Sakiko

This was our 3rd year hosting an exchange student and like always, we had a blast!!! 

Having boys the last couple of years we were surprised when we found out we were getting a girl but we were also super excited. 

The kids were SO excited and couldn't wait for her to get here. 

Here is Sakiko aka Sakko with the kids on her first night here. 

 She was super outgoing and lots of fun!

 The kids enjoying the gifts she brought for them!

 It seems like we always end up doing a lot of the same thing with each student but they always come during the same time each year and it's during the time of carnivals, parades, fireworks and all things Summer! We always have plenty to do when they're here and I think they're exhausted by the time they leave.

Snow-cones and slushies are always a hit! 

 We took Sakko up to the Timpanogos Temple and she was in awe!

I LOVE this picture of them!

 It's not Summer without a trip to the carnival! She was brave and went on this ride with Kayston. However, she did not like it! Haha!

 We also always go up to the American Fork picnic in the park. The kids love all the games and of course face painting!

 We met up with a few of her friends at Cabela's.

We brought her cute friend, Nagisa back with us for dinner.

 Ummm, remember how she's 17? Kayston was taller than her.

 All of our students have said that boating is their favorite thing they have done while here and most have never even been on a boat so we've made that a "must do' while they're here!

 

  Sakko was determined to get up on the wake bored and after a few tries she GOT UP!!!

 On Pioneer day we took her up to float down the Provo river. I've lived here my whole life and have never done this so I was super excited!!!

 

Poor Preston got the raw end of the deal. Little did we know that the current likes to take you into the trees so he spent most of the time in the freezing cold water pulling us out of the trees! He's such a good sport though and didn't complain once!! 

It was SO beautiful coming down through the canyon.

 We made it and only with a few scratches. Poor Sakko probably thought she was going to die at a couple spots!

 The annual car wash that the students do for the host families!

 

Such a cute bunch of kids! 

 One of the days we took tracks up to Salt Lake. We walked through city creek and went to the planetarium.

 

I have never laughed so hard as I did when I looked at this picture and saw Preston's little baby eye looking through the eye hole! Am I the only one that finds this hilarious? 

 

I guess you would call that my bug face?

 Later that day we went bowling. Besides the fact that it was like 100 degrees in there we had fun!

 The cutest little bowler I ever did see. She would do a little dance each time while waiting for her ball to hit the pins.

  Whenever we ask our students what kind of food they want to eat they always say steak. So what better place to take them than to Texas Roadhouse!

 Outdoor movies at Thanksgiving Point gardens was one of our family's favorite Summer activities.

We met up with another family who was hosting one of Sakko's friends. I think they both fell asleep before the movie even started. It's super hard for them to adjust to the 15 hour time difference.

 Making homemade pizzas was another hit.

Game nights are always fun and some of our favorite time spent with our students!

  All of our students have thought the park across from our house is pretty cool!

 A little strawberry pie after the park!

  Every year we always sign up to have the teachers over for dinner! We always have such a good time with them.

 I had heard of a  thing Thanksgiving Point was doing called the "Jiggle Fest"! I mean, who wouldn't want to go to a Jiggle Fest, right?

They fill up little swimming pools full of jello and when they blow the horn you start chucking Jello at everyone! I don't think Sakko really knew what was going on until I clobbered her with Jello! 

She caught on pretty fast though and got revenge on me! 

It was seriously a blast! 

After the jello is gone they turn on the sprinklers to wash off in. 30 minutes later they fill back up the pools with jello!

 

 This picture is my favorite! Kayston threw jello at us right when Preston was taking the picture. The jello hit Sakko then ricocheted on to me! We were dying!

 

Enjoying the beautiful gardens while waiting for the jiggle fest to begin!  

One of the nights we met some friends up the canyon to roast hotdogs and marshmallows. There aren't a lot of mountains in Japan so this has always been a favorite for them.

 Afterwards we drove up to tiblefork and walked around.

 My mom and dad have made it a tradition to have us over for dinner and make rockets and launch them. The students have all loved it. (at least I think they have. Who knows, they could be board out of their minds but I would never know.)

 Each year the students put on a farewell show for all the host families and each year I'm a hot mess! We love going to their show! They always do such a great job!

 Milkshakes after the show!

 Pretty tricky!

  Just a couple of random pics that I love!

 Goodbyes are never fun but I am grateful for the memories that we've made and the lifelong friendships that we have with these cute students!