Tornados and a Foreign Country

Funny story....
We have the chance to have our friend Gabriela with us in our home for 5 weeks. She is from Costa Rica and has not ever been out of the country, barely out of her small village. Well, the first day she was here she and the kids went to my parents house in Arkansas. 10 of the grandkids were there along with my SIL Stacy and my parents. The tornado sirens went off. Grammy and Aunt Stacy decided it was time to get into the closet under the stairs. So, everyone is rushing around getting things together to get under the stairs. 10 kids, 3 adults. Then Gabriela shyly looks over at Chandler and whispers, "What are we doing in here?" Can you imagine what she must have felt? These crazy Americans in this big beautiful home all cramming in under the stairs!

Then 2 weeks later we were here in our house when the sirens started again. I was outside taking pictures of the clouds and laughing how in Oklahoma when there is a tornado everyone rushes outside on the front porch to see the action. So, back we all go under the stairs! Bo told Gaby that this is only the 2nd time in 10 years that he has been under the stairs and poor thing, she has been under twice in 2 weeks. She has been a little scared, but as you can see from her smiles, she has been a good sport!

Costa Rica Quiz

Here are a few unusual things from Costa Rica. The object of the game is to name that thing and you get extra points if you can guess its purpose or use. Email me at kipplyn@thesummers.com with your answers and the winner will receive a pound of real Costa Rican coffee. Have fun!

#1 is a group of 3 pictures that tell the same story

#2 We also have these in the US, but they have a different use.

#3 common household item (pic stolen from other Tico blog)

#4 What is it?

#5 What is it? What do you do with it?

#6 What is it?

#7 What is it? What is its purpose?

#8 What is it?

Hacienda Tayutic

We had the opportunity to go to a beautiful place in Turrialba for a dinner with friends of the mission. Many of our friends from Tuis had not seen such beauty even though they live only a few miles from here. The Hacienda Experience is a beautiful hotel and restaurant that you may want to visit if you ever make it out that way.

Lily with her friend Chandler (named after ours)

Boys will be boys wherever we are!

A beautiful site for a wedding!

George enjoying playing in the beautiful gardens

Lily with a dear friend Karla

We couldn't resist a family photo with such a beautiful view (but George can resist anything)

Easter in Costa Rica

Easter Sunday was a lovely time in Costa Rica. It is so interesting to be in a Catholic country during Easter. On Good Friday, there was a huge processional of people walking through the town following a statue of what looked like Jesus carrying His cross. They were very solemn chanting and singing as they walked. I hoped there would be a celebration through the streets on Resurrection Sunday, but there wasn't.









































On Easter Sunday we got the privilege of witnessing some baptisms. The interesting thing about it is the number of adults that were baptized. Because many of them were raised Catholic, they had not ever been baptized. These adults had made decisions to have a personal relationship with with Christ and desired to make a public profession of their faith through baptism. Many of the young girls dressed in white and threw flower petals in the river where baptisms were held. It was a beautiful and joyous site!

Our neighbor and beloved friend Mireya.

Happy Birthday Chandler

March 21, 2009

Could it be? Our first born child, the one who helped fulfill my dream of becoming Mom, has turned 13 years old! I love to look back at our children's baby books during their birthday month. With Chandler, I am reminded of how God provided for us. I believe her birth story is full of miracles and God's love and provision for us. She was born to a very sick Mommy at 35 weeks, but thankfully, the end of the story is a good one. (and not quite the end) Sometimes it seems like yesterday she was just a little two-year old talking like she was 10! She is developing into such a nice young lady. She is a joy to my life. We spend a lot of time together. It is one of the perks of homeschooling. I stop often and try to "freeze" these moments. I wish I wouldn't forget any of it. I know it will be soon when she is all grown up. I am thankful for all of the time we have. Chandler is very good at doing what is expected of her. She likes to have a list and she will complete it. She still loves competing in gymnastics and works very hard! I have been most proud of her willingness and determination to learn Spanish. In the fall of 2007 when we took her away from this comfort zone, I was a little worried about how she may adjust. After a short time of being homesick, she jumped right in and conquered the language! Her ability has truly floored me! I am thankful that I have her to translate for me if needed!

We had her first ever birthday party sleep over to celebrate. We are so blessed with amazing friends that we can share life with. She is very social and loves to be with her friends and extended family! When we visit my parents house, I often find her just "hanging out" with her Pops. She likes "all things purple" and would rather do the laundry than the dishes! :-) She loves to play games with Grandma Barb and is a big help with the younger cousins, even though she would prefer to sit and talk with the adults.


Grammy and Pops, Uncle Ben & Aunt Stacy and their family came to help us celebrate at Grandmadele's house too!
For her 13th birthday I asked some friends and family to contribute to a blessing and prayer book. She asked me not to make a big presentation for her, so we just gave the book to her as a gift. I know that she will treasure it for years to come.

We have high hope and expectation for her to continue to be responsible and respectful as she seeks to serve Christ throughout her teen years. She has asked me lately, "What is the big deal about being a teenager? Why do people always act like when I get to be a teen, I will suddenly be hard to deal with? What is the big difference between 12 and 13?" Interesting thoughts Chandler! :-)

We love you and are so proud of who you are becoming!


Picture description: Winning 1st place in gymnastics age 9
Visiting David Gosset with Daddy age 7
Chandler age 6 with her siblings
Aunt Stacy, Grammy, & Chandler 2009
Chandler's blessing book

The Evolution Of Hair

George's hair has always been something of an issue in our family. I thought I would share a bit of it....

How can we forget the beautiful head of hair he was born with?

George March 10, 2009




April 28, 2009



May 9, 2009 (after personal haircut)


May 11, 2009 (Hair is now extinct) :-)