Lake Tahoe: Day Two

Yesterday we decided to go driving. This is the third summer in a row that Flint and I have been here and we still have yet to go to the north shore. Squaw Valley, which hosted the Winter Olympics back in the 70's, is on the north side of the lake. We hopped in the car for what we thought would be a pretty quick Sunday drive. However, it took much longer than we anticipated. Luckily, we were in no hurry. We saw some of the most beautiful views of the lake and the mountains that we have ever seen. There was a lookout area so we decided to stop for a photo op! Our pictures do not do the view justice. How can people not believe in God?!?!

We eventually made it to the north side of the lake and still are wondering what people do up there?!?! It did have a different feel-more quaint, not so touristy, and a little more upscale (if that is possible). However, we have unanimously decided that we will continue to keep coming to South Lake Tahoe. On the way back, our path brought us to Sunnyside, a fabulous little restaurant right on the lake. My fish tacos were superb! It was THE place to be. It had really good food and great outside atmosphere... for any of you wondering. We finally made it back to our house. We spent the late afternoon resting and playing the video games at our house before we headed out to our 8:30 dinner reservation. (yes, all of those video games are in the house that we are renting!)

For dinner, we went to one of my favorite places- Cafe Fiore. It is one of the best restaurants I have ever been to! We first visited Cafe Fiore last year. It was recommended to me by some locals. This adorable little restaurant only has 13 tables in the entire place and reservations can be hard to come by. SO if you ever head this way, plan accordingly...it is well worth it! The food is out of this world and the atmosphere is some of the best! We dined outside and enjoyed the weather. As if our day had not been good enough, it was topped off with the infamous white chocolate ice cream served with fresh strawberries...TO DIE FOR! It really was the perfect day!

Lake Tahoe

Flint and I headed out to Lake Tahoe on Friday. Tahoe is one of Flint's favorite places on earth. The food and entertainment are both fantastic, the views are unmatchable, and the weather is fabulous! What's not to love. It truely is one of the most beautiful places I have ever been. Last summer we came out with three other couples. This year is is just me, Flint, and Flint's best friend, Peter. So far, so good! We have had a wonderful, relaxing time...a MUCH NEEDED VACATION!!! Here are a few pictures from our first days here. One is from In and Out Burger...I have hated that place until this point in my life and I can honestly still say that I do not know what all the hype is about. These west coasters need to try Wataburger (not the one in Arkansas, either- the chain). They would not know what hit them!!!

Saturday morning we headed to the celebrity golf tournament, which was here in South Lake Tahoe. We saw Michael Jordan, Charles Barkley, Ray Romano, Jerry Rice, Emmitt Smith, John Elway, Ladainian Thomlinson, Tony Romo, Brandi Chastain, Carson Palmer, Drew Brees and many more! It was very fun to see all of those famous people in person. Many of these people have autographed jerseys hanging in our house!

Just as I have been blogging my Katie Bug has weaseled her way up under the desk and has fallen asleep. You know that is cute!!! I am so thankful for my sweet puppy dogs! They are so loyal and so loving.

Chris and Katie

Our friends, Chris and Katie, have entered into new phase of their lives and we are so very happy for them. They are going to be fantastic parents to little Paige. I have composed some of the many pictures of our travels with them and of our times together into a slide show. I enjoyed looking through these and remembering all of the wonderful times we have had. I know things have changed drastically this past week, but I hope that soon we will be back to spending much time with these guys and traveling to fun places with them as well.

We celebrated my birthday a little early this year. Actually, I hope the celebration is not over with, we just started earlier than normal. My mom and dad came up to Fayetteville Friday and stayed the night since Flint and I will be in Tahoe next week on my actual birthday.

My mom and dad are always so grateful to help Flint and I with big projects. Usually things they would rather not do...I am sure of that! Flint and I had the experience of power washing and sealing our deck. We probably picked the hottest days so far this year to work on this project but YAY! it is done!!! After a hard day of work, we went to Doe's to eat and then we took mom and dad to the Allen's to meet sweet baby Paige. Today I showed some homes to a couple and then mom and I went to get a pedicure while Flint and dad finished sealing the deck! I am so thankful for my sweet husband and dad! Unfortunately, I did not get any pictures, but believe me when I say our deck looks awesome!

We had a wonderful weekend. Thanks mom and dad for making the haul up here to see us! We love you guys so much and appreciate you more than you will ever know!

Wedding Bells

A couple of weeks ago my friend Erika and I gave a wedding shower for Kate, who leads cell group with us. Kate just graduated from the U of A is getting married on August 4th to Will. They will be moving to College Station, Texas. Kate, I am so happy for you but sad at the same time. We will really miss you.

Here are some pictures of the shower and of our precious 12th grade cell group girls! Oh yes...and Arden...Erika's darling little girl!

Much needed Getaway!

For the 4th of July we decided to get away from everything at home and go to the White River with our friends, Todd and Heather Richardson. Todd's family has an amazing house right on the river. They bought it about a year ago and they have completely remodeled it! It is so beautiful. This is definitely my way of camping!
There was very little cell phone service which was kind of annoying and wonderful all at the same time! We had a very relaxing trip and did a whole lot of sleeping late! We ate at Gaton's, which in my opinion was very overpriced for the quality of food and for the atmosphere. But the view was wonderful.
I think the most memorable event from the trip was pulling the three drunk guys from the freezing cold water. Their boat had flipped and we found them holding on to a tree branch for dear life. I do not know if their lives would have ended that day or not. But they credited Flint and Todd for saving their lives! Then they went on their merry little way and vowed to quit drinking so much and never to get back on the White River again! I now call Flint my hero!!!

Paige Tyler Allen

Paige Tyler Allen arrived Monday night at about 10 o'clock. For those of you wondering....Paige is not mine and Flint's baby...she is the new addition to the Allen family. Katie and Chris are some of our best friends! We are so excited for them!!! Congrats guys!

I finally got to meet sweet Paige last night because we were away for the 4th of July when she arrived. She is beautiful! And I must add that I think she really loves her "Aunt Rebekah and Uncle Flint"!