Happy Campers

We went camping last weekend and had so much fun!

Two of our dear friends and neighbors are also hosting exchange students and we decided it would be a "great American experience" to take the girls camping. 

I have not been camping in years and I had forgotten how much fun is really is. 

 Here is the whole group getting ready to go on a hike. 

 The hiking view

 The lake

 Our campsite

 Jack playing badminton with the girls.
We also spent the day swimming, but I didn't get many photos.
I get nervous having my big camera close to all the sand and water.  

 All of us squeezed into 2 campsites.

Check out the loaded clothes line. 

Our campfire....

Sali loved roasting marshmallows and said the S'mores were yummy.  

I think this smile says it all.

We had a great time! 

{Startalk}

Last week, Olivia finished her Mandarin Chinese course.

As you may know, Olivia has taken 3 years of Chinese.

Unfortunately, her school offers many language studies, but not Mandarin. 

We found a Startalk program locally at Gonzaga University and Olivia was able to participate.

She ended up earning an A for the course and 1 year of high school language credit. 

Good job Olivia!

We are so proud of you!

Teenage Girls {the universal language}

I took Olivia and Sali shopping.

We went into an accessory store and the girls immediately started trying on headbands, glasses, etc. 

I think there is a "universal language" with teenage girls and it's obvious in these photos. 

Can you tell, Olivia and Sali have become instant friends?

They are so cute together.  

We love having Sali here!

Wordless Wednesday

Kon'nichiwa

Kon'nichiwa!

We are hosting an exchange student from Japan.

She arrived Saturday night. 

Her name is Sali and she is a delightful young woman.

We are enjoying teaching her about life here in America and learning more about Japan through her. 

 This is a welcome poster Lucy made for Sali.

 Sali showing us her photo albums.

She has a beautiful family and two cats.
We were also able to see photos of her house and school.
I'm glad she was able to show us these photos.

 Sali brought all of us gifts from Japan.

Lucy and Jack were excited to open their gifts.

 This is a Japanese toy that was a big hit with everyone.

It's so fun!

It took Jack a few minutes of trying, but he finally got it. 

 Sali was showing us how to make oragami.

Olivia has been playing with this everyday....she's getting really good. 

 We attended a welcome picnic on Sunday evening with all the local host families and their students. 

All the students and families had fun.
We also all got wet...the park has a great splash park.  

 Sali helping Lucy.  

I think Sali is enjoying being the "big sister"

Olivia and Sali made homemade pizzas last night.

They have become fast friends.  

Sali will be here for 3 weeks and we are trying to make the most everyday and have her experience as many fun things as possible.

Stay tuned....there will be more photos in the upcoming days.

We have a big weekend planned.  :)

Obsessed

Lately, I have become obsessed with sunsets and shadows.

I think it's do largely in part that I did not see much of the sun this past winter....it was long. 

Add Instagram to my new obsession and I'm a sun chasing fool.  :)

Here are just some of the photos I took this past week. 

 This was taken right after a rain storm came through.

All the sunset photos were taken from my neighborhood. 

 This is a shadow from a stair railing at a local park.

So fun!

I love everything about this one.

Clearly, I'm obsessed....

and I'm sure I will be posting more sunset/shadow photos in the upcoming weeks.

Sisters

 My two girls...

forever sisters, forever friends.  

Strawberries

We headed to the strawberry fields this past Friday with the Elledge family. 

It was good to be able to spend another day with them.

 

We picked just over 13 lbs of yummy strawberries.

Now I'm off to make some strawberry shortcake.  :)

Insta pics of the week

Here are some photos taken this past week.

I included Olivia's Instagram pics too....

She is so funny!

We are trying to keep her busy, but I still think she's a little bored.  :)

 How cool is Daisy Doodle???

My little college co-ed.

 Olivia is taking Chinese this summer at Gonazaga University.

Can you can tell she did not want her photo taken?

Enjoying free slurpees from 7-11 on 7-11  :)

and of course, my little goose!

Next week we have family in town and then our exchange student from Japan arrives.  

We are so excited!