Happy Anniversary-Moon!

Cue Monica from "Friends." You know, Monica and Chandler's, like, 3 month anniversary was this massive ordeal, and she almost ruined it with her cheesy one-liners?! Ha.

Let's face it, I'd like to say traveling is one of my favorite hobbies-because that is the cool, popular, well-rounded thing to say, right? Unfortunately, It's just not. I am just as content staying in Austin than doing anything else. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE exploring and discovering new countries and cultures, but the act of traveling just doesn't do it for me. It totally stresses me out. So, when we do travel, I prefer to get somewhere as quickly as possible and soak it all in with zero packed schedules or agendas and just enjoy it! And that's exactly what Stuart and I did.

Recently, Stuart and I went on a combination anniversary/babymoon to Lake Tahoe, California. Our heart is in the mountains. When we traveled to Vancouver, British Columbia for our honeymoon, we had to make a trip up to Whistler. Preston's first destination on a plane was to Vail, Colorado, we ventured to Taos, New Mexico a few years ago on Spring Break- we'd simply choose the mountains over the beach any day. Not like we're getting a tan anyway! So, to Tahoe we went. I'm not going to lie, as our first trip together without Preston, I had mixed emotions. I knew once we arrived and got settled, I would love it, but it took a good two days for me to get over missing the little guy so much. He was in the best hands with his Grandy Ann and Mimi, though, and I know for a fact he wasn't missing us! (HUGE thank you to the grandparents-I know it was a long 6 days!) In the end, it was just what the doctor ordered. Stuart and I were definitely in need of an adult trip and some time to simply enjoy each others company.

When deciding on our trip destination, we had originally toyed with the idea of Napa Valley, Chicago, New York-other places we hadn't been together. But who were we kidding, all we'd want to do in those places is eat and drink! Ya, not happening at six months pregnant :( Maybe next time! Instead, we chose the Resort at Squaw Valley in Lake Tahoe, California-perfect choice.

We spent five glorious days in the 70 degree weather-oh right, and our agenda was packed-with eating! That's about all we did: eat 3 scrumptious meals each day, plus snacks of course. Now that's how a pregnant lady wants to travel.

Day 1: Travelling Day. We chose not to get up at the crack of dawn so that we could make sure we had an entire day in Tahoe City to explore. This was perfect for the anxious traveler that I am. Instead, we had a reasonable flight time out of Austin, and we arrived in Tahoe around 4. That gave us plenty of time to get settled into our suite, explore the resort, and have a nice dinner at the Pub downstairs.

View of Squaw Valley from our suite

First order of business-fire going and feet up

Back of our resort as the sun was setting

Day 2: We started off the day with breakfast at Rosie's recommended by the employees at our hotel. It was delicious! Nothing like a hole in the wall only the locals could tell you about. After a brief tour around Tahoe City, we took the rental car to the market and picked up with cheese, crackers, chocolates and drinks. Then we headed to Commons Beach and literally sat on our towels, ate our lunch, and watched the other beach-goers attempt to kayak gracefully without falling in the frigid water. The best part about this particular beach was the view-an expansive mountain-lined lake, the nearby yacht club, and the aspen-covered park.

I definitely had the best view at breakfast

24 weeks pregnant

Taking a stroll by the water

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Lounging by the water, not in it-Brrrr

Gorgeous pink and purple sunset

Day 3: Today we took the gondola up to the top of Squaw Peak and got to truly enjoy our surroundings. Squaw Valley was the host to the 1960 Winter Olympics, which of course they have woven into their legacy.  You'll see in the pictures.

 

 

Don't judge-we had a big day ahead! ;-)

Made it to the top!

Home of the 1960 Winter Olympics

Check out Lake Tahoe in the distance.

24 weeks

Day 4: Spa day! Of course I looked forward to this the entire trip. Stuart treated me to a prenatal massage at the resort, and I loved every minute of it. It was the first time I think I actually could have fallen asleep during a massage-it was that good! Then we decided to take advantage of the beautiful day and take a road trip to Emerald Bay-an area near south Lake Tahoe. The water was absolutely gorgeous. It was almost aqua in color and truly resembled the Caribbean. People and cars lined the highway to camp, go to the beach, hike, cycle, and of course capture the photo ops.

Overlooking Emerald Bay

View up into the mountains

It was windy up there!

Stuart had a "spa day" of his own and went on a hike through the valley while I took a nap!

Day 5: Travelling Day. By now, I was relaxed, rejuvenated, and SO ready to see my boy. Austin could not be close enough.

The President paid a little visit to the Tahoe/Reno International Airport.

Exhale. We made it home. To anyone with little ones considering an adult trip-do it! I don't care if you have to bribe the grandparents or aunt and uncle, it was so worth it. After a little "toddler-sickness," we were able to relax and enjoy each other, something that seems to slip away from us in the day-to-day grind. Now....to get ready for a family of FOUR!