SUMMER FUN

Within ABA are employees who understand that, in addition to a strong work ethic, a healthy work-life balance is important. The summer brings sunny skies, warm weather and, for many, family vacations as well as recreational activities.

We gave ABA employees the opportunity to share their exciting summer plans and activities below:

Family Camping

In July, Administrative Analyst/Specialist Emily Parmelee and her family, embarked on a summer camping trip to Jenkinson Lake in Pollock Pines. Camping is one of Emily's family's favorite activities. "[Camping] was something that I did with my parents almost every weekend as a kid."

Emily plans to use these early experiences to help instill responsible camping practices in her children "I want to teach my kids to respect our environment and to appreciate this beautiful state that we live in."

While there, Emily and her family embarked on hikes while exploring the area. "The best part about camping is just being out in nature breathing the fresh air."

Visiting National Parks

In June, Facilities Management's Alena Rybachuk visited Yellowstone National Park with her family. There they visited several popular visitor spots, including Old Faithful, Mammoth Hot Springs, and the Grand Prismatic Spring.

These summer family adventures have become tradition in Alena's family. "This is something my family does once every other year. We choose which place we want to visit during the summer. This was my second time at Yellowstone."

Alena enjoys visiting parks such as Yellowstone, which are known for their breathtaking landscapes, wildlife, and hot springs. "I enjoyed the variety - we saw bighorn sheep, bison, and other critters as well as geysers, hot springs, canyons, waterfalls, lakes, etc. It was one of the most beautiful and scenic areas I've ever experienced."

Cool Coastal Spots

This summer Facilities Management's Thomas Moon embarked on a week-long family vacation to Coos Bay, Oregon; Astoria, Oregon; and Seattle, Washington. From late June to early July, Moon and his family visited some of their favorite and most desired destinations, including the ocean in Coos Bay, the Goonies House and Film Museum in Astoria, and the Space Needle in Seattle.

Moon even found time to celebrate his patriotism. "We spent the fourth of July at our friend's lake house in Seattle for fireworks."

Moon is a big Goonies fan, but also enjoyed other stops along the way. "It was great to see the ocean, spend time with family and friends, and see the Space Needle and Seattle's famous gum wall. I also enjoyed the scenic drive along the coast."