Fall break!

In Minnesota, the 3rd weekend of October is affectionately known as "MEA break." The former Minnesota Education Association changed its name to Education Minnesota years ago, but the only place you see it used is on the school calendars. The fall professional conference happens this weekend every year. It's a great time to pick up some continuing ed credits and network. Many families in this part of the country take the long weekend to work in some fall fishing or hunting, or button up the family cabin. It's also a great time to take a quick trip. We had some travel vouchers ticking away, so we weighed our options for using them up. After a bit of hemming and hawing, we booked a trip, and I am pecking away on my iPhone as I listen to the Pacific pounding in the dark against the coastline of Costa Rica. My husband's AFS sister has remained part of the family since she came to the US as an exchange student 30 years ago. We've finally been blessed with an opportunity to visit. I tacked a couple personal days onto the weekend. She brought us to the beach for the weekend, and we'll go to a national park tomorrow. For now, we're content to visit with the family and relax in the hotel.