Almost Time for another Cake!

Hello All,

It's been a while since I posted an entry in the blog. I'll do my best to catch up on Leon's exchange year now.

Leon is in his second semester as a junior at Kapaun Mount Carmel High School. We met with all of his teachers (8) to discuss his classes and progress. Second semester is much easier for him than the first semester. One difference between his school here and the ones he attended at home is that homework is graded here, and in his Swiss schools did not grade homework. Now that he understands how this impacts his grades, he is doing a lot more homework!

He has settled in well in the Foss Family, as well as in the Kapaun Mount Carmel family and made many friends. His English has improved and he knows how to succeed in an American high school and family.

Leon loves American food...Freddy's,  Five Guys, Red Rock Canyon Grill, Chipotle, Lakeside Club. He told that me that he likes to go out to eat, but he really likes eating at home. He may have learned from his mother, Britt, that it doesn't hurt to flatter the cook! 

Leon also loves our monthly tradition of celebrating his arrival with a cake. They are usually Kate Cakes, though he has has a few Cassie Cakes (my favorite! ). I've included pictures of the 6 cakes so far.

x

Trip to Wisconsin, Habitat for Humanity Build, 2 Month Cake, and more

Wisconsin
In late September, we took a very early flight to Chicago on our way to Wisconsin for a long weekend. It was our first trip together. We stopped for breakfast and shopping on the way to my sister's home in Brookfield Wisconsin.

During the exchange year, one of our goals is to share American culture, traditions, food, etc with our student. This trip included many things that you cannot experience in Kansas, and things Kate grew up with during her childhood.

We drove along the Lake Michigan coastline, through downtown Chicago to Leon could see some famous sites: Navy Pier, Millennium Park, Michigan Avenue/One Mag Mile, Soldier Field, John Hancock Center and then north in to Wisconsin. In Wisconsin, we saw the Miller Brewery, Miller Park, the Olympic Ice Skating Training Center at State Fair Park, the Harley Davidson Factory, The EAA (Experimental Aircraft Association) grounds in Osh Kosh, WI and the legendary Lambeau Field in Green Bay.

Since it was still quite early, we stopped at The Original  Pancake House for breakfast. Leon selected the popular Apple Pancake (see below). It is a single pancake, smothered with sauteed apples and cinnamon and baked to perfection. He loved it! Back in the day, I remember eating these with my Mom on shopping trips to Northbrook Court and Michigan Avenue.

September 25, 2015
Apple Pancake
The Original Pancake House
Wilmette, IL 

Leon and his breakfast
September 25, 2015
The Original Pancake House
Wilmette, IL 

Wisconsin Border
Leon, Pete and Charlie
September 25, 2015

Wisconsin Border
Leon, Kate and Charlie
September 25, 2015

Leon gearing up for the Green Bay Packer game
Green and Gold Store
Milwaukee, WI
September 25, 2015

In Wisconsin, Fridays invariably mean one thing: Fish Fry. we took an early flight, and pulled the boys from school on Friday so we would be able to eat Fish Fry on this trip. 

The Wisconsin fish fry tradition began in the 1800s with the European immigrants that settled near Lake Michigan in places like Milwaukee. These pioneers brought the techniques they'd perfected in the old world and adapted them to meet their current environment, which meant utilizing the abundant fish they found in their local lakes and rivers. The fact that many were Catholic and needed to abstain from eating meat during Lent made the fish fry a natural evolution.

During the Prohibition era, fish fries became a way for certain establishments to stay in business: it was a convenient way to mask their speakeasy under the intoxicating aroma of frying fish. Fish was either incredibly cheap or free at these illicit taverns (as long as you were imbibing) and often served All You Can Eat.

Brandy Old Fashioned Sweet is the unofficial official drink of the fish fry. A cocktail made by muddling sugar, bitters, an orange slice, and a maraschino cherry then adding brandy and 7-Up or Sprite. Topped off with an orange wedge and additional cherries. Most prefer them hand-muddled - some places use a mix - with Korbel brandy. I love these cocktails!

Leon, Mom (Mary), and Charlie - Fish Fry
Albanese's Roadhouse
Waukesha, WI
September 25, 2015

Garth Brooks Concert

We stayed with my sister Christina and her husband Dave, and their dogs Murphy and Elsa. They are always great hosts! They planned to attend a Garth Brooks concert on Saturday night, and we decided to go along with them. Dave was able to give us access to his company's suite and we had a great time at the concert, even if none of us follow country music. It was a great show! 

Garth Brooks
Bradley Center
Milwaukee, WI
September 26, 2015

 Garth Brooks Concert - Suite 301

Pete, Kate, Charlie and Leon 

Bradley Center

Milwaukee, WI

September 26, 2015

 Garth Brooks Concert - Suite 301

Christina , Kate, and Leon 

Bradley Center

Milwaukee, WI

September 26, 2015

Frozen Custard and Face Burgers!

Frozen custard is similar to ice cream, but much better! In Wichita, we've be introduced to this treat in the last decade, but it has a long history and is something I grew up with in Wauwatosa, WI. A frozen custard stand at the 1933 World's Fair in Chicago introduced the dessert to a wider audience. Following the fair, the dessert's popularity spread throughout the Midwest; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in particular, became known as the "unofficial frozen custard capital of the world".

Per capita, Milwaukee has the highest concentration of frozen custard shops in the world and the city supports a long-standing three-way competition between Kopp's Frozen Custard, Gilles Frozen Custard and Leon's Frozen Custard. I grew up a few blocks from Gilles  Frozen Custard. We marked the beginning of the baseball season by skipping school, having lunch there and then go to Opening Day. In those days, Gilles was not a year round business. It was closed in the winter and I think they opened to coincide with the the Milwaukee Brewers season. 

We went to Kopp's, a landmark in the Milwaukee area, twice during our stay, and never made it to Gilles (bummer). We once had custard, and another time we had burgers and custard. 

Here is Leon avoiding the camera. He doesn't like me taking his picture.....but sometimes agrees to it.  No pictures, no blog. The blog helps us share his experience with his family and friends, and will document it for Leon to look back at when he is older. 

He is contemplating all the reasons to buy a Kopp's Gift Card. Pete and Leon enjoyed the German Chocolate Cake custard. We love the Flavor Forecast, where they publish the flavors of the day (in addition to vanilla and chocolate) for the month. We always check it when we visit so we can get our favorite flavors.  

Leon avoiding the camera 

Kopp's 

Brookfield, WI

September 27, 2015

Harley Davidson Museum

Harley-Davidson is an American motorcycle manufacturer, founded in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 1903. History roars to life at the Harley-Davidson Museum,. It’s the best of American design and culture – seasoned with freedom and rebellion, showcased in a landmark building.  Pete, Charlie and Leon visited the museum on Sunday. I visited the museum in 2013 with Christina and Tommaso. It is one of the best museums I have ever visited!

Green Bay Packers

The primary reason for our trip was to see our Green Bay Packers play on Monday Night Football. Kick-off was scheduled for 7:30 pm and we headed north, after meeting Mom at Culver's (another big burger and frozen custard store) around 1 PM. We always tailgate in the parking lot at Skip's Diner a few blocks from the famous Lambeau Field.   

Leon, Pete and Charlie pre-game
Brookfield ,WI
September 28, 2015

We met up with old friends and new friends and had a typical tailgate party, with grilled bratwurst and hot dogs, sides and beer. 

Leon at the tailgate

a few blocks from Lambeau Field

Green Bay, WI

September 28, 2015

We met up with some Wichita friends, as well as Wisconsin friends, to tailgate. Meggie Schafer and her friend, Kayla, Ryan Schafer and Jordan Dinkel drove up for the game. The Schafers are friends from St. Thomas Aquinas, and have Wisconsin connections.  

Kayla, Pete, Meggie, Jordan, Ryan, Charlie. Where is Leon?

a few blocks from Lambeau Field

Green Bay, WI

September 28, 2015

It was beginning to rain so we bought rain ponchos and headed to the stadium for the big game against the Kansas City Chiefs. 

The fans gather to enter Lambeau Field in the rain

Lambeau Field

Green Bay, WI

September 28, 2015

Kick Off

Lambeau Field

Green Bay, WI

September 28, 2015

Happy about the 38-28 win over the Chiefs!

Outside Lambeau Field

Green Bay, WI

September 28, 2015

Habitat for Humanity Build 

To honor Pope Francis, and to embrace and put into action his example of service, the Diocese of Wichita plans to build two homes for families in need. With the generosity of the people, parishes, and institutions of the Diocese of Wichita and the gift from an anonymous donor these families’ hopes and prayers for a home can be fulfilled.

Leon and I worked on the build on Saturday, October 3rd. It was a beautiful day! We worked on hanging drywall, with fellow St. Thomas Aquinas parishioners, and  a few other Kapaun Mount Carmel students. Leon really enjoyed the work, and worked alongside my friend Tom Wierman (who knew what he was doing!)

 Pope Francis Habitat for Humanity Build
Leon and Tom measuring the drywall
Wichita, KS
October 3, 2015

  Pope Francis Habitat for Humanity Build

Leon and Tom installing the drywall

Wichita, KS

October 3, 2015

Pope Francis Habitat for Humanity Build

Leon  installing the drywall on the ceiling

Wichita, KS

October 3, 2015

 Pope Francis Habitat for Humanity Build

Our Team

Wichita, KS

October 3, 2015

Cake

I took a cake decorating class this summer and have been practicing with Leon's cakes. I have real appreciation for anyone who can create a beautiful, tasty cake! Mine are coming along, but I don't think I will be getting a job as a cake decorator anytime soon!  

 2 Month Kate Cake
Leon, Kate and  Charlie
October 11, 2015 (one day early)

 2 Month Kate Cake - we forgot to take a picture before making the first cut!

Leon, Kate and  Charlie  

October 11, 2015 (one day early)

We are home again - and are back to eating much healthier than we did on our Wisconsin! See you soon!

End of the First Quarter

It's been nearly 2 months since Leon arrived in Kansas for his exchange year, and he has completed the first quarter of his junior year at Kapaun Mount Carmel High School. It's been a time of lots of fun, friends, football, homework, adjustment,sharing a home with a new family, and a dog and English - all the time!

Gino 

Leon and Gino

Gino and Charlie

American Football
Leon told us he wanted to play American football, and he began with a 7 hour hour 'practice' on Monday, August 17th, just a few days before school began. He was issued his helmet, pads, game and practice jersey, and began his journey to learn the game. The coaches and teammates welcomed him. I was impressed with how enthusiastic Leon was to play a sport that he never had played , and how the coaches were happy to have him join the team. Boys on the team have been playing the game for many years, and had attended conditioning and strength sessions all summer, so Leon was definitely at a disadvantage.

Leon's helmet and locker

On the sidelines at Kapaun Mount Carmel Fall Fest. #83
August 28,2015

Louis and Leon after Fall Fest. Louis was in Camilla's blog, too :)

Leon has adapted well to the practice schedule, which lightened up after that seven hour session, but still runs 6 days a week, and sometimes both before and after school. I have adjusted to being a 'football mom'. There's a long history at KMC of how the parents support the football team, and it is very different than what happens on the tennis teams, which is where I have the most experience.  

We provide peanut butter and jelly sandwiches before practice three days a week, and then the parents provide a carb dinner on Thursday before the Friday night games, and a pre-game meal on Fridays. I have participated in my first pre-game meal, and will help with a carb meal next week.


Pictures from a pre-game meal:

Leon after his first football game, They won! 

On the sideline at his first game!

Swiss Fondue

Swiss Fondue (gift from Leon and his family!) 

Cheese Fondue for dinner. Delicious!

Homecoming - the 'Ask'
Homecoming is the first dance of the school year, and Leon asked a friend named Taylor. He made a nice sign, and brought Swiss chocolates and a dozen roses to convince her. She said yes!

Let there be cake!
We continued the tradition of celebrating with cake. Leon's one month anniversary of arriving in Wichita was celebrated with a cake! I made this one, and it was not as good or as pretty as a Cassie Cake. The boys loved the chocolate cake, with cream cheese  frosting. It will take time for my to refine my skills in this area! I guess I have 9 months to get it right!

One month cake! Charlie and Gino, Leon and Kate
September 12, 2015

Homecoming - The Dance

Taylor and Leon
Hmmm..what do I do with this corsage?
October 3, 2015

Taylor trying not to stab Leo with the boutonniere pins. Leon trying not to get stabbed with the pins. I adjusted it for him, and he told me that later when he was dancing the pins poked him. Ouch!
October 3, 2015

Leon is looking good!
October 3, 2015

Leon and his carpool buddy Erin! One day I'll get a picture of them in their uniforms. Don't they look cute dressed up for the dance?
October 3, 2015

I've got more to write about our recent trip and hope to get back to the blog soon!

Leon's Exchange Year Began on August 12th, 2015

We are the Foss Family, Pete, Kate, Charlie and Gino the dog! We are hosting our third exchange student in three years! On Wednesday, August 12th (Pete's birthday!), we welcomed Leon Wetzel to Wichita, Kansas!

We first met Leon and his family via Skype in late June, and had communicated just a few times via WhatsApp and email since then.  He finally arrived in Wichita after a long delay, and landed at the new Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport airport. We gathered at the Arrivals area, with many, many other host families! Leon told us that he was travelling with seven other exchange students, so we knew he was in good company and that they would stick together during the three hour delay in Dallas. There were a large number of host families and their extended families anxiously waiting their arrival. Once the plane arrived, it took a very long time for the kids to make it out to the arrivals area. It's hard to explain the feeling you have waiting for someone you don't know, who is going to live with you and your family for ten months. I cannot imagine what the exchange student's were feeling! People were having a hard time containing their excitement..

August 12, 2015

Pete and Charlie are seen below with the Welcome banner and patriotic balloons waiting for Leon! You can see the new Baggage Claim area in the background.

Dwight D Eisenhower National Airport

August 12, 2015
Wichita is called "The Air Capital of the World", since it is the birthplace
of Beechcraft, Stearman, Cessna and Learjet. Dwight D Eisenhower National Airport

August 12, 2015
Leon, Pete, Kate and Charlie pose for a picture that Wilma took for us.Dwight D Eisenhower National Airport

We took pictures, collected luggage, met Wilma, our CCI (Exchange program) Coordinator and then left to make the 14 mile drive home. We gave Leon a tour of our home, and introduced him to Gino, our beagle. It was late, and Pete's birthday. Leon quickly unpacked his suitcase and presented Pete, then Charlie and then me with lovely gifts from Switzerland.

August 12, 2015
Pete, Leon and Charlie discuss Swiss Army Knives.

August 13, 2015
Leon and Charlie in the Kapaun Mount Carmel section at McAllister's Restaurant.

Leon is enrolled as a junior at Kapaun Mount Carmel High School. His English is very good and we think he will do well there. He's adjusting to wearing a uniform, the Block Schedule, lockers, no phones in school, all the new people.....as with most exchange students, many people know your name and you don't know anybody's name.....it will come with time!

August 14, 2015
Leon and school counselor Mr Jim Flax. We selected Leons' classes with Mr Flax and Leon met many new people at his new high school.

August 16, 2015
Charlie and Leon appreciate the Dale Chihuly Confetti Chandelier
at the Wichita Art Museum  

August 15, 2015
Charlie and Leon pose under the Dale Chihuly Confetti Chandelier
at the Wichita Art Museum  

August 16, 2015
Sunday Lunch at Stearman Bar & Grill at the Benton Airport
Harley-Davidsons and planes in the background

August 20, 2015
First Day of School
Gino, Leon and Charlie

The uniforms are perfect for this first day only! Can you see that they are so excited to be wearing the uniforms, and to have their picture taken? I think I took 30 pictures that morning....and Gino was being feisty and wanted to play.

August 21, 2015
Elderslie Farm
Community Supported Agriculture Veggie Pick up

More on these in the next blog....

Everyone is getting along well. Charlie and Leon spent time playing tennis, XBoxOne games, and other stuff before we got busy preparing for the school year. We had birthdays to celebrate, cakes to bake, sports physical, school uniforms, school supplies, sports gear to buy, etc Now we're two weeks in to Leon's 10 month stay and 3 days in to the school year. All is well!