Allison's Trip to Japan

It was quite an exciting day at school yesterday as all the kindergartners took a trip to Japan. They've been studying Japan for a couple weeks now and Allison has shared much of what she learned with me - much of which I did not know or remember. The kids were asked to dress in Japanese wear. Instructions were sent home on how to make a kimono if they did not have one but I opted to purchase one because my craftiness doesn't extend that far. Here is my little girl all set for her trip to Japan:

I even managed to do her hair (well, somewhat at least):

Once we arrived at school, Allison prepared for her flight by posing with her classmates Ella and Gabriel:

She also brought along her suitcase:
And of course what kind of trip would it be without her buddy Zachary:

Next it was time to check in at the gate with Mrs. Armas and get her wings from flight attendant Jodi:

Allison boarded the plane, stowed her luggage, buckled her seatbelt and prepared for liftoff!

The crew welcomes their guests and prepares for liftoff:

After a 16 hour plane ride (more like 25 min) during which they snacked on Swedish fish and used enough jet fuel to fill 2 1/2 swimming pools, they arrived at their destination and each child was given a cherry blossom:
While in Japan, the kids learned all about making flower arrangements and participating in a tea ceremony. Of course there are special Japanese names for these two things but i can't for the life of me tell you what they are.

Then it was off to learn all about what Japanese students eat for lunch at school and how to eat with chopsticks:

Or be silly with chopsticks:

Next, the kids went outside to practice some Japanese moves:

What's a trip to Japan without a photo opp:

Then they got to decorate pictures frames for the their photo:

And Allison posed for a picture with her teachers:
Once they finished their craft, the kids enjoyed a short movie and then sang us three songs that they had been practicing all week (Allison is there too - it's just hard to see her - she's in the middle somewhere):



All of this sightseeing and traveling sure made the kids hungry and they were more than ready for lunch so they went to a Japanese restaurant (formerly their classroom):Lunch consisted of rice, chicken, noddles, a sushi roll, and a dumpling:
Allison liked the rice, but wasn't too keen on the rest of the food. She used the chopsticks for awhile but then I gave her a fork so she could actually get some food in her belly:

After lunch it was finally time for the flight home. The kids were eager to return to Florida (and Allison was happy to have a seat next to Zachary for the flight home) :
One last picture, posing with the pilot!

What a great trip! Allison was a trooper considering she wasn't feeling well and was still fighting off a cold virus. She broke down a couple times but managed to make it until the end. I just hope she feels better to help celebrate the 100th day of school on Monday (gotta love kindergarten!)