August 2012: Lake Tahoe

The first half of August 2012 was devoted to getting ready for, traveling to, and then finally getting to enjoy our summer family vacation. We were gone from home for almost two weeks in which time we drove 2220 miles throughout three states.  We began our adventuring with a drive up to G'pa & G'ma S's where we stayed for a few days.  For the first time ever, the drive that usually has taken us 11-12 hours only took us about 9.5 hours--SO nice!  While we were there we had fun visiting with extended family and preparing for the three-day S Family reunion in Tahoe.  

Once in Lake Tahoe we were joined by J-rod's two brothers and their families, J-rod's Grandma and Grandpa S, as well as his Grandma S.  The house Mom and Dad S rented out is located in the South Shore portion of the Nevada side of Lake Tahoe and is called "The Party House".  Fortunately it was big enough to fit us all as there were 21 members of our family there! 

While in Tahoe Mom and Dad planned lots to keep us all busy and happy.  We spent a day at the beach at Zephyr Cove where the water is almost crystal clear. We rowed boats on the lake, had fun swimming and/or splashing in the lake and watching our kids enjoy their time with their cousins. M, Li'l J, and I were the only ones CRAZY enough to actually swim in the 70 degree water--but trust me, it was FABULOUS compared to the over 90 degree water we left back home in our pool!  

The rest of our time in Tahoe we enjoyed a great FHE/devotional given by J-rod's dad, celebrating my sister-in-law M's birthday, watching old home movies J-rod's brother N transferred over from VHS to DVD, cheering on all the little kids as they played a game of "Minute to Win It" hosted by J-rod's sister C, watching the Olympics every night as a family, playing in a family baseball game, archery with Grandpa, family portraits, and of course, lots of yummy food!

Minute-to-win-it

Happy, Happy Birthday Aunt M!

Family portraits--behind the scenes

(photo credit © Amy Hunter Photography)

Family portraits:

1. Everyone

2. Grandparents with 

their grandchildren and 

great-grand children

3. Dad and Mom S with

their grandchildren

4. Dad and M S with

children

5. Our little family

6. BJ & C's family

7. D & M's family

After our goodbyes from "The Party House", our little family travelled on down the road a bit to the California side of South Shore.  Here we stopped to picnic among the blue jays and yellow jackets, hike for a little bit (we were rewarded with some gorgeous scenery), and then finally, a swim at Kiva Beach.
  

Lunch time companions

Kiva Beach, South Lake Tahoe

After enjoying our time at Kiva Beach on the South Shore of Lake Tahoe, we called it a day and drove on to Sacramento.