Home Sweet Home

Enjoying Fall-the Idaho way

Well, its been several months since we've been back from Panama now, guess it's time to update. We have gotten right back into the swing of things. Coop's in soccer and preschool and loving both. He was a wee bit sad when they started playing an actual game this week and a kid stole the ball from him, but we think he'll bounce back. He has learned letters in the alphabet through F, and loves to sing his alphabet song. Ava is busy doing whatever her little heart desires at the moment, and once a week that means dance class. I was nervous she would be too little, but oh no-she fits right in. Her favorite things are twirling and putting away the scarves at the end of class. I'm hoping she keeps that skill going and starts cleaning up her toys at home. Some reason its more fun at dance. Sam and I are plugging right along. He had to go back to Panama a few weeks ago, and I went down for a week. That was great. We went fishing on the Panama Canal, scuba diving, and lots of lounging. Just what the doctor ordered. I will admit I like Boise better than Panama City. (I wonder if anyone else has ever put those words in print). With BSU football, cooler fall weather, changing leaf colors, BSU football, Halloween coming, did I say BSU football? There's no place like home!

Coop and his fellow cougar, Trey--Getting ready for game time.

Twinkle toes Ava.

At the big game last week. (Sam was sick so Coop got his ticket)

The blind leading the blind??

The Eberra Village Trip

Yes, this is a crocodile. We began our tour of the Eberra Village with a canoe ride. Along the river bank was this beauty. It was probably 6 feet long. We were served lunch in the top of this hut. It consisted of fried fish and plantains tucked nicely into a large leaf. It was actually really tasty.

We did a 20 minute hike into a waterfall. It was a nice break to stop and swim.

Sam had to help push the canoe, and he thought he was taking the day off work...
The water level is really low in this river right now, it is supposed to be the rainy season. Farmers here are starting to get worried, hoping the rains will start soon. I am hoping they start once we're on our plane home. We love the rain, but sure are enjoying the sunshine!

This is our friend, Mowgli. (or so we called him)

Fun at the Beach

Cooper and Ava playing in the sand at Las LajasHaving fun with Nanna!

We love swimming at our own private beach. I know I am biased, but doesn't this look like post-card material?

No beach day is complete without a popsicle to finish it off.

And one more pic, she found a full size sand dollar. It was beautiful.

Life in Boquete,Panama

Home Sweet Home
This is looking out from the Burton's back porch onto our house. Down on the left. Can you see our awesome carro? How often do you get to drive a purple '97 Caravan, no radio, no leather, no sunroof, no windshield wipers, no brakes(until today)
no tail lights, 8 mpg, AC only on full blast, 0 to 60 in about 5 minutes?
You get the idea... one sweet ride. It will be hard to leave her behind when we come home. Crazy enough, we already have a buyer for when we leave!
These poor kids, who needs a betrothal?
They already seem like an old married couple.

Rub-A-Dub-Dub
Three bums in a tub.
Ava loves singing in the shower.

Speaking of bums,
Ava and her "Tramp-Stamp"
Is this a form of child abuse?

Disclaimer: Yes, it was a fake tattoo.
We don't want Sam to be thrown in the slammer upon arrival in the U.S.


Coop & Morgan on the boat-taxi to the beach

Life in Panama City

Here we are on Ancon Hill, a look out point.
Can't really see the city here, but it was pretty.












Fort Burton-Carlson
This is a creation Kerri & I made one day when we were really bored... The kids loved it though, and it kept them entertained for about 10 minutes.














Well maybe 15, for Ava and Preston anyway.




















Chow time for the kiddies..














Sam's 28th Birthday Party.
(His birthday is Valentines Day, hence the kids' decor on the window)

Fun in the Sun

A Day at the Beach--Las Lajas
(Not sure who's bum that is in the background)
Coop's showing off his war wounds--Ava smashed his thumb with a can of chicken noodle soup. As a testament of the truly wonderful medical care here in Panama, the doctor was sure the nail had to be removed, which it was. A trip to the E.R., two x-rays and two prescriptions later, we were put out a whopping $41. I guess you truly get what you pay for...
Coop handled it well. He was just excited to get Lightening McQueen band aids (not shown here).

Here's Ava putting out the vibe...
Who knew we would have such a beach bum for a baby? She could spend all day-everyday digging in the sand. She doesn't stop for food, just eats a few handfuls when she gets hungry. Thank goodness for sunblock and showers.

People always say Cooper looks like his dad...

Are we over-protective parents?



Do you hear the Baywatch theme song in your head as you look at this one?
Apparently they did.

Not exactly sure why they were running,
where they were going,
or why they look so hot...