Featuring: Au Pair In America in Costa Rica | Photojournalism by Summer Lynn |

So.

This is the part when I pretend like I'm a NatGeo photographer sent on a special expedition on the other side of the globe to document Nature in all its wonder.

Because NatGeo would want none other than me, of course.

Actually . . .
I did get to travel someplace pretty cool with the agency I work for as an Au Pair In America Community Counselor - Costa Rica - where I had one glorious day to make as many photographs as I possibly could. I get the unique privilege of overseeing new au pairs from all over the world (including scenic Costa Rica!) as they adjust to life and learn to thrive here in the United States. These young women are bright, intelligent and experienced child care providers, giving host families an opportunity to offer their children a global education during their most formative years, by learning about the world through the au pair’s culture and customs. And on a personal level, it is so fulfilling to see how these young women's whole lives can be positively altered by the opportunities provided to them through our great program: the American colleges they get to attend, and the valuable work experience they are able to gain by being here in the United States. Au Pair In America is a division of the American Institute For Foreign Study (AIFS), which has provided educational and cultural exchange programs for more than 40 years.

(And if you'd like to learn more about

 

the world's most experienced intercultural live-in child care program

just ask me!)

It was a very quick trip, but I am ever so grateful. What a beautiful country! And the people are awesome. I was able to visit InBioParque, the Poas Volcano crater, as well as a picturesque coffee plantation called Tres Generaciones.


I will go back.

Maybe as a real NatGeo photographer.
And if working with young women from all over the planet has taught me anything, it's that . . .

A girl can dream :)

¡Pura Vida!

                       ↗me!

Featuring: Bloom Theory

For all you photogs out there . . .

I just had to blog about this! Check out this new line of gorgeously feminine and flirty camera straps from Bloom Theory! Me wants!!!!

        My personal faves are: "You Are My Sunshine"  

                                ⤵

                                         ⤴

      and "Petit Cheri"

          Apparently, I have a thing for mustard yellow right now :)

I Love You, a Bushel and a Peck!

"I love you, a bushel and a peck!
A bushel and a peck, and a hug around the neck!
A hug around the neck, and a barrel and a heap
A barrel and a heap, and I'm talkin' in my sleep.
About you.
About you!
About you!
My heart is leapin'!
I'm having trouble sleepin'!
'Cause I love you, a bushel and a peck
You bet your pretty neck I do!
Doodle, oodle, oodle.
Doodle, oodle, oodle.
Doodle oodle oodle oo . . ."

- Guys and Dolls (The Musical)

Last Saturday was Apple Picking Day! The family headed up to Ellijay, Georgia; passing barns and orchards, cows and horses, goats and chickens along the way, and imitating every sound that each animal makes (of course!).

The kids LOVED picking the apples right off the trees. There is nothing in the world like seeing your kids' eyes light up, is there? I am addicted to that light . . . :)

“Why not go out on a limb? Isn’t that where the fruit is?” -Frank Scully

Clair de Lune (an early morning lullaby)

I think I heard this song playing in my heart early this morning when my kids came in for some snuggle time. 


Just had to share a little continuation of my previous summertime vacation post A Good Day.


Good Morning to you. . . 

As far as you went from the door, which was not far; But you had awakened under the morning star The first song-bird that awakened all the rest. . . You had begun it, and if there needed proof-- I was asleep still under the dripping roof, My window curtain hung over the sill to wet; But I should awake to confirm your story yet; I should be willing to say and help you say That once you had opened the valley's singing day. . ." -Robert Frost

A Good Day (Morning Song)

morning
sunrise
open my eyes

and i can tell it's gonna be a good day
i can tell it's gonna be a good day

did you sleep well?
did you dream at all?
can you tell me the time?
on the alarm clock

i can tell it's gonna be a good day
i can tell it's gonna be a good day

but you can sleep in
you just keep dreamin
for us

i can tell it's gonna be a good day
i can tell it's gonna be a good day 

-Priscilla Ahn

Sometimes, the lyrics speak for themselves; in the simplest and most true way. When I get so lucky as to get away from 'it all' with my little family, this song is pretty much how I feel. Smiles come easy. Laughs come easy. I'm walkin' on sunshine even if its storming outside - you know what I mean? Now don't get me wrong; all is not calm serenity and bliss when you have two little ones who need your help with everything all the time ;D We've got some crazy in us too! But, you know, I wouldn't trade it for the world.

Here are just a few pics from some of our summertime adventures (thus far) with our family and some of our best friends as well. I have to say, as a little aside, that one is truly blessed when one of your girlfriend besties is married to one of your husband's guy besties (do guys say that? that would be a "no".) and they have kids and their kids are also some of your kiddos' besties. Ok, enough with the word 'bestie'. You get the idea. Much to be grateful for! Treasure your true friends. The ones who stick with you through 'it all'. And make you laugh till your sides hurt :D When you're with the ones you love, "its gonna be a good day".