Special Memories

The Suzuki Family so generously welcomed Colin into their home a created memories to last a lifetime. Before Colin left, they asked him to sign their iPad.  Colin's host mother worked tirelessly to create a scrap book of their time together and the whole family worked on a collage.  What wonderful memories we all have of this experience, so lucky!

Coming home.

Coming home...........what a bittersweet day it was for all of the kids to say goodbye to their host families and heading back to the USA.  We are so grateful for these families and so happy for the relationships that have been built while in Akiruno.

Odds and Ends

One of the wonderful joys of Colin's adventure has been him getting to be a part of the Suzuki Family.  What we have also found is that our family has extended, not only with the Suzuki family, but also with the many host families of the Akiruno Exchange program.  These pictures were some that were shared by Olivia Rainville's host mom.  She graciously sent these pictures to us to share these wonderful moments that she had captured.  How lucky are we that everyone was so helpful and supported our kiddos in every way.  Japan is now a special place in our hearts and the Akiruno host families ARE family.  We are all so blessed.

Last school day in Akiruno

This was Colin's last full day at his school in Akiruno.  Colin is here with his host "brothers."  What an experience this has been!

Shopping and McDonald's

SO fun!  During the day of touring Tokyo and seeing the sights - they had a chance to do some shopping and then ended the day back at home with none other than McDonald's for dinner.  Colin has had such a great stay with the Suzuki Family.  What an experience!

Tokyo Tower plus

Sunday was the day for a visit of Tokyo and the Tokyo Tower.  We unfortunately did not get to have any FaceTime calls today, but these pictures certainly show that Colin and his family had a great day, despite the poor weather.  Amazing!

Gone Fishin'

Saturday was spent simply relaxing and fishing in a nearby river.  They caught a multitude of fish and ate what they caught.  Nice job boys!

Friday Night

On Friday night, Colin and Fuuga went to Fuuga's english lesson and then they went out to play Badminton with some friends.  They had a fun night and enjoyed all being together.   Good to see the smiles!

Heading to School

Here are Fuuga and Colin on their way to school.  Fuuga's family lives really close to school, so they get to walk each morning.  Good exercise!  Our "Walking School Bus" folks would be SO proud.  This was our first time seeing the boys in their uniforms.  They have worked hard at school and at home, spending time supporting each other with their homework (Colin's mandarin work and Fuuga's English work).  We are SO excited to hear more of the stories once Colin comes home, although he still has a ton to do over the next few days.  May he enjoy it all!

Boys having fun.

The boys were having fun after Colin's full day of touring Akiruno.  Doing their homework and goofing off - just like normal 12 year old boys.  Funny, they have only known each other for a few days and already they appear to be life-long friends.  How fortunate!  Needless to say - Red Sox hat being worn over in Japan must have been that special "thing" that helped the Sox to pull out the 4-3 win over the Tigers.  It's a good omen..........Go Sox!

Touring Akiruno

 

On Wednesday, the kids and chaperones got to tour Akiruno.  We were so happy that Colin felt better and that his fever dropped back into a normal range.  The group had a ton of fun seeing the city together.  Colin told us about their visit to a museum where there was a fire in the middle of the museum and Erin (not knowing it was real) went to blow on it and puffs of smoke went flying into the air.  It scared her and made the rest of the kids laugh.  Ha!  Who knew?  So glad they are having fun and learning.

Gone to the dogs.

Colin has gotten better and the fever has broken, but it seems like he had some friends to keep him company while he was not feeling so well.  These are the two doggies of the household.  I was told by a friend that they are the size of cats..........that's okay by us, as long as they were being good buddies to Colin.

Sick Kiddo - needs some rest

Colin has ended up with a bit of a fever and sore throat.  I'm thinking that he is having too much fun and has not been resting enough.  Maybe he needs more liquids too?  Who knows, but I am sure he will get better soon.  His host family has been wonderful caring for him and two of his chaperones went for a visit to make sure he was okay.  Thank goodness he is being cared for so well.  Not a surprise, but wonderful to see - especially since he is half-way around the world.  Feel better Colin ~ lots of us our sending our love and positive vibes.

The "Sushi Train" and video games

 

 It was great to receive these pictures earlier today.  Colin certainly enjoyed his food with his host family.  Looks like they had Sushi on the "sushi train", as one of our friends' said.  Many plates means many pieces of food.  Looks like they even got a few minutes of playing video games - Colin must feel like he is in heaven.  Yummy sushi and video games........lucky boy!