The transition has already begun and lifetime memories are being made as we leave the old for the new.

It all culminates as the girls finish off their time at their old school by saying goodbye and conducting their classes one last time.

Here comes Life in Japan.

[Life in Japan Theme Song]

We've just moved in and working hard on getting settled in and to do that, our friends and family have been helping out in a big way.

Well Paul, Ruth's brother, is over here doing some of his installations...

What a blessing.

Oh it's pretty... Yea.

Oh it smells so good!

Mmm hmmm. Wow.

Who's suggestion was it Ruth?

You suggested the Potpourri but I suggested this setup.

So, tomorrow...

Sarah chan, Joshua kun, what's up tomorrow?

Going to a new school.

You're going to start the new school tomorrow, how exciting!

Are you excited Joshua?

Yea, kind of.

Kind of? As he walks away.

The girls still have a couple more days until they have theirs.

A major move is one of the most disruptive events in a persons life

Not only is your home a different place in a new environment, but for the kids even their schools and relationships change.

All of this means we're giving our kids extra support in this transition,

trying to make this new place feel like home as quickly as possible and giving them special things to look forward to as rewards.

It's all in an effort to keep things as positive and exciting for the family as possible.

Joshua, what's going on?

In a cloud chair.

You're in a cloud chair? It sure looks like it.

Is it comfortable?

Oh my!

Alright, we're getting ready... the first day!

Oh boy!

I'm excited for you. We get to walk with you today. That's special.

We're going to see each other where we put our shoes in,

That's right... And we're in the same hall!

Alright. Is it time?

Yea, we should go.

We were all a bit anxious about their first day,

but once we got to school and met the other students and teachers, the kids felt just fine.

Even though it's the middle of the school year, we were able to start them on the first day of a new semester, which we are thankful for.

Well we just dropped the not-so-little Reutter kids off for their first day in their new school.

And Joshua's already talking and making tons of friends

Sarah seemed a little more shy, but

They're going to do just good.

The first kids off to their new schools.

I'm getting almost done.

It doesn't look like it, but it is.

It's almost there.

Sarah and Joshua were off on their first day of their new school,

so now we turned our attention to Rebecca and Anna's last days at their old school.

The school asked if Rebecca and Anna could stay one extra week

in order for them to conduct their classes in the school's music festival that was happening at the city hall.

Of course we were happy to make that happen and looking forward to the festival.

Program #1, Song: My Own Road

Conducting: Rebecca Reutter

Well Becca, what was the last day like?

Sad.

Somebody drew this for me.

Oh my goodness!

And I have a book, this is my pencil case.

Oh my, look at that.

And there was five more kids that had an animal pencil case

So they drew the other five on here.

That's so sweet.

And then they drew everything.

Oh wow, are those all notes? Even the teachers.

Those are all notes from your classmates? And these are our teacher.

Oh wow. And then from here on is my classmates.

They're going to miss you.

Becca and her class were done, but we wouldn't have to wait long until Anna conducted her class.

Program #2, Song: Toward Tomorrow

Conducting: Anna Reutter

Look at all of Anna's notes from her classmates...

Oh, look at this!

These are... Anna, these are the notes that people gave you?

Yeah, she's having a rough time.

Uh, a little tough, huh?

That happened to me.

Welcome home!

So tell me about your first day at your new school

In the moment that I walked in everyone came running to me.

Everyone ran up to you?!

Uh huh. Oh my!

They were all asking "Let's be friends?! Let's be friends?!"

Oh that's so nice!

I made today about 5 friends.

You made 5 friends today? About...

Oh, I'm so glad to hear that!

Way to go Sarah.

Dude!

Put your shoes away.

How was your first day at your new elementary school, Dude?

Super good!

Super good?

Mommy, guess how many friends I made!

How many?

About 5.

Aw Sarah, I saw you walking home with 2 girls.

Did you make some friends? Yea.

Alright, we're scootering over...

Oh Becca and Anna will be really angry when they hear this on Life in Japan.

No they won't!

They're having fun with their friends,

And we're going to go to Gustos.

Here we go, crossing the train tracks.

Ah guys, we found an awesome place for a picture!

Ruth has been my girlfriend for 20 years and my wife for 19 years.

Not plus, plus, just included in those years.

Oh yes, included in those years, that is correct.

Look! A robot came and delivered our food!

You guys got pancakes...

I like the spinach and bacon and kaarage (Japanese fried chicken)

Oh yes!

Oh this pancake smells so good!

In life, seasons change and time moves forward.

Now it's time for another adventure to begin at a new school.

Real smile Becster

Look at your face. Look at your face.

Open your eyeballs.

I'm so tired.

One, two... ha ha!

I'm going to tickle you guys!

Anna, I want to do one more without you having that on.

This is much cuter like this.

Everything we go through in life makes us into who we are.

Friends and experiences, old and new all come together to create the rich experience that is life.

Are we going to go now?

Let's go Yeah

The Littles do some Pokemon.

What would you like for a special desert when you get home?

Becca getting ready to go

Here's a towel for your pocket...

Which napkin do you want?

Does this look too small? Should I make it tighter?

It looks fine.

My goodness, it's finally a normal backpack

You know, those backpacks are made for hiking, so they're good for your backs.

God bless you girls. See you later.

Next time on Life in Japan

The girls complete their first day of school while we plan a special surprise for the kids in our tatami room.

We're getting into the Japanese tradition of Kotatsu.

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