Sand, sunshine, sunscreen; it’s time to pack up the bags and go on a road trip!   Lake Tahoe was the destination this past weekend. We threw in our swim gear with a few pairs of clothes (and four grocery bags of snacks) and we were off to enjoy the summer.

As we approached Lake Tahoe we came across beautiful hills covered by green foliage. Glistening deep blue bodies of water peaked out at us from between the mountains.   Surrounded by this natural beauty I felt myself relaxing and eased into summer mode.

Lake Tahoe itself was massive. We couldn’t see the other side which gave the illusion that we were in a very calm ocean. Large expanses of beach stretched out on both sides which eventually gave way to forests in the distance.   We pitched our umbrella, plunged into the water, built sandcastles, played frisbee, went on a boat and did pretty much everything you should do outdoors in the summer. Zain played nonstop with his cousins while Adil, the younger one, took a more chilled out approach; snoozing lazily in the summer sun.

We made our way back to the house late afternoon where we celebrated Adil’s first birthday with an appropriately beach themed party. Thick rich slices of homemade chocolate cake were the perfect remedy for the tanned and famished kids (and adults!).

The next day we made our way back to Berkeley.   Though it was just a few days, it was the perfect dose of fun and relaxation to break up the summer.