Lake Tahoe Snow Trip

Last month we went to Lake Tahoe for our annual snow retreat. The cabin was much nicer than the one at Twain Harte, complete with pool table, xbox and wifi. The best thing about it was the big hill directly behind it so we didn't have to travel anywhere. Cost was only $10 more per family versus Twain Harte, but the drive was definitely longer (200 miles vs. 120 miles).

The last time I went to Lake Tahoe was to go mountain biking in the early 90s. The last time I went to Lake Tahoe to play in the snow was with YTF in the early 80s. I guess after hearing countless horror stories of being stuck on the road 9 hours, or rolling your minivan down an embankment, or the recent death at China Peak... made me want to completely avoid any adult "fun" snow activities. I am alive today not because I moved out of Oakland, but because I resisted skiing and snowboarding.

I'm amazed at those of you who frequently risk your lives on the road and on the slopes just to catch some fresh powder. You blatantly post your reckless pics on Facebook not thinking about your worrisome family at home. You even trick yourself to believe that installing chains is just a minor inconvenience. I pray for your safety and I pray for your family as you spit into the face of death.

Below are some photos that chronicle the weekend activities:

First day, not much snow. But the big storm was just around the corner.

Growing up in Oakland, I've experienced hail, heard gunshots, and seen dead bodies, but I've never witnessed falling snow. It was neat at first, but it quickly became not so neat. Instead of getting the kids back to the house, I made them pose in the storm as I tried to capture the moment.

The next morning I dared the kids to go out barefoot (Note to self: never dare them anything.) I told them they could go out only if they didn't tell their parents it was my idea.

Here's a sugar-free, fat-free, natural and healthy treat – icicles. I used a broom to knock them off the roof. They loved it!

Trying to gather all the kids to come pose for picture is like trying to gather a scattering bag of marbles that broke on the floor.

We ain't going nowhere! Seriously, my battery was dead.

The safer alternative: sledding in the fresh powder after the storm. No helmet required.

He can now tell his friends how he sledded head-first into a tree and survived.

Sure, you can play in the middle of the street. Just don't tell mom.

After a long exhausting day in the snow, pure sugar is the best way to replenish the body!

Sledding got kinda boring the next day. Let's go body-sliding instead. Just don't tell mom how you messed up your clothes.

Join me and I will complete your training. It is your destiny. Join me and we can rule the galaxy as father and son. 
Needless to say, those two underestimated the young Padawan.

Our Shrek-like creation. It would have been nice to somehow make him green, but our only color option was yellow.

Four families, three nights, and two showers, make for one memorable trip!

Back to Twain Harte

Last weekend we went back to Twain Harte for our now annual snow vacation. We stayed at the same cabin as last year but with two different families. The Maks and Trans both have recent new additions to their families so they had to sit out this time. But they definitely plan to be there next year.

We originally planned to go on President's weekend, but it was booked. And good thing, because there was hardly any snow left around the cabin. The lack of rain in January caused most of the snow to melt. Fortunately, the main snow hill still had enough to sled on, whew! I feel sorry for those people coming later this month when that hill dries up. Boy will they be disappointed!

More big kids this year, so a lot more sledding.

All smiles before attempting the big snow hill for the first time.

Last year, there were about 20 people here. This year, just us.

 You can ask my wife what she "took a big ol'..." of.

A new play area they discovered. What's with kids and water?

 We found this abandoned bunker. I dared them to see if there was a body in there.

60 degree weather and beautiful surroundings.

She's a big girl now and can sled on her own (frees up daddy to do his own thing).

When staying at a cabin with friends, it's really all about the junkfood.

On the last day, the hill was icy and super fast! And it had noticeably less snow.

Um, so what do you expect from a family of Asian female drivers?

It's like that Haunted Mansion ride at Disneyland...
There's a ghoul sitting behind you the whole time and you don't even know.

No injuries and we all still mostly remain friends :) We got home by 10 p.m. Sunday.

We're already looking forward to next season where we'll hopefully get two cabins and six families. We may even go twice. Better reserve your spot soon!

Our first snow trip

Last weekend we went to the snow for the very first time. My kids have never touched snow and I myself haven't touched snow in 30 years. Can you believe it? Yep, I think the last time I went to the snow was with YTF. Fortunately we found a couple of seasoned families to accompany us newbies.

Some of you may be thinking that I really missed out on the fun of skiing/snowboarding all these decades... and maybe you are right to some degree. But the way I see it, those fun activities come at a steep cost that don't justify the fun. Honestly, I've heard way too many stories of people getting stuck in the snow/traffic resulting in seven hours of travel time and just the thought of being trapped in a car that long with my screaming kids would kill me. And then you have to buy the gear, and take lessons, and take a day off from work... And did I mention the risk of injuries? Just last month two CIBCers had a dislocated shoulder and broken arm! Um, no thank you. I survived this long without swimming, I think I can do the same without skiing.

Thanks to Hebron, we were able to secure a wonderful cabin in Twain Harte. The grand total for two nights rental, food and gas came out to about $270/family. The 2.5-hour, 125-mile scenic drive was a breeze with zero traffic and no need for chains. In fact, we didn't even see snow until 15 minutes before our destination. I'm guessing by next month most of the snow will be gone.

The kids, aged 3 to 9, played very well together. Dustin has been dying to play in the snow. He would often tell me how his friends always go up to the snow every year and how come we don't. And how they've gone to Disneyland every year and us only once... My response would be, "Sorry Dustin, but who said life was fair? If life was fair, your friend's parents would've given birth to twins and you would be born into their family. And it's not just unfair to you... If life was fair for me, I would have children that appreciate being part of our family and not whiny little ingrates that wants what everyone else has." Life is so unfair.

The first day the incredible Hung shoveled a nice long slope for us just above the cabin. And here was my first interaction with snow in 30 years! It was an absolute blast!

The second day we discovered a giant open space below the cabin.
We called this place the "lake".

Lining up for the sled race.

We had nice sunny weather in the low 60s, I didn't have to wear my jacket once.

I wonder if those sleds have a weight restriction.

Both nights I waited until the final (north) round to stage my miraculous comeback.
Them women don't know what hit them!

The view from atop the giant slope. Everyone vacated at lunch time
and we owned the mountain. Sweet!

We owned the lake too. There was no one else in sight.

The gentle slope on the lake was perfect for the younger kids.

My van seats 8, but we easily fit 12. All the slopes were within walking distance
but we were quite pooped after several hours of playing.

After a long day, half of us passed out immediately.

Below is a three minute video that summarizes the weekend.
It was such a delight, we're already planning for next year.

Photo credit to most photos: HM

Life at Mars'

Six years ago I experienced one of the saddest moments of my life. The Mars told us that they were moving up to Redmond. Up until then, the Mars had been our closest friends. During their time in Lafayette, we vacationed together to Vegas, Disneyworld and Hawaii (twice). In our countless mahjong games we collected money from the losers (usually not me) that helped pay for dinners, rental cars, and family camp. We celebrated every holiday and birthday together... Man, what kind of crappy life would we have with them gone?? I was truly crushed.

But once I got past the hurt, anger and betrayal, I knew it made sense for them to move. Steve was unemployed and got a huge job offer. Plus he would be reunited with his parents, his son, and future grandchildren in Seattle. And Betty always wanted a bigger (much bigger) house while having someone else pack and move all her stuff. What made it especially painful for me was that Steve was going to work for the evil empire–the maker of Vista and Zune! Of all the companies worldwide, why THAT one?? "Your skills are complete. Indeed, you are powerful, as the Emperor has foreseen."

Shortly after Steve started working for Emperor Gates, he encouraged his son to also join the dark side. "It is too late for me, son. The Emperor will show you the true nature of the Force. He is your master now."

Today, Steve is no longer at Microsoft but Andy still is. "Now, fulfill your destiny and take your father's place at my side!" "It is unavoidable. It is your destiny. You, like your father, are now mine!"

From what I witnessed, the Mars are living a wonderful life that most people could only dream of. Their house sits above a beautiful lake with instant access to beach and boating, where they spend their days lovingly caring for their two grandchildren. They attend Pastor Wayne's church (from Lord's Gate).

For five days, my family was privileged to enjoy the love and generosity that only the Mars could provide. Oh how I missed their company! I cherished every moment with them. Unfortunately, I don't know if we'll ever get invited again because on the last night, Justine pooped in their tub and Dustin puked on their sofa, floor and driveway...

Thankfully, we have lots of photos to help keep the memories alive. Thank you Steve and Betty for the incredible time together! And sorry for the mess. Hopefully the smell is all gone by now :)

Having a ball at the nearby water park with Hudson and Agnes.

Making tong-yuen for late night snack.
They also made law-bok goh for breakfast.

Made from fresh flour, not powdered/packaged. Super smooth. No chewing required.
Perfect food when you lose all your teeth.

No trip to Seattle is complete unless you see the Space Needle. $20 to ride to the top. No thanks.

Greatest water fountain EVER! Absolutely nuts!

Kids and water, what did I say? Great way to kill an hour.

Colby's MJ tribute. I was telling the passerbyers, "...but the kidddddd is not my son..."

Steve offered to take me on campus for a tour and visit the company store, but I resisted.
"You underestimate the power of the dark side."

Nice to have good neighbors. They let us enjoy their private beach and canoe.

Justine's first time at a beach. Now that she's potty trained,
I wonder what her thoughts are on peeing in the lake...

A 6000 sqft. house is downright dinky when your neighbor's house is 15,000.

Feeding the ducks all our stale bread.
I wanted to throw some tong-yuens, but that might kill them.

Lake is really calm in the morning before the drunk party boaters come out.
This was the only day we had sun. Emperor Gates must've been out of town.

I told you we were treated like royalty. This was our final day before heading back to Oregon.

It's hard to believe it's over and I'm back at my lousy desk wasting away. All in all, we had the greatest time at every destination. For 15 days we drove 2,260 miles and packed up the van eight times as we moved from Oregon to Redmond to Vancouver to Nanaimo back to Vancouver back to Redmond back to Oregon back to home. What a trip! Can't wait to do it again!