Weekdays

Thurs., Feb 20

We arrived at the airport and met our teacher guide, Laura, and Yui's host mother, Alissa. Alissa drove us around when we needed to go somewhere. We were hungry, so we went to Denny's. I was nervous and I couldn't talk much.

We visited Boehm's Chocolate Factory. It was interesting to see how chocolates are made. I bought some chocolates and a postcard as souvenirs. After that, we went to see Snoqualmie Falls. The waterfall was very powerful. I also bought some stickers. Then, we went to Target. I was very excited to see so many American products.

Nice to meet you!

Fri., Feb 21

We arrived at study center at 9 a.m. First, we learned about money and how to stay safe. Laura explained everything clearly and it was easy to understand. For lunch, I ate sandwiches made by Abbie.
In the afternoon, we went toTarget and Kohl's . Laura recommended many souvenirs for us. 

In the evening, a welcome party was held. We enjoyed the meal prepared by the host families. We had pizza, chicken, soup, and cake. They were all delicious. After filling our stomachs, we joined a host family quiz . We asked our host families many questions. I was nervous, but I enjoyed talking and I got to know the families better. I was especially happy when Eloise pulled me by the hand before we went home. I felt like we were getting closer.

Target	Welcome Party

Mon., Feb 24  

Before lunch, we went to a doughnuts shop called Krispy Kream. I was excited because I had always wanted to visit this shop. The shop had many kinds of doughnuts, and they were very colorful. They were very sweet and delicious.

After that, we went to a large shopping mall called Tacoma Mall . We had lunch at the food court and shared pizza and fried rice. After lunch, we had free time and enjoyed shopping. I bought earrings and a top.

Krispy Kream	Tacoma Mall

Tues., Feb 25

We visited the local fire department. First, we asked some questions that we had prepared in advance. It was hard to understand many difficult words, but it was still very interesting. After that, we rode in a fire engine and an ambulance. They had many things that I had never seen before. We also tried on a firefighter uniform and experienced spraying water. It was a valuable experience.

Spraying Water!

Wed., Feb 26 

We visitedFederal Way City Hall and talked with the deputy police chief, judges, and the mayor. We asked them some questions. Everyone spoke slowly, so we could understand most of what they said. We took pictures with cool police officers and saw them the mayor's and judge's office. It was a very valuable experience.

Got Arrested!	Judge Experience	Talking with Mayor

Thurs., Feb 27 

We went to Cascade Mountain. First, we went to a glass studio and saw beutiful  glassware. Each piece had a different color. For lunch, we ate McDonald's. It tasted almost as good as it does in Japan.

After that, we went to Leavenworth. I was excited to see all the shops. There was a Christmas goods shop, an interesting hat shop, and many more. We bought a lot of souvenirs.

We also went to a souvenir shop selling honey and popcorn. There was a big chicken statue outside, so we took a picture with it.

Owls	Smile♡	Spicy!

Fri., Feb 28

We experienced several American holiday events at the study center. For lunch, the host families prepared and brought Thanksgiving dishes. Instead of turkey, we had chicken, mashed potatoes, and pumpkin pie. After lunch, we dressed up in costumes provided by our host families and experienced Halloween. I dressed up as Dorothy from "The Wizard of Oz." We got a lot of candy. Next, we experienced Easter by going on an egg hunt for hidden candies. I only found a few, but it was still fun.

After changing clothes, we made noodles . Laura taught us how to do it. I got anemic and felt sick, so I had to take a short break. Laura kindly helped me. I went back to making noodles. It was my first experience and a lot of fun.

Thanksgiving Meal	Egg Hunt	Making Noodles

Mon., Mar 3

We went to Green River College . One student from Hong Kong gave us a tour of the campus. We looked around the library, lunch areas, and a bookstore. I was impressed by the size of the campus and the items sold in the stores, which were different from those of Japanese universities.

In the afternoon, we went to a nursing home . We first sang "Ame-Ame-Fure-Fure" and the Japanese national anthem for the residents, and then talked with them. I was tired from speaking so much English, but I enjoyed the conversations and gained confidence.

Finally, we practiced our number presentation for the elementary school visit at the study center.

Alligators	Enjoyed Talking

Tues., Mar 4

We went sightseeing in Seattle . We first visited the University of Washington. I was surprised at how big the campus was. After that, we dropped by Fremont Troll and took some pictures. We next visited the Space Needle and bought souvenirs. We had Chinese food for lunch, and later went to Pike Place Market  where we bought many souvenirs. We saw the famous Gum Wall and the original Starbucks store . 

After coming home, I took a pictures of the whole family for my crafts project. It is my favorite photo.

Original Starbucks Store	Gum Wall

Wed., Mar 5

We did crafts. We made booklets and photo frames. Laura played the song APT .. She sang the song and danced to it. She looked like she was having so much fun. We also enjoyed crafting with the music.

Before going to bed, I had a long conversation with Abbie and Chris. They recommended movies and taught me some English grammar. I was happy that they were interested in Japan and asked me many questions.

Making Crafts

Thurs., Mar 6

We visited an elementary school. We gave our number presentation to ten defferent classes. All the children were full of energy. We also taught them how to write their names in katakana. They were happy, and so was I. We also had lunch with some of the children. I was tired, but it was a very enjoyable day.

Lunch Time	Try to Write Katakana

Fri., Mar 7

In the morning, we continued working onour crafts .

In the afternoon, we went bowling . Laura gave us a very passionate lesson. When I got a strike, Laura gave me a big hug. I wasn't very good at bowling, but thanks to Laura, I improved a little.

After coming home, the whole family played together in the backyard. We played soccer, baseball, and other games together.

Enthusiastic Coaching	Beautiful!

Mon., Mar 10

We finished our crafts and practiced for our final presentation. In the evening, we had pizza for dinner. Then we put on ouryukata and it was time for the sayonara party. The Nutt family, the Stone family, and everyone's host families gathered. I was nervous about the buckwheat noodles presentation, but I enjoyed it in the end. We gave the gifts, and we also gave thank-you gifts to Laura. After that, we enjoyed the rest of the party. We ate the cakes that Alissa had made. I also received gifts from the Nutt and Stone families. I felt very sad thinking that I would have to say goodbye to Laura and my host families the next day.

It's done!	Thank you, Laura!

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