Labor Day weekend at Lake Tahoe

No matter how many times we are presented the opportunity to escape to the picturesque Lake Tahoe and drink in the scene of pristine blue waters with it's surrounding forest of pine trees and majestic mountains, it never disappoints. It never gets old. Breath-taking beauty every time. Lake Tahoe is one of those places to visit that really must be on everyone's bucket list.

The school bell rang it's closing ring on Thursday afternoon and the five of us headed out to "The Lake House"...courtesy of Brad and Robin Granath. :) I have been there a number of times, Andy as well, but it's been 2 years since we've been there as a family and the boys were ecstatic that we were heading back there again! 

we had to go through "Carson's city" first! :)

 We spent a lot of time at the beach just across the road from the house--playing in the sand, flipping through magazines, snacking, talking, just spending quality time together as a family!

Beautiful!

love this photo of CJ! Just wish it wasn't blurry...

lovin' the sand!

Daddy and Mason

"look at that boat! It's humungous!"

Austin loved climbing on the rocks....

...and did the retrieving of toys before they floated away.

on the beach with my mini-man!

Simply beautiful!

Loves! :)

 We spent a portion of one of our days enjoying Emerald Bay--the mile hike down to Vikingsholm "castle", a little picnic lunch, more playing on the shore, and even the drive to and from the bay was in and of itself spectacular and just as captivating as the last time we drove on highway 50. Austin kept saying "it smells sooooo good...it smells like fall." Gotta love the explosion of pine trees encompassing you from all sides!

peering over the edge

My handsome men!

Emerald Bay!

The boys looking up as they heard the "siren" of one of the boats

Carson :)

Mmmmmmmmm.....love him ;)

Mason peering in one of the castle windows

 I captured these pics. of Carson taking a break on our hike back up the mountainside from the bay.

daddy and Austin

"little Lizzie" ;)

mama and sons

Austin thought this was pretty awesome

Mason--Carson--Austin :)

Whenever a trek to Lake Tahoe is involved, it's almost uncanny how such a place can make one get lost in thought, becoming enveloped in one's own "bubble" nearly forgetting that there's existence beyond the lakeside. Granted, that's a bit harder to do with little feet and hands needing attention, but there were moments of peacefulness and with worship music playing throughout the house, it brought upon some quiet times that were rich and full. 
The boys also enjoyed exploring in and around the house...and there was a particular owl that initially brought about some serious fear, but not long after, the tears were turned from fear to gut-wrenching laughter!

Our last full day was spent with church in the morning and another afternoon at the beach and hiking the trails leading to Zephyr Cove....complete with fireworks to end our evening and four-day-family-fun-filled weekend! :)

Mama and Austin

Daddy and Austin

Carson playing in the sand

on the rocks with Mason

Mason taking a break ;)

Chillin' on the beach!!

hiding out ;)

oh. my. pinecone!

waiting for fireworks!

Gotta have glow-sitcks! :)

Good food....good laughter....fun adventures....more memories...chalk it up to yet another awesome weekend, basking in God's glorious creation with my 4 blessings!
THANK YOU Brad and Robin for allowing us to stay in your beautiful home for a family getaway!!