September 9: Children's Day

Like many countries around the world, Costa Rica has a Día de Niños (Children's Day) and it's today, September 9.  To celebrate the children in the community, the church we attend here moved its service from 10am to 8am so it could begin the kids' festivities at 10:30am at the community soccer field.

The kids were all divided into age groups and assigned volunteers to supervise them at the various stations. 

Three of the stations were inflatables - this was one nice because it had a 'roof' for shade.  The other two were really hot from the sun and kids complained it was too hot for their bare feet.

Besides inflatables, the other stations included sack races,

soccer,

jump rope,

and the most refreshing station...snow cones!

I helped out with the 9 year old group.

Some dedicated cooks from church labored in love to make a HUGE amount of chicken and rice for everyone.

Our kids have a good memory...they know on Father's Day and Mother's Day that George and I get a break from our normal responsibilities and the rest of the family pitches in to help a little more.  They were quick to suggest that it's only fair they get out of their chores for today then too :).  Besides their chore-free day they excitedly picked out their own donut from the bakery (otherwise we share 2-3 of them between the 5 of us).  Happy day to all the kiddos out there!!