Emerald Bay

Hey all, just in case you were wondering what types of things make my day - little purple tennis shoes jumped to the top of the list this week.




We have been busy getting ready for (another!) move. Luckily, we are just headed across town to a different house since our landlord decided to sell our current house. So we have been BUSY, but Paul always takes time to play!



Yesterday we hiked down to Emerald Bay at Lake Tahoe with our new friends the Millwards. The views were amazing on mile hike down to the water.





Marsha and I are true moms, packin' around kid gear and snacks... although I won't say I didn't enjoy my fair share of Teddy Grahams. They seriously might be my new favorite food.



Some day I WILL get a picture of Ellie and I where she is not trying to squirm away!





Right beside the beach front there are some beautiful flowers surrounding a "castle" that was built by some woman of royalty... who visited Lake Tahoe... details are pretty fuzzy, but that's what Marsha said. I should probably get the facts straight before writing about it but I'm too lazy on this Sunday afternoon. Anyways, it is pretty.
Emerald Bay is on the opposite side of the lake from where I last took Ellie. There were many unique little things to keep my attention all morning. Like the castle...



...this little Blue Jay (correct me if I'm wrong, I'm no ornithologist [yes, I looked that word up but am still to lazy to research the castle story])...



...and a riverboat tour that circled the Bay twice while we were there. It looks like fun!







Can you ever go wrong with some Teddy Grahams and a Yoohoo? I say no. I love this picture (below) of Ellie putting out the vibe!





We had such beautiful weather in NV this weekend; a stark contrast to our friends and family on the east coast. It's good to know the worst has passed, you are all in our prayers. Love you all!

Lake Day

As many of you know, I have been completely obsessed with watermelon this summer. At least 4 times in the past 4 months I've bought and eaten (with a little help from Ellie) an entire watermelon in <48 hrs. Paul can't really eat it because it makes his mouth itchy... but he knew just what to do for my 30th birthday cake this year. YUM!





I'm sure you all got the invitations I sent out for my wisdom-teeth-trauma pity party. I'm just glad it's mostly done! I have to go back one more time and have a crown glued on but I believe my dental fiasco is nearing a close.




This past weekend Paul and I had separate (but equally fun) Saturdays. He took off to golf 18 holes with some guys from our ward. Ellie and I met some friends and their kids at Lake Tahoe to play at the beach. I hadn't been to the actual beach yet, and it was breath-takingly beautiful the way the mountains and giant pine trees came all the way to the edge of the sand. The water was crystal clear, but a little on the chilly side!








I was a little worried the whole day would be an Ellie chasing game, which usually happens in open spaces. But remarkably (and much to my relief) Ellie was totally content playing in the sand ALL day! She even spent a good amount of time playing with Cole, which is amazing for those of you who know Ellie. All-in-all our day was a total blast - it's my goal to get back at least twice before it turns too cold!