Another Great Day

I can't believe that our time with Andoni is quickly coming to an end. It has gone so fast in so many ways and the end feels near. I want these last few days to not be too busy and so we are not planning lots and lots of big activities, but enjoying the small things.

Today the girls all had swimming lessons at the pool across the street from our house. Since Shelby cut her chin last week, the doctor said she couldn't swim in the pool for another few days until it is totally healed, but everyone else had a short 30 minute lesson. Andoni waited until the girls were finished and then dove right in the pool and they all played for quite a while and had a great time. It was fun watching them, they have gotten so comfortable with each other and play well together.

They played basketball in the pool and then some diving games as well. Pure fun.

This afternoon, Andoni caught up with his friends on Tuenti and the girls went on a little walk while I made dinner. When the coordinator for the Language and Friendship program came to our house to "interview" us for Andoni, she gave us a list of some ideas of things to try during Andoni's stay. One thing stood out right away. Traditionally, every 4th Thursday in November in America we celebrate a holiday called "Thanksgiving." We commemorate the landing of the pilgrims on American soil and we also stop and are thankful for all the good things we have. It is our family's favorite holiday. This is a significant holiday in America and people eat a traditional meal which includes, a roasted turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy, cranberry sauce (to eat with the turkey), sweet potatoes, green beans (or some other vegetable), and stuffing (which consists of seasoned bread and is stuffed into the large cavity of the turkey and roasted in the oven).

Anyway, serving a Thanksgiving meal was one of the suggestions of something to share with our exchange student. I love to cook and I love making this meal, so of course, we had to do it. I had planned a few weeks ago to invite my parents over to meet Andoni and to eat "Thanksgiving" in July with us. Andoni said that my mother reminded him of his grandmother, always helping in the kitchen. My parents were so happy to meet Andoni and my dad was very interested in the Basque region of Spain so I sent home the book Andoni brought us for my dad to read. My dad was thrilled. I was so glad they got to meet Andoni and they told him they wanted to come and see him again before he leaves. They are traveling to San Diego, California this week to visit my oldest brother, but will return on Sunday and plan to stop by before he leaves.

After our dinner we felt full and happy and we all went to Aubrey's soccer game where Andoni and Quinn and a friend (Mr. Dowda) of Jeff's kicked the ball around. Andoni had kicked a soccer ball all the way up to the pool this morning and then finished up the evening kicking around another one. I asked him if he ever gets tired of kicking a football and he smiled his little smile and said, "No."

We'll see what tomorrow brings. That's all for now.