Moms

 The mothers of Rania's friends group continue to connect and get together, even as the girls are quite scattered at their universities. Alice's parents are getting ready for an incredible around-the-world trip with so many adventures, so a final chance to connect. 

 

Pizza Dinner and Sunset

 The evening had the chance for a delicious pizza dinner in one of the restaurants while reading my book.  The sunset view was also quite delightful. 

I had the restaurant almost entirely to myself. 

 

Maribago Blue Waters

 Given the trip to Cebu and the idea of not seeing anything other than the inside of a conference room and the school, I decided to stay an additional day and spend the day and the night near the coast.  It was very busy during the day and then quieter in the evening. 

Pretty wonderful having a sea view from one of the newer parts of the hotel. Great view. 

A chance to read a book and be by the beach - if not the nicest beach ever. 

 

Wrap-Up

 After wrapping up as co-chair with our final reports in the morning, there was some afternoon time in the fitness room and a bit of time by the pool - the first downtime in a busy week.  Also, we were graciously invited for lobster and a delicious meal with the administrative team. 

 

A final dinner

 We did make our way to a Michelin Star restaurant for a really fun final night all together.  With some leaving on Friday, it was a good time for lots and lots of laughter and some good food.  What a wonderful team to be working with as part of this accreditation process. 

 

Roommates

 Rania and Molly enjoying a moment together. 

 

Korean Hotpot

 We took a break from report writing to go across the street for Korean BBQ.  It was certainly wonderful - and great to have an expert member of our team there to help. 

 Ironically, after eating out, we found out that the conference room comes with a required (or use it or lose it) food order.  We certainly didn't need more food - though the chocolate lava cake was way over the top!

 

Around Cebu

 A day in the life of accreditation - not too exciting - the view outside the van while navigating traffic from the hotel to the school. 

 And much of the time is inside the conference room working on the report, fact-checking and looking for details.  Top pictures is at the hotel conference room; bottom one is the work room at the school. 

 

Athens

 A picture from Gabi enjoying the evening in Athens with friends. 

 

 

Coolest Mirror

 I'm easily impressed - though having a mirror in the bathroom that has an anti-fog area - I've never seen that before - and how amazingly helpful!

 

Views from the School

 Pretty amazing to be at Cebu International School,  which is celebrating its 100th anniversary.  What a tradition and quite the location that has impacted so many students through the ages. 

 

Mexican Restaurant

 Based on a recommendation from the CIS staff, we went to a Mexican restaurant not far from the school.  Nice to see some of the Mexican influences - and fun reminders of SpecuLarsen and Mathematica battles from Laurie's math classes. 

 

Sougia

 Not entirely sure where this is - though this is a picture from Gabi's weekend. 

Needless to say, the beaches look amazing! What a sight. 

 

View from Hotel

 Here is the view from the central area of Cebu - apparently quite a newly renovated area with a lot of international business, call centers and a different structure than other parts of the island. 

 

Cebu Arrival

 Doug is on a CIS-WASC accreditation trip to Cebu International School - in the Philippines- and upon arrival this was the delicious Vietnamese restaurant right next to the hotel. 

 

KL Reunion

 So so so great that the Nelsons were able to connect with Ana and Rania while putting Eva into Northwestern - with the quarter system, it is a later start.  So grateful for them getting Ana and Rania for a connection. 

 

 

Trio

 What a superstar English team - and a wee bit different with Noreen retired. (Does she look happier now?)

 

Together

 Ana and Rania with a fun picture. Not sure if the tongues meant they didn't really want the picture taken - or. . . ?

 

Ole

 Wow - what a privilege to get to connect with Ole before he leaves.  We had a wonderful brunch after church at Antipodean. We heard all about his auditions and success in being a part of the royal guard for the Norwegian Military Brigade - and some of the incredible events that will be part of his next year.  Impressive - and what a delightful morning. 

 

Friends

 Here is a picture of Rania enjoying Saturday evening with her friends. 

 

Sisters - Any Resemblance?

 These two pictures were taken a continent apart - on the same day?  Any similarities? 

 

Volleyball Game

 Rania enjoying a Volleyball match at Loyola.  

 

Heading Out

 Quite the transformation - and Gabi having fun with her friends!

 

Silliness

 The KL middle school besties getting having some fun in the dorm room in Chicago. 

 

Sunday Morning

 Quite a wonderful Sunday morning with a chance to enjoy a pretty amazing location. 

 

Movie Night

 Fun movie night with friends. 

 

Chicago Institute of Art

 Quite the spectacular location - and Rania got to visit the Chicago Institute of Art - some incredible pieces. 

 

Ruins

 Here is Gabi enjoying some part of Athens. . . or Greece. . at least somewhere for her semester abroad.

 

Ice Cream Near Wrigley

 Not sure if this was part of a Cubs game or just in the vicinity - though nice to see Rania and her roommate enjoying time exploring Chicago. 

 

Athens

 Pretty amazing that Gabi made it to Athens and will spend the semester there.  Based on this picture, some pretty amazing experiences and opportunities for her are going to be in store!

 

 

Celebrating

 Another birthday, another year  - and still so weird to have it so low key - at least with just Tracy and no kids in the home.  Bizarre.