THE LUSTIG FAMILY: COSTA RICAN BIRTHAY SURPRISE

JEREMY PLANNED A SURPRISE TRIP TO COSTA RICA FOR MY BIRTHDAY

I HAVE ALWAYS WANTED TO TAKE JEREMY PARENTS AND MY PARENTS ON A SPECIAL TRIP WITH US AND THE KIDS.....JEREMY MADE THAT HAPPEN FOR ME! HE IS TRULY AMAZING AND HE MADE MY BIRTHDAY THE BEST EVER!

I FELT SO ABSOLUTELY SPECIAL....JEREMY IS JUST SO GOOD TO ME! I MIGHT JUST BE THE LUCKIEST GIRL IN THE WORLD

I have always wanted to take Jeremy's parents and my parents on a special trip with us and the kids. Out of his true love for me, Jeremy made this idea of mine come to fruition for my birthday!

Jeremy knows me so well, and knew that if he asked me about taking a trip, I would drag my feet (out of fear) and we would never end up going!

So, he just planned the trip as a surprise, making it my best birthday ever!!

Madison, Savannah, and Nicholas on our flight, destined for the Rain Forest!

Isaac fast asleep on the airplane.....UNFORTUNATELY this nap only lasted about 30 minutes of the 4 hour flight

This is what Isaac did for MOST of the 4 hour flight....it was pretty tiring, but what a huge blessing to be able to go on such an incredible trip with my family

My mom and dad enjoying their flight...as my mom fills out the "Custom Forms" for Costa Rica

Grammy and Oompa enjoying their flight....Oompa is enjoying some inflight music

COSTA RICA

WE WERE ABSOLUTELY SURROUNDED BY GOD'S BEAUTIFUL CREATION

As the LONG plane ride came to a close, we were cautiously preparing ourselves for a 3 hour car ride to the resort! When we left Ft Worth, it was snowing.....so when we landed in Costa Rica, temperature 85 degrees and sunny, we were terribly over dressed! Isaac was just sweating so I took off his cozy sleeper, that was now a sweat-filled sauna suit, and let him ride to the resort in just his diaper!

It was not one of my prouder moments as a mommy......my child in public, wearing only a diaper, but as Christ is always humbling me (I am so thankful for that), I had to make my little one as comfortable as I could in the sudden extreme change in climate. He cooled down and fell right to sleep in the van

WE FINALLY get to the resort!! The kids in awe over this beautiful paradise

EXCURSION TO A RAIN FOREST ANIMAL SANCTUARY

WE GOT TO SEE UP CLOSE AND TOUCH, TROPICAL BIRDS, MONKEYS, AND COUGARS, JAGUARS, OSELOTS, AND PUMAS (We did not touch these cats as they would have gladly killed us, but we did get to see them up close at feeding time)

The colors of God's creatures are extraordinary, indeed

The detail work is phenomenal to say the least....when people ask, why I believe in God? Looking at these beautiful surroundings and all of these truly unique living things....I would have to ask, how COULDN'T you believe in God?!?

Feeding time....these exotic kitty cats are definitely not meant to be friendly pets. They are truly powerful predators!

Savannah was the first to hold one of the gorgeous tropical toucans

Madison being one with nature, holding a toucan...they are incredibly huge birds

My daddy even held a toucan while Isaac watched intently

Oompa holding the toucan.....they are such beautiful birds

Oompa DARING me to kiss the toucan...the kids thought that I was so brave and funny...it was totally worth it! I love being a fun mom when I have the chance!

I guess since I have now actually kissed a toucan, I might as well just hold it too

Jeremy holding hands with a monkey...Savannah and Nicholas begged us to bring one home! I told him that we were bringing Isaac home and that, that was the same as bringing home a monkey

Grandma and Grandpa exploring the river

Oompa and I hanging out together....I love you, Oompa

Nicholas holding the hand of a Costa Rican monkey

Isaac and I reaching out to touch a monkey.....Isaac was very intrigued with the monkeys

Grandpa holding hands with a monkey.....my daddy was so excited and just laughing at the thought go this monkey shaking his hand! It was a joy to see

Lunch overlooking the rain forest....as it actually rained. It takes a lot of rain to make this lush surrounding

The kids had an amazing time on the waterslide....the view doesn't get any better than this

Grammy and Oompa watching the kids swim and plunge down the waterslide

Grandma and Grandpa relaxing on the river. Grandpa fell right to sleep in this calming place. My parents are so amazing...I was so joyful to see them enjoying themselves

Daddy and Isaac feeling the water in the forest. Isaac laughed as the cool water tickled his little baby toes

Our family of 6 exploring the rain forest in Costa Rica

Madison and her Daddy....they love daddy-daughter selfies!

Look at our Creator's amazing nature...He certainly had a wonderful time blessing the world with this exquisite place

Costa Rica is just so dazzling...there were so many photo opportunities that we didn't know when to stop......as we explored, it just got more and more stunning

Isaac sporting his sun hat on the way to our river rafting excursion

Goodness, he is so darling in his little "man" sun hat...amazingly enough, he kept it on his head the entire day

All 6 of us in our life jackets ready for some new and exciting experiences

It was such a blessing to get to share all of this fun with our parents (the grandparents)

Getting ready for a fun river rafting experience!

Grammy and Oompa on the raft preparing for a fun ride down the river to see some Costa Rican monkeys and other rain forest creatures

Grandma and Grandpa enjoying the scenery as we paddled down the river

Isaac fell asleep in my arms on the raft....sweet baby boy!

We were invited to a local family's home for a special homemade meal, consisting of native fruits and cheeses. What a cool experience. We all tried new and delicious foods

Me and Grammy enjoying our treats....I was truly blessed to marry into just the best family! I love you, Grammy!

MASS IN COSTA RICA

St.. JOHN BOSCO CATHOLIC CHURCH

La Fortuna, Costa Rica

St. John Bosco Catholic Church was so beautiful. Hearing the Mass said in Spanish (such a beautiful language) always reminds me of how awesome it is to be a part of our Lord's Universal Church

Grandma and Grandpa with 3 of the kids, standing outside of the church after Mass. Grammy and Oompa were so gracious to keep Isaac for us during Mass. He is like a monkey at church

My daddy and me standing out in front of the church waiting for our taxi

My Daddy and I were just laughing..totally cracking up!! I am so happy that Jeremy captured that moment on camera for me to be able to look at and remember

A COUPLE OF PICS OF OUR BEAUTIFUL RESORT SUITE
IT WAS CALLED THE FALCONS NEST