Our First Meal in the U.S.	Nice to meet you!

Fri., Feb. 20th

I overslept that morning. I think it was because of jet lag. For breakfast, Will made blueberry pancakes for us. It was my first time eating blueberry pancakes, and they were so delicious.

In the morning, we practiced the R and L sounds. It was difficult, but our teacher guide, Laura, taught us very kindly. After the class, we all went shopping at Target near the study center. They sold not only food but also toys, clothes, and many other things. Everything was cute. I bought a very cute  diary there!

That evening, we had a welcome party, and Will made spaghetti for us. I enjoyed talking with everyone's host families.

My Cute Diary!	Playing a Game

Mon., Feb. 23rd

For lunch, I ate yogurt and a sandwich made with salad-flavored bread. It was a little sour.

In the afternoon, we went to Krispy Kreme Doughnuts. We shared five kinds of doughnuts, and they were really delicious. Next, we went to Tacoma Mall. I bought some candies as souvenirs.

After we got home, I walked Fargus and Ollie with my host mother, Kari. At night, I watched my favorite TV show, America's Got Talent, with Will.

Colorful Doughnuts	Candies

Tues., Feb. 24th

We went to the fire station. We wore firefighter uniforms, rode in a fire truck, and used a fire hose. We also watched a firefighter change into his uniform in less than one minute. It was very cool.

After we got home, I walked the dogs with Kari. We had tacos for dinner at home. After dinner, Kari and I made some stone art. I painted my pet tortoise on a stone. It looked a little scary, but Kari said it was cute, so I was very happy.

Good!	My Pet Tortoise

Wed., Feb. 25th

It was Rina's birthday! We celebrated by drawing her favorite character, Kuromi, on the whiteboard.
After that, we went to the police station and listened to the deputy police chief. I was impressed because he spoke slowly so that we could understand him easily. We also listened to the mayor.

In the afternoon, we went back to the study center and practiced our presentation for the elementary school visit.

Under Arrest!

Thurs., Feb. 26th

Will drove us to Leavenworth. There were many beautiful German-style shops, and the Christmas atmosphere was wonderful. I liked this place very much. I want to visit it again someday. There were many Christmas tree ornaments. I bought a jellyfish ornament and a gingerbread house ornament because I fell in love with them at first sight. I also bought a reusable shopping bag and a keychain.

Leavenworth!	Twinkling Lights

Fri., Feb. 27th

We experienced American holiday activities. My host family let me wear a Halloween costume. I wore a butterfly costume. For lunch, we had a Thanksgiving buffet. All the food was great!

In the evening, Will, Kari, and I went to a Mexican restaurant. I had a burrito. It was so delicious. Later that day, Kari's two nieces and their two children came to our house.

Trick or Treat!

Mon., Mar. 2nd

We went to Green River College. It had a very big library, and I thought it would be a great place to study. There was also a school bookstore. They sold T-shirts, tumblers, keychains, and so on.

For dinner, I made miso soup and rice balls for my host family. I was happy because they liked both of them. After dinner, Will and I watched the movie Mission: Impossible.

Many Books!	Too Much Seaweed

Tues., Mar. 3rd

We went to Twin Lakes Elementary School and gave our presentation. I was nervous at first, but we gave the presentation many times. I enjoyed it more each time. After that, we had lunch with the elementary school children, and also played with them during lunch break.

For dinner, Will cooked steak for us. It was absolutely delicious. After dinner, Kari and I made junk art. We used corks and screws to make a small doll. It turned out to be very cute. I had a lot of fun.

Ichi!	Mine           Kari's         Kari's

Wed., Mar. 4th

We spent the whole day making a photo frame to give to our host family on the last day.
At night, Will, Kari, and I did a 1000-piece jigsaw puzzle together. It was really fun.

It's done!!

Thurs., Mar. 5th

We spent the whole day sightseeing in Seattle. First, we went to the University of Washington. When we entered the library, I felt like I was in the Great Hall from Harry Potter. Next, we went to see the Fremont Troll. Then, we went to see the Space Needle, the symbol of Seattle. We didn't go to the top, but I bought a hand mirror at the gift shop. We also bought matching T-shirts on the waterfront. For lunch, we ate fish and chips and clam chowder at Ivar's. They were so tasty! After that, we went to Pike Place Market. I bought a tumbler at the original Starbucks store. I also bought some chocolate from Chukar in the market. Finally, we went to Uwajimaya. I had a wonderful day in Seattle.

It's like Harry Potter!	I Love Seattle	Pike Place Market

Fri., Mar. 6th

We went bowling in the afternoon. Laura was very good at bowling, and she kindly taught us how to bowl. Whenever someone got a strike, we gave each other high-fives. It was so much fun!

For dinner, I ate tendon (a bowl of rice topped with tempura). I was surprised because each piece of tempura was very big. At night, I spent time in the treehouse that Will had built. Everything was so cute, especially the decorations and the color of the walls. I really loved it.

I Can Do It!	Cute!

Mon., Mar. 9th

We wore yukata and gave a presentation in front of our host families. I gave my journal and a photo frame to Will and Kari, and thanked them for taking good care of me for the past three weeks. We also gave Laura a surprise gift and a message card.

Thank you very much!	Thank you, Laura!

Tues., Mar. 10th

Will had to leave early for work,  so I got up early to say goodbye and give him a hug. Kari drove me to the study center. I had too much luggage. Kari helped me pack everything into my suitcase at the study center. I was very thankful for her help. We hugged each other goodbye at the train station. I was very sad.

Laura stayed with us until we went into the airport. She gave each of us a hug before we said goodbye.

Time to Say Goodbye	Thank you, Laura!