Costa Rica Reveal Party February 2013

"Oh Yeah... We need to tell our families that we're moving to another country...."

This was one of the most challenging obstacles to deal with because we just were not sure how everyone would take the news. We are both pretty close to our families and the news we were about to share was not one they were expecting. (No, we are not having a baby :) 

We searched Pinterest until we found this idea and went for it! We wrote a note that said "It's fun to be with family and play, but there is something we must say, Surprise! We're moving!" The note was placed in a bowl and flour was packed all around it. We flipped the bowl upside down on a cookie sheet and put a lifesaver on top. The goal of the game was to slice the "cake" without making the candy fall off the top. Whoever made the candy fall, had to retrieve the candy in the flour using only their mouth. (No one knew there was a note inside) 

Dustin (Alyssa's brother) taking the first slice

Calder (brother-in-law)

Britney (Alyssa's sister)

Becky (Alyssa's Mom)

Calder, Allen, & Herb (Landon's Dad)

Allen (Alyssa's Dad)

Glenda (Landon's Mom)

Alesha (sister-in-law)

Our niece Annika wondering what is in the yellow box

Dustin going for the candy

Alesha reading the note outloud to the family

Everyone was pretty surprised - not what they were expecting! 

First question was "Where are you moving to?" So we had a piece of paper for everyone with a letter of Costa Rica on it and they had to unscramble the letters. Eventually they saw it spelled Costa Rica!

It was difficult to explain something that has been on our hearts for so long. We feel so confidant that this is what God has planned for us right now. Our families were very understanding but it is difficult for them and us to think about all the sacrifices there will be: such as missing out on family gatherings, special occasions,  Baby Carlson #2, watching our niece Annika grow, seeing Dustin go off to college, enjoying Allen's retirement, weekend visits and Landon's parents, Britney and Calder's new married life, Ciara's success in college, house projects at Lane & Aleshas, boating, etc... 

We are looking forward to the many many privileges we will have on the stretch of road in our lives and are very thankful for technology so we can always keep in touch!

Landon showing a map of Costa Rica (Glenda, Lane, Alesha, & Annika)

Ciara was not able to come because of bad weather. We put her on speaker phone so she could join in!

After all our planning, we were very happy with the way our reveal party went! It was fun, surprising, and entertaining!