Leaving Cali...

We ended up in Sacramento because Lake Tahoe was just completely booked and we didn't want to rock the whole sleep in the car thing. I know. We're weenies. Anyway, Sacramento was pretty much a ghost town. Mr. I-do-not-spend-money-on-my-wife-ever even let us stay in a nicer hotel than normal! Woot! We spent most of the day by the pool soaking in the warm, warm sunshine.

That evening we headed to the riverwalk area to see the fireworks. We wished we were out on one of those boats, though. How cool!

SacTown's riverwalk

We were a bit early for the fireworks so we got excellent seats and then tried to entertain ourselves with people-watching (let me tell you, there was not a shortage of interesting folks around us) and attempting to get a decent photo of the two of us. That part was a fail.

Jackson's "smile"

We ended up being able to see two fireworks displays from where we sat which was pretty cool. (Full disclosure: fireworks aren't really my thing. They're Jackson's favorite. Each year I struggle with sitting still through them and paying full attention. This year was no different. The two displays? Ugh. My lack of attention span was further challenged. Jackson loved it.)

Just for you, Kort :)

The next morning it was time to head back to Reno to catch our flights. We wanted to have a good breakfast so we didn't have to eat airport food all day so I picked a place from TripAdvisor called "Awful Annie's" in Auburn, CA near where we whitewater rafted. You guys, THIS WAS THE BEST BREAKFAST I HAVE EVER EATEN. EVER. EVER. EVER. I've been alive for 30+ years and nothing else even compares.

BREAKFAST NACHOS

Guys, they made BREAKFAST NACHOS! I was a skeptic. I was. I was wrong. Dead wrong. Breakfast nachos are the best thing I've ever experienced while dining.

THE BEST FOOD I HAVE EVER EATEN IN MY LIFE.

I am not kidding in the least when I say that even three weeks or so later (you don't know that by the posting date of this entry though....oh the power of blog scheduling!) I'm still thinking about those nachos. Annie, I'll be back.

From what I recall our flights home were fairly uneventful and we had all day Sunday to recover from our looooong vacation. We had an awesome time and I can certainly safely place California in my top 5 favorite states since we've covered most of it now between about 10 trips!

Someone was happy to have us home! 

The very best part of coming home is seeing this little puppy girl!

Though she did enjoy lounging at Grammy's

Reunited and it feels so good!