Catch Up

Wow two months have gone by very fast. There is a lot to catch up on but I am going with the photos

We have enjoyed having Florence staying with us. It has been very interesting to see the changes she has gone through in such little time. I find it ironic that we got an exchange student that is just as independent and outgoing as Katie. I cannot imagine having an exchange student without another teen living in the home. Oh how bored they would be. We have met many of the other exchange students at events and their host families. I was really surprised how many there are just in our district. We are learning alot about Belgium in particular. At 16 you are allowed to drink beer at local pubs. So that is what the students do every Friday after school or even half days. You are not allowed to get a drivers license until you are 18. Probably a good thing, hence the beer.To say that Florence misses the pub is an understatement. I told her that is why her Mother sent her here so she could experience being a teen without drinking. There have been lots of laughter in our house. The silver hats were made because Jupiter was clear in the western sky at sunset and it looked like it was flashing red, blue and green. Florence insisted that it was Aliens spying on us. So Katie convinced her to make the hat and actually were it!!!!  

 

 

 

 

Florence and Katie warding off the aliens with their aluminum hats

 We had the pleasure of going to see the Seattle Symphony at our local arts center. Oh it was so amazing. I felt renewed afterwards, it had been so long. Katie really enjoyed it too and wanted to go home and play her clarinet again. Florence wanted to take a nap and couldn't believe how long it was. Oh well. Exposure is always good.

An afternoon of culture

Gerard Schwarz last 25th year as conductor and his last year.

 Then it was time for the first razor clam dig at the beach. It happens regardless of the weather. Always at the first low tide. Florence had no idea what she was getting herself into. It was such a stormy day that we really didn't get very many, maybe enough for a pot of clam chowder. The girls were troopers though and let their inner child emerge and played on the beach in their rain gear until the wind was blowing so hard you had to lean into it to walk. Hot chocolate, chips and salsa and a hot shower erased the cold within.

Razor Clamming in the worst weather ever @ the beach

 And then there is football every Friday night. Katie's school is very spirited and they have lots of school pride so they really turn out for support. Florence doesn't understand why Americans are obsessed with sports. Soccer and Tennis really does it for the Belgians. But not a priority. At first Florence just looked in bewilderment now she even sings the school song with every touchdown. High school football is so much fun!

  

 

 

 

Friday night football

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Then there was Homecoming. Another American Tradition. There was lots chatter about dates, restaurants, dresses, hair and such for 2 weeks. Poor Mike. He survived and nearly cried when he saw Katie. Now for me I realize how quickly time is moving forward now and I am trying to be in every second of every moment and drink it all in. What a joy.

Katie's invitation to homecoming umm on my car by the way

 And no the car wash does not take all of that paint off but it does a great job of embedding it into every little crack and crevice on the car.

Two very cool girls w/ dates jackets

 Tumwater tradition is to go to the steps of the Capitol since it is only minutes away and take pictures of the kids right around sunset. It was so beautiful.

Yep, couldn't be prouder

The Group that went to Homecoming

So there you have it. So many other things have been going on but these are the lasting memories. Katies football team is competing in the State Championship so football cheer will overlap with basketball cheer. Poor Florence. She says that when she is at the games she feels like she is watching an American movie.
Florence talks about missing her family and it makes me really home sick too. I have fantasies of family living close by and having Sunday dinner together and seeing them on a daily basis. I am happy to have the internet now so that I can read the blogs and chat on IM and email and texting and  free long distance with the cell phone.But there is nothing like a hug.

This weekend is Halloween then before too long Thanksgiving. Florence will not believe the spread we put out for a holiday of gratitude!


I hope it will not be 2 more months before I post again but...