Chicago

There is an annual accounting conference that Andy usually attends. For the past few years I have tagged along. It's a great way to see different cities for 1/2 the price. This year it was in Chicago - of course I went along for this one. The girls hung out during the day and we met up with the guys for lunch and the evenings entertainment. Next year.... Anaheim :-)


DOWNTOWN CHICAGO
THE AQUARIUM

BIRTHDAY DINNER

THE ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO

CUBS GAME

Welcome to Georgia

Everyone warned us about the HUGE bugs in Georgia. Fortunately, we have not see too many. I did notice this one on our front door window one night. Pretty gross.

I was not brave enough to actually open the front door and take a picture of his back, so you have a belly view only :-)

Andy's finger. It may give you a better idea how big this thing was.

African Mary Poppins

Top Ten

My Top Ten List

1) Having no job - Yes I have no job and am LOVING It. I have had a job since I was 15 and I am loving the break. I am sure I will get a little bored soon enough and will get another job but for now I am unemployed and happy about it :-)

2) Getting into a decent work out schedule. I have been trying out the local gym and am going to sign up. I need to get more excercise than I am getting right now. Although my neighbor and I have started walking in the mornings - she walks a little faster than I do - so I am getting a little work out :-)

3) BLOGGING, BLOGGING AND MORE BLOGGING. So if you know me at all you know I LOVE looking and photos, even if I don't know the people. In the past month so many people have started blogging. Could you imagine how much I am looking at pictures now that my friends are blogging. I have a problem - I am way too addicted.

4) Downloading Digital Scrabooking Freebies. I have so many yet still enjoy looking for more and downloading them.

5) Unpacking our house. Most of the big things are packed away but we still have a few more boxes to go through.

6) Looking for new recipes. Now that I have the time I really want to start cooking more and learning new recipes.

7) Finding out all there is to do in Athens.

8) Reading a good book and always looking for more great books to read.

9) Photoshop. I love this program and have only touched on it's capabilities.

10) Ice. Did you know it GA most houses have an ice maker. I mean a big one that is built into your cabinet. I am trying to use ice more seeing as it makes great ice and we have an ice maker.

What's in your Top Ten??

A Few Things We Are Loving About Georgia

1. The weather - If you know me at all you KNOW that I miss the sunny South African days more than anything. I have not worn a sweater, pair of jeans or closed toed shoes since I have been here. Yes, I am very happy with the weather so far - Charis

2. The humidity. It makes you feel a little more warm and cozy. The evenings are so pleasant - Andy

3. The greenery. Our house is surrounded by trees which is beautiful. Very different from any other place we have lived - Andy

4. The people. Being in a smaller town everyone knows everyone and where the local things are. People have been so friendly and pleasant and I really feel like they are sincere. They truly do want to get to know you and are happy you are here - Charis

5. The traffic. There is NONE. My commute is so predictable which is such a welcome change - Andy

Too Late

We closed on our house on 07/06/07. We have never had more debt than we do now :-) I guess if you are going to have debt - this is a good one.

I thought it was funny how all the houses said "Too Late" rather than the typical "Sold" sign.

Uncle Andy

We love going home to CA and seeing all of the neices and nephews. They of course love seeing Andy. Goofy Picture

Sea World

Our 1st Apartment

We are so excited to be starting this new phase of our lives and to have a house with ALOT more space.... BUT.... it was a little sad leaving our 1st apartment. This is the only place we have lived in since we have been married. We (well I) had to take a few pictures - so that we never forget our 1st home.

Washington to Georgia

All of our things loaded in the moving truck in Seattle.

2 Weeks Later... Our things arriving at our house in Watkinsville, GA

Our Last Day In SEATTLE

Our last day in Seattle we decided to enjoy the great weather and spend sometime downtown. I had a dentist appointment that morning (yes, I always have dentist appointments) so we were already downtown. We will miss all that Seattle has to offer. It is such a great city - When the sun shines!!!!!

Seattle - California - Georgia

Golf Game Interupted

On Saturday night, Andy somehow closed the front door of our apartment on his thumb. Needless to say he was in tremendous pain and he spilt plenty of blood on our carpet. His thumb is slowly getting better. But he did have to miss a golf outing the following Monday. :( In the midst of the pain he says "There goes my golf game" --- Golf Game Interupted

Well said....

I read this quote today and I love it ...

"I recognize that, on occasion, some of our most fervent prayers may seem to go unanswered. We wonder, 'Why?' I know that feeling! I know the fears and tears of such moments. But I also know that our prayers are never ignored. Our faith is never unappreciated. I know that an all-wise Heavenly Father's perspective is much broader than is ours. While we know of our mortal problems and pain, He knows of our immortal progress and potential. If we pray to know His will and submit ourselves to it with patience and courage, heavenly healing can take place in His own way and time."
Russell M Nelson

Seattle

10 Reasons ....

Why I will be sad to leave the NW

1. This is where Andy I met and started our lives together.
2. This is the 1st place I moved to in the US in 1997 and have so many memories here.
3. I have yet to see a better downtown area. You can shop to your hearts content and then walk for 10 mintutes to the Waterfront
4. There is so much to see and do. Having visitors in Seattle is wonderful - there is always so much to do.
5. No place is more beautiful than Seattle on a SUNNY DAY
6. We have both made some lifetime friends here

TO BE CONTINUED...

Beautiful Washington

Ferry ride to and from Whidbey Island, WA

GRADUATION

Click on the photo to see some photos of the event

Dinner at Salty's

Graduation Day

Happy Viewing

ANOTHER ADDITION TO THE FAMILY

Introducing...

Amy Lee Quinn
6 June 2007
4:02pm

2.7 kg

Melissa & Amy

Congrats - Mike, Melissa, Courtney Chinead & Liam

A FEW CHANGES

I was thinking about our blogpage today and how it is public for everyone to see. I have decided to change things a little, and make it private. All that it means is that I will have to give you permission to few our blog - which I am more than willing to do :-) I think it will be a little safer incase I put too much info about our lives on here....

So, if I know you check our blog I'll send you an invite and you'll be able to enjoy our updates. If I don't know that you check our blog and you would like to - send me an E mail and I'll gladly set you up.....


Happy Tuesday

I have a new friend...

PHOTOSHOP.... you may see a few random things on here for a while, as I figure this whole thing out... stay tuned :-)

HOMEOWNERS

Our House Hunting trip to Athens was a success. 3 days and 40 houses later we found one that we just love. We can't wait to have the extra room. Andy is especially excited about actually having a closet and not having my clothes creep closer and closer to his :-) We are now accepting visitors.

10 Things...

That make me happy.....

1. SUN
2. Getting a new item of clothing (shoes included)
3. Being warm - for an extended period of time.
4. Having a good hairday
5. Getting Emails from friends.
6. Seeing photos of friends and family.
7. Chocolate
8. Sleeping in.
9. Seeing Andy get excited about something.
10. Taking photos (Me behind the camera)


Pretty simple

TULIP FESTIVAL

Andy's parent came to Seattle for the weekend. This is our last year in Seattle and Andy had never been to the Tulip Festival so we decided to go and see them. They are truly beautiful. It was a beautiful day.