Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Bouncing Boy

Preston LOVES bouncing!

Monterey

The week before Aaron started his new job with Accenture we were able to join my family down in Monterey. We had a great time relaxing, going to the Monterey Bay Aquarium and playing on the beach. It was the first time Aaron had ever been to Monterey and Preston's First Beach Trip!

My Dad and Triton (yes, Triton got to come too. Looking back we are glad he was there because now he is really sick and we're not sure how long he is going to be around)

If you know Triton, you know he loves tug-a-war


It was pretty cold and windy down at the beach so I've got Preston all bundled up in the Baby Bjorn. Lyndsey, Caitlin and Tommy braved the water and Luke is sleeping under the blanket beside me. Nothing phases that kid.

Aaron enjoying the freezing water

We borrowed some free guest passes from friends and went to the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Preson was fascinated by all the fish!

Aunt Alyssa helped carry Preston


They have an awesome sea horse exhibit. This crazy seahorse looks more like seaweed!

Preston sporting his sunglasses out on the bay

Daddy and Preston (I love this picture of my smiling boys)

Cool Dude

Cousin Luke is really gaining on Preston. They look to be about the same size now, even though Luke is 2 months younger!

Aaron, Preston and I down at canary row

Aaron and I were able to sneak away for some alone time on the beach before he left to go to San Fransico to start training.

It was a great trip and we can't wait to go back!

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

My time in Illinois


Aaron here...
So to start off on a sad note, Illinois is the furthest east I have traveled in this country, but at least I'm expanding my horizons! For the past 2 weeks (ending last Friday) I went to St. Charles, IL, (45 minutes outside Chicago) for extended training that Accenture sends all new analysts upon hire. It was a very strenuous 2 weeks with so much information thrown at me, but I learned a ton. I had a great time meeting people from all over the world (literally - I met folks from all over the U.S., Italy, Belgium, South Africa, England, Spain, Turkey, and many others...). There were a few hundred of us all together. Basically, our training consisted of walking through the phases of a fake client project and understanding the individual roles we play as analysts during them. It was very educational and worthwhile, but like I said, it was definitely information overload!

We had our training at the Q Center, which was a college campus remodeled into this gigantic business conference center. Everything is on site, including dining and plenty of activities including tennis, golf, bike trails, soccer/baseball fields, a gym, etc. So, it felt a little like college or summer camp :)

Here's my small but nice (dorm) room:


The Q Center grounds were incredible!




After the first week, a big group of us planned a trip to Chicago, and it was so great. It was such a clean city compared to others I've been to, which was a nice surprise.


One of the highlights was the trip to Willis Tower (formerly known as Sears Tower). It's the 5th tallest standing structure in the world, with amazing panoramic views of the entire city. I got to enjoy the views from the 103rd floor!





They had "Skydeck" views with these glass boxes popped out from the building where you could literally see the ground below and how high up you really are - it was a little freaky to say the least. The pic isn't the best I know, but it's proof that I got in there!


Another cool highlight was the air show that was held along the beach of Lake Michigan. The show featured the Blue Angels and others. My pics don't do it justice - I was a lot closer than it appears.





And of course I didn't forget to have some original Chicago-style deep dish pizza :)


Another great view of the city, right off of Lake Michigan


It was a great experience and I'm glad I went, but oh does it feel good to be back home :)

Thursday, August 19, 2010

4 Years

4 years ago I married the love of my life. I can't believe all the adventures we've shared in such a small amount of time. Aaron is truly such an amazing husband and father. I wouldn't trade a moment and look forward to many more years, and eternities, together.


I love you Aaron (now hurry up and come home from Chicago!)

Wednesday, August 4, 2010

Aaron's 26th Birthday

June 13th marked Aaron's 26th birthday! We had many different plans but ended up at Aaron's parents house to celebrate with family. We enjoyed a great meal and great company.



HAPPY BIRTHDAY AARON!

Anna and Kayden Visit

Back in the beginning of June Anna and Kayden came to California to visit. It was so great to see them and we were so happy when they came to stay with us in Roseville. The only pictures I got were at the park and in the car.
Mom and Son



I just love this picture. Kayden is being so sweet to his cousin, "Testin"

My boy

We love whenever Anna and Kayden come to visit and hope they will move back to California soon!