Day 4 - Rocky Mtn National Park & Boulder County Fair

Today we had an early start.  The kids were at the bus by 7:30am to depart to Rocky Mountain National Park.  The bus ride gave the kids a chance to sleep a bit more; they are all very tired, but unwilling to admit it.  They arrived at the Alpine Visitor's Center by 11am.  It was cool and windy, but beautiful.  What a sight from above the treeline.

Rocky Mountain National Park

View from the Alpine Visitor's Center

Fearless

After lunch and shopping the town of Estes Park, there was another long busride (i.e. nap time) back into Boulder for the county fair.  The fair had farm animals, food stalls and carnival rides.

The night ended at the rodeo; bullriding was fun to watch, but the clown getting upended was a close second.  Now to home, bath and bed.  Soccer tournament tomorrow.  Yata!

Day 3 - Rapids Stadium Tour, Denver Zoo, Rockies Game

The Sanvino U12 boys team started the morning at the Colorado Rapids practice session.  After, every players was kind enough to stop, chat and sign autographs.  Then the team headed to the Denver Zoo. They were amazed by the elephants, gorillas, bears and the many other animals living at the zoo.  They finished the day at a Colorado Rockies baseball game.  The Rockies won the game 6-2!  At the end of such a full day, the team was in high spirits and certainly enjoyed the cool night air and the Rockies win.

Father and son . . . soccer rules

Thanks, Keeper!

Who is prettier?  Ikegami-san, most certainly

The three wise men.

HOT DOGS!!!  Take me out to the ballgame.

Day 2 - PM Formal Welcome Party

There was a theme to today.  In my mind it was friendship.  So many friends came together to make this exchange possible.  And, for me, so many came together to make tonight's party a smashing success. Friends travelled across half the world; other across the county.  We lent grills, carpooled kids, prepared food, moved tables, gave time & energy, smiles & joy. 

Our spirits were not dampened when the rain made an appearance late in the afternoon.  And the sun started shining right on time.  With the weather cooperating, the kids enjoyed many outdoor activities:  soccer (of course), jump roping, badminton, sno-cones and ice cream, water balloons, corn on the cob, shish kebabs, watermelon (to name a few).  But the biggest hit of the party came in the form of our four legged neighbors, Shiloh and Bear.  Their appearance rounded out a Colorado day, on Colorado Day.

At first, the Sanvino players were hesitant to approach the horses.  But with the help of a little alfalfa, everyone warmed up.

Then, once the coaches decided to mount up, the kids were on board, too.

The evening concluded with a group picture.

Oyasuminasai!  Mata ashta.

Day 2 - Western attire

I know that it seems as though Day 2 should be over.  Nevertheless, we're only about halfway there.  The next stop was Murdoch's for western wear.  The kids tried on hats, boots and clothing.  Finally all the kids had their button down shirts picked out. 

Yamada-san looks pretty good, too!

Everyone loved the store.  It's very big, like everything American.  We're trying to dispel the notion, but the country isn't cooperating.

Day 2 - Downtown in Boulder

The ladies all spent the morning away from the soccer field.  We ate, shopped, and horsed around on Pearl Street.  The tourist and game shops were a real hit.  Candy came in a very close second.  You'll get a feel for the morning here:

Happy Happy Happy

Day 2 - AM Soccer Practice

Both teams, Trebol and Sanvino, held a joint morning practice in the Colorado heat.  We had fun doing combined drills and scrimmages.  Although the heat slowed us down, both teams had a great time on the field.  We finished with a boxed lunch in the shade including popsicles and corny jokes.  Now back home to clean up and then onto Murdochs to buy Western wear shirts for all the Sanvino kids.  Check back to see photos of the Japanese on horseback at the Welcome Party tonight.

The Dahlia & Rosa Marcia Foundation (DRMF) welcomes Sanvino to Colorado

After 24 hours of travel from Arao, Japan, all 26 Sanvino players, parents and coaches have arrived safely to Colorado.  Their luggage arrived, too.  Amazingly, everyone was happy and smiling.  After a small welcome gathering at Coach's home in Broomfield, the group went home with their host families by 11pm.  Here are some photos from the welcome gathering.

Our favorite returning host son, Shigeru, with Julie

Irina brings peace

The team washes up before the evening (morning) meal

Wake up call tomorrow is 7:30 am.  Oyasuminasai!