winter wonderland

i've been checking my calendar, plugging in various mathematical equations in an attempt to figure out how december 20th so quickly became 2 months ago, and we are on the verge of the next adventure. tuesday morning we will be on a plane to san jose, and the snow storms will seem far behind us. it still feels like we left belize yesterday, although our bodies have quickly adjusted to the temperature change and lifestyle adjustments (taking hot showers and being behind the wheel of a car have been glorious experiences).

in the course of these 70 days home, we have managed to spend countless hours enjoying the time of loved ones. we've explored the awesomeness of the megabus (between pittsburgh and harrisburg, pa), traveled with the infamous greyhound (yeah, meadville, pa!), and even taken my mother's car on a 14 hour road-trip (greensboro, nc). many thanks and cyber hugs go out to all of our wonderful friends and family members for their hospitality, love, and generosity. you have all made this time home truly special.

i'm still amazed that residents of oregon, pennsylvania, and central america still managed to rendezvous days before christmas. what a great time!

i am still thinking about that raspberry torte, steph.

the annual harrisburg farm show is an amazing event.

we learned how alpaca fur is turned into yarn.

and we saw many chickens and ducks with curious hairstyles.

we spent time with returned peace corps volunteers from zambia. this restaurant served such delicious food that andrea was trying to consume her water glass.

(finally!) toured hershey's chocolate world. there were a few more talking cows than i had expected, but otherwise it was an enjoyable experience.

yum...hershey's kisses...

many of our friends have grown their families during our time away.

this is our new friend, ellen.

we visited with beloved friends from college.

here, jamie's mother's creative outlet turned our gathering into a necklace theme party.

we visited allegheny college for the first time since graduation in 2002.

and yes, it was colder than we remembered.

reconnected with dear friend, jamie, and newest dear friend, kelly.

took a brief trip up to buffalo, ny to spend time with brian and kim.

celebrated sister crystal's birthday with family at a cozy and delectable little italian restaurant.

i learned how to crochet fingerless gloves

and made crystal a pair with a matching scarf for her birthday.

we celebrated our niece brooklyn's 12th birthday with a hawaiian themed party.

and birthday pancakes!

we met and spent lots of time with newest cousin, sammy. what a cutie!

what a blessing these past months have been. so much love, so many amazing meals, such quality conversation. a million thanks go out to our families, who have been patient and supportive and often times rearranged their homes to accommodate us. our beautiful nieces gave up their bedroom for two whole weeks...thanks justice and brooklyn, we love you!

we have greatly enjoyed our time home, but it's time once again for us to take a leap. it's hard to go, but we are ready to start the next chapter in costa rica.

we wish you all the best.

con amor,

melissa & coy