Lake House with Sunny

We were supposed to go to the lake house in mid-September and bring Sunny along with us.  Unfortunately, there was a bad wildfire at the base of the mountain that made the air quality hazardous in the Tahoe area so we had to skip the trip.  Luckily, Sunny was free our scheduled weekend in October and got to go with us.  Yay!  Even better, all the kids had the Friday off so we got an extra day to hang out in the mountains.  

Friday Tom had to do some work so he stayed at the house while Mousse, the kids and I explored the lake during the quiet off-season.  

We pretty much had the whole private beach to ourselves.  (Dogs aren't allowed...shhhh)

Gorgeous girls in a gorgeous setting. 

Forcing them to take a picture all together. 

The girls did some photo shoots.  

Sunny fixed Serafina's hair. 

  Silly Mousse splashing himself. 

In the afternoon, we went to Downtown Truckee for some strolling and shopping.  

The weather was absolutely stunning on Friday.  So fortunate to have a clear, sunny day in mid-October. That nice weather wouldn't last.

Saturday, Tom took the three kids to Tahoe Treetop - the obstacle/zipline course we've done a few times before.  

Sunny is super athletic so I thought she would be just fine, but apparently she was a bit nervous.  Leo was there too but didn't appear in any pictures or video.  

Here's the most ridiculous video of the girls on the course with Tom.  

It started snowing while they were there.  I was home with the dog and looked out the window to see the fattest snowflakes imaginable.  They still had fun despite their fears and the chilly weather.  

After they were home and warmed up, we did some Halloween cookie decorating.  

Look at Serafina's face.  So much attitude just because I wanted a picture! 

Okay, that's better.   

Sunday morning was very chilly as well.  I had told the kids they didn't have to do anything in the morning except pack and strip the beds.  Well Tom decided they all needed to get out and see the lake one last time.  They were cold and miserable.  They walked the two blocks, posed for the picture and went straight home.  

We had a long, slow drive home but we survived.  It was a super fun trip and Sunny was an absolute delight to have with us. 

 

Long Beach trip and Leo's birthday

Last Thursday night, we boarded a plane with my mom and headed to Long Beach for a long weekend with family and celebrating Leo's birthday.  We spent Thursday and Friday with family and enjoying our rental house.  We also got a chance to go down to Seal Beach,  I didn't take any pictures.  Saturday, I only did slightly better with picture taking.  

Saturday was Leo's 15th birthday.  I got up early and got some yummy pastries.  My cousin Monica, her husband Dan and their three boys came over to visit.  It's been a long time since we've seen them. They were very sweet and we're up for walking to the beach.  

Here's Anthony checking out a park on the beach. 

This is the best picture I could get of Darwin. 

We did some family pictures since it was a glorious sunny day. 

With me and Nana too. 

Here's Monica, Anthony and my mom.  He was really wet from getting fully in the ocean in his clothes.  

We didn't pack too many presents for Leo because we had limited space in our luggage (he was understanding and we tried to make it up for him once we were home), but we did bring this hoodie for him.  

Later in the day, more family came over including my cousins' boys.  Here's Leo hanging in the rental house hot tub with Dezi and Jax. 

Zoe wanted to check out the shops on 2nd Street and she didn't have to ask Serafina twice.  

Later in the afternoon, my Aunt Sheila and I walked the kids to a nearby park. 

When we got back, it was time for pizza and cupcakes to celebrate Leo's birthday.  Since I didn't get a lot of pictures of all the family together, I'm glad I got this video of all of us singing to Leo.  

My handsome 15 year old! 

On Sunday, Tracy and Maya made the long drive down and brought this beautiful cake for the birthday boy.  

Awww.  Leo and Auntie Tracy.  

Gotta get a selfie! 

The result

Gotta have a little Seal Beach Pier time before heading to the airport.  

It was an amazing, exhausting, whirlwind trip.  I'm very glad we went and got to spend time with family.  It was also a fun way to celebrate Leo's birthday. 

Annual backpacking trip

Leo and Tom headed out for the annual backpacking trip.  Tom has been doing this trip since before I met him.  But just last year was the first time they brought their sons along.  This year, Rich's younger son had a foot injury and didn't join them.  So it was just four of them.  

Here's Leo, Rich, Jacob and Tom as they head out on the trail.  

Here's the stunning location in Yosemite where they stayed. 

Leo in a scenic spot. 

Leo, Rich and Jacob.  

 I'm so glad they get to do this together.  Leo had to miss a day of school, but it's worth it for the time to unplug, enjoy nature and connect with their friends.