They speak Spanish.
I don't.
I got really good at Charades.
The kids didn't care that Anna and Maria couldn't understand them. They talked their ears off anyway. Anna and Maria really liked the kids.
It was a unique experience. One that we will repeat, but not for at least 6 years. As hosts, we were responsible for providing housing (our spare bedroom came in very handy), food, and transportation.
They each brought 8 dresses.
16 dress = 8 hours of ironing
The first day (August 2nd) we took the girls to Antelope Island. They didn't dare walk through the cloud of flies to be able to touch the water but over all seemed to enjoy seeing just how big the Salt Lake really is.
Day 2: We went to church. By we I mean our little family. We invited Anna and Maria the night before, but they didn't come out of their room until we were heading out the door. We left at 10:45 am
- We took the girls to Kevin's parent's house for dinner and a few rounds with the Wii. Maria said Anna kept waking her up that night because she was moving as if she were playing tennis on the Wii.
She was grateful they didn't choose to play boxing.
Day 3: They had a practice with their group and then we had a family night lesson on temples that evening. Followed by a competitive game of boccie ball.
Day 4: More practicing . Their group went up to the local temple and they were excited to show me the pictures because we'd just had a lesson on them. Then Anna and Maria met their group at the local amusement park that evening.
Day 5: More practicing. That evening was the street dance. Kevin took Karaia while I put the overly tired boys to bed. Karaia showed me her dance moves when she got home. I missed out on somethin' special for sure!
Day 6: Summerfest opens. The kids and I hung out there a lot. Karaia was glued to all the different dances. Beckham liked the food. Surprised?
Day 7: More Summerfest.
Day 8: Last day of Summerfest.
Day 9: Church for us again. Before hand we dropped the girls off so they could go on a tour of SLC.
Day 10: Some of the host families took the group water skiing
Day 11: The kids and I took the girls to Gateway for shopping and fountain fun. We said goodbye to our Costa Rica friends at 8:30 pm
It was a long time, but the only stressful parts came when I was shopping with them. They had a habit of going to other stores/departments without bothering to tell anyone. That made it a bit challenging/frustrating when I am hauling around 3 very done-with-shopping kids. Other than that they fit nicely into our little lifes.
Still.....it's really nice to have my house back.
Karaia told me this morning, "Now we don't have all the rooms COVERED in people"
Very well put.
3 comments:
That is so nice of you to do. What a great experience for your kids. Not only do they get to learn about other cultures, but they get to learn how to share their time and their space. I hope you get some sort of a nap after all of this!! What a trouper!
And your husband is fired!! I talked to him the other day and he said nothing of your good news - CONGRATS!
sounded so busy and fun. you'll have to teach me/us how to play bocce. I bought the balls and stuff, but can't understand how to play. maybe next time we get together for dinner!
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