March 26 is the last day of school in Japanese schools. The third year, junior high school students have graduated and are preparing to move onto high school. The graduation ceremony is marked with a formal ceremony and a presentation of a certificate of graduation by the principal as you can see in these photos.
Last week I began my 34th week of pregnancy and maternity leave. Todd has taken over my job and enjoyed a warm welcome from the male staff. I think Todd is better suited for this job than I am. He is better at small talk and enjoying down time. I don't like not being busy. I am enjoying my time to clean and organize our apartment, practice my birth relaxation and breathing, exercise and cook good meals.
Tomorrow we will attend the school closing ceremony together. We will both be expected to give a short speech in Japanese, one to say goodbye and one to introduce. They love their ceremonies and speeches! The Japanese school year ends March 26th and begins again April 9th. Talk about a quick turn around.
My friend Lindsay visited an antique market in Tokyo and bought me a mini Kokeshi こけし doll with child. I have admired her collection of Kokeshi dolls. They are dolls originally from northern Japan, made of wood and hand painted. Thanks Lindsay. 
