Cameron and I have been talking of a vacation for a couple years. We hadn't been on a trip alone since our honeymoon and this was everything we could of dreamed of and more. We decided on Costa Rica as it was one of the only places we could use our sky miles and we were more than pleased with the location.
Leaving our boys with my parents couldn't of been at a better time. They are building a home and currently live in our basement. Its been SO nice having them with us. With our trip falling on Thanksgiving break they had a few days off from work and Joy Anna, Grams and our sweet sitter Lauren babysat on the other days. We truly appreciate them.
We flew out of Seattle at 10:55pm and arrived in CR around 12pm the next day. We then had a shuttle service pick us up and drive us 1.5 hrs to our hotel. It was an eye opening journey. Everything is bursting with color, cows and chickens are heavily populated and the locals are all very tan. LOVE! If you didn't know I love cows, CHICKENS and being tan. So I was already loving this place.
We arrived at our destination (JW Marriott) around 2pm and were instantly greeted with wet towels and shots of fresh fruit crazy juice. Each person we met was incredibly nice to us. We got to our room and these were the first photos I took from our balcony. I was in awe!
I then started taking pictures of our over the top large room. The shower and tub were incredible. Cam thinks we need to build now just to have this shower. I agree!
We got ready for our first dinner at the hotel.
Reading the menu as we wait for a table. Sushi…yes please!
This hotel was all about relaxation and romance. Each day we would relax in a hammock waiting for the shuttle. The second day of our trip we experienced a couples massage in a large hut that opened into the fresh air and sounds of the rainforest. AMAZING! 
We would head into town almost every night for dinner as the local food was outstanding and about half the price. Cameron loves Escargot. I really enjoy the bread dipped in the sauce. We make a great team.
The Happy Hour drinks were outstanding! $2 Hawaii’s and $1.50 Beer.
Our pool was beautiful and large.
We saw Monkeys on our way into town. Very fun!
We laid out most mornings!
Walked on the beach for over a mile to a postcard perfect lunch spot called Lola’s. This was one of my favorite things about CR. We could walk on the beach and not see another person for 10 mins. Very secluded!
Tiny little shells.
Our neighbor pool. SO beautiful! 
Under our hut at Lola’s!
Lola’s Chicken Nacho’s!
Cam surfing! Yay!
More Happy Hour
Salt choices?????
Cameron and I always laugh over Addison’s lips on Private Practice. Whenever I want to get under his skin I pull these lips out and he squeals.
Mussels, fruity drinks and beer! :)
Each night after a few drinks and amazing food we would take a swim in our 24 hr pool. Well mainly I took the swim and Cameron laughed.
A highlight of our trip was the 11 cable zip line through the rainforest. It was amazing to zip through and on top of the trees.
We also took a 2 hour ride on 4 wheelers following a guide. Yikes! This is not my thing. I took one for the team and held on tight to my Tickle Bear!
This is my thing….relaxing in the pool.
The top of this building was OUR room. It was enormous. 
A favorite…drinking latte’s on the beach after sleeping 10+ hours.
Cameron even enjoyed the sun.
I saw a rock in the water and instantly thought about my childhood love. Ariel…oh how your voice makes me smile. 
Watching the pelicans dive for food was very fascinating.
I had been asking to go to the “large” town grocery store to view an assortment of CR candy, but the walk was long and Cameron didn't think it was necessary. On our last day into town our shuttle driver just pulled over and asked if anyone wanted off. I screamed and we jumped off. The market was like a Spanish Yokes. Very nice, fun to read the labels and an isle of CANDY! I filled a bag and we proceeded to walk in the rain for 45 mins back into town. In the middle of the courtyard to the store was a pond filled with turtles and fish. Grey would have loved this. These pictures are for you sweet Grey.
This was on top of our hotel.
Down by the pool.
We enjoyed all of the live music at dinner.
Relaxed…Relaxed…and Relaxed!!
The Tamarindo Beach
Dinner at Langosta Beach Club was one of the best meals we have ever had.
FLAVOR packed food. Cameron had goat cheese stuffed Nicaraguan steak with a creamy sauce, sautéed veggies and white truffle mashed potatoes. I had gorgonzola cream chicken with the same sides. INCREDIBLE!!
We stopped at the mini mart for drinks and snacks to hold us over on the shuttle. I was excited to see cheetos as each night I was craving them.
Took another swim with a mouthful of cheetos and this time C joined me.
Made fun faces into the camera as we were getting sick of having to take pics of ourselves but wanted to capture each moment. :)
These were the last two pictures we took. I’m soaking up the sun right after breakfast while Cameron takes this photo from our room. Then as we wait for our ride to the airport. :(
Overall we loved Costa Rica! The weather was HOT, the beaches beautiful, the people sweet and the food fantastic. I hope to make it back sometime in my life.
Thank you Cameron for taking a week off to hang with your lady cake. It brought back memories of our honeymoon and the love we share. You are the heat box of my dreams.
