Vacation at Lake Tahoe

Back in the beginning of July, we drove 9 hours north of Pasadena, to the spectacular Lake Tahoe. We met my parents, Sarah and Ellie for a wonderful 4-night stay at a cabin on the north end of the lake. None of us had ever been before, which made this an extra unique and special vacation. The weather was fantastic for our entire trip. While the sunshine was great, Brant and I really appreciated how clear the air was and how cool everything became at night and into the morning - so refreshing for us! And my parents and sister loved that the sunshine was always out, allowing them to get some vitamin D from their lack-of-Oregon-summer-sunshine they had been experiencing.

Although there are shadows on their faces, I had to include this picture. The scenery was more than stunning - it was absolutely breathtaking! No matter how many people were there (and there were a lot), and how much activity was taking place on and around the lake, God's glorious creation came shining through again and again.
The first, of several, visits to the park! The girls could not get enough....neither could the grandparents!The girls were so sweet as they held hands going down the slide. :)Still holding hands...Ellie wasn't done yet.But Maddie was.On the first afternoon, Sarah and Brant both rented stand-up paddle boards for an hour. They were gracious enough to share the fun with us all. It was crazy to be standing on top of the water, with nothing but a small board and a paddle. The water was cold, but very refreshing. My sister, no problem being in her third trimester and all, was the best out of all of us. She rocked that board!
Brant and Sarah, showing us how it is done.Dad, charging full speed ahead in Sarah's direction.Mom, cautiously making her way up into the standing position. Its harder than it looks, people! But once you get it, its great. I did have my turn as well, but no one took pictures with my camera...oh well...if you can imagine, I was terribly crushed. :)

Ellie and Maddie had a great time floating in an inner tube while all the paddle boarding was taking place.On our second full day, we took a gondola ride up to the top of one of nearby mountains. It was a beautiful way to see some more of the gorgeous scenery. We actually had to take a gondola, followed by a chair lift. Once at the top, we took a miniature hike around the woods.Here we go!Maddie was enthralled.
This is about all I could handle in looking at Maddie on the chairlift. It truly made me nervous, even with her sandwiched in between Brant and my Dad. She is just such a wiggle worm and curious little girl, I didn't enjoy watching her hanging there, swinging her little legs. Whew! I must be a mama!My beautiful parents.Maddie, taking a ride on Grandpa Pat's shoulders. She actually would have walked the whole hike through, however, we weren't as patient to go at her pace (or follow along her chosen path)!Me and my sweetie.
Grandpa and his girls playing, "scratch the bark." Don't ask why, ask why not? :)Have I mentioned how beautiful it was?? Brant and I sorely miss this type of scenery in southern California. It was all so breathtaking. On our final full day of vacation, we rented a tandem kayak. We packed food and gear for the entire day, and made our way over to Sand Harbor. It is a beautiful, pristine sandy beach on the Nevada side of the lake. The water is crystal clear and is filled with large boulders, perfect for jumping off of (although I never did - my dad and Brant did!), and for exploring between the narrow passages in the kayak. Other people were snorkeling as well. The girls had a great time playing on the shore, and each going out on the kayak for a boat ride.

Mom and Dad are off.Ellie, ready for some serious kayaking with Grandma and Grandpa!I love this picture. She's just a little beach beauty.The beautiful boulders surrounding the beach.And finally, Mommy and Maddie, ready to hit the water kayaking (with Daddy, too). That's our girl!Thank you for a special, memorable, beautiful and fun vacation, Mom and Dad!! We had such a great time and can't wait to go back. And thank you, God, for your perfect, awesome Creation!