Lake Tahoe Vacation (Part Two)

We're coming to a close on our anniversary vacation. The hubby is packing his suitcase as I write this (mine gets re-packed every time I take something out or put something in.) I figured I could give you a little recap of our last couple of days.

The smoke was gone until Saturday night and then it returned. It was sad, but it was still a great trip. Saturday we spent most of the afternoon talking and enjoying time with D's grandparents before we headed into Reno for their annual Rib Fest. We went to The Summit (an outdoor mall) for a little shopping first. Once at rib fest we people watched, listened to country music and of course ate ribs. We met up with both of D's cousins and just enjoyed each others company. We also got our first pair of cowboy hats. Albeit cheap and fake non-authentic, they still work and can be used for years to come! Bring on a country concert!

Sunday was our anniversary. We awoke and went to a local casino for breakfast with the family and then managed to get in some gambling as well. D's grandma was the only one with luck that day as she won well over two hundred bucks. I managed to last on $10 for about an hour but eventually lost it. Next stop was a local feed type store where we ALMOST bought cowboy boots. They didn't have the hubs size, so we will visit Boot Barn when we get home. D is turning into Johnny Cash, you know "the man in black." He continues to want all things in black. It's pretty funny. We went back to the house for happy hour then made our way to Reds 395 for a makeup 21st and anniversary dinner. I'll have to tell you another time about D's 21st birthday. We preceded to have the saltiest chicken wings ever, and were disappointed that they weren't like The Abbey, but honestly no wings compare to the wings we get in Florida. After we just had a nice relaxing evening playing cards and visiting.

Oh I forgot to share with you. We did manage to find the spot and take an "after" photo. I did a side by side comparison and belly laughed looking at it. It's obvious to me that our styles haven't changed that much when looking at the photo and we haven't nearly the identical outfits on that we did 11 years ago. I smile now remembering how far we have come and still love each other so much.

Hope you all have a safe and happy Labor Day. We will be bearing the traffic trying to get home with everyone else!

Lake Tahoe Vacation (Part One)

The hubby and I took several days off work for our anniversary. This year we decided to come up north to Lake Tahoe to visit D's grandparents. Thursday we took the six hour drive up to Carson City, but when we passed the lake we were greeted with the smoke from the great Rim fire that is burning in the Yosemite mountains. The haze was pretty thick around the lake and when we got into Carson city it was worse. We went to the store for happy hour supplies and then went and spend the rest of the afternoon playing with the pup and having a nice dinner with D's grandparents, mom and cousin. Then we went to rent Big Wedding, saw some wildlife that have made their way down the mountains to escape the smoke.

Friday we went to breakfast and played a little slots. My lucky mother-in-law was already up $200. We took a drive into Lake Tahoe and had lunch at a hopping spot called The Beacon. Some drinks and a lite lunch while listening to music and enjoying the view was perfect. The wind blew the smoke out toward the east and it ended up being a perfect afternoon. We drove into Emerald Bay and got some pretty scenery shots for Instagram and some on my little point and shoot. We did a little shopping and toyed with the idea of going to see the Brad Paisley concert that was being held at Harvey's casino. We decided that we didn't have time and just went to have dinner and to see We're the Millers, which I actually enjoyed. While the hubs was waiting for us to get the movie tickets he put a $5 in a penny slot. He hit the spin button, won a game and walked away with $100. Lucky! We did a little gambling after the movie and the went back to crash out.

Stay tuned for more updates from the trip! Happy Labor Day weekend!

Crystal Blue with a hint of MS Dixie

Ok, I am so behind on some of these posts! I'm sorry, life got in the way. Back in July, D went to Lake Tahoe with his family. Due to scheduling and not having enough vacation time, I couldn't go. People, let me say just because we live in Southern California doesn't mean we always go to the beach. Honestly I have been to 2 different lakes this year and D has been to 3! We have only been to the beach once in the last 2 years! While not all of our lakes are beautiful we share a pretty magnificent one with Nevada and that's Lake Tahoe. Crystal blue waters, green trees and water sports in the summer; snow and winter fun in the fall and winter! While D and his family had a great time out on the lake, kneeboarding, kayaking and swimming (I don't have those photo's, but my M.I.L. got some!) also they went to comedy shows and even got to see The Beach Boys!!!! (I wasn't jealous or anything, SO JEALOUS!) D managed to get some wonderful scenery shots out on the lake and while driving around it.

View and the MS Dixie

View and the MS Dixie

The next shots are of Emerald Bay. The island in the middle of the bay has an old stone house on its premises. We once swam to the island and hiked up to the house to see the magnificent view from the island. They did the same thing this trip. Also the infamous MS Dixie is a paddle boat that you can take from one end of the lake to another

You can make out the house in the middle of the frame

MS Dixie

Boats Anchored

On a tour around the island D got many more shots of scenery.

Clear blue waters

B.I.L.

D's Bro

Unfortunately on their last day there it was overcast and windy so instead of going out on the lake they took a ride on the gondolas and were able to get more scenery photo's

The lake is so large it doesn't fit in the frame

D and his Dad

The Kimball Boys

One last shot before we say goodbye.

All in all he got some great shots and had a blast with his family. I am sad I had to miss the trip! Next time!

The hubby has returned!

So D is back from his vacation with his family. Not only was I overjoyed to have him back, and being able to sleep next to someone again.....Shelby didn't recognize him as he walked in the door. She barked until she realized it was daddy! Then she was all over him. He came home with a tan, a tank top for me and a ton of photos. Above is a preview of what he shot. We will pick through and get the best ones sorted out.....maybe even print a few.

Today is going to be a day of rest for both of us, hanging out by the pool....working on our pre-tans for Labor Day. Tomorrow we are going on a hike with our neighbors and hopefully getting some more cool shots! The crazy photographer people are BACK! :-) Have a great weekend!

Emerald Bay

As a child the hubbs and his family went to Lake Tahoe every year for summer vacation. The only time I had ever been was when my mom and step dad got married their when I was 8. So shortly after we started dating along came summer and the trip. D was so excited to bring me along and share his experiences with me. As he and I both had to work, we met the rest of his family up there. He awoke me at 5AM, ugh I am not a morning person, to make the 8 hour drive up to the lake. While discussing what we were going to do and admiring the scenery we made the drive quick. Once up and into the hotel, we quickly changed into our suits and made our way to the beach.

We spent the next three days lying and sunning (burning) on the white beaches on the California side. We took a drive around the lake, stopping for photos along the way in Emerald Bay. The photo to the left is one of my favorite of all time! We kayaked, in the blow up kayak one evening, made sand castle, rode jet ski's, and just all around had a wonderful time.

Soon the time came to head over to the Nevada side. We stayed at Harvey's and ate some great food and even went out on a boat and cruised around the entire lake, enjoying more sun. It was a wonderful way to get to know my future family and D a little better. Since then we have enjoyed many trips to the big blue lake and all have been just as fun! Looking forward to many more!