down the big slide on his bottom rather than flopping over onto his tummy.


Future rock climber, perhaps?  (Ignore the creeper child.)

(From the angle, this doesn't look that high, but the top is actually over my head)

He's also been getting a ton more vocal, and his little voice is just the sweetest. He loves to bring us our belongings wherever he finds them in the apartment, repeating the name of the person it belongs to over and over until they claim it. Common convo: "Dada! Dada! Dada!" "Yup, that's my ipad, thanks G."

"Mama! Mama! Coppee!"
(Note liquid sloshed onto his shoulder and down his shirt.
Don't worry, it was barely warm at this point.)


 "Mama! Mama! Tiss!"
(This is how Graham does kissy face. )


"Mama! A boat!"
(Current favorite vehicle.)


Getting excited for our vacation next week. 
Though we loooove the park, we are ready for a break from the city!!