4th of July - Days of Fun

July 5th we hiked up to Angora Lake.  We understood that the lake was right next to the parking lot . . . so we loaded up all the kids and their gear, coolers, picnic baskets, 5-gallon water jugs, kayaks, a  canoe and all of our swimming gear . . . and we hiked and hiked and hiked.  In reality it is a mere one mile (is that all???) hike up hill all the way, but beautiful, I might add.  It I must confess the guys took the heavy loads . . .  It is a beautiful lake and we so enjoyed the day.

Cori, Brittany and Ethan ~ contemplating the jump

Cliff jumping ~ it was about 70 feet high. As we all watched from shore, with our breath held and hearts thumping, I was asked where my children got their bravado . . . definitely from their father, I am pure chicken at heart!

Brittany leads the way and takes the first leap with Ethan and  Cory watching

Ethan goes next ~ yes, those are boats down in the water . . .

And Cori take a running leap

Ethan and Cory playing the farm game

We so enjoyed our week at Lake Tahoe ~ the rest of the week we played lots of games, hiked, swam in the pools, sun-tanned, and the guys treated all of us ladies to a massage ~ pure Heaven!

We decided to try out some of the resort activities ~ Brittany, Megan, Ethan, Sandy and Ashton playing Bingo

Lunch at Fire and Ice ~ delicious!

Ethan and Brittany visiting at Fire and Ice

Hunter, Grant, Cori, Jesse, Sydni, Grace, Jacob, Cory,Brittany, Sandy at  Rainbow Trail

Ray and Sydni at Rainbow Trail

Just waiting . . . Grace, Sandy, Ethan, Megan, Cory and Brittany

4th of July in Tahoe - celebrating Independence

"The best things in life are not free but priceless." ~ Benjamin Lichtenberg



Jacob, Sandy and Grace playing 'Red Light, Green Light'

July 3rd we went to an Independence Day breakfast celebration in Gardnerville.  Jesse's father was the guest speaker and I was impressed with his positive outlook towards our nation and the gratitude expressed for the great freedoms we enjoy.  He reminded us that Heavenly Father blessed us with these priceless freedoms that we have and that He is ultimately in charge.   

Jacob at the top of Burnside Falls

 After the breakfast, we hiked up to Burnside Falls with Jesse's family.

Brittany, Hunter and Ashton ~ playing Pooh Sticks at Burnside Creek

Grant, Cori, Gracie and Jesse

Ethan ~ cooling off

Cory, Hunter, Brittany, Ray, Sandy, Ashton, Megan, Ethan, Cori, Jacob, Grant, Grace, Jesse, Sydni

Hunter, Cory, Ashton and Brittany

 

Picnic at Hertiage Park

 Sunday, July 4th we attended church and the choir sang a lovely Patriotic medley. After church we went to Hertiage Park to hear Sarah play in the Carson Valley Pops Orchestra.  They played beloved Patriiotic favorites as well as some fun music from the American West.

Grace, Thea, Sydni and Grant enjoying their Patriotic Popsicles

Jesse, Marla and Jeff

 Later that evening, we went down to Lake Tahoe and procured at spot on the beach in prepration for the fireworks, which were spectacular!

Gracie, Ethan, Megan, Brittany, Hunter, Cory picnic on the beach