Tahoe fun...part two (finally!)

Shortly after returning from Tahoe we headed to Michigan for two weeks.  And then school started.  So, I'm just now going through the rest of our Tahoe pictures. Corey joined us for the last half of our time up at the lake and we had such a great time as a family of four exploring our favorite basin!  It's awesome taking the kids on hikes we did long before they were born!

We started the week attempting to hike a small section of the Tahoe Rim Trail.  But just as we headed up the mountain, a big thunderstorm approached.  We opted to stay where we were and watch the storm roll in rather than hike up any further just to run down in the rain.  Corey and Natalie (who watch a LOT of Man vs. Wild on Netflix) decided the only appropriate way to pass the time was to build a shelter.  And build a shelter they did.  It was awesome.  But we didn't hang around long enough to test it out.  We headed to the car as the first rain drops fell and it's a good thing we did because it rained for 12 straight hours.

 Oh, and our resident reptile charmer, Natalie Ann, caught a blue bellied lizard on our hike.  

And kissed it. 

We also spent a day at Emerald Bay.  The girls both did great hiking down and back up.  Natalie even hiked up to Eagle Falls in between.  They're little mountain goats, these two.  Such a beautiful place.

On the way home from Emerald Bay we stopped at Taylor Creek Visitor Center.  It had been years since I'd been there and I'm not sure I'd ever been during the summer.  We'd always gone in the fall to see the salmon.  Well, it was so beautiful and the girls had a blast.

 Audrey had to "read" every sign she came across.  And there were a LOT of signs.  

It totally drives Natalie nuts when Audrey pretends to read.

 The stream profile chamber was as cool as ever.  

And on the last day of our trip we spent a fantastic day at Sand Harbor.  I've never seen it so crowded and it was a Thursday.  At first we were touching towels with the rest of the beach goers but, while on a walk, Corey and Natalie found a secluded spot underneath some trees that ended up being the perfect peaceful place to play and picnic all day.  We were right in the middle of the action and yet felt miles away.

Totally great trip.  Can't wait to go again!