More American's in Costa Rica

When we first got here in Costa Rica, some of the church members we met asked us if we were the family with 7 kids that was driving down. We weren't, and were surprised to know there might be another family of 9 from Utah coming to Costa Rica. Well, there was another family, actually two, and on Tuesday evening we met them and all got together for a little stop at the beach then dinner and swimming at our house. Meet la familia Royal y la familia Meyers!


I told them I'd take lots of pictures of them, cause they haven't been able to send or post any photos for their family and friends to see. One camera of theirs got stolen while crossing the Mexico/Guatemala border, the other one is broken I think? Anyway, for all of their family and friends that have been waiting to see some photos, here are a few from our time together Tuesday.


This is Melanie and her cute little kid nicknamed "Tuna"

We moms and kids and Corey went over to Playa Conchal for the kids to play. It was really funny for Corey to be walking along the beach with 3 women and 19 kids. He felt very conspicuous and did have some people pass and ask with a smile "Are these all yours?!" He'd answer with a twinkle in his eye "Estan prestados" (They're on loan) :)


The mother's main job - keep kids from killing themselves by getting in over their head!



Rachael with her cute twin boys Andrew and Joseph. All three of our families have a Joseph.

The waves at Conchal when the tide is in are short and strong, they really pushed and pulled you in the water, the kids had fun being tossed around.

(Sorry, there were so many little people that I can't tell or don't know who the kids are in these pics - hopefully you can find the ones you love!)

As we walked from Brasilito to Conchal we could see the rain clouds coming. We stayed for an hour and then a light rain started and some lightening. I was praying as we walked back that we wouldn't get zapped, and am grateful to report we all made it back alive. Corey hurried off to AutoMercado for pizza, roasted chicken, french bread, apples, and other stuff for dinner and we headed back home where the kids all played in the pool till the food was ready.

Wesley, I know that one on the left, not sure the name of kid 2, but he's from the Meyers clan.

Some action jumping shots - Michael and Joseph (not my Joseph) but my Joseph was happy to have some boys his age to play with.

Corey arrived and we got dinner ready, the kids ate for a while, then Jacob and Dannan came and joined in the fun.

19 kids around the dinner table, well, the 3 babies weren't there I guess, so only 16 kids.

19 Kids watching Cartoon Network. Hmm, actually only 12. Can you see them all?
(Hint: Abi was well hidden, but you can see a bit of her blonde hair and her little feet...)

After we ate, we cleaned up and the kids swam some more or watched TV, and the adults visited...

Jacob on the left, Dannan on the right.

Well, so I didn't get a picture of all 19 kids at the dinner table or in the pool, but there were 19 kids in the house, and let me tell you that's a lot o-kids. Oh, and a dog too. Hyrum was a little freaked out. Guess he's not totally cured of his phobia, he's been away from Chloe too long.

Look at those angels sweeping my floor... Wish I could get my kids to do that!


Our new friends have an open invitation to come and take nice warm baths in our tub - since their place has neither hot water nor a tub, and we remember what that is like from our 4 month stay in Brazil. So yea, whenever you guys want to, come on over! We only have 6 more weeks here, so we're gonna pack the weeks with fun and I'm sure we'll be getting together with them again, so check back for updates (I'll try to post it to their facebook walls too so you can see more pictures)

Hey, wait don't tell me.. I know who's who! Okay... that's Joseph on the left and Andrew on the right, right? Cause that cutie on the right is sucking his thumb, no? And Andrew sucks his thumb, Joseph sucks his finger. Rachael said that difference came in handy on the plane ride down. Melanie and Rachael flew down with all the kids and luggage (I think their story puts my pity party of flying without my man to shame) while the men drove down with vans and trailers full of food storage, furniture, and stuff to help their families get settled. They are renting a home together in Nicoya on 12 acres. We're definitely going to go play at their house and let the kids run around in their jungle. :) See you guys again soon!