We had a nice Thanksgiving dinner with a bunch of other couples at the Cavagnaro’s house. Unfortunately before we left our condo, Kevin and I watched our neighbor run over her dog. I will never forget those seconds before it happened. My neighbor didn’t see her dog and when I realized she didn’t see her dog, there wasn’t any time to stop it from happening. I wish I could have done something but it all happened so fast. I sat in the front seat of our car with a hot dish of yams and marshmallows on my lap as all this happened. I won’t forget the look in her face as she ran the dog over wondering what it was. Then the look when she ran around her car and saw her dog. Her screams, her yells, her helplessness, my yelling at Kevin, “I want to go, I can’t watch anymore!” But we couldn’t move because my neighbor was in front of our car, on the ground screaming while pulling her dog out from underneath her car. Seconds later, her 8 year old daughter came out and saw it all and she started screaming. The guard, the maid, and the guys building her new bathroom all came running out of her house. When my neighbor stood up, we drove away. I felt so guilty just leaving but I was so upset and I knew there was nothing I could do. The dog died before we left the gate. I knew my neighbor had the guard (he’s worked for her for 11 years now), and her sister next door so I didn’t feel right sticking around. I held it together while we drove to Jen and Rob’s house. The kids were in the back seat with my mom so they didn’t see any of this. As soon as the kids hopped out of the car and ran into Jen’s house, I just sat in the car and cried. I know she was “just a dog” but I really loved her. She was such a great dog. She was 13 years old and dying already but none of this makes it any better. This whole event was just so fast and sad. Why did I have to see this? I was the biggest animal lover in the car. Why didn’t my mom sit up front? Why did I have to see her dog struggle to stand up? Yesterday just SUCKED!!! Instead of hanging around partying and drinking for hours, we left after 3 hours. I just wanted to come home and be alone. It was such a sad day!

Canela came over for a couple hours on Saturday. Kevin took this picture which I find odd because he hardly ever takes pictures. She patiently waited for our dog to run upstairs before she walked in the kitchen and finished his food. Afterwards, Hailey sat down with her and rubbed her ears for 20mins.

Earlier in the day, it was “Lauren’s Day” at school so my mom, Hailey, and I brought pizza and pumpkin pie. About 1/2 of the class tried the pie. 1/4 of them ate it and the other 1/4 didn’t like it.

All the parents threw an end of the year party where we gave gift certificates to the teachers.

Hailey and Valeria

at the playground

my baby

The clown that really pissed me off!

The bird right before it bit Hailey. With the way this clown treated his animals, I’m not surprised the bird snapped. I wouldn’t mind swinging the clown by his head and then tossing him in the air. Next time I see him at a party, I don’t care how rude I look, I’m leaving!

Sofía and Hailey freezing but not ready to give in.

Hailey hanging out with Grandma and Amanda.

Lauren’s friend had his birthday party at his parents farm in La Isla de Sarapiqui.

We waited an hour for some guys to clear out this mudslide.

the waterfall

the same waterfall in May 2007

I took a small video clip because it was amazing to watch.

Hailey waiting her turn to hit the piñata

Hailey tried milking their cow.

Lauren tried too.

Lauren riding their horse

Hailey’s first day of school on August 14, 2006.

At the end of the year, the teachers give everyone a CD with all the pictures they took throughout the year. This year I came home with 155 pictures so here are a few of them.

First day of Kinder February 7, 2008.

Libby, Brady, Hailey, Felipe, and Kade

Hailey and Brady having tea.

Felipe, Brady, and Hailey

Hailey jumping

Field trip to the post office

peeling cucumbers

serving the cucumbers

Field trip to the music studio to record a CD.

Hailey’s solo

paper airplane races

Carmel apples

The school year is over and Hailey has outgrown Home-Two so she will go to Arandú in February. In Costa Rica, December and January are summer months so the kids have 2 months off.

There were 6 graduates in her class that are moving on to different schools.

Hailey receiving her award from her teacher.

the announcement

We grabbed Lauren from school so she could be there too.

In the morning, we had an early birthday celebration since today is there last day of school.

her cake

My mom flew in on Wednesday so she came too.

Yesterday, Hailey’s class went on Costa Rica’s version of “Good Morning America”.

You can see Hailey at 2:07 on the right side of the screen.

The TV station gave all the kids the blue rain parkas that they are wearing on the show. They also gave them a little bag with a coloring book, candy, and a pen.

Program

Hailey was one of the squirrels in the Veruca Salt scene (2005 version). The back of her outfit has a long squirrel tail.

Providence and Lauren waiting for the show to begin

Veruca and the squirrels

Hailey 3rd from the left

Hailey is still the 3rd from the left

Everyone

Going home after 10 hours at the auditorium/children’s museum

This is where they performed.

on their 2 hour lunch break

Today is the day!! I can’t wait!! Yesterday they practiced on stage for a couple hours.

Shea, Talha, and Hailey playing around after practice.

Relaxing…hard work being stars

Later we came home and watched some TV with a Gecko running around, inside, our screen. Look at that tummy. I wonder if it left eggs in our TV?

Today, Lauren’s class went on a field trip to the yogurt factory. 

Lauren and Jiména on the bus.

the bus broke down :o(

Finally, we made it! Lauren with her class.

snack time

The tour guy showing the class what it is like to be pinned up like a cow.

The property dog trying to convince someone to throw a stick.

testing time

I had to try the apple yogurt….pretty good!