sushi

Yesterday afternoon Abigail and I went shopping for some end of summer sales. Although we weren't that lucky in the clothes that we found, we did have some nice chats. During our excursion Abigail commented "I wish we lived in a country that ate more sushi." I explained that we would need to move to Japan. She then asked if we would ever visit Japan. I replied that I sure hoped so. My initial reflection on this comment was a) I was now craving some sushi for supper and b) I was thrilled to have a daughter that was excited to try new things. After sitting with this conversation for a day and having spent the morning hearing about a youth and our pastor's experience travelling to Paraguay in July, I am thinking about the global opportunities that lay ahead for my children. I travelled to Asia as a highschool student and realize how unique my experience was compared to many other highschool age students. I can't help but get excited for my own further travelling, but even more I am anticipating my own children getting on an airplane, full of excitement and wonder as they prepare to experience new countries and cultures. Usually when I think of the teenage years I don't find myself getting too excited for the challenges that come with being a parent to teens. But today I am looking forward to my children growing into young adults that have dreams and desires to challenge themselves and learn about others. It is an exciting glimpse into my children's futures.

After we returned from our shopping trip, our family decided to go out for sushi. All three kids were very excited. They love going to our local sushi restaurant.

She was probably most excited. It seems that Abigail is perfecting her use of chopsticks.

She was thankfully willing to share some of her California roll with Jesse. He also loves sushi.

Abigail had a few moments with the camera and got this great shot of her brothers.

Nathaniel isn't so much into sushi. He sticks with the chicken skewers and eats his weight in edamame (fresh soybeans). He floored me when choosing the green tea flavoured ice cream. And he didn't even switch when given the opportunity to have Jesse's chocolate ice cream.

When Jesse was finished his eating, he started looking around for someone to interact with. He quickly won over our waitress and several of the sushi making chefs with his sweet smile. He really is a charmer.