Labor Day Weekend

The past couple years we have headed up to Tahoe for Labor Day. We go over to Reno one of the days and stuff our faces at the Rib Cook-off. This year was no exception.



Friday:

We headed out early in hopes of not hitting any traffic! We did really well until we got into the mountains. All of a sudden we stopped, and were stopped for 25 minutes. Turns out they had to close the rode because of an accident. We got to the house, my Dad, Shu-Jen and Larry were already there (drove up Thursday night). We started Russ's birthday celebrations early, dad took us to Conrads at the Biltimore for a nice steak dinner. After dinner we sat at the bar and played video poker and got free drinks. We stumbled out of the bar around 9:30 headed back to the house and started to pay Wii. We were all in bed by 11:30.

Saturday:

We headed to Reno for the Rib Cook-off! Tons of yummy food, beer, margaritas and rides for the kids. Falynn & Frankie met us in Reno with the kids. This year we got lucky, it wasn't as hot as it has been in the past! We also scored a table in the shade! After pigging out on ribs we walked around and let Lexi go on the rides. It started to get hot around 2 so we headed back to the house where we hung out, played Wii, and went in the hot tub.

Sunday:

I will leave for another post.

Grasshopper in the house

The other night I went to open the backdoor to grab something from outside and in jumps a grasshopper. I call Domino over so she can play with it. She was having fun, but would get frustrated because it didn't move enough for her. Here are a few pictures...

All done, and mad because I put the grasshopper back outside.

September? umm what?

It feels weird writing September. Where did the year go?? Seriously, I have no idea, it feels like yesterday it was March.

In 3 weeks we will be in Disneyland! Then its my birthday, Thanksgiving, Christmas (in Wisconsin). Wow the rest of the year is going to go by fast too!!

I'm just amazed the year has gone by so fast! Okay back to your normal blogging. I'm off to post about Labor Day weekend!

New Couch!

I want a new couch!! I really want a sectional, but with the way our living room is I don't think it would fit.

This is my obsession of the day

http://www.potterybarn.com/products/p4007/index.cfm?pkey=cupholstered%2Dsectionals

Congrats Alex & Jessica!

Alex & Jessica got married in Modesto on Friday, August 15th. It was a record high in Modesto that day, 105!! The ceremony and reception were beautiful with the exception of being outside and it being so dang hot! We all made the best of it, and the place had fans going to help keep everyone cool. Here are a few pictures...

Busy week!

Its been a busy couple of weeks! Russ's family started coming into town on August 2nd for Alex & Jessica's wedding. Last week was very busy, a ton of family dinners, the rehearsal, wedding, a BBQ, and then just hanging out. We have had people at our house every night for the last two weeks. I cant wait for the last of the family to leave so I can clean my house and it will actually stay clean for more than a couple hours. I love family being in town but I cant stand my messy house!

The best part of all is I got a new "sister"! One who I love and is so glad she is part of the family!

I was hoping Russ and I would have some downtime to relax and be lazy but we are going to have to wait for that. The next two weekends we have a ton going on, including going to Reno for the rib cook-off! I cant wait!!

Anthony Chabot Camping

This weekend we went camping with my Mom and Step-dad (Jeff). They picked us up Friday afternoon in their RV and we headed out. Going camping with them is much easier since they have everything, so all we need to bring is our tent! After setting up camp we started to get dinner ready. My mom also brought a bottle of champagne to celebrate our anniversary. Friday night dinner was wings, shrimp, bread with oil and vinegar and some veggies. After dinner we hung around the fire, made S'mores then headed into the RV to some of the opening ceremony of the Olympics.

(being artistic)

(Group Shot)

Saturday morning we woke up and headed out on our hike! We did the same hike that we did last year (for the most part). Last year Russ and I were exhausted trying to get back up the hill, this year we did much better! It was a clear day so we got an awesome view of the Bay!! After our hike we lounged around till dinner. We had Tri-Tip, potatoes and onions, salad, tomatoes, corn on the Cob and last but not least WINE. We were all stuffed!!

(At the start of the hike)

(We were all the way up there!)

(Steep hill back up)

(View of the lake, back at the top)

(Playing Smash Ball)

(View of Castro Valley)

(Group Shot)