Tahoe- San Fran- Yosemite 2021!

One of the many great things I've learned about traveling with my siblings is that so much of the hassles overwhelming parts of holiday planning are spread out between us. For example, for an eight night vacation, Jon and I only needed to research and secure one two-night hotel. We (Jon) assigned ourselves Tahoe. As we planned this big end-of-summer road trip, we all chatted as a group back and forth about things we'd like to see and places we'd like to include if it is possible. Everyone was open to cutting something out if it didn't fit, and I must say, open to adding something that wasn't necessarily a must-do. (But would prove to be one of the highlights for our family- you'll hear about that!) 

First things first: It had been at least six months since my hair had any attention, so I squeezed myself in to see Dev the day before we left. Of course, Paisley texted trying to find me, so I sent her this:

I sure love Salon Deveraux days!

I printed out a packing list and itinerary for all the kids. This saves me from answering the same questions 4x over and over. I cleaned the house, packed myself, got caught up on laundry and made arrangements for Sookie. We were all so excited to head out of town at 12:00 on Friday, August 6th! The drive to Elko went fine, which was a relief because while our van continues to fire right up, it's oooooold. I know others would cringe to drive our van, I can't help but feel so grateful for how trusty it has been over the years. It was a treat to have Sophie with us and we learned about her wacky roommates while she passed around snacks from cleaning out her pantry before moving out. 

Jon dropped us at the Gouldings while he and Brent ran to pick up our rental before closing. It was so fun to be at the cozy Goulding house as each family arrived! Whooot! Sadie has that placed oozing with fab in every corner! Seriously. Most recently done is hear laundry room- but I hadn't seen her powder room yet either! It reminds me of a movie house: colorful, cozy layers. If I watched that movie, I would be pausing every scene!

We were all having so much fun chatting, my kids were finally asking if there was a dinner plan. Before I could suggest anything, Sadie jumped up and made an enormous spaghetti dinner with garlic bread and salad. Isn't that just like the movies?

Between the Goulding's, Geertsen's, Taylor's and Taylor's, there were somehow plenty of places to sleep and plenty of blankets. It made me realize I could never host such a sleepover even just for simply my lack of blankets. We all wanted to hit the road first thing!

That morning we did our best to pack the rental car. All the rental had available was a Pathfinder, which was not as roomy as our van. We had to leave the cooler and everyone was so very nice to help us disperse kids bags. Good grief, I knew that would happen. Why can't you rent a specific car, and be guaranteed that specific car??? After a not very pretty, smoky drive, we rolled into Carson City soon enough. We were all texting about hungry passengers and Ashley suggested a nearby place called, "Jehova Is My Pastor" boasting fresh mexican food. How could we not? It was quick & fresh, low cost, and very delicious! 

Look at these sweet little boys faces!

We commented that we were driving towards the smoky skies~ there are so many fires in CA! We found Carson City's capitol building. It was so pretty with enormous trees, we had to stop and walk around. We commented how no matter how hot the day is, sprawling on cool grass under a shade tree is always comfortable.

We checked into the hotel Jon was able to secure. Because it was a combination of old + rundown + short staff it made this place only memorable because it was a bit unbelievable. Some of us had to move rooms because of a clogged sink, or a door wouldn't lock all the way. We immediately requested more towels than just the two folded in the bathroom, but Jon would eventually seek these on his own the next night, opening random doors and finding the supply closet. He marveled that in all his exploring and poking around there was no one to be seen. Pretty sure the only two ladies we see behind the desk in passing in the morning go home in the evening after running the whole show- reservations, maid service, no doubt all of it. 

We all met up at the smoky shores of beautiful Lake Tahoe! I was reading how Frank Sinatra had a home here along with the whole rat pack. Shafer reminded me it is also where the Corleone's lived, if you are familiar with that. I don't know why exactly, but I felt like I was a bit back in time in this town. I could just picture it hopping back in the day. Don't these pictures have a retro vibe? 

Jon started building this little rock formation thing in the sand, then I sat with the babies and we all added to it. Olly was especially impressed with my idea for a tire swing.

It was a truly gorgeous evening even with the smoke. As the sun began to set everything just glowed. We found a beautiful path that lead to a little beach area. We came to a neat little lagoon area below and noticed a man and woman down by the water taking selfies on a rock. Then we heard rummaging to our left and saw what was surely the man's backpack on a bench where a very aggressive chipmunk was pulling out a brown lunch sack and shredding it to pieces. It's cheeks were full with its findings. Shafer began imitating the man down below: "Just wait, darling. When we hike back up, I have prepared for the finest cheeses and artisan bread. It has taken me the entire day to locate this spread..." We really couldn't believe the aggressive destruction and total disregard for us being nearby. We wanted to witness the reaction, but soon lost interest in waiting and moved on.

Because, this light!

Shafer has always been excellent at karate poses.

Jon, not so much.

What a fun first night in Tahoe! We all grabbed various dinners and headed back.

The next day we were up bright and early. Off to Emerald Bay!

What a gorgeous place! We all were driving around trying to find a parking spot, and eventually each found a place to nestle in on the side road. The Goulding's decided to press on to another spot. Cash, the Shafer's and us started the hike down to Emerald Bay. We loved reading about and walking around the gorgeous Vikingsholm Mansion that Mrs. Knight built and lived until her death. We then rented kayaks to get out and explore more areas. We found a fun little cove to bank on and stretch out. We kept watching and waiting for Zeke and Paisley to come into view, but out of worry Jon and I hopped back into a kayak and found them soon enough. They were concentrating so hard on how to row they lost where Cade had gone. Most of the kids went out and explored Fannett Island and what is left of the stone Tea House sitting at the top. I imagined how lovely to live down there and take your tea each day on that little island as Mrs. Knight had done. She included that as her daily exercise. 

We all returned our kayaks, and after Cade encouraging others to jump off the dock, we started the trek back up. 

I felt bad for Zeke when I realized he wasn't hiking behind me anymore. Turns out he left his Hydroflask and had to turn around and do it all again. 

We had all worked up an appetite and met at a really fantastic and just as expensive BBQ joint. We found outdoor tables. The waiters all looked like they were a part of a hard-core biker gang. It was great. 

Things were closing but we were able to duck into a shop or two. Violet found a denim jacket she loved at a thrift store. She was inspired by Paisley's embroidered one she worked on at the family campout. The one she found was a bit dirty and she decided to think about it, only to decide she had to have it the next morning. The store was still closed as we were heading out and she was sad to pass it by. "Don't worry", I said."The perfect jacket will come to you soon enough." I should write fortune cookies.

The next morning we got packed up- here's a glimpse of the boys room:

On the way out we all made mad darts across the street to apparently the best donut shop ever. When I ducked in there was quite the line, and I knew my group was leaving. Flustered, I grabbed a bunch of maple bars, my family's favorite. When I started to pass them out in the car Jon reminded me it was the Bear Claws they were known for. Oh, yeah. Oops. Nonetheless, it was a dang good maple bar. The Shafer's were the only ones that didn't grab any, I figured because they didn't offer gluten-free. I wrapped one up for Shafer. We decided we needed to be real discreet, and found an opportunity after we'd stopped for lunch at Chipotle. I sent Eli over to his van with instructions to be very subtle. Eli came back and said, "No one noticed what I was doing." Shafer said it was not in his hand more than three seconds when kids were buzzing around him. "What do you have there, Dad?"

Lots of fun shopping around Tahoe with the best group! We all found plenty of tourist T's and sweatshirts.

I was so excited to head to San Francisco! I was so excited for my kids to experience how neat this city is. I've been several times with friends and have such fun memories exploring this place. Jon and I chuckled how this was my #1destination on this trip, if we were to put things in order of interest, while it fell last on his. 

It was so fun to drive in over the Golden Gate Bridge. It was such a beautiful day.

I was almost just as impressed with these matching houses lining the street on the other side. They are so cute! We had to drive up around them to see more of the neighborhood. Can you imagine your daily view if you lived there?

We absolutely loved driving around this city. Such steep hills! We laughed about what it was like to develop. "We are just going to pave a street right up that super steep hill, OK?" Driving up the backside of Lombard Street we were all practically in a lying back position in the car. I realized in that moment we definitely made the right decision to rent a car . The van isn't that kind of trusty. We drove down Lombard twice! The second time the kids all scattered out of the car to walk it.

We loved just driving down any road and looking at the charming buildings and imagine living in the stacked apartments. We all agreed there is no city like San Fran! 

Soon enough we checked into our hotel. It was so fab- and not just because of the last place we stayed. It was right in the city, very fancy and had great views. (I'm sure any view is great in those hills!) The kids noticed how clean everything was. The Shafer's and us went in on a third room at each stay in all the destinations so we could put our big boys all together. It was nice to have the extra space. We told our boys how impressed and grateful we were that they were always up and on time each morning, ready to go. And with big, handsome smiles.

We all took off exploring immediately. Adren and Eli were most anxious to go thrifting in the city. They found a store right around the corner so I told them to go ahead and we'll all catch up. Everyone wanted to check it out, so we all headed out!

Eli found several pairs of pants, Cade found a real sweet pair of pink Nikes, and wouldn't you know, Vi found the perfect denim jacket!

We all had read the Trolley's weren't running due to COVID, but Shafer learned they were starting back up just that week! And they were FREEEEEEEEEEE!!!

How fun for my kids to get to experience a Trolley ride! I was beyond thrilled.

We took it down to Ghirardelli Square. I had to get some delicious chocolates to nibble! We loved moving on down the wharf. We'd duck in to random trinket stores. I think our group was spread out a mile! 

We met up with the Goulding's for dinner at Applebee's. Meh. I feel like we ate there at Times Square in NYC as well. Like, what the heck. I'm not sure where everyone else dined. 

Soon enough we were able to catch a Trolly back up the hills to our hotel. What a fun, gorgeous summer night, just hanging off a Trolley in San Fran with all my babies.

It was fun to see all the lit up apartments as we walked the streets that night. 

I was so impressed with our group the next morning, everyone up bright eyed and excited for the days adventures in this amazing city! Everyone but Brent who was having some major stomach pains. It pained us to leave him, especially on his Birthday! We headed out with the Shafer's. Shafer and I said to each other how it was so awesome the Trolley stopped right outside our hotel. And FREEEEEEEEEEEEE!

We still had quite a ways to walk to get to the ferry to take us out to Alcatraz. We wondered if the Goulding's and Cash would make it. Brent ended up driving them to the ferry so he could go back and rest in the room. Tooooo bad!

So many Piers to pass!

This was worth the quick stop. A trailer made out of skateboards!

The boys recognized this park from skaters on Instagram. I guess it's kind of famous. Shafer started climbing it immediately.

We made the ferry!

Boy oh boy, Alcatraz did not disappoint. What a fascinating place. It was really neat to tour through it. Shafer had read up on so much information so we all huddled around him to learn all about it. He's great at retaining information!

Everyone was riveted here. Everyone but poor Ollie. To him it was sooooo boring.

We enjoyed walking around Fisherman's Wharf, looking in all the shops. We were all ready for lunch- especially some clam and lobster chowda! We found a place to sit outside and enjoy the sunshine and share some lunch. We spent a lot of time browsing, walking up the piano stairs~ and those seals! We watched those sunning for the longest time. There is something real peaceful about them. They know how to relax. Ashely and I joked- "What else are you going to do with a body shape like that?"

Back on the Trolley to get to the other side of town!

These kids...

I really love how you can take in so many details while riding the Trolley. Charming buildings and odd winding steps to get up to different apartments, long alleyways that some people have added plants and made a sitting area- and the gorgeous flowers and magnolia trees lining every corner make it all so lovely!

Soon enough it was time to catch the Trolley to head to Oracle Park for the Giants game! This was something Jon and I told each other we could take or leave, we wouldn't necessarily make time for this while in the city. Our kids weren't especially endeared to go, either. We decided to stick with our group and experience a professional baseball game, why not? Also- it's Brent's Birthday! And he was able to join us. We rode half way and walked the last part. We loved the completely different vibe in this part of the city! 

It was amazing! It was so exciting to be up in the stands, we cheered, we sang, we danced, we stuffed our faces with cotton candy, hot dogs and nacho's. Ashley and Cade had even submitted a welcome to us all on the reader board! See it? Whahoo!

After the game the only way out is, of course through the gift shop. With the crowd so pumped on a high from the win, items were flying off the shelves. Adren was seriously considering buying a $200 jersey until we knocked the magic from his head. Ha! And we didn't think we were interested in going...

Us mom's and kids started slowly walking through the city while the dad's grabbed an uber to our cars at the hotel and picked us up. We had some sleepy kids!

The next morning most of us hit the outdoor hotel pool up on the roof. When I arrived to the pool I realized I didn't have my hotel key. After pounding on the glass doors and windows and no one noticing, I decided to go back up to my room, only to realize on my own now that the elevator won't work without a key. I waited for someone to ride up with, but am now locked out of my room. I could hear the shower running and had to wait for it to turn off so I could knock and have Paisley let me in. Sheesh. I did end up going back down and dipping for a little so I wouldn't be so annoyed I missed out!

We all fell so madly in love with San Francisco, it was difficult to drive away! We just had to visit a few locations before we leave our hearts:

I ran into a grocery store with the kids to grab a picnic lunch. We sat at the "Full House" park across from the Painted Ladies and had a delicious meal. It was such beautiful weather and we marveled at the gorgeous view of the city. We spotted a free library across the street, so Adren had to participate to have a lil' something to remember. 

There is a famous skate park under a freeway in San Francisco the boys said they just had to skate before leaving. We found it pretty easily, and it was indeed impressive! The city has made it safer and more skate-friendly by gating it in and adding more concrete. Adren and Eli said they felt pretty dorky with their mom there taking pictures and shouting encouragement... until they saw my awesome pictures. He-he. 

We all love Mrs. Doubtfire- I love it most for this house!

Good-bye San Fran, we sure love you!

We all were visiting various areas but aligned our exit pretty timely to caravan on to Muir Woods! It is only about 30 minutes outside of San Francisco. Jon had made reservations for us all.

It was gorgeous, and fun to see Jonny in his element, so happy, stopping to take pictures every two steps. We walked the loop which felt nice, as we had a car ride on to Yosemite ahead of us.

But first, the Oakland Temple! My goodness, those grounds are gorgeous.

And I sure LOVE these people!

We all hit the road on to.... Yosemite! It was a long drive in the darkness. I think we got our dinner to go on the road so we could keep going. We arrived so late, so tired to find Sadie and Ashley trying to cool down our blazing hot rooms, bless their hearts. It was a HOT night! By now the big boys know the drill: grab your bags from the other vans, and find your room with the Taylor boys. Once we opened our window and with the A/C blazing, our room got cool enough to fall asleep. 

Soon enough, we were all on our way the next morning to visit this amazing park.

El Capitan!

Half Dome!

The famous rock I forbade anyone to go near...

Yosemite is a sight to behold! Such beauty everywhere. We marveled at the time it has taken to form. We all drove in a caravan, and as we wound through the hills of beautiful Yosemite, I thought about how grateful I am for my two little brothers. I am so grateful for this opportunity to travel with them and their kids and to watch them be dads. They are some of the best guys I know, and they've married the best gals! I am grateful for their influence on my family. Family is just the best!

We found a refreshing little lake to stop for a picnic and a dunk on the way out of the park.

For some reason Cade and Jon went to work on building this Lovers Arch, they called it. One post kept tipping, Shafer was on it. It was stabilized in no time. 

Then we all had to take pictures with it.

Then Cade mentioned to everyone to pass us on the way out that he couldn't believe we had found it, you can't miss it- it's right there in the water!

Our final stop on this epic family vacation was the tiniest little town in Nevada. We all stopped to refuel, bathroom breaks and a treat. For some reason we were here for quite a while! I suppose we didn't want it to come to an end. We chatted with the attendant for a while, he told us how he knows every single person in the town, and they all lived up that one street. There was one tiny church we had to check out. Some of our group was also curious about this little shack across the street, and went over to investigate. 

Jon got everyone in a competition on tapping the top of the pole with your foot.

LT and I chuckled as we watched our group one by one venture over, peek around, then open the door to screams. Then the lights would go off, as everyone waited for the next person to venture over.

We rolled in late to Elko, everyone set up beds quickly and fell fast asleep. In the morning we all got on the road. We returned our rental car and talked about how great it is to have such a fun family. I am so grateful that we were able to see so many wonderful places together, and now have such fun memories. This was a great Summer of 2021!