Kaori's kose' box

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A box with the word "Kose'" was delivered today for Kaori. After a Ratatouille dinner, we had "Christmas in August" at the dinner table. All three boys got a "Jinbei" (pronounced jen-bey) from Kaori and her parents, Tsuyoshi and Shoko Matsuo. This is the traditional costume of Japanese men (the Kimono would be the costume for women).
After getting Stewart dressed in his, Marshall finally agreed to try his on and decided that he loved it. Maybe he loved the idea of being a Japanese warrior (what we told him the costume was), or the maybe it was the idea of competing with his younger brothers in wearing what they so easily agreed to wear. I started calling them Jinbei One, Jinbei Two, and Jinbei Three. We snapped some photos of them together and then talked for awhile before bath and bed.

Stewart, Nigel and I had a good time gently touching and listening to the owl and bell wind chime. Tomorrow, Marshall and Stewart will try the special cookies that were in the Kose' cosmetic (the company that Mr. Matsuo works for) box. I am especially excited about the map of Japan and the Japanese "Everyday" newspaper. Thank you Matsuos!

Mostly though, we are so thankful for having Kaori with us for the last 15 weeks. We are so sad that she will be leaving soon, but are hopeful that we will stay connected. Mike and I agree that her presence has enriched our lives this summer.

Things I like about Kaori: her openness to be fully present with us, her expressions and laugh, her love and patience for our children, and the way she puts us and those she is around at ease.