Weekdays with Laura

Fri, Feb 14

It was Valentine's Day. I got a box of chocolate from Ralph. The packaging of the chocolate was so cute. I was happy.

We learned a way to say no and how to defend ourselves in the morning. We went to Target in the aftenoon.

We had our welcome party in the evening. Every host family brought dishes, and they were excellent. I was glad to talk with everyone's host family. After that, I went to a skating center with my host family. I couldn't skate well, but everyone helped me. I was excited.

Mon, Feb 17

We went to the fire department. We asked questions and watched videos about the fire academy. And then, we put on a firefighter suit and a helmet. We experienced water-discharge exercises. The firefighters were very kind.

I ate spaghetti with homemade tomato sauce and homemade bread for dinner. They were delicious. I liked them.

Tue, Feb 18

We went to the police office. We asked some questions and a female staff explained their job to us. We saw police motorcycles, police cars and jails. After that we went to the courthouse. We put on gowns. A judge answered our questions, but it was difficult to understand.

I played tennis with Genie after school. There was a monument near the tennis court. Alissa told me about the monument.

Wed, Feb 19

We went to Tacoma Mall. We ate doughnuts at Krispy Kreme DOUGHNUTS. They were sweet and delicious. We also went to See's CANDIES and I bought souvenirs. I got samples there, but they were too sweet. I was surprised.

Thu, Feb 20

We went to Leavenworth. We went to the study center a little earlier than usual, because it took about two hours to go to Leavenworth. Along the way, we enjoyed talking with Laura. Leavenworth was beautiful. The weather was fine, so we could see great views. I was happy just to walk around there. I remember that we saw a horse for the first time. I had a good time.

Fri, Feb 21

We experienced American Holidays such as Halloween and Easter. We put on costumes and we hunted for eggs. And then we ate traditional American food such as turkey, latke and pumpkin pie for lunch. All the dishes were tasty. We learned some differences in religion.

Mon, Feb 24

We first went to Green River College. It was big. We met our friends who were studying abroad, and enjoyed talking with them because we met them for the first time in a very long time. We next went to a senior home. It was a luxurious building like a hotel. I played the piano and we sang songs. And then we talked with the residents. I was glad when a woman said to me, “Your performance was good.” It was difficult for me to talk with the residents, but I got a good experience.

Tue, Feb 25

We went sightseeing in Seattle. First, we visited University of Washington. It was huge and nice. I remember the library the most. We next went to Space Needle and saw great views from its observation deck. And then we went to Pike Place Market and did some shopping. I was happy to go to the first STARBUCKS store. We enjoyed shopping there. After that we went to T-Mobile Park and bought T-shirts of ICHIRO. I got a good souvenir that day.

Wed, Feb 26

We started making photo frames and memory journals for our host family.

In the afternoon, we learned how to make cards from Jane and Gwen. We met a friend of Laura's, a female police officer and a police dog. The dog's name was Luna. She was active, smart and cute. I had a good time with them.

Thu, Feb 27

We visited an elementary school and delivered our presentation. We and children were nervous at first, but we gradually got relaxed and enjoyed our presentation. We spent lunch time with children. I was surprised when a girl asked me about our presentation. The children asked us some interesting questions. They were active and energetic. We had a great time.

Fri, Feb 28

We made photo frames and journals in the morning. I thought that I should have made them earlier.

We went bowling in the afternoon. Laura taught us how to bowl, but we couldn't bowl with her because she had to leave early. We were separated into two teams. Bowling was difficult, but we still enjoyed it.

I made Oyako-don for dinner. It took a little time to make it, but its taste was good. Alissa made a dessert and it was delicious. After having dinner, I played cards with my host family.

Mon, Mar 2

We finished making photo frames and journals in the morning. I was the last person to finish. After lunch, we changed into yukata and practiced our presentation for Sayonara Party many times. I was a little nervous, but I enjoyed Sayonara Party after all. I was happy that everyone seemed to have fun.

After returning home, I talked with my host family about summer vacation. As they told me that they go to California during the summer vacation, I envied them. I'd like to go to California someday. It was so fun to talk with them, but that day was the last day, so I felt sad.

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