I have officially shut down my recruiting/interview process and accepted a summer internship in the investment banking division of UBS in San Francisco. Thank goodness I can continue working for a firm that is technically Swiss.

Back to the Midwest

We know this post is very late, but we're back in the Midwest and settling into life here after our wonderful holiday break. We're experiencing some technical difficulties so we have not been able to get our pictures from the camera to the computer, hopefully we'll sort that out soon and post some pics of our time in CA. The above picture was taken by my brother Cliff in my family's backyard on Christmas morning, such a sunny and beautiful day.

Kris is in crazy productive mode and is back in school on top of interviewing for his summer internship. He's hoping to land a position in Finance on the West Coast, so think good thoughts for him.

I'm back at work and we just have the nicest group of families right now. I'm really enjoying working more closely with families again. Tons of people from the community have been calling me and wanting to get involved. Friday I met with the Delta Tau Delta Fraternity's Philanthropy Chair, his group would like to begin volunteering with us, which means that I may have to hold a training at the Frat House in the next couple of weeks. Should be interesting!

On a happy note Kris recently participated in the Venture Capital Investment Competition, a national competition for MBAs. His team won the first round of the competition on Friday and received funding to represent U of M at the regional competition in Boulder, CO in February. Woo Woo!

Seriously?!?!?

I just looked at the weather channel and it says, "Ann Arbor is currently 11 degrees but feels like -6". It literally hurts to breath on my way to school, and even though school is close it is still a long time without oxygen. Good thing I received a snuggy for my b-day (shout out to 'Zona!). I would post a picture of me in it, but even though I am not planning on ever running for office that photo would probably come back to haunt me.

On the school front I am still getting absolutely killed. Between school/recruiting/clubs I am swamped. Good news though, I received a check ++ on an assignment today...which I think is the highest grade other than a smiley face. Who knew business school had the same grading scale as preschool.

First Snow

Tonight we had our first snow that actually stuck to the ground. We've had a few flurries over the last week, but nothing like today.

So we both threw on our new winter gear and ran out into the winter wonderland. There were tons of students out walking around and yelling, "First Snow!"

Kris decided to try his luck at reenacting the famous Christmas Story scene.
It didn't stick.

Then we built our first very pathetic snowman.

And I took a rest.

...here we go!

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving you all!
We are spending the holiday at home in Ann Arbor and made our first Thanksgiving Feast for two. It was a lot of fun cooking in the kitchen together. Here's what was on the menu:

Rosemary Garlic Turkey (Our first Turkey)
Gravy
Kris' Mashed Potatoes
My Momma's Stuffing
Green Beans
Cranberry Sauce
Apple Crisp & Vanilla Ice Cream

The turkey was actually much easier than we expected, but I had to do some things to a turkey that I'd not care not to repeat. Despite the less than appetizing prep-work the turkey came out moist and delicious & I think we'll have left overs for a week, but who knows with Kris around. We truly feasted and then immediately fell into a glutenous coma.

Although we are are spending the holiday here in Ann Arbor our thoughts are with our family and friends. We feel so fortunate to have such amazing people in our lives who are so loving and supportive. Thank you thank you thank you! We love you!

When the Leaves Were on the Trees

About a month ago Kris and I wandered down to the Arboretum to take in all of the leaves and their changing colors. It's about a twenty minute walk from our house and has many trails to discover. There is even a place where you can canoe down the river. Since our visit the leaves have fallen and there are fewer colors along the trails, crazy how things can change so quickly.

One of the entrances to the "Arb." Along this path are some gorgeous peony gardens.
Cemetery located at the entrance of the Arb, which also happens to be right next to the freshman dorms. I can see how that might seem kind of creepy, but in this picture and in person it is so beautiful and serene.
This bench looks like the perfect place to take a rest or read a book.
The Arb is also the home of Fairy Woods & Troll Hollow.
We happened across this small fairy house complete with campfire.
What a beautiful place, we can't wait for spring when the leaves return.

Kris is 30, Time for Mustaches!

Kris turned 30 last week so we celebrated by having a Mustache Bash. Our friends Dane and Remy also had nearby birthdays, so we had a joint celebration. We hosted at our house and it was mustache mania, with mustache cupcakes and lip sweaters worn by all.
The birthday guests.
My mustache was crooked all night and I had no idea.
Lot's of people from Kris' class joined in the celebration.
The birthday folks with their birthday party planners.