ahhhh, vacation!

although a bit delayed, we made it to tahoe and it was absolutely WONDERFUL!!! a true vacation! instead of leaving sunday afternoon, i had a family thing to deal with and didn't finish 'til almost 6pm...and we decided to not attempt to drive in the dark (and forecasted snow) and wait until monday 4am to head out, which we did. we got to our "resort hotel" in good time (no chains needed!), and i asked if any rooms were available for a free upgrade. and guess what!? they moved us from a king size bedroom, to a king size deluxe suite, with kitchen, hot tub, electric fireplace, and separate living room/king size bedroom! it was AMAZING and soooo homey!! and the price was the same--$35/night tax included!! if you are interested, it's called "3 peaks resort and beach club", and i booked it through travelocity, but i doubt they have the deal anymore. i was very very pleased. Furthermore, it's only a 5 min walk to heavenly gondola, so we simply put on our gear and walked on over to heavenly village! $20 all-day tickets was such a steal--it's usually $64! the conditions were near perfect--no rain or snow at all, powdery/groomed runs (a bit too powdery and bumpy on some runs), not crowded at all, and enough runs open to for me to ride, ride, ride!!! even better, radu miraculously improves over the 9 month snowboarding-break we had, and is able to keep up with me the entire time!!! no waiting!! =) it was soooo wonderful i could hardly believe it was all real, and for $50/person or so for the entire trip, it was just too great. after a fun but tiring day of boarding, we headed back to our lodge and soaked in the hot tub, then ate at "Fire and Ice" at the village, and back to our room for non-stop "Lost" episodes (we are addicted and just finished all 3 seasons in a week or so). sooo cozy with fireplace too! the next day it was raining and we were a bit sore...so just headed to lake (2 blocks away) and then to heavenly village to shop, before heading home (still no chains needed, whew!). so sad to leave...it was short but very very very sweet! can't wait to go again!! =D