Where have we been?

Jeff and I have been pretty busy. We went back to MN and WI for a little over a week at the end of June to July 9. We had a great time seeing everyone, however, it was nice to go back to CA and "relax" a little bit. We drove over 1000 miles on Nick's truck while we were back!! Crazy! We were able to see Jeff's family, friends from college, my family and some old co-workers! Below are some pictures from our trip:

Above: Jeff's brother Mike put together 500 boxes (or maybe it was more - don't remember) of sparklers together and lit them off. It was pretty insane. We had a ton of fireworks that went off at the lake house that the Crabtree's brought over. Definitely made it a festive 4th!!
Below: Tonya (sister-in-law) with our niece Mia. It was only our second time seeing Mia and we got to see some of her first steps!
Jeff and I also got to go skiing, tubing, and wake-boarding with Carly and Nick and the Crabtrees (thank you Larry!). We had so much fun. It made us feel a little old though because we woke up pretty sore then next morning :-)
Of course a trip home wouldn't be the same without seeing our kitties. Bait (above) and Tackle (below) are as cute as ever!!

My family and I planned a surpise 50th birthday party for my mom while I was home. We had it at the beach in Shell Lake and it was great! She was completely surprised and a few of her siblings and friends were able to attend. Below is a picture of my aunt Jeanie, mom, Unclue Tommy, aunt Marylee, and aunt Carolyn. Tommy had his jet ski with and it was great tubing and riding around. Our muscles weren't completely feeling better from the 4th, but we had a great time!!

While in Shell Lake, we hung out at the Red Barn campground (as that is where my mom and sister Melissa were staying). We had great time making smores and hanging out by the fire. Above: Nieces Ali and Tayler at the campground. Below: Jeff and nephew Bayley showing their muscles.
Jeff and I also went and toured the Leine's brewery. That was pretty neat. We had a great trip!

We have been quite busy since we have been back in Cali. I got a promotion at work and am now the Senior Graduate Resident Director of the East Area. Pretty much I will be supervising 4 other graduate students, 22 RAs, and 10 residence halls. I am really looking forward to this opportunity. Training starts in 10 days!! The whole month of August is training and then classes start. I just keep saying to myself - 5 classes left...you can do it! Can't wait to graduate!

We are definitely looking forward to having visitors out here next week. Jeff's brother Matt and a friend from college Jason will be out here for the week!!