TUBING IN TAHOE

At the end of January, we were able to take some youth from church up to Tahoe for a day of snow tubing and sledding! We ended up at Soda Springs in Truckee, and it was a beautiful day! The sun was shining, it wasn't too cold, and the hills were empty! After a few hours of riding the hill down, we took a break for lunch, and then headed back out in the late afternoon for a few final races. The youth had a wonderful time, and as a leader, I was enjoying it as much as them! We raced down, and up, trying to beat the magic carpet, and chose the fastest lanes for our final runs down. It was such a wonderful way to spend a Saturday, and I was definitely sore the next day, after spending hours lugging my tube up the hill! Derek & I will be coming here for a day of fun in the near future!

SACRAMENTO KINGS GAME

For Christmas, I like to gift Derek something fun he can do, rather than just something that will most likely sit around collecting dust. Since he has a really demanding job, his free time is really limited. In that free time, he is often logging patients, studying for boards, working on case presentations, reading journals, the list goes on and on. So, in order for him to ENJOY gifts, I tend to gift "experiences". This year, since living in a city with a professional basketball team, I gifted him Kings tickets. Not only was he excited to see the Kings play, but they were playing The Golden State Warriors! Derek is a HUGE fan of Steph Curry, and being able to see him and  Seth Curry & Raejon Rondo play against him was an even bigger treat. (Side Note: Derek LOVES college basketball. It is his favorite time of the year!) We had a great time cheering for the Kings, as we are loyal fans to our city. Although they lost, it was a great game with a constant back and forth. We had such a fun time, and I think more basketball games will be in our future!

THANKSGIVING & MACY'S THEATER OF LIGHTS

 This year for Thanksgiving, we stayed local and cooked dinner ourselves! We have done this in the past, but I have usually opted for cooking a turkey breast, as a full turkey somewhat intimidated me. This year, I decided to bite the bullet, and boy was it worth it! Besides waking up to an overnight leak in my brining bag, and a big mess in the fridge, the meal and day went off without any hiccups. After tasting my deliciously brined and cooked turkey, I vowed to ALWAYS do it this way! We enjoyed a lovely dinner and time with just the two of us! We ventured out later for Old Sacramento's Macy's Theater of Lights, which is a show held on the balconies of historic buildings in old town. We were entertained with historical facts, a reading of "T'was the Night Before Christmas", a light show, holiday music, and snow! It was really fun and a great way to get us in the holiday spirit!

APPLE HILL

 Scattered through El Dorado County, outside of Placerville, is a smattering of apple orchards known as Apple Hill. Derek and I ventured East early on Saturday morning, and enjoyed the beautiful drive through the hills, arriving at High Hill Ranch before the crowds. We were first in line for hot apple fritters and cider, both the best we have ever tasted. We strolled the ranch, and shops, before heading to our second destination, Rainbow Orchards, for famously known apple cider donuts. After venturing to the different orchards, we stopped in Placerville, and walked the historic downtown. It was absolutely picture perfect. I kept telling Derek I felt like I was back in Rexburg or a real life Stars Hallow (Gilmore Girls). With sarsaparilla and root beer in hand, it was the perfect way to spend our afternoon. Apple Hill may be one of my new favorite places in the area. It's pretty easy to win me over with donuts, cider, and beautiful scenery.