We arrived to Auburn for our Warshower family (Eric, Tehyla, Nicholas, and Michael), visit over a week ago.  Which hasn’t left much time for writing in the blog!  We have known Eric and Tehyla for over a decade.  Tehyla and i met while pregnant and living in Puerto Rico, they now have 2 boys ages 12 and 9.  They moved away from PR about 5 years before we did, but we have stayed in touch, and enjoyed many visits to each others homes over the years.  It’s special to watch the kids grow, change, and enjoy their time together each year. We also had the pleasure of meeting and spending time with Tehyla’s mother who is visiting from Cuba. Such a sweetheart!

As soon as we arrived to Auburn (biking/running capitol of the US!) we were on a serious bike hunt for Savannah and I.  The Walmart, mongoose bikes were just not cutting it for the type of riding and distances we have been logging.  I ended up scoring a used Specialized-Fate/expert, full carbon frame/wheels, super lightweight, hard tail-29’r, mountain bike.  It was the barely used, previous bike of the bike shop owner’s wife, who also happens to be a pro rider.  We also found a killer bike for Savannah.  Then of course Jim said we needed a proper bike rack to go on the back of the jeep. Needless to say we have been doing a LOT of biking!

We spent a better part of the week days catching up on school, tests, and laundry, (their kids are also home schooled) all the while driveway crashing their spacious, yet cozy home that is nestled in the foothills of the Tahoe forest and packed with trails and stunning views.  Tehyla and her Mom cooked gourmet lunch and dinners while in Auburn. We enjoyed the open aired, beautifully decorated table, on the back porch with mountain and river views for many delicious meals!  (You’ll learn with Tehyla to just let her have her way in the concina, because she will “take over” regardless of your skills to cook!) 😉

Thursday afternoon we wrapped up school and bike purchases and loaded up for some Squaw Valley action!, In years past i would fly out with Savannah during winter and we would snowboard our hearts out. However, this time we enjoyed the Autumn side of Squaw Valley and ran, hiked, and biked our hearts out!  We also got to sleep in a king bed and use of a giant shower!  If you need a great place to stay in Squaw Valley, please let me know as they have two beautiful condos in the village that they rent out. Gorgeous views and ski in ski out…

We ate out ALL meals while in Squaw for the weekend (this is almost feeling like real vacation now!) and enjoyed family bike rides along the trails and rivers, Lake Tahoe lunches, hiking, mountain biking, Starbucks dates, and even arts and crafts at a village hippie store, where i was promptly handed a job application!(must have been the tye die yoga pants…);)

The dogs also had a party!  Lots of leash free running, hiking, and ball chasing for them as well.  We headed back to Auburn since it’s on the way to Yosemite.  Catching up on school/work before hitting the road again and also taking advantage of the Ford dealership close by to get the RV serviced.  We’ve already driven 5500 miles, pretty sure she’s ready for new oil and filters!

As amazing as this family adventure has been we are all getting a little home sick and missing our P’cola friends very much. I’m pretty sure the RV has shrunk as well! 😉 Officially working our way home tomorrow with some fun stops on the way! Cheers!