Tahoe!

A couple of weeks ago we made a trip out to San Francisco and Lake Tahoe to spend the week with friends that Matt grew up with in New York state. We had an amazing time seeing California for the first time (for all three of us really).

With our friends Eric and Melka by San Francisco Bay near their apartment in Alameda

The first glimpse of Lake Tahoe from the car window.

We got to stay at an amazing house that had a beautiful unobstructed view of the lake. It was luxurious!

Sunset from the deck.

Jason making sure that Satchel doesn't fall down the stairs.

The nicest kitchen that I have ever used.

Lake Tahoe.

Emerald Bay.

We hiked down to a neat old cottage that is on Emerald Bay and had lunch.

Melka sitting on the beach at Emerald Bay.

Jesse and Matt spot something in the distance. Definitely not a posed shot.

The sand near the shore is full of mica so it shines golden in the water.

Satchel hanging out on the beach with Megan, Melka, and Eric.

A stream we crossed on our way up to Eagle Lake.

Megan, Melka, Eric, and Matt hiking up to Eagle Lake.

Melka, Eric, Matt, and Jesse.

Another view of Lake Tahoe in the distance.

We saw so many beautiful old redwoods!

Yet another amazing view of Lake Tahoe. We must have 20 pictures like this.

Eagle Lake, a pristine mountain lake you can only get to by hiking. We were some of only about 10 people there.

With so much hiking, Satchel was exhausted.

View of Lake Tahoe from our deck!

On the beach at Lake Tahoe.

Frisbee!

Back in San Francisco we made a stop at the Golden Gate Bridge.

Alcatraz

Hiking around the old fort near the bridge.

Satchel chewing on Matt's sweatshirt string.

The Marin Headlands.

Eric and Melka.

Lombard St. in San Francisco.

Birthday week in PA!

At last here they are, the photos from Satchel's week of birthday celebrations! After a visit to Grandpa Mike and Ted's house in Rochester (see the last post), we spent the rest of the week at Grammie's house and camping at Uncle Matt's farm. Grandma Ann and Grandpa Doug joined us and we all had a great time in the hills and mountains of beautiful Western PA.

Wild flowers near Grammie's house

By the flooding created by the beavers that live next to Grammie's house

We walked up to Big Valley, the splace where Matt's Grandpa grew up and Great grandparent's lived. Here are the photos of what's left of the house.

Here is the scar in the tree where Matt backed his uncle's car into it at a young age (elementary school) while attempting to get it unstuck on a mountain road while his uncles' pushed. The idea was hatched by his uncles who had gotten the car stuck on the muddy road up to his Uncle Matt's hunting camp. Many of you may have heard what is now quite an epic story. If not, ask Matt. He'll be more than happy to retell it.

Uncle Matt showing us his saw mill where he saws the tree trunk from the trees that he cuts down at his farm.

Satchel fell asleep on the walk to the saw mill as she frequently does in the backpack.

Satchel in her pool at the campsite on Uncle Matt's farm. You may notice that the pool is full of leaves and rocks which Satchel insisted on putting into the pool. Instead of a dip in the pool making her cleaner, it actually made her much dirtier.

Uncle Matt trimming the horses hooves.

Uncle Matt with Daisy and Dinah and Radar (the beagle)

Hanging out at the camp site.

Uncle Matt by the fire.

Petting the horses.

Satchel and I on the porch of the farm house.

Kayaking on the Allegheny River (Satchel stayed back at the camp with Grammie)

Hanging out in Grandma and Grandpa's trailer.

Opening presents round one by the fire.

Swinging up at Uncle Matt's hunting camp.

A little playful hijinks on the swing set. Satchel looks a bit concerned.

Opening presents round two.

Singing happy birthday.

First taste of birthday cake.

Satchel decided that cake is something good and now says Mmmmm! urgently whenever she sees some.