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.

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.

Goodbyes

The time has come for all the families to bid adieu.

Breakfast together.

Lulu and Pop are driving home and Grammy and Papa will fly soon after.

Hugs.

Weekends are For Relaxing

 Now we all are taking a breath after the big event.

Chill dinner on Saturday.

Watching videos from Maya's rafting trip.

Enjoying with the gang.

Pulling up some old videos of Maya.

Handshakes.

Poker with Dexter.

Enjoying poker excitement.

The Big Day

Maya's graduation day!

She's ready to go.

Her cap now decorated.

Arriving at the school.

Awaiting the big moment.

capfffffffffffcapfffffffffffcMaya in the procession down to the stage.

Maya gets her diploma.

Hooray.Shaking hands with Aaron Schubach, the head of school.

The crew, very excited.

Yay!

Caps in the air!

Hug from Pop.

Happy girl.

Maya and her mama.

Maya and the parents.

We catch up with Maya at the reception after the ceremony.

Maya and Crystal show of their diplomas.

Brother and sister.

Back outside.

Maya

Maya and Grammy and Papa.

Maya and all the grands.

The whole crew!

Izanami for lunch!

Grandparents taking turns on the swing.

Their turn.

Chilling outside.

Persian dinner for the finale.

A feast worthy of our graduate.

Yum!

Satisfaction after a big day.