Lake Almanor

Last week we were able to go to Lake Almanor with my family, my grandparents, and my Aunt and Uncle and their family. We had such a great time on my cousin Jim's boat, golfing with my Grandpa, fishing with my dad, and playing games. Unfortunately we didn't get pictures of golfing but we had a great time and didn't keep score. We were that bad, although there were some good shots and we had fun.
Here is beautiful Lake Almanor at sunset


The view of the Lake from the cabin my aunt and uncle rented

Aaron, Tommy and I enjoying the boat ride

Aaron's first attempt at wakeboarding. He didn't quite get up but look how close he is. Next time...
I am happy to announce that I finally got up on the wakeboard. I've attempted at 2 other lake trips and it was always a disaster. Unfortunately we didn't get a picture of the success. I guess we'll have to do that next time too.

Brad, Lyndsey and Matt at the back of the boat

Lyndsey wakesurfing. There are no straps on the board and the rope is short so that you literally ride the wake
Here is a short video of Matt wakesurfing so you can get the idea


Brad let go of the rope so he is literally surfing. Sorry it's sideways...

Tommy holding up the flag. He thought it was so fun.

My 2nd cousin Jake, Lyndsey, Me and Tommy

Aaron and I


Aaron and I on the tube. I know the second picture is blurry, but look how hard we're laughing. It was so fun!


My dad also rented a sea-doo and we had such a blast riding it. We took turns driving and when I was driving we got lost on the lake. It took us about 15 minutes of slowly driving along the edge of the lake to find our dock. Luckily we had fun in the process.

Aaron and I with the lake in the background
At night we played Phase 10. Here's the group. We kind of all look like we had a long day, huh?


We ended the trip by eating at Costa Vida. The perfect end to a perfect vacation.

Caitlin and Auntie Em
We seriously had such a great time and hope to go back next year!

We're counting the days...

The sixth installment of the Harry Potter series is on its way to theatres this November! We're both really excited :) What do you all think of the trailer?!!?

Reunited

This weekend we were able to go to Alamo to welcome back Matt, Lyndsey, Tommy and Caitlin. We hadn't seen them since Thanksgiving so it was so great to be able to hang out with them. Too bad they got there Saturday and we had to go home Sunday. Luckily we will be able to see them much more often since they are now living with my parents. Matt is still working for Ernst and Young but he transferred up to the San Francisco office. They are living with my parents "temporarily" until they find a place up here.
Here are some pictures of our weekend.

Here my dad is putting carrots on Triton's nose, making him "stay", and them telling him to "get it". Triton throws the carrot in the air and then catches it. Tommy thought it was hilarious.


Tommy saying "Cheese"

Aaron and Caitlin. She is getting so big. She is such a happy girl.

Me and Caitlin

Our beautiful neice


Reading books with Auntie Em

Tommy was watching Alyssa play her Nintendo DS. He thinks it's fascinating.

Tommy and Uncle Trevor

Happy Girl
We had such a fun weekend and can't wait to go back again soon.

Smoke

This post is for my mom who insists that I must document this for posterity's sake (see her blog for a smoke post as well):
I think most people know about all the fires that have been going on in Northern California for the last couple weeks. It has been really smoky almost every day, but today was especially bad. It was over 100 degrees today and then there was all the smoke in the air. It gave me such a headache and it was difficult to find anyone outside because it was hard to breathe. Here are a few pictures that don't really do it justice. It kind of looks like it's cloudy but it's really all the smoke.

The field across the street from our apartment. Normally this would all be crystal clear.

Approaching the overpass to the 65. Once again, normally it would be very clear.

The sun masked by all the smoke. When I took the picture I couldn't see where the sun was in the camera so I just had to take it and hope the sun was in it. The sun is completely red as it sets. Pretty crazy! Hope they can put out the fires soon.

4th of July

This year we were able to go down to Manteca to spend the 4th of July with Aaron's parents and sister. We had Friday off of work so we drove down Thursday and had a nice, relaxing weekend.
On the 4th we went to the mall and saw the movie "Hancock" and then we went to the fireworks at Big League Dreams. It's 6 softball stadiums and indoor soccer field, with each of the 6 fields being replicas of famous baseball stadiums. It's such an awesome place. We got to lay in the outfield and enjoy music from different groups and people watch until the fireworks started. Here are a few pictures of our view.



Aaron and I

Jim and Dee

Ready for the fireworks


We love fireworks and the 4th of July!!!

Big Weekend

We had quite a busy weekend. On Friday we celebrated Aaron's 24th birthday! We had a really fun night with just the two of us.
It started with Aaron opening his presents. He got a watch and the movie "Aladdin". He didn't necessarily ask for that movie but we've been talking about how we need to start a Disney collection so I thought I would start now.


After presents, we went out to eat at Ruth's Chris Steak House not knowing how truly delicious (or expensive) it would be. It was definitely worth it although I don't think we will be going again any time soon.

After dinner we went to a movie and saw "What Happens in Vegas". We both thought it was really funny but Aaron didn't really know how funny I thought it was because I was too sick to laugh. When Brad and Hillary came last weekend, Brad gave Aaron and I colds and Friday night was the height of my illness. I was still able to enjoy myself and am grateful to say that I am on the mend, while Aaron has reached the height of his sickness today. Despite being sick we got up Saturday morning to leave for Alamo when I got to deal with the fire sprinklers going off in one of our 3rd floor apartments. I definitely felt like it was my true initiation into being a manager. Luckily there was not really much for me to do except call the carpet guys to come start drying out the carpets and tell the residents we'll let them know when they can come home.
Brad graduated from High School on Friday so on Saturday my parents had a BBQ and swim party for him. My mom was thoughtful enough to also get an ice cream cake for Aaron (and I'm grateful since I didn't do a cake this year). She got a huge one for graduation

and a second one for Aaron. Here is Aaron with the cake, blowing out the candles, and enjoying the piece with his name on it.



Unfortunately I didn't take any more pictures but of course today was father's day and we were able to spend it with my dad. I'd have to say I think his favorite thing he got was a musical card with the Monday night football theme playing when it opened. He really got a kick out of it. Happy Father's Day to both of our wonderful fathers. We love you!!!!

Blackberry Pearl

We had such a great weekend. Not only did Brad and Hillary come stay with us, I also got a new phone! In all my days of cell phone use I have never gotten a really good phone. I have always just got the cheapest one, but after fulfilling our 2 year contract I was eligible for an upgrade. I went from this:

to this:

I am absolutely loving my new phone and I'm sure I'll love it even more once I figure out how it works. I do have some pictures from this weekend on it and I will post them as well as more about our adventures with Brad and Hillary when I can figure out how to get the pictures off the phone and on to the camera (none of my other phones have ever had cameras. Remember, they were really cheap.)