Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving from Kansas Claire! Her Aunt Ann and Great-Grandma Essie bought her this outfit for an early Christmas gift so she would remember her Kansas roots, and we thought it was appropriate for her to wear to school for Thanksgiving.

She didn't actually wear clothes like this in the U.S., but pulls it off well (and very cutely), I think

Thanksgiving is mostly a North American holiday (primarily the U.S. and Canada), so it's not officially celebrated here in Costa Rica. However, there are so many American expats living here that there are numerous celebrations. We weren't sure what we were going to do for the day/weekend, but ended up with three meals to celebrate. The first was yesterday at Claire's school (since it's an American school and all) and was quite lovely. The second is today with the family of one of Claire's classmates, and the third is Saturday with some friends (who had to work Thursday). We normally have three Thanksgiving meals with family in Kansas City, so other than not seeing family, it feels like a normal Thanksgiving!

Claire's teacher asked her to draw what she was thankful for - she picked edamame (a.k.a. soybeans - her favorite food). Ms. Gaby said, "Not Mommy and Daddy?" To which she replied, "No, just soybeans." Hah!

In Costa Rica (or in Spanish in general), Thanksgiving is called "el día de acción de gracias," literally, "the day to act upon thanks." It's a mouthful, but I like the translation. Active thankfulness.

We are very thankful for family, friends, God, our health, and living in this amazing country (especially the weather at this time of year). Life is pretty amazing and we are very blessed. Thank you for being a part of our lives.

One other thing I'm thankful for today - some photos from our trip to the beach that I thought were missing turned up. The new pics have been added to the online album, but here's one of the family of pizotes. There were six to eight in all, scrounging for food on the beach right behind us.

Looking for tasty tidbits

Have a wonderful and happy Thanksgiving!

The Spanish Summary:

¡Feliz día de acción de gracias de Kansas Claire! Esta ropa fue un regalo de familia en Kansas así que Claire puede recordar sus raíces. Ella la usé para la celebración del día de acción de gracias en su escuela. ¡Que linda, nuestra hija!

Tenemos tres comidas con amigos para el feriado – una en la escuela de Claire ayer, una hoy con la familia de un compañero de Claire, y una el sábado con amigos quienes deben trabajar el jueves. Normalmente, tenemos tres comidas en Kansas City, entonces, ¡se parece con un día de acción de gracias para nosotros!

Ms. Gaby le pregunté a Claire ¿por qué ella está agradecida? Ella le dijo, “Por edamame.” Su maestra le pregunté, “¿No por mami y papi?” y Claire contestó, “No, solo por edamame.” ¡Hah!

Nosotros agradecemos por nuestra familia, nuestros amigos, Dios, nuestra salud, y por vivimos aquí en este país maravilloso. La vida es asombrosa y estamos muy bendecidos. Gracias por su participación en nuestras vidas.

Hay una cosa más que yo agradecido hoy – perdí algunas fotos, y hoy ¡las descubrí! Especialmente esta foto de los pizotes en la playa. Hubo 6-8 pizotes buscaban comida.

¡Que tengan un maravilloso y feliz día de acción de gracias!