Late Spring 2016

Genna requested "decorate your own cake" for her birthday.  She also had a sleepover with BFF, Taylor.

Our Art teacher, Mr. Duncan, exhibited a piece from each girl in the Kalamazoo Institute of Art's Spring Student Show.

The end of the school year was our exit from Prairie Ridge Elementary School.  

Genna's Kindergarten Class.
Her teacher, Mrs. Garrett, retired in April, and Miss Cegielski finished the year.  Mama got to volunteer every Wednesday morning and tutored for Title I in the afternoons. 

Kinder Friends

Mrs. James was a great 2nd Grade Teacher.  Mom helped out every Monday morning.

Maya and the graduated 2nd graders. 

Last playdate with David and Alex before they moved to Amsterdam.

Genna is a ROCK STAR!

Spring 2016 Q1

Genna is helping make sushi for Papa's 40th Birthday.


Maya is still really into ice skating.  We were going once or twice every weekend until Lawson closed for the season.  Since Maya taught herself many moves and spins, she went right into level 4 when she began real lessons in March!  Genna is taking lessons, too.



The girls were granted the responsibility of owning fish.  When they realized Genna did not have enough cash to get one at the same time, Maya offered to buy Genna's pet as an early birthday present.  

Maya's fish "Oliver"

Genna's Betta, "Sky"

Dominican Republic

Here is the full length account of our trip to the Dominican Republic to see Grandpa and Babçia on Exit Strategy.  http://exitstrategylog.blogspot.com/2016/02/hola-samana.html 

Live Aboard!

The Boyan / Carrolls at El Limon.  Maya had a high fever and was so tired after the trek out, she ALMOST passed on going out to dinner.

If you are approached by a young man casually wielding a rifle in the caves at  El Parque de Los Haitises, be cool, he's probably just a ranger, no big deal!?!?!?

Guided City Tours are SO TEDIOUS!!!!!  (Says every hungry 8 year old.) 

Jose's Parents, Fior and Rafael, were such generous hosts!

Hotel Doña Elvira in the old city ~ Santo Domingo.  Maya was appalled that the room standards did not meet her Super 8 expectations.  

Last day.  Killing time before the airport at Tres Ojos Caves and the National Aquarium with "Done and Done-er".  I forgot what Maya wanted to do instead of this, probably something to do with snacks.

Spending time with Jose and Amelia in Kzoo before they moved to the DR.