Easter

We had a fabulous Easter around here! Aaron and I were asked by Brad and Laurence Turner (our friends that we met while stationed in England and are here at Travis too) to be their RCIA sponsors. For those of you not Catholic, it is the process individuals go through to receive the Catholic sacraments as adults. Aaron did this prior to us getting married too. It was an honor to join them on this journey! They received the sacraments at the Easter Vigil service (my favorite service of the entire year). Fortunately, Brittany came up to watch Elsa as the service usually is 2.5-3 hours long.

The next day, we woke up. I had to do my long run (I will be so glad when the half marathon is done!) and then we let Elsa explore her Easter basket and we colored eggs. I should have read the directions when I bought the dye at the store, because I think the key is vinegar for vibrant colored eggs. Water did less than a stellar job, but Elsa had fun.

We went to the golf club for brunch and then had fun frolicking in the lawn. Elsa was all decked out in her Easter dress and converse sneakers.

Then, we were honored to again stand next to the Turners as they renewed their wedding vows as new Catholics! What a great end to a fabulous weekend!

California North Coast

Last weekend, we took a last minute trip to the coast north of Bodega Bay. We had a three day weekend and I was supposed to be on call...but, one of my fabulous co-workers offerred to take call for me, so when we woke up Friday morning, we decided to do a mini-getaway. While Aaron went out for a run, I found a really quaint B&B ( in which we will never stay again with a small child!!) and started to load up the car. Aaron plotted the driving route through scenic wine country to the coast. I should have known that the route was going to be interesting when a man commented "make sure no one in your car is prone to car sickness". The road was one of the curviest, narrowest roads I have ever seen--Even in England! Thankfully not many cars (idiots) drove that way as the width of the road in most areas was only for one car. Yes, it was very scenic, but I think I would rather take more traveled routes :)

The hotel was very quaint and was right on the coast. I had to keep an extra watchful eye on Elsa since it was a steep drop off from the hotel to the actual water.

After we explored the area around our hotel, Aaron played golf at this course nestled within the redwoods. Elsa and I were going to ride along, but lets just say it was WAY past naptime. We dined in a local cafe and I drove her around while she slept in the car and Aaron played golf.

I have never seen so much snow in my entire life

We went up to Tahoe last weekend when Aaron's mom was in town. I have never seen so much snow in my entire life. Squaw Valley had received over 670 inches of snow so far this season and they received over 167 inches the week we were there! Poor Peggy, she leaves Minnesota hoping for some California sunshine and we drag her up to a winter wonderland. We ended up driving up a night early as the weather forcast ensured road closures. Aaron went skiing for part of the day at Heavenly in South Lake Tahoe. This is a picture Aaron took, you can faintly see Lake Tahoe.

Then, Peggy watched Elsa for us one day so Aaron and I could hit the slopes. I gave up after 4 runs and will NEVER ski in a winter storm again! Most of the mountain (including the summitt)was closed with only 4 lifts open. We had to wait over 20 minutes to get on and then it was white out conditions on top. Not my kind of skiing!

At this point the winds were so crazy, I was practically skiing sideways. This is when I gave up.

Aaron went out the next day skiing when the weather was perfect. Peggy, Elsa, and I walked around Squaw Village and had fun shopping and enjoying coffee.

We stayed at this great Ski-in/Ski-out condo at the base of the hill. Thank goodness we were on the second floor because the snow came up to our window! This is out the living room window.

And, this is the roof line next to us!

Here are some other fun photos of how deep the snow is. I am glad we don't have a house up there....I can't imagine how difficult it would be to shovel/plow all the snow!

Overall, it was a fantastic trip! But, I think Peggy was thankful for a little California sunshine before she left!