Trip to Costa Rica

Chris had a nice view Boeing's finest preceded by the Costa Rican coast line.

Last week Chris , his brother Lou and friend Thomas went to Costa Rica to scout out some new land and catch up with progress on the ongoing childrens home project. If any of you are interested in mission trips or donating to the project, feel free to contact Chris at chrisritch@earthlink.net. or visit http://www.banyanresources.org/index.html

Playa Hermosa

Fun day at Playa Hermosa
This wave had a 14 foot face. This was about average this day with the clean up sets over 15 feet. Several of the guys in our group couldn't get out it was so big.

Trip to Costa Rica

This was in Playa Hermosa just west of San Jose, CR.

Entrance to Hogar De Vida Para La Ninez

When we arrived in Costa Rica, Thomas my brother Lou and I went to a childrens home just outside of San Jose. We met with the founder and operator to discuss fund raising and expansion. For those of you who do not know, my brother owns 100+ acres in northern Costa Rica for the purpose of starting another childrens home. Visit http://www.banyanresources.org/index.html for more information. Syd and I are slowly getting more involved as the Lord allows.

Looking down toward one of the childrens bunkhouses

Costa Rican Childrens Home

Happy Birthday, Kayden!

Kayden turned three on Dec. 1st. She's getting so big! We took her to the zoo for her birthday, and left Luke with Nana (don't feel too sorry for him...Nana spoils him rotten.) :)

Choo-Choo Train Cake

Kayden requested a choo-choo train cake for her birthday, so this is what we came up with. She actually helped me decorate the top.

Can we eat it yet?

Kayden helped me decorate the cake the day before (since we were going to be at the zoo all day). I think it was pure torture to have to wait so long before she could eat it.

Blowing out the candles

Camel Ride

Yes, Kayden rode the camel all by herself...isn't she so brave?!

Feeding the stringrays

Manatees and lots of big fish

The goats are always a hit

Reading time with Great-Grandpa and Grandma K.

White Ray Charles

Chris' dad turned 67 this past Wednesday. To celebrate it, his mom planned a surprise party at the local community center. The day was spent hanging out at the pool and going down the slides. It ended with a yummy dinner catered by Carrabba's, lots of good music, fun, and fellowship with family and friends. Good times.

Some cuddle time with Nana and Pop Pop

Pop Pop with some of his girls

It was pretty funny to watch Pop Pop try to do his laps with three silly girls hanging off his back.

Proof that they do share

Time to break for a yummy tangerine snack

I think I need some more...

...Almost finished.

And....Done!

Luke enjoyed getting toted around by his older cousin, Jessica, for most of the night.

Happy Birthday, Pop Pop!

"I don't know what's so funny, but everyone else is laughing"

Always ready for a smile

Typhoon Lagoon

A couple weeks ago we went over to Disney and met up with my brother Lou to surf some waves at Typhoon Lagoon. We had some nice fellowship and caught some fun wave too...

oooh that spray

Thomas, cruzin down the line.

Louie...You shred

Above is Lt.Col. Vern home from Iraq for a few days. Some much needed relax time.

My brother Lou

Nice little drop

Nice backside off the lip Chris

Chris was the only regular footed surfer so this was his only opportunity to ride front side.

Thomas and Chris riding a center peak wave

Yea! We finally broke ground on our project this week, Memphis Road Industrial Park. After 2 years of a little of this and that we received approval 2 weeks ago and began moving dirt on this past Friday. WooHoo...

Hmmm.