volcanoes and waterfalls, oh my! arenal, costa rica (part dos).

our last full day in CR started off with some...

quality time by the pool.

after all, i couldn't come back as white as i left.

a tan is the one sure way of proving you went somewhere tropical and fun for your vacation.

and reading on the hammock.

hammocks (next to coffee and glue sticks) are God's gift to the world.

then we headed off to see the VOLCANO!

we could even see smoke coming from the top.

no big deal.

we're hardcore.

:)

we also took some time to admire the wildlife in the surrounding park.

and hang out with this guy while monkeys taunted us from the branches.

isn't this tree amazing, though?

MASSIVE doesn't really do it justice.

and how could i forget this little guy?

a little inconspicuous are we?

we ended the afternoon by paying a visit to this incredible waterfall...

and taking a dip in these beautiful streams.

and of course we had to get a shot in front of the action.

in my first bikini of life.

wow. that was hard to admit.

and maybe a tad embarrassing.

that night we drove (through crazy, windy roads) back to san jose

so we could rest and be close to the airport for our 7 a.m. flight the next morning.

i like to call this picture...

utter exhaustion.

we made our flight the next morning and arrived in dallas tired but happy.

the starbucks treat helped.

and these booties (to wear when you take your shoes off at security) reminded me why i love america so much.

and as we were in the airport, waiting to get on our flight back to denver, i was thinking about how blessed i am to be able to travel and also be able to come back to a home i love.

i have been given so much more than i could ever deserve.

and i am thankful.