So, let's see . . .
Monday - 7/28/08
Yiying had classes in the morning and then activities at the C.U. Student Recreation Center. In class they learned about the early Native Americans, a topic she seemed to enjoy. She spent the afternoon ice skating and swimming. That evening was a relaxing one at home. I had picked up some sushi and miso soup on my way to the bus to pick her up, so she enjoyed that little piece of home.
Tuesday - 7/29/08 (Sarah's 15th birthday!)
There was a slight problem on the bus on this morning - Yiying fell asleep and missed her stop! Although there were six other students and one parent chaperon on the bus, by the time everyone got off and did a headcount in Boulder, realizing that Yiying was not with them, the bus had driven away! Yiying woke up 1/2 way back to Longmont, understandably nervous. She told the driver that she was supposed to have gotten off at C.U. Of course, by that time (an hour later), we had the Boulder police, campus security, and RTD involved in locating her. So the driver radioed in letting RTD know that he had her and she was safe. What a relief! The police department met the bus at a stop along the way and gave Yiying a ride back to campus in their squad car, along with a little stuffed puppy dog! She was none the worse for the wear, though, and still wanted to join the group in Estes Park (again!) for a day of horseback riding and shopping. The chaperon who had stayed behind to wait for her drove her up to meet the group. She ended up having a great day after all.
While she was there, Sarah and I went to the DMV and got her learner's permit! Oh, man. What a milestone! That evening, the family and a few friends came over for cake and ice cream for Sarah's birthday. Although tired after the day's excitement, we all had
a fun time. Sarah got lots of nice presents, including a wallet that says "Daddy's Money" from Brian, cash from both sets of grandparents, a beautiful purse from Yiying, a book of cute quotes from the Bartons, and jammies from the Thomas'. Dave and I gave her a digital camera.
Wednesday, 7/30/08
Once again, the students had their classes in the morning and then headed to the C.U. Student Recreation Center for afternoon activities. Yiying bravely tried tennis, and had some fun with her favorite - yoga.
Thursday, 7/31/08
Today's adventure was a trip to Greeley to see Centennial Village, a replica of a Western Pioneer Town with actual buildings, farm equipment and a beautiful chapel. They then returned to Longmont, where Sarah, Brian, and I met the group at Texas
Roadhouse restaurant for a traditional western meal, barbecue pork sandwiches & cole slaw. The group then headed on to Celestial Seasonings Tea Factory for a tour & shopping (Yiying's favorite, I think), and then a tour of the Leanin' Tree Museum, which is an art gallery. While she was there, the kids and I went to our eye doctor appointments. She was very tired when we picked her up at the bus! That evening, we went out to dinner at a local restaurant called Parrot's. Then, Sarah's friend, Rochelle, came over to spend the night so that she could join the girls the next morning for Teen Day!
Friday, 8/1/08
This was a very exciting day for the Jumonji school girls - their first Prom! The day began with many American teens joining the girls for classes and talking about typical American teenage activities & customs. They played a fun game that is traditionally played at Christmas - a white elephant gift exchange - when everyone brings a gift-wrapped present (funny or serious) and puts it under the Christmas tree. Then, each person chooses a random number from a hat. The person who chose #1 selects a gift from under the tree and opens it. The person who chose #2 can then steal person #1's gift, or choose a new one. If they steal person #1's gift, person #1 opens a new one. The person who chose #3 can then steal from #1 or #2, or choose a new gift from under the tree. Play continues until everyone has a gift! Sarah and Yiying said that it was very funny and all of the girls were hysterically laughing!
In the afternoon, I joined the other host parents at the school's gymnasium and decorated it for the Jumonji students' first Prom! For those of you reading from Japan, this is a school event that is typically held in the evening during the spring of the students' Junior or Senior year of high school. The kids get really dressed up in long, flowing dresses and tuxedos, enjoy a fancy dinner out (often riding in a limousine), and then attend the dance for the evening. The Jumonji girls had a fabulous time, doing lots of group dances such as the Macarena, the Electric Slide, and the Achy-Braky-Heart! The American teens had a lot of fun, too. Kristy and Carol did a phenomenal job, as usual, putting on this great event.
Saturday, 8/2/08
On this day, we had a fun 'girls day out' with Sarah, Yiying, my mother, and I going to a make-your-own jewelry store, and then seeing a children’s theater production of ‘Anastasia.’ It was delightful. Afterward, we headed to Boulder to purchase a swimsuit that Yiying had found on her first day here. The suit she brought was too small for her and she had borrowed Sarah’s on a couple of occasions, but wanted to have her own. She said that swimsuits were much less expensive here than in Japan. We came home to find a delicious steak and mushroom meal prepared by Dave, and then the girls headed over to Rochelle’s house for Yiying’s first-ever sleepover! They had a great time, staying up late, watching movies, and eating doughnuts!
Sunday, 8/3/08
I picked the girls up at about 11:45 a.m. and dropped Yiying off at the house, then Sarah and I went down to Invesco Field for a defensive driving class that I had signed her up for several months ago. She was able to practice accident-avoidance breaking from full speed, emergency lane changes, and skid control, along with participating in several interactive booths including how to check your engine fluids, drunk-driving simulations, and what happens in a rollover accident, exemplifying the importance of seat belts. The program was put on by Drivers Edge (www.driversedge.com). It was very beneficial and informative. I think she feels more comfortable that she would know what to do if she needed to stop quickly or avoid something that came into her lane unexpectedly.
Well, I’ll stop for now and catch you up with this week tomorrow. Remember to check back for pictures!