Labor day weekend, our anniversary and first time to Tahoe with kids. We were engaged at Angora Lakes and we a trip up there was a must that weekend. We missed the turnoff after Fallen Leaf Lake, but eventually found it. My first and #1 recommendation: "Go early". Get directions, don't miss the fire road to the parking lot, bring dollars for parking, pack lunch, lots of sunscreen, wear grubbies. The hike from the parking lot to the lakes was gorgeous (of course it's Sept.) we stopped along the way to enjoy the lower lake, the beauty of the trees, water and quiet. Once at the lake, we rented a boat (our 1 1/2 yr. old wasn't liking it at all) and once around the little lake, then our daughter had a chance to row solo. Love the little store/lunch place....the lemonade is the best, order a pitcher. They do take credit cards, but make sure to bring cash, just in case.
This will be an annual trip of ours, but not on labor day weekend....lots and lots of people, as to be expected on a holiday weekend.

Summertime is here again and always looking for a yogurt place to hit the spot.
Found this store last summer and we're back again.
This store is eco-friendly with 100% biodegradable cups and spoons. You also get a discount if you bring in your own cup. Ask for a card to get stamps everytime you purchase and on Tues. it's double-stamp day. I'm a 'simpleton' with yogurt and am all about the toppings then the actual yogurt...just like my kids. There are usually 6 choices daily (always vanilla and chocolate) on the list. The same with other yogurt shops, put whatever you want in the cup and you pay by the ounce. Fresh fruit, all the fun colorful sprinkles, chocolate, etc. Indoor and outdoor (w/shade) seating. Lots of parking.

Stayed on a thurs. night before our camping weekend. Suites were spacious, clean, separate door to shower/toilet. Sink and beds close and then sliding doors to extra rom with add'l t.v., fridge, microwave, fold-out couch. We always need a suite with our youngest. We checked in late, 3rd floor which wasn't great, but we were just hoping with a 1st floor room since we had the kids and all of our luggage. Made in time to get our Happy Hour drinks (which we needed from the long drive) and settled in. Complimentary breakfast was excellent! Something for us and the kids, large lobby and their gift shop stayed open late thank goodness and bought the much needed milk. Parking was well lit on the side of the hotel where we parked and entered.

on our way up to Burney Falls, we stayed overnight in Redding and on a friday morning, we decided to adventure to Turtle Bay Exploration Park. My husband had fished near the Sundial Bridge and when I had seen pictures of it in the past, I wanted to go there and experience it. The park had an amazing butterfly exhibit which was our favorite. Seeing the wild birds at the bird show was also a wonderful memory. We didn't trek to the botanical gardens, but the walk on the Sundial Bridge was incredible. Our 4yr. and 1 yr. old were walking, exploring, enjoying the view of the river below us and playing on the grass on the other side of the bridge. The cafe didn't have any kid-friendly food for our kids which was a little disappointing. We caught the 11:30 fish feeding which was very popular and they have a teepee indoors. An excellent gift shop with science toys, eco-friendly toys and eco-friendly outdoor gear for the kids as well as shirts, art, jewelry and beautiful glass bowls. A great visit for a few hours before we went back on the road to camp.

May 2010 San Diego trip family of four with our 4 yr. and 1 yr. old. I called the hotel directly to get a rate quote. Received the 'manager's special' (love it!) and was better than I expected and much less than any online hotel quote. I knew to request a marina view, but we did get a 2nd story room the first night. The Suite was excellent, but the 2nd story not so much. The front desk secured room 118, bottom floor, grassy area in front where they have wedding ceremonies and we moved the following day. We ventured to the beach across the street, enjoyed watching the boats and airplanes. They have two pools. The pool in front of the Casa Del Mar building seemed more kid-friendly and we went there. The other pool next to the restaurant had music (which was nice), but we didn't see any kids there. We had breakfast at the hotel one morning...they were out of croissants :(. Enjoyed the meal, kid-friendly atmosphere. Hotel is older, but enjoyed the price for the type of room we had. Suite, full kitchen, fridge, dishes, pans, utensils, sitting room with two big doors that you can close off to the bedroom, Huge bathroom and bottom floors have nice patios with chairs. Other rooms also have grass patios and always request a marina view. The other views are the parking lot. Would definitely stay here again. However, our next trip to San Diego, we are renting a house and staying for a week. One last thing as far as proximity to other areas. Very close to Rosecrans Ave. which is the main street in Point Loma. Great mexican restaurants and little joints. Our friends recommended 'Corvette Diner', but the wait was 2 hours, so didn't make it.