Yochien Lunch Menu

At the beginning of the school year, Ai Sensei asked us at the bus stop if Claire would like to start having Japanese lunch on Mondays and Wednesdays and a sandwich and milk on Fridays. I said yes, but I wanted to hear how she liked it after the first week and then again, to make sure she liked it.

Sensei told me that she ate very well and I asked Claire and she said she liked it. One day she came home and told me, "MOMMY! GUESS WHAT?!?! There was a FISH in my lunch today!" But she didn't seem to mind and I ask her every Monday and Wednesday and she says she likes her lunch.

So spring forward to this month when I notice the menu in her handouts in her backpack



but I couldn't exactly read it.



So I asked Mick to take it to his Saint of a secretary, Miss Nika-san and she translated it for us.

Claire Bear will be the most Japanese of us when we leave here, that's for sure! Speech, experience and expanded taste buds!

Claire's Entrance Ceremony - April 2011

The Japanese school year begins in April, not August or September, and goes through most of the summer, taking August off.  The opening ceremony is a BIG deal and the Japanese knew this and dressed to the nines for it. It was funny to see the Americans (save our friend Charlie, married to the fabulous Harumi, who was in his Sunday best) in regular clothes! Gaijins!!!!

First we gathered in the playground area for a few songs.



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I like this picture because you can pick out the American in the background! :)  (Next year we'll know to dress up!)

Then we went inside their classroom where they took roll

Patiently waiting her turn!

Hi Mommy!!!

Here she is raising her hand and saying "Hai!" (Japanese for "Yes")!

 I'm so proud of our Claire Bear!



She can recognize her name in Hiragana!

We ended with a class picture with the Moms.



Gigi wouldn't let me go without her!

It's going to be a great year!