A Splash of Baileys: California Dreamin!

Sorry in advance for another obnoxiously long post...

My amazing Grandpa Les turned 80 two weekends ago! Wouldn't miss it for the world, so Nate and I ventured out to CA. We flew into Sacramento and drove to Lake Tahoe to stay with Grandpa at his place there. It was so great to have some one-on-one time with him, just the three of us, for any amount of time let alone for three days.

When we first got there Grandpa said we had to go to Gar Woods, a popular restaurant on the water. Most importantly, it had these great drinks called "Wet Woody" ... easy now, it's referring to the classic woody boats. But yes, the menus played with the name. Anyway, they were about to serve the 1 millionth wet woody and whoever ordered it would win a trip to Puerto Rico. Sign us up! So in we went, ordered and learned that we were a half hour later than the winner. RATS! But still, it was a fun place to go and had great views of the lake.

Grandpa continued to take us around the lake, showing us his favorite spots and took in all the views. We stopped at Cal Neva, a run down, former resort of Frank Sinatra and one that Marilyn Monroe would frequent. It was very sad to see a place with such history so run down :(

We then went to Hyatt's bar on a dock, forget the name, but it was a really fun spot. You walked all the way out to the dock and a full bar was set up and we made it just in time for the sunset.

The next day with the help of a family friend who also has a place there, we took Grandpa's boat out on the lake to explore. Never have I seen a lake that was as crystal clear and in places just as turquoise as the Caribbean waters. Simply breathtaking!

Grandpa's the best captain!

Our last day there, I ventured out for what would be my last 10 mile run before the half marathon. I miss that run. Sure is a lot easier to run forever when you have the views that surround Lake Tahoe!

We then made the drive together to Ukiah, CA where my mother's side of the family is from. We stayed at my Uncle Dave's ranch which was a ton of fun. His place was really great and the perfect spot to throw Grandpa Les his 80th birthday party!

Saturday was his party and it was fun that Mom, Camren, and Casey were able to make it out too. Let's just say it was one fun party that went pretty late :)

Dance floor set and ready, bar getting prepped

Cam & Casey with Grandpa

Casey, Mom and I with Grandpa

Ubber cheese

Uncle Les giving his speech

Grandpa's two closest friend Bob and Clay sharing some hilarious memories from their past

Taking the somewhat of a roast like a champ :)

Then he got to share a bit of his side of the stories!

Turning 80 never looked so good!

Family pic on the dancefloor!

The next day, regrettably tired, the bros, Mom, Nate and I piled in the car.
Me in between these two = great fun!

We make the trek out to the coast to visit Grandpa Sissy, my mom's mom. She recently underwent surgery for her second round of breast cancer. We happily found her doing really well and it was fun to hike around some of the redwoods.

Almost peeing my pants after watching Casey jump out from behind a tree and scaring
Nate and Cam worse than I've ever seen.

The coast was much different than Tahoe and Ukiah - much cooler and became very foggy.

Funny foreshadowing for Mom - street corner of Ukiah and Lansing!

Before dinner, Mom said let's go hike down to the water. Sure, sounded great to me until we got there and learned we would make our way down and back up via a rope. Yup, a rope. Down a steep cliff. With just a rope. Old rope at that. Mom went first, brothers went next, all called me a chicken and my competitive side kicked in. Nate, not so much. He was content staying at the top hanging out with Grandpa Bob.

Grandma was worried Cam would get too cold, so she gave him her bright purple coat.
He embraced it :)