Lake Tahoe

This was such a fun vacation! We were so worried because the forecast for snow was not looking good for our snowboarding hopes. We landed in Reno and drove up to Lake Tahoe. The whole drive up was nothing but bare ground. However, it was still so unbelievably gorgeous.

 

When we got to Heavenly, nothing was covered in snow. You could barely see where it was covering the tips of the mountain tops. Apparently this was the worst season they have had in quite awhile. But we were determined to make the most of it. And we did! Chad's mom came out to spend some time with us and to babysit Gavin while we were on the slopes. 

Gavin and his NeeNee

Our first day, Chad and I strapped on our gear and headed to the slopes. Unfortunately it was so windy and the slopes barely had any snow on them. We were going to risk it when this local girl told us to go to NorthStar. It was about a 45 minute drive but the conditions were way better and they had almost all of their slopes open. So we decided to make the drive. We were not disappointed in the least. The drive over there was spectacular. The lake was beyond beautiful. I had to stop telling Chad to pull over or we would never get to the slopes.

You can see the snow covered slopes popping out of the bare mountains

So cold!!!

Lake Tahoe on the drive to NorthStar

Once we finally got to NorthStar, there were snow covered slopes waiting on us. And there was barely anyone there which made for an even better day of snowboarding. Chad and I had a BLAST! We spent the whole day boarding. Chad even went all the way to the top and boarded all the way down. (I am not such a thrill-seeker when it comes to snowboarding.) 

I wore myself out!

We loved NorthStar so much that we took Gavin and Sue back the next day. We just rode the gondola up to the top of the mountain and introduced Gavin to some real snow. He LOVED it. I was a little concerned about how he would take to the snowsuit but I think he was grateful for it. It was pretty cold up on the top of the mountains and the wind was whipping every once in a while. He didn't even make a fuss when I put his hat on. He has started yanking them off his head every time I put one on him. I thought he looked absolutely adorable in his little snow outfit and my assumptions were confirmed by the numerous comments he got the entire day.

Getting ready to head up the mountain

His very first gondola ride

What is this stuff???

The snow was so bright- he squinted the whole time

At the lodge on the top of the mountain

He was fascinated by the snow.

Cutest little snow bear

 

Watching people ice skate

Getting warmed up at Starbucks

That evening we headed out to the Hard Rock Cafe for dinner. We stopped at some shops along the way and it started snowing. I mean really snowing. Everyone in the entire place was going nuts. They have been waiting so long for it to snow and they were finally getting it. By the time we left on Saturday, you could see the mountains from Reno and they were all completely white. We left some very happy locals. The Nevada state line was next to where we stayed. Heavenly is in California and right where the Nevada state line was marked, there were casinos everywhere. You could just walk across to the next state to gamble. It seemed so funny to me.

Gavin and Daddy at the Hard Rock Cafe

Heading over to the Nevada side

Chad and his Mom.

We had to take Sue back to the airport in Reno on Friday. We started heading that way and were met by a huge sign saying the road we were taking was closed due to a wildfire that was raging through the area. We had to take a long winding road through the mountains to get to Reno. It was a beautiful ride but it put a huge dent in our time line in getting Sue to the airport on time. We seriously barely made it. But she squeeked through and made it to her plane on time. The three of us spent the day touring Reno. I felt a bit odd walking through the casinos with a stroller but Gavin loved it. All the flashing lights and noises were a sensory overload for him. 

I know this was highly illegal and absolutely in pour taste, but I had to get a picture of him at the slots!

He thought this was the greatest thing ever. Our jacuzzi tub in the hotel room.

Our little fish loved the indoor pool.

The next day was an ongoing adventure that never stopped. And I don't mean that in a good way. We were loaded down with all kinds of luggage and equipment. Chad's snowboarding gear, Gavin's stroller, a car seat and three suitcases full of our belongings. Thank goodness you get to dump most of your stuff off at the ticketing window. I don't know how we got from the car to the terminal. We made it to Denver without any problems but that is were the fun ended. Our flight to OKC was delayed. Twice. We spent the majority of our day in the Denver airport. Thank the Lord for the USO office. They had a big play area to entertain Gavin which helped me and Chad out tremendously. Our plane finally came in and we were able to make it home by midnight. Ugh! Gavin was beyond tired by the time we strapped him into the car seat and headed home.

Southwest Airlines gave Gavin a certificate for his first flight. Even though it was really his 8th!

Having a blast in the USO

A day spent traveling makes for a tired little boy.

So we are home safe and sound once again. Gavin did so good on all of his flights. Even the extremely late one. He hardly made a fuss. I think he enjoys the adventure of it all. We can mark two more states off of Gavin's list. This makes for eight states he has visited in his short life. I am determined to get him a suitcase with stickers of all of his travels. Now we are dealing with the joys of getting him back into his normal routine. I can tell you, coming back from the Pacific time zone is without a doubt the worst situation to bounce back from. But it was all worth it. I will definitely look back on this vacation with fond memories and I can't wait to remind Gavin about his first time in the snow.