Raimondo's in the Rica!

Over Gina's (my younger sister) college spring break her and my parents got their first stamp in their passports and traveled down south to Costa Rica to visit me! It was such an adventurous week full of unexpected happenings, lots of laughs and tons of sun! I got to be tour guide and translator for a week, which was a neat experience and a good challenge! I am INCREDIBLY thankful they came to spend a week with me and I'm so glad my family got a taste of Latin America! Here are some highlights from the trip.

first dinner in CR- Rosti Pollos! Patacones (my fav Costa Rican food-it basically fried plantains that you eat with guac, cheese and bean dip) was part of their first meal! 

Thankful for my TX shaped patacone...!

So grateful my tica family got the opportunity to meet my real family!
This is Gina, my mom and I in front of my house.

hangin' out in my back yard

my host padres and my fam!

We spent the afternoon in downtown San Jose....

... and literally got caught in the middle of a parade!

 got some gifts at the artisan market

Us in front of Volcano Poas.... the fog never lifted so we didn't get to see it. :(

 we saw some pretty plants though!

not gonna lie, one of favorite parts of the week was the hotel breakfast! 

fresh waffles and an omelet bar!!

overall, I REALLY enjoyed staying at a hotels for a week! it was such a treat for me.

we had a great "cultural" experience at the parade in my neighborhood celebrating "Herdsmen Day"

we spent 4 days in Manuel Antonio, the most beautiful beach we have ever been too! 

It was a blast and very relaxing.

G and I went zip lining thru the jungle!

our last day at the beach we went on a sunset sail tour that included snorkeling! the boat was awesome and so was the sunset. the only downside was my sissy Gina got motion sickness... :/ at least we made some good memories!

These pictures only show a slice of what the week held for us. We had a very unique and adventurous family vacation AND they got to meet the people I spend every day with in Costa Rica. It wasn't ALL fun and play though. There were many times of uncomfortable public transportation trips and potential very stressful situations. BUT, my family was super "PURA VIDA" and just embraced the Latin American crazy livin'. I was so impressed and encouraged by their gun-ho attitude!

One of the biggest things in my life I am thankful for is my incredible family. They have shown me a beautiful picture of how to love sacrificially and the meaning of unity within a family unit. I never want to take this for granted. 

Thank you God for putting me into this amazing family! 

Thank you for giving me a reflection of who You are in unconditional love, unity and joy in my family!

I love and miss you all so much!

all of us! (minus Pete, my brother-in-law. He was taking the pic!)