Parent's Weekend

We are back to Northwestern to visit Maya for Parent's weekend. Todd and Dex haven't seen any of Maya's new world yet.

Dorm tour.

Walking around campus.

The gang at familiar digs.

Our school now her school.

We met up with Shelly and her boyfriend Chris, plus Nancy, Matthew and Lucy for persian food. 

OMG

Delish.

Adults.

Children.

Everyone except two people in the photo goes or went to Northwestern. Nerds!

College Drop Off

We arrived in Chicago with huge bags and made our way to get our rental car and eventually got to our hotel in Evanston. Then came a few really crazy days and the girl was off.

First night we met up with Shelly and Nancy for tapas. Cousins are now college friends.

The gang.

Obligatory picture in front of the Northwestern Arch!

Us in front of random sign.

After retrieving packages, target shopping, and a first round of unpacking - Maya is ready to sleep in her room in the Willard dorm.

Willard from the outside - it the building right behind her.

A tradition that didn't exist when we were there. New students march through the arch and along a path getting welcomed by parents, teachers, and anyone who wants to stand along the path. Maya was near the end, but it was fun to find her.

Welcome gathering with new students.

Maya returns from the march.

Maya and her roommate Polina. 

A final hug before I say goodbye. She lives here now.

Off To College

The big day has arrived. Because of Dexter's school and Todd's work, they stayed home for the big adventure. Momma escorted Maya on her big adventure to Chicago and Northwestern University. This was a rough few days in preparation and a very hard goodbye.

Maya's bags are packed

And loaded.

Maya says goodbye to Minnow.

Dexter and Minnow with Maya.

Goodbye room.

captionLandscapeOur last time under one roof for a while.

Dexter hugs goodbye.

Thew two.

Momma and Maya at home.

Dad and Maya.

A dramatic goodbye. The whole thing is very surreal. Can't believe she's going.

Matthew Lucy, Roswell, and Carlsbad

Lucky us, Matthew and Lucy decided to visit and we all went to Southern NM together for a fun adventure.

Matthew and Lucy arrive.

Roswell museum was important.

Outside Carlsbad Caverns.

The whole crew.

Heading down into the caverns. Crazy!

Looking up as you descend.

captionLandscapeThe massive and beautiful cavern area.

Stalactites everywhere.

The fam.

On the way back we stopped in Dexter.

Working Girl, Puzzle, and Blake

Enjoying the tail end of summer. Maya is still home as Northwestern starts late.

Maya worked at a coffee shop/bakery this summer called Baked and Brew. Here she is in action.

Making signs for them.

More sign work.

This puzzle was very hard.

Our friend Blake was moving his sister's stuff across the country and stopped at our house along the way. He's a legit mixologist so we had some fun drinks. 

Back Home

Enjoying summer back in Santa Fe.

Sun Mountain morning hike.

Saving a bird that hit the window.

Taking the bird over to the trees.

Hi Minnow!