LUC Retreat

 Pretty fun seeing a picture from Rania's retreat this weekend.  It was about a year ago this week when she really connected with some great friends as part of the Honor's program - and wonderful to be a leader this time around. 

 

Visiting the Coopers!

 Wow - so so thankful and grateful for the Cooper's hospitality and such a delightful, amazing meal - and seeing their absolutely beautiful place.  Such a fun way to spend the Sunday afternoon. 

 

Whangaparaoa

 Wow!  We made it to New Zealand - such a treat to get to see Reeve and Marilyn, see their nice apartment and get to enjoy some of the experiences in Auckland.  We made our way on Sunday to see Judith and Nigel Cooper at their beautiful place an hour north of Auckland.  

They took us down to the regional park, saw the beach and a whole lot of beauty just within walking distance.  Nigel takes the ferry across to Auckland each day - quite the picturesque setting!

 

Some Bright Colors

 Pretty exciting to see some nice colors on the trees. 

Spirit Week

Pretty fun getting to cheer on Tupai during Spirit Week.  Sure hope for some good results from Tupai. 

 

Auntie Marta & Uncle Mark for Game Day!

 So so so jealous as the Silver Spring Woodwards made it to South Bend for game day.  They got to do the whole tailgating and seeing many of Gabi's friends and their groups. 

 Thankfully, Notre Dame put together another win with a 36-7 second half domination against NC State. 

 So cool to hear the stories and backgrounds from Mark & Marta's perspectives as they shared about the experience! 

As a bonus, not only did Rania get to meet Jack, Mark & Marta also got the privilege. 

 

 

Swan Lake After Party

 We went to a nice restaurant (new to all of us, I think) with PJ, Stella, and her husband.  What fun - and definitely the sort of thing we should do more of - though always takes initiative to make it happen. 

 

Swan Lake Ballet

 What a treat to get to see Swan Lake with the St. Petersburg ballet coming through KL.  The dancing was absolutely stunning - and super helpful to know the story and some background before watching the ballet unfold (Thanks, wikipedia!). They definitely went with the more romantic, happier ending in their version. 

 Huge thanks to PJ and Stella, fellow teachers for coordinating.  

Rania Visits!

 In addition to getting to see Notre Dame, Rania also got a chance to meet many of Gabi's friends.  What a fun evening. 

 

Mamma Mia Opens

 What a delightful show - certainly sad that the Woodward girls could not be a part of it -and ISKL definitely put on a great show.  So so impressed with so much talent!

 

Sister Jean - What a Legacy

 Sister Jean, what a legacy, as she passed away at the age of 106. An icon of Loyola's community, more can be read from Loyola's website. 

 

Smiles All Around

 Rania with a bunch of her friends, enjoying a Thursday evening. 

 

 

ISKL Run Against Cancer

 It was another great community event with ISKL's Run Against Cancer. 

 

Chicago Return

 Rania and her friends made their way back to Chicago after their bit of a break in October.  What an incredible trip!

 

Gravity Simulations

 Pretty fun to see some of the new units in the Grade 6 space unit with the reorganization and alignment of the science units in order to be more in line with an integrated science approach.  Very cool simulation on gravity. 

 

Encinitas

 A pretty wonderful day to get to be at Encinitas - and so so grateful to Sean's Aunt for such gracious hospitality in letting Rania stay and have such a special few days in San Diego. 

 

A Day at Laguna Beach

 Petty picturesque Sunday at Laguna Beach for the girls.  Pretty amazing. 

 

Oct Break Evenings

 Pretty fun getting sunset pictures at the Pacific Ocean! 

 

Game Day v Boise State

 Gabi with some of her friends for ND game day.  The Irish went on to get a big (and absolutely necessary) victory v. Boise State.  Full recap. 

Always so fun to see Gabi together for such a fun part of the Irish experience.