The Elements

We've covered more ground as far as getting Aya into the elements of New England nature. We live in a fairly low populated area with woods, lakes, streams and bugs!

This past Saturday there was the exchange organization meeting, which was essentially a getting to know the other families who host in the area (of this specific organization) and meet their exchange students.

It was interesting to see the children from other countries, most of whom were from Europe. There were boys from France, Germany and Thailand and girls from Switzerland and Germany. It was also interesting to note that the stereotypical fair skinned, blond hair and blue eyes were actually present that day, as I realize there are all hair types and eyes colors in Europe, I just thought it was ironic.

I spent most of my time talking with the other host families. I was also elected to grill all the burgers, sausages and hot dogs for the meal (can anyone say "Too Pink")?

The meeting house was on a lake and the students were offered an opportunities to go for a ride on a Jet Ski, Motor boat ride and to go tubing.
All the student went on one of the something, most of which was just the boat ride. The weather was a bit breezy and although being August the chill off the water was bit unusual, some of the student bundled in "hoodies" (sweat shirts).

Aya seem to feel the cold the most, we told her just wait until Winter. We did learn a new word in Japanese those: Tori-Hada meaning "Goose-bumps".

A few days later we went shopping, which seems to be Aya's most favorite thing to do. She used her debit card, which he had never had in Japan - I am guessing it was due to the fact she's always carried cash or wasn't old enough to apply for a Credit Card/Debit card. It was her first day using it.
She thought it was the most convenient thing; swipe, type and buy.

I told her its a double-edged sword since sometimes people get into trouble because its so easy, they don't realize they are overspending and people become deep in debt.

We took her to our favorite ice cream store: Cold-Stone Creamery. They make the most flavorful, textured hard/soft ice cream there and free waffle cones (to die for). She enjoyed it, but said it was too sweet. I think the Japanese tongue isn't used to all the sugar American put into their diet, because there were several other times where she said something was too sweet.

She enjoys the clothing line Roxy and seems to buy only items from that line, unless there are no other options. I've never really paid attention to fashion, so I am not sure if this is just a popular brand in Japan or it just hasn't taken off big on the East Coast of the U.S. I am beginning to think she owns stock in the company.

On Sunday the 19th, we took a Kayak ride out on the lake. We have 2, one of which is a tandem boat and the other is a single. It was a day of firsts because my oldest daughter took the single Kayak for the 1st time and this was Aya's 1st time in a Kayak. I had a feeling we would have to attend the store pictured below first.

All seemed to go well, taught her some basics in paddling and steering, though she didn't paddle for long as I was doing all the work in the back seat. I felt like I was a Gondola pilot showing off Veince in Itlay.

Our neighbors preparing to board their Bayliner and asked if the girls wanted a ride, to which they excitedly departed the Kayaks and went on his boat. (They even had an opportunity to pilot it for a short time, which was thrilling to her.)