Thursday, March 26, 2009

Pearl of a Day

Ok, so I'm not blogging from the Palms today... with that incredible view. I'm at someplace even better! And I'm not alone this time -- we're all here at the Iguana Lodge in the Pearl of the Osa restaurant. The students have finished lunch, their 45 minute waiting period, and are back out in the water for a second time.

This morning Adonis came out to the Morgan Jungle lodge and we took a short half-mile hike up the beach to find more creatures and nature. He did a great job finding things we've overlooked and has incredible knowledge of the ins and outs of the Osa.
Adonis and his son have also joined us here at the Pearl of the Osa for lunch. The waves are big and perfect for body surfing. Of course, the students are required to swim with life jackets and with chaperones at all times. And yes, plenty of sunscreen!!!

Well, that's it for now. Need to get the rest of this post ready for you...

CB out

P.S. Kim and Sam, we miss you more and more and we send our love -- can't wait to see you on Monday. And hey! to our family and friends in Cincy, Cleveland, Italy, Erie, and Bradenton! -- Ryan and Gary


Here's our student bloggers for today -- Cate and Mary Kate


And now from our SMS faculty member and chaperone -- Mr Sean Laudeman

Greetings and salutations from paradise,
Every morning I step out of my cabina and seems as though I am stepping into a postcard. Blue skies, crashing ocean waves, and wonderful Costa Rican coffee are the first three things that await me here at the Morgan Jungle Lodge. It is a wonderful life here at the Osa. Staying at the lodge is like living an article out of a National Geographic magazine. It is a science teachers dream to be able to sit in an Adirondack chair sip his coffee and watch a whiptail lizard hunt for his morning leaf cutter ants. The field guides that the students made with Adrian B. were nearly filled the first day we were here. We did have to wait six days to see the three toed sloth and hairy beach crab. There is so much to see in just a small area. I have been walking the beach for six days and have seen some wonderful flora and fona but it was nothing compared what Adonis opened our eyes to on our guided beach hike this morning. I can not wait to come back and share the wealth of information we have gather while we have been here. There is no way I can thank everyone enough for the wonderful experience I have had here. I want to give a shout to my Laudeman ladies, my mom and dad, and all my amigos at SMS. I miss you all and can’t to tell all about our adventures.



And from all of us -- HAPPY BIRTHDAY ANNEMARIE!!!



Buenos Dias from the Osa
Mr. L
lunch at pearl of the osa


body surfing



internet cafe: cafeinternet del sol star fish

beach walk with Adonis

iguana

webn tree frog




halloween crab

howler monkey
pizza place from the night before







hairy beach crab




cutting open a coconut
husking a coconut -- tough work!


38 comments:

  1. Hey Annie I hope you are having a good time. I have been sick for the whole week. Mom and Dad are a blast to have all to my self 'not' I can't wait till you get back. See you monday night
    love nick

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  2. Emily, so great to see your smiling face. Looks like you are happy and not too sunburned. Tonight is the big XU game. Hope its a good one! Its been awfully quiet around here. Miss you. Enjoy!!!!

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  3. Hellmanns:
    Hi Abby and Daddy, It's Gwen. I miss you! Mom has not been reading to me very much at night because she's always busy with checking homework. I wish you were here to read me to sleep! I got a shot on my be-hind today and it hurt! But I got a lollipop and mom said I was really brave!!!

    Hi Joe and Abby, Nice pictures. Sounds like you're still discovering new things each day! Everything just looks so incredibly beautiful! We had 2 days of rainy weather but the sun has finally come back out and spring is in full bloom! Joe, I sent you an email if you get a chance to check it. As always, we miss you tons...it's quiet here w/o you! Looking forward to seeing you on MOnday.
    Love to All,
    Mom and Girls

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  4. March 26,2009.
    I see that you are all visiting a new area today. You should be thankful for this golden opportunity and especially thank the Morgan Lodge for opening their doors and know-hows to you. There seems to be an exceptional treasure of bits and pieces to experience. Take advantage of all that you can. Love Grandma C.

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  5. From Patrick and Morgan:

    Hey connor! We miss you so much! It's so weird at home without you. Brian has been staying with us all week because mom's in Colorado but other than that things are pretty normal. Looks like you're having fun. Can't wait till you come back!
    Love you!

    Hey dad! We hope you're having lots of fun. We miss you tons. We went to the fish store today but the lady only let us get six and a snail so that's all that we got. We're watching the Xavier game right now and it's tied in the first half and Xavier's looking pretty good. Looks like you're having fun from all the pictures (even though you aren't in many). Can't wait till you come back!

    Love, Morgan and Patrick :)

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  6. HEY GUYS! It's Claire...Wow you guys look like your having tons of fun! I can't wait to see you guys when your trip is over! IM SO JEALOUS! I hope your having an awesome time! I MISS YOU ALL SO MUCH!!!All your blogs are awesome! Abby's and Connors especially, my mom said it was very interesting and creative...in 1 take? WOW! All the animals you've took pictures of are cool, Coconut is a laxative? NICE! thats something new...I hope you guys are having so much fun! i really can't wait to see you, say your goodbyes to Costa Rica, i hope you all had the best time EVER!!!! Miss you

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  7. Randy,
    Some Groaners to keep you smiling...lol
    How do you get a one arm monkey out of a tree?
    Wave at him!

    Where does a monkey go when it loses its tail?
    The retail store

    What kind of shoes do frogs wear?
    Open toad!
    We also had rain today - but no sandy beach to explore when it stopped! XU is winning, so I think I'll turn off the TV and imagine them beating Pitt!!
    Everyone here in Cincinnati is glued to the game! Fingers crossed!

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  8. MK, I like your video. It looks like a perfect day. I miss you.

    Dad

    PS. Let me know how much Cocoanut I have to feed your brothers to get the right effect?

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  9. Alex, you have a zoo for neighbors. Wow. Xavier is winning (NCAA)now with Pitt behind. Your Dad is watching too. However, your surf and creature show is superior I am sure. Keep having fun. Gr.Ma. S.

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  10. Hi Sean! It's Kristen! We miss you and Lucy loved looking at the blog before bedtime tonight and seeing her daddy in the pictures! Your excerpt was excellent and very descriptive and thanks for the shout out. We love you very much and are counting down the days until we see you again! We love you! Love, Kristen and Lucy Laudeman

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  11. Hi Randy

    Look like another wonderful fun and learning fill day. I enjoy the video from Cate and Mary Kate. I saw that you got creative with opening the coconut. Did you ever get it open? I just complete a three day training course, with 8 students. Happy that you’re have such good time learning and expanding your mind. We will be looking forward to what tomorrow bring.

    Love always

    Mom & Dad

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  12. Hey Dad and Connor:

    Just keeping in short and sweet this time. It looks like you guys are having a ton of fun and I'm sure you are. We're all missing you guys up here and I just want you to enjoy the rest of your time down there. Hahaha I liked the picture of you two and i'm sure it'll be an instant classic.

    Michael Judd

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  13. Hola from Cincinnati... Sam and I must be the only two Cincinnatians not watching the X game! More fun blogging to all of you.

    I see you found more cool frogs. Each one is cuter than than the next. Hey Ryan, any chance you're bringing one home for dear ol' Mom?

    Well I managed to make this week more interesting than most. Why I wait till you're out of town to find a screw to run through my tire I'll never know. Never a good feeling when you find that you have a flat tire at the precise moment that you need to get Sam to her final driving class. I guess we needed a little excitement here in Cincy. Not to worry though... that's the beauty of Audi Roadside Assistance. Who needs a man around the house when one is only a phone call away!

    The good news is that we have survived the week and Sam passed her written driving test. Now on to the in-car phase.

    We're counting down the days... Sam has her Spring Formal tomorrow. Keeping busy helps pass the time. Looking forward to Monday.

    Keep up the good work... Love ya, Kim, Sam, & Chloe

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  14. From Bill Kanitz
    To Joe

    Hi, Joe,

    I miss you. But it seems soooooooo quiet now. Bet you're having a lot more fun then I am. It seems like you're practically on spring break while I just sit and go to school and do homework all night. Remember to get pictures underwater with your camera.

    Bill P.S. Remember to get the monkey (not the one with fangs.) Bye

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  15. Be careful with the sunburn Annie. I look forward to hearing of your adventures and viewing your photos.

    Uncle Stephen

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  16. Hey everyone it's Madeleine and I just want to let Annie know that on Wednesday we had a lacrosse game against Lakota West and it was super muddy.  We lost 2 to 6 but thats okay because when you're back we'll be winning all our games!!!I also just want everyone to know that all your videos are really fun to watch and I can't wait to see you all on Tuesday back at school.I miss you guys so much!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Madeleine

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  17. Hi Emily
    The surf looked awesome. I hope you got to do some body surfing.
    How is it getting up so early in the A.M.
    I talked to Steve tonight and he said he sure was jealous.
    I hope that you remembered Grandma's bottle openers.
    Safe travels and talk to you when you get back.
    Love Grandpa A

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  18. Hi MK,

    It's Jon again. Great vid. See you on monday.

    ps. I let the dogs sleep in your room while you were gone. They left you many special presents.

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  19. Hi everyone and Anna! Today looked like a great day-just like all the others. The video and pics are so fun. Annie-Michael Sarver (the oil rig guy) went home from American Idol. Today is Pappy's birthday. He and Grandma send their love. They aren't up to blogging. Tomorrow is zip line day. Have a great time--be careful and watch out for the crocodiles!
    We love you bunches!
    Mom and Dad

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  20. To Joseph K.
    From Aunt Debbie
    Joseph and friends - I'm jealous of your fun and adventures!! You are having such a great time. The area looks beautiful. I would love to be on that beach. But, I must say I don't like the idea of monkeys and crocodiles!!! Joseph, was that you holding the poisonous frog? Someone was brave! Have fun, fun, fun!!!
    Love you, Aunt Debbie

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  21. To Joe
    From Kanitz
    It looks like everyone had another fun day at the beach. It looks like tomorrow will be even more exiting for you according to your schedule. We can't wait to see and hear about your adventures in the "crocodile swamp" and ziplining thru the forest. I hope someone records all the screaming from everyone when your group actually ziplines.
    An update from the home front, your soccer team finally found a head coach (I will assist), the XU game went down to the wire but, Pitt won. It's also a lot quieter hear since you left except for the nightly parties. I hope you also saw aunt Peg's & Grandma's blog. Take lots of pictures with both cameras, and it looks like you got too much sun, USE SUNSCREEN
    Dad
    P.S. bring home a howler, as you and Julie can use a loud alarm clock each morning for school.

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  22. Hey everyone.....Sounds like you had a fun day at the beach! Cate & Mary Kate, we loved your video......and also the cameo appearance by Mary Cate!! Perhaps some careers in journalism are in the works?? I do wonder, however, what tales the boys might tell of the girls when they next get the chance!! Time will tell....Have a great day tomorrow!! Can't wait to read all about it. Miss you loads and as always.....Love you like crazy!! xoxo Cate's mom

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  23. Hi Connor, it's Mom. Looks like you had another great day. We had an awesome day skiing... tons of new snow... more like January than March. Denver is actually getting a blizzard right now, the whole city is basically shut down, but thankfully we only caught the edge of it up here. One more day of work and ski from here, then we head back to Cinci tomorrow evening. Hope your last few days in CR are amazing. Love you bunches.

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  24. Franklin and Jeanne,
    What a beautiful beach!!Everyone looks well rested and happy. I see that today is the Zipline/crocodile swamp tour. Franklin don't forget we need pictures...It's sill cool and rainning here. Hopefully Fri will be warmer.
    Take care
    Love,
    Margy

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  25. Cate- We really loved your video with Mary Kate and it was nice to hear your voice. It was really funny. Hope you have fun on the ziplines tommorrow.Can't wait to see you soon.
    LoLo

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  26. Hey Cate

    From sunny Florida looks like you are having a great time. Loved your video with Mary Kate. We are looking forward to seeing you and hearing all about your adventures

    The Bear and Gr.Beeej

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  27. Hi everyone..it looks like you are having a great time. We are also seeing many wonderful and new sights here at St. Mary School. Let's just say that today is the first ever pajama day. We have many fuzzy slippers, plaid pants, etc., but the overall prize really goes to Alexander who indeed has come to school in a patterned "onesy". It's a toss up really - Costa Rica vs. the onesy... Don't worry we're taking pictures and sending Alexander on as many all-school errands as we can.
    We look forward to seeing you next week and hearing about this wonderful experience.
    Safe journey!
    Mrs. Caskey

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  28. From the Youngs:
    Cate and Mary Kate - loved your video. Between the howler monkeys and the screaming boys, it is a wonder that you girls are getting any sleep at all! :)
    You are not missing much around here today -- it is still cool and rainy in Cincy, and the weather this weekend does not look much better. Soak up all the great weather while you can. Hope you all have a blast on the zipline and the crocodile swamp tour.
    Cam: Even though the weather leaves a little something to be desired, I am in a great mood today, because: (a) it is Friday, and (b) you are coming home on Monday. Dad and I can't wait to see you!
    Have a great day -- we will see you soon!
    Love, Mom and Dad

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  29. From: Mike Duncan

    Hi Danielle!!! We're really missing you and looking forward to having you back home next Monday... Looks like everyone is rested up and ready for the big Zip-line adventure... I'd like to try that some day. Tree trimmers have been in the neighborhood this week so I'm hoping that they do a better job cleaning up after themselves so mom doesn't go back out and reinjure her knee like the last time. I'm sure you would appreciate that as well so you and Philip don't have to spend a weekend clearing the debris.

    Anyhow, looks like all the sunburns have cleared and you're all rested. By the way, I checked Edline and Mrs. Caskey has given everyone an extra 100 points in math and social studies for being so studious... Looks like everyone there will make first honors this quarter (I'm just kidding).

    I hope everyone got to enjoy the famous Mario's Pizza the othere day. Can't wait to hear how it compared to the pizza here in Cincinnati...

    Running too late to put in any jokes but we all miss you and are anxious for you to get home.

    All our love,

    mom, dad and Philip (and of course the boys - Hogan and Miles)...

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  30. SWEET!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!I am not only jealous of your exceptional travel experiences but those tropic tans are going to look like you just came back from summer vacation. You all must be exhausted at the end of the day after studying, hiking, swimming, etc. etc. etc. We are all so glad all is going so well. May God continue to bless you all.
    See you all soon,
    Mrs. L, (AKI: Sean's mom)

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  31. Alex....Loved the photos...but where is the hat?
    Another BAD DOG update:
    Yesterday she took an adventure across the creek in the back to the house behind us. When I called for her to come back she could not figure out how to come down and back to us. So Dad had to climb over there and get her.
    BUT I am happy to report that Dad bought her a monster bag of chews and she is a new dog.
    Grandma's message was a little too early to report on the Xavier game--they lost to Pitt.
    I am in first place in the pool--you are in 4th.
    We miss you and can't wait for you to come home -
    Enjoy your time in paradise.
    Love, mom

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  32. Hi MK,
    I LOVED hearing your voice. You and Cate did an awesome job recapping the previous night and days activities. You both were very poised and executed perfect delivery of the punch lines. I agree with Mrs. Brinker though….I can’t wait to hear some of the boys’ tales about the girls!
    Zip lines today if I remember right?? Hopefully we will get to see pictures of all of you flying thru the trees. It is hard to believe the adventure will end soon. It’s a good thing the day starts early with the howlers so you can fully enjoy every minute of every day left.
    Thank you again CB, for continuing to provide a window for those of us at home to view life in Costa Rica with the incredible pictures and read/hear the wonderful daily recaps.
    Can’t wait to hug you!
    Mom

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  33. Hi everyone. It's Katie, AnneMarie, and Elise!!
    It was an INTENSE basketball game, but XU lost. We are so deeply sadd.
    I do not know if you are all home sick yet but we REALLY do miss everyone!
    It still looks like you're having fun!

    Toodles.

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  34. Alex:
    March 27, 2009.
    I am really enjoying the blog updates, especially reading everyone's comments. I agree that you are all doing fine but the poor dogs seem to be getting in the doghouses. My dog, Cameron, got groomed today, He looks fantastic. Lost a lot of hair. Take care. Love, Grandma Campbell. Hello Andrew and Jack.

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  35. Hi Connor,
    G'pa Jim and I can't believe you are having such a fantastic experience. You and your classmates will have these memories for a lifetime. G'pa Jim and I visited Costa Rica a few years ago and it was beautiful. We did go on a horseback ride in the jungle and experienced the monkeys and the huge beautiful butterflies. We look forward to the daily blog (great job Jerry and kids). We love you and can't wait to get a first hand report.

    Love,

    G'pa Jim & G'ma Sheila from Indianapolis

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  36. GREETINGS! Miss you all! Hope you are having tons of fun! But don't forget that were so lonesome with out you haha. ERGAH! Chas, that picture of you with that smile is hilarious(: Elise and I laughed. We miss you!

    AnneMarie

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  37. P.S. ALEXANDER wore a ONSEY! Notice Mrs. Caskey's comment. It made me chuckle. It's true...We will definitely send pictures. haha. Well Syanara!

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