Family Fun: Ava's Trip To Lake Tahoe

While everyone in our house has been craving a vacation, Ava and Dad snuck out to Lake Tahoe for a quick ski trip with Grandma and Grandpa F. about two weeks ago. They would have taken Ella as well, but the minimum age for ski school is four. The following is a picture from the north side of the lake. Ava played on the rocks, and we are all thankful that she did not fall into the water.

Ava went to ski school at Heavenly (California side) for two days. Due to the lack of snow and the small number of families on the mountain, Ava had a one-on-one lesson each day. We were excited about the personal attention, but Ava was a nervous wreck. She did not like being left with a stranger, especially by herself! Despite her fear, Ava learned the basics. She can now do the wedge and turn in one direction. We do not have any pictures of Ava skiing, because Ava was taken to a ski area strictly for ski school.

Ava was transported from the lodge to the kids' ski area by a trolley on skis, which was pulled by an oversized snowmobile.

Dad also was able to get in some skiing with Grandpa F. and his friend, Ted, at Heavenly and North Star. In the background you can see the lake and the lack of snow. All the snow was manmade, which was unbelievable because one year before the resorts had approximately fourteen feet of real snow.

On one of the non-ski days, Ava and Dad took the gondola at Heavenly (Nevada side) up to the observation and ski area to look around. This is a picture from the observation deck.

Ava came up with a creative way to look out over the lake on the observation deck, which then prompted her to tell stories about the lake and the surroundings. Dad's favorite story was when Ava claimed she could see her house in Missouri.

Unlike the trip to Steamboat in 2011, there was no bear encounter on this trip. This was the closest Ava came to a bear in Lake Tahoe. This picture was taken at the base of the gondola at Heavenly (Nevada side).

While Ava enjoyed skiing, I think she enjoyed the "adventures" the best. Ava, Dad, Grandma and Grandpa F. spent one day driving around the lake, stopping at the scenic sites and hiking. At the first stop, Ava was very excited that she found a pine cone. She did not realize it at the time, but this was a tiny pine cone compared to the thousands she would find throughout the day.

After Dad told Ava she could climb on the rocks, Ava climbed on everything. She was so proud of herself after climbing to the top of each "mountain."

This is a picture of Ava at the bottom of Eagle Falls, which is located in Emerald Bay in south Lake Tahoe. Ava hiked approximately a mile and a half while holding Dad's hand in some steep and challenging terrain.

The next couple of pictures were taken at the south end of the lake at one of the lookout points.

Here is Ava and Grandma F.

Ava encouraged Grandma and Grandpa F. to participate in her adventures. In the background is the only island in Lake Tahoe. It is hard to tell from the picture, but at the top of the island is a small building, which was Ms. Knight's tea room for her guest. Ms. Knight was a wealthy woman who had this tea room built in 1928-1929.

Dan took so many pictures of Ava, here are some of our favorites.

After Ava demonstrated her skills of maneuvering over the trees, Dad and Ava decided to play a game to determine who could find the biggest tree.

This was Ava's tree. Ava, Grandma and Grandpa F. could barely hold hands while reaching around the tree.

This was Dan's tree. We will call it a tie.

After Ava was done, Dad and Grandpa F. hiked up to Eagle Lake, which is also located in south Lake Tahoe.

This is a picture of the partially frozen waterfall that Dad and Grandpa F. found while cutting their own trail down to Ms. Knight's house.

While Ms. Knight's house was closed for the winter, Dad and Grandpa F. were still able to walk around the house. The house was amazing, especially for the late 20's!