Getting ready.

Waiting.

Tugboats and a yacht waiting to through the Panama Canal. I arrived at the perfect time because there are not always boats going through the canal. The canal still runs on the same technology that was developed when it opened back in 1914. Gravity....amazing isn't it?

My first boat.

This was my first experience watching ships go through the Panama Canal. What an amazing experience.

Summit

We found this place that is like a zoo only nicer. It was a dollar entrance fee and was well worth it.

Flowers

Beautiful flowers in the wild. Working on photography.

Toucan Sam?

This was as close as I could get to a real toucan! How cool?!

White faced monkeys....

He was having a good time...I am glad that I got to see some of them in the wild before having to see them in the cages.

Pretty birds...

They weren't really in the mood for talking but they posed nicely for me. They are beautiful!

Yucca!

This is the largest Yucca plant I have ever seen. It was on the side of the road that I was walking on in million degree heat to find a taxi. Needless to say it was an adventure and a $20 dollar taxi ride back to town. :)

to be continued....

Spring Break adventure will be added a little bit at a time. There is a lot to cover and doing it all at once will drive me crazy and burn my lap. You see I have my laptop on my lap and my legs are currently burning...so it is time for a break! More to come soon.....

Calypso Ferry

So, I'm not a fan of ferry or boats that go across the ocean...I get a little seasick. I survived by taking some Dramamine. Off to Tabago Island..spending the last day in Panama on the beach...such a rough life.

Island beach

Tabago Island...a nice place to lie in the sun. The water was another story. If you decide to go swimming in the ocean you have to get through the garbage first. I was disgusted but I did it..ONCE! Walking into the ocean through a slew of garbage is not my idea of a good time. The beaches in Costa Rica outdid this one by far!

Island home

Colorful photo of one the nicer places to live on this small, quiet island.

Church

This is the 2nd oldest church in the Western Hemisphere. They doing some repair and paint work on it. There was music playing loudly from inside the church..it reminded me of the death march music. Kind of creepy..but a beautiful sight none the less.

How much?

So, times are tough all around but I wonder how much this place is to rent? If I had the country code and area code..I would've called and got a quote. I mean prime location off the beach and all! :)

Tabago Island

A beautiful shot I took on Tabago Island off the coast of Panama City, Panama.

Leaving....

Walking out of the hostel at 4:45 AM to make it to the airport to fly back home. I had an amazing trip..good times, good friends and lots of memories!

Shorter with bangs...

New me all around! I am doing this Biggest Loser competition at work and have lost 10 pounds to date. I thought a new haircut was in order! Shorter with bangs. I will have Wendy take a better photo tonight while we make chocolate martini's...YUM!

Grown up vehicle.

First, new furniture now a new grown up vehicle. Here is the latest addition to my life and pocketbook. I bought a new 2009 Dodge Caliber last week and am loving it so far. It had 19 miles when I drove it off the lot and now am around 80. It's so fun to drive!

From the side....

It's good to have a view from every angle right? Can you imagine yourself riding with me? Colorado is nice this time of year....actually it's nice any time of year!

From the back...

I never thought I'd be that person with the temporary license paper in the back window of my car. I am very fortunate!

A new look.

I still have a few things to add to my place, it is a slow process. I am thinking a nice plant behind this chair would work...but what do I do with little to no sunlight? Fake? I'm not sure about that yet. My art on this wall is a new thing...I got these prints from China and had them professionally framed. Again, come visit!

My own artwork.

I took a black and white photography class and thought why not use my own art to hang on the walls. I like it! Come visit anytime to see the famous art!

The new pad.

So, I now have grown up furniture. I must be committing to staying in the U.S.A. is what people say.

Good food

Here are a few of the things Wendy served for Chinese New Year. All the food was amazing! I made some awesome Chinese cannolli's for dessert...anything with cream cheese is amazing!

So cute...

The Foss's enjoying some beverages in celebration of Chinese New Year. Gina, Scott, and baby Ben, where is Ian??

The Hulk?

I'm not sure where we were going with this but it works. Dustan strutting off his sweet moves! It was a fun Chinese New Years dinner at the Franklunds.

Chillin'

Maggie doesn't seem to be having as much fun as myself in this picture. I think it is time for nummies!

Entertaining...

I kept Jack entertained in that boring old high chair for quite some time. It is looking as though he has had enough of my antics. They refer to me as "crazy Sara" over at the Franklund house.

I wonder if I caught something?

I hope "Bob" the flesh eating amoeba isn't back from Korea! Hard times for my body.

My first stop during Christmas vacation!

The Hollands being wonderful as usual! I had a blast with you guys. Justin, thank you for driving us around everywhere you are great! Katie, why won't you go get my gummi lifesavers? It's not that cold is it? Love you both!

All grown up!

I love this shot of Katie. She was a great hostess during my stay with her, I can't wait to go back. Don't tell anyone I said that it is Iowa after all!

Having a great time with my Katie!

My first official time in Iowa was great! Thank you Katie and Justin! This is Katie pre rockstar status. I love you girl!

Starting off the Holidays right!

My grandma and I starting the Christmas celebration off right. She is a wonderful woman. Love you Grandma!

A new little family???

My brother Jake with his girlfriend Erin and her little boy Blake. I think my little brother is growing up...he better keep her, she is good for him!

The lawyer in the family.

My cousin Bryan being the funny guy he is. That tie is "hot" it will surely help pick up the ladies!

Gaming in the basement.

My brother Mike and cousin Alex downstairs playing Wii to avoid all the commotion!

Doing what he does best.

My Uncle Jon giving little Blake advice on life! He is actually very good at this. I thank him for all the smart things and good advice he gives me! Love you Uncle Jon!

Watch out for Aiden.

He was on a shooting rampage! Spinning in the chair saying pewww...pfewww...pffeww!

Watching Blake.

I took Blake downstairs to play with him. I got in trouble by my Aunt Debbie because I let him have a sucker. I made her be the bad guy and take it away. She is such a bully but I love her none the less.

I had to add this picture!

Do I look like I just got up, because I did! Christmas morning, there is nothing like it. I missed it last year while I was in South Korea and will never do such a thing again. Plus I love my new iHome for my iPod! Thank you so much Santa!

My dad reliving his childhood!

My mom got my dad a horse on a stick for Christmas. He used to have one when he was little. While watching Bonanza he would ride his horsey! We all got a good laugh..... :)

My long time friend through thick and thin....

Teri and I having an early birthday dinner at Tasty Pizza North in Pequot Lakes, MN. I hadn't seen her in over a year and it had been too long. Love ya girl!

Posin' for Teri!

Really, he did what to you??

Trying to control my best friend!

Playing darts and having a great time with my Angie! I love you girl!

Our Birthday night!

Our favorite bartenders at "The Ol' Pickle Factory" in Nisswa, MN. Me, Angie, Lani and Terry having a blast!

Sweet Baby Kale.

"I am trying to get my slinky box out from under that darn TV stand. I can take time to cheese for the camera."

Love ya little buddy!

I will never eat avocado again!

I'm sorry Auntie Sara...I didn't mean to projectile vomit my dinner at you! I still love this kid with all my heart! Keri and I got a good laugh. :)

Having fun with the Wooden boys!

Enjoying the time I spend with Kale and Leif. Of course Keri, Toby and I had fun playing Wii and eating good food all night long.

Turkey Day 2008.

Thank you Foss's for a great Thanksgiving. I had a great time with you all and the food was amazing. Thank you again!

Busy cook...

Gina was a busy cook during the day. She made many good dishes for dinner. I have to say this is the first year I tried sweet potatoes and they were awesome! I even tried brussel sprouts but will have to pass on those.

Good help...

Scott was the Dish Man. He cleaned up the dishes while we were preparing all the food. I think we used almost every dish and pan in the house. This was only round one of the dishes.