On Friday afternoon, Adam whisked me away for a blissful birthday escape to Lake Tahoe involving kayaking, hiking and deeeelicious food. The weather was absolutely perfect (sunny and in the 70’s!) and we stayed here- it was a terrific location, a stones throw from the lake and only about five minutes from cute and funky Tahoe City. We love the North Shore!
Thank you all so, so, so much for all your sweet birthday comments, tweets and emails! You really know how to make a girl feel extra loved. I hope y’all enjoy our photos although it seems impossible to thoroughly capture the pristine and breathtaking natural beauty of the lake.
As far as restaurants go, I can’t recommend Wolfdales enough. It was definitely one of the best meals of my life (and that’s a bold statement!).
Sparkly heels, #ftw!
Averie @ Love Veggies and Yoga
June 13, 2011 at 4:53 amJenna, the photos are beautiful! What beautiful scenery AND what great photography skills you’ve got going on.
My birthday was this weekend, too!!!!!!! It was on Sunday (yesterday) and I wasn’t in Tahoe, but in San Diego. I’d sure love to go up to Tahoe again soon…it’s sooo beautiful up there!
Glad you had an AMAZING weekend! And have a great year, fellow Gemini 🙂
Daisy
June 13, 2011 at 4:57 amwhat gorgeous photos. did you get extensions?! either that or your hair grows fast?! very pretty. Happy Bday 🙂
Charise
June 14, 2011 at 5:53 amI was wondering the same things – your hair got SO LONG it seems really fast!
Hayley @ Hayley Daily
June 13, 2011 at 5:01 amJenna, you are so beautiful! I’ve been a reader for a while…it seems like your hair has grown so fast! It is just lovely though. All the food looks incredible, and of course your outfit/heels are amazing. I’m glad you had such a great birthday weekend (and good job, Adam!). 🙂
Caroline @ chocolate and carrots
June 13, 2011 at 5:01 amWhat a fabulous birthday get-away!!! Your photos are amazing! 🙂
rachael (peace, kale, and yoga)
June 13, 2011 at 5:02 amLooks like an amazing weekend! Gorgeous photos! So glad you had a wonderful time!
Blog is the New Black
June 13, 2011 at 5:03 amYou are so gorgeous- loving your long hair!!! Gorgeous photos- looks like a great weekend!
amy walters, aDESIGNdock
June 13, 2011 at 5:04 amWhat a wonderful surprise Jenna! Those snap shots are beautiful!!!
Cheers, amy*
Ps. I just selected you for the Versatile Bloggers Award 😉 Check out my post for details!
Molly @ RDexposed
June 13, 2011 at 5:07 amYou two are too much to handle-too cute! Cheers to 26!!
Karen
June 13, 2011 at 5:07 amWOW….simply stunning photos, Jenna! I can’t even begin to choose my favorites! So glad you were able to ring in your birthday with a blast! Adam’s such a sweetie!
Liv @ The Salty n' Sweet
June 13, 2011 at 5:07 amWow what a beautiful place to be on your birthday! You look gorgeous, too 🙂
I can’t wait to go kayaking again…
Hannah (Balancing on Two Feet)
June 13, 2011 at 5:07 amJenna,
I love this surprise! You both look like you had an amazing time!
Clothing question…where is your blue shirt from? I love it!
jenna
June 13, 2011 at 4:30 pmthe button down? That’s from Forever 21..I got it last fall though!
Baking 'n' Books
June 13, 2011 at 5:14 am1) Yoga(?) has made your back muscles insane.
2) LOVE that birthday outfit. GOD.
3) I kind of sort of hate you because your like the epitome of CA girl – long, blonde hair, blue eyes, fit…blah!
4) Truffle fries?!
5) The color of the orange kayak against the blue water….breathtaking…just sayin’.
😉
Pam
June 13, 2011 at 5:21 amOoo la la! Love the long locks!
Sarah
June 13, 2011 at 5:21 amAaaaaand now I have planned my next vacation. And begun mourning that I only get 2 weeks off from my job. #lifewhyareyousounfair
So glad you had a great birthday! Adam is so perfect for you and you look so darn happy and beautiful! 🙂
kristina@beancakes
June 13, 2011 at 5:30 amyou look absolutely gorgeous. i LOVE those shoes ~ where can i get a pair?? i also LOVE lake tahoe, been going there since i was a wee little one 😉 HAPPY BIRTHDAY jenna!
xo~ kristina
Christie Inge
June 13, 2011 at 5:33 amThe photos are gorgeous!! I am glad you had a great birthday!!
emily
June 13, 2011 at 5:33 amgorgeous photos jenna. what a beautiful life you have 🙂
Heather @ Health, Happiness, and Hope
June 13, 2011 at 5:34 amWhat an AMAZING birthday! Beautiful photos and looks like such a perfect day. Adam’s definitely a keeper. 😉
Rachel
June 13, 2011 at 5:35 amThose pics are all so gorgeous, what a cute couple you are 🙂 And those are some serious muscles in pic #9 girl!!!
Amy
June 13, 2011 at 5:36 amGorgeous pictures 🙂 And again, Happy, happy birthday, Jenna! May this next year be a wonderful one for you!
Natalia - a side of simple
June 13, 2011 at 5:37 amLoving it 🙂 The pictures are gorgeous and it looks like you both had such a wonderful time, and fantastic weather! Pure beauty.
P.S. I’m kinda obsessed with your blonde locks…just sayin’
thehealthyapron
June 13, 2011 at 5:40 amHappy Happy Birthday! thanks for sharing all the photos! I was just saying to my hubby yesterday that we need to go to Lake Tahoe!
jenna
June 13, 2011 at 5:41 amhappy bday jenna!! your shoes look awesome! i love the hair too!
Gina @ Running to the Kitchen
June 13, 2011 at 5:46 amGorgeous photos. I especially like the heels in th dirt and you look ripped in the kayak one! Happy Birthday, what an awesome way to celebrate!
Olympe
June 13, 2011 at 5:54 amHappy birthday!!
Love the pictures.
katie @KatieDid
June 13, 2011 at 5:56 amI seriously can’t get over these pictures. The water is so clear and aqua, I thought at first glimpse you had gone somewhere tropical for the weekend. Tahoe just made my list of must- sees. So glad you had such an amazing birthday weekend!!!
Lindsay @ Pinch of Yum
June 13, 2011 at 5:57 amYou’ve got some amazing muscles, girl! That picture of you kayaking?! Inspiring!
Your pictures are phenomenal, too!
Sarah K. @ The Pajama Chef
June 13, 2011 at 5:59 amhow fun!
emily
June 13, 2011 at 6:00 amdid your hair grow long or are they extensions??? looks awesome either way!!!!!!!! happy bday jenna!
Holly @ The Runny Egg
June 13, 2011 at 6:06 amI love all the pictures! I’m glad you had a great weekend 🙂
krista
June 13, 2011 at 6:09 amAgreed with Daisy– your hair is awesome! 😀
Em
June 13, 2011 at 6:09 am🙂 What a beautiful birthday adventure!!!
Lovely photos. So glad you had a wonderful time!
Shannon @ Blonde Silver Lining
June 13, 2011 at 6:15 amI’ve heard amazing things about the Lake Tahoe area, but these pics have totally convinced me that this is a must-visit place to add to my list! Honestly, these are stunning pictures. What kind of camera are you using? I’m looking at getting a new one this summer…
Heather @ Get Healthy With Heather
June 13, 2011 at 6:16 amWhat a fun time! You are gorgeous girl. Beautiful weather and trip!
Angela @ Eat Spin Run Repeat
June 13, 2011 at 6:17 amGorgeous, gorgeous, GORGEOUS!! Everything about this – the photos, the pops of colour, you and Adam (ie super cute couple!) and those heels! WOW! 🙂 Happy Birthday Jenna!
Jess@atasteofconfidence
June 13, 2011 at 6:24 amWow, looks beautiful, glad you had a great time. Adam is a keeper!!!
Natalie
June 13, 2011 at 6:24 amHappy birthday! Stunning photos and I love your hair!
Tori
June 13, 2011 at 6:26 amThe colours are amazing! And you are absolutely glowing 🙂 Happy birthday xx
Cait's Plate
June 13, 2011 at 6:27 amI can’t believe how long your hair is!! And what a great boyfriend Adam is!! I’ll have to send this post to my boyfriend to drop some hints his way for my next birthday 😉
Julie
June 13, 2011 at 6:33 amGreat photos! Love the shots on the kyaks!
Julie
June 13, 2011 at 6:36 amLove the extensions! So different seeing you with long hair.
Vanessa @ Project Zen
June 13, 2011 at 6:42 amThe extensions look so natural.
Laura
June 13, 2011 at 6:46 amHappy belated birthday! The pictures are amazingly beautiful. It looks like a fantastic trip and great time!!
Annalee's Ecstasies
June 13, 2011 at 6:53 amJust to echo the rest of the commenters, your hair looks stunning! So lush and feminine. Hope your birthday was glorious. Longtime (like, longtime–since the running, bread baking, and green monster days) reader and fan!
Annalee
Liz
June 13, 2011 at 6:59 amHappy Birthday! Hope you had a great day!
britt
June 13, 2011 at 7:03 amlooks like you two had a wonderful time. the pics are AMAZING! i so want to go to lake tahoe
Kelli H (Made in Sonoma)
June 13, 2011 at 7:09 amLooks like the perfect birthday weekend.
You look beautiful!
Urban Wife
June 13, 2011 at 7:19 amLake Tahoe is unbelievable! I can’t get over how gorgeous the water is – and that’s really the true color of the water? Sigh, I will just add this the our long list of places to visit one day. So happy that you had such an awesome birthday! He’s a keeper. 🙂
marian
June 13, 2011 at 7:20 amloving your long hair! the pictures are all beautiful. happy birthday!
Alex
June 13, 2011 at 7:33 amTalk about perfection! You look STUNNING! And those heels? Get out of here… just GET OUT!!
Maris (In Good taste)
June 13, 2011 at 7:37 amHappy Birthday! What a fun suprise!
Ashley
June 13, 2011 at 7:42 amI’ve always dreamed of going to Lake Tahoe! Lake Tahoe and Yosemite Park! You get to go to the two places I dream of going to (maybe SOMEDAY!) anytime you want it seems like. I AM VERY JEALOUS! It looks like you had an amazing birthday, you looked gorgeous!
Sara
June 13, 2011 at 7:46 amYour pictures are gorgeous – thanks for sharing!! I hope to visit there someday. Happy belated Birthday too!
Jemma @ Celery and Cupcakes
June 13, 2011 at 7:52 amAmazing photography! I’m glad you enjoyed your weekend!
KC
June 13, 2011 at 7:53 amGirl your hair is getting looooongg! =P
Jessica
June 13, 2011 at 7:59 amWhat beautiful pictures!!! Glad you had a great time. Happy birthday!!! I wanna plan a similar trip to Tahoe for my birthday coming up. I’m gonna send you a message now to get the scoop on where to go and what to do. 🙂
Mary @ Bites and Bliss
June 13, 2011 at 8:01 amOmg so much fun!! The photos are gorgeous! He’s definitely a good guy, lucky you!
Maria
June 13, 2011 at 8:02 amGlad you had such a fun birthday! Yay!
Avery
June 13, 2011 at 8:08 amYour hair looks so good long! Looks like you guys had an amazing weekend! I’m jealous. Why does California look so much like heaven??
Rachel S
June 13, 2011 at 8:08 amYour pictures are beautiful!! Wow, what an awesome place Tahoe must be….never been there but now I really want to go!
Happy Birthday!
Ashley
June 13, 2011 at 8:09 amYour long hair is gorgeous! Looks like a fabulous weekend! 🙂
Monika @ Powered By Paprika
June 13, 2011 at 8:12 amYou’re gorgeous! Happy birthday, looks like you had a fantastic weekend!! 🙂
French Heart
June 13, 2011 at 8:21 amWhat a fabulous birthday weekend! I love Tahoe so much–esp how the air smells so pine-fresh. Everything looks gorgeous, delicious, & fun.
Ally
June 13, 2011 at 8:27 amWow! What beautiful photos! Makes me want to pack up and leave Illinois for California!
Khushboo
June 13, 2011 at 8:31 amWow Adam sure is a keeper! You are looking so gorgeous and more importantly, SO happy!
Ingunn
June 13, 2011 at 8:32 amThat looks AMAZING. Happy birthday!
Mellie
June 13, 2011 at 8:48 amI’m glad you had a good time! You take such great pictures.
Sarah@The Flying ONION
June 13, 2011 at 8:49 amThe pictures are stunning!! And ditto to what Khushboo said…your man is a real keeper. 😉
(p.s. I voted for you to wear the wedges but I can totally see why you went with the heels…you look gorgeous and your outfit is stunning! 😀 )
The Cilantropist
June 13, 2011 at 8:50 amHappy Birthday Jenna! Looks like an amazing trip… and definitely amazing shoes. 🙂 Want.
Moni'sMeals
June 13, 2011 at 8:55 amNow that is how you do it! What a fun trip. Thanks for the photos!
mary (what's cookin' with mary)
June 13, 2011 at 9:11 amJust made a shorcut to those cottages. That’s right up our alley. HOW CUTE! Must stay there next time we’re in Tahoe. Would love to come back now that is starting to warm up.
How did your hair get so long ?! …and blond 😉
R @ Learning As I Chop
June 13, 2011 at 9:13 amBeautiful photos!
Holly
June 13, 2011 at 9:30 amYou look great – I’m dying to know about your hair! If they are extensions, what kind (clip in, sewn in, glued in, etc.). They are gorgeous!
jenna
June 13, 2011 at 4:26 pmclip-in!
M
June 14, 2011 at 6:27 pmWow, really? Did you do them yourself?!
How fun to completely change your hairlook
for bday…and so glam for an outdoorsy kinda
weekend, hee hee!
Adrianna from A Cozy Kitchen
June 13, 2011 at 9:31 amYou look like you had an amazing birthday, Jenna! P.S. Your hair looks super cute. 🙂
Ingrid
June 13, 2011 at 9:41 amsame here! i loveeeeee your extensions! and your new color! please give us the deets! oh, happy birthday too! 😉
Shayla
June 13, 2011 at 9:45 amWow what a fun bday trip, and you look absolutely gorgeous!! Please tell us where you got those hair extensions!! They look absolutely stunning on you and now I want to try them! 🙂
jenna
June 13, 2011 at 4:26 pmSally’s Beauty Supply. So fun! 🙂
Shayla
June 13, 2011 at 5:19 pmAwesome! Thanks Jenna! Happy Birthday too 🙂
Katrina
June 13, 2011 at 9:45 amGorgeous photos! Glad you had a lovely birthday!
Kay @ The Church Cook
June 13, 2011 at 9:51 amWhat wonderful photos, food, outfit, and SHOES!!! Happy birthday, Jenna!!
Meghan @ StruggleMuffins
June 13, 2011 at 9:58 amWooo, what a wonderful looking weekend! Every part of it looks like it was so much fun 🙂
Joelle (On A Pink Typewriter)
June 13, 2011 at 10:03 amHaha I love that you wore your sparkly heels on the rocks!
That part of the country is SO gorgeous- I just love it. My bf is from up there, and I got to experience Nor Cal/Tahoe and its pristine beauty for the first time this last fall. I would love to live up there someday… D.C. is not quite the same!
-Joelle (On A Pink Typewriter)
Christine
June 13, 2011 at 10:05 amThese photos are absolutely stunning!! This sounds like my kind of trip – gorgeous scenerey, food, food and more food! Love it.
Happy belated birthday to you!! (love the shoes)
gia
June 13, 2011 at 10:08 amSo cool that the boyfriend is outdoorsy and active! That is a really fantastic attribute, so you can share that time together! happy day!
Sarah Elizabeth
June 13, 2011 at 10:17 amWow, what a great way to celebrate! Looks like a blast. I love Tahoe! Thanks for sharing the gorgeous photos 🙂
Hillary [Nutrition Nut on the Run]
June 13, 2011 at 10:20 amI want to get in my car and drive to Tahoe stat! Gorgeous photos!
Amanda @ Still Life with Duck
June 13, 2011 at 10:32 amWell, you’ve inspired me to plan a trip to Tahoe. Right. Now. It’s gorgeous! Happy birthday!
Cat @Breakfast to Bed
June 13, 2011 at 10:36 amLove the sparkly heels on the rocks!!
Deanna
June 13, 2011 at 10:36 amGorgeous photos! OK you need a hair post! Are those extensions or did your hair just grow super fast? Looks so pretty!
jenna
June 13, 2011 at 4:24 pmExtensions 🙂 I WISH my hair could grow that fast….
kankana
June 13, 2011 at 10:42 amWe have been planning to to visit Lake Tahoe but it’s getting pushed every time because of the bad unpredictable weather that we are facing in the west coast. Thankfully looks like it will get better from now on wards.
You had a fantastic birthday blast 🙂
AshleyH
June 13, 2011 at 10:44 amwow I can’t believe how long and blonde your hair has gotten! Looks like you had a lot of fun Jenna!
Happy Birthday 🙂
Lauren
June 13, 2011 at 10:56 amWhat a sweet birthday surprise! I can’t think of a better spot than Lake Tahoe for incredible outdoor fun, and incredible food. You have a very thoughtful boyfriend!
Stunning pictures, and you look absolutely beautiful! Happy belated birthday, and all the best for your 26th year. 🙂
Dee
June 13, 2011 at 10:59 amAmazing pictures. Tahoe looks like a beautiful place!
Keely (Sky Blue)
June 13, 2011 at 11:12 amThese pictures are absolutely beautiful, and so are you!!!!
Coco
June 13, 2011 at 12:12 pmThis looks like so much fun! My birthday is coming up soon so perhaps I’ll mention this kind of activity to my boy….
mary (sisters running the kitchen)
June 13, 2011 at 1:05 pmyour pictures are beautiful. it looks like you two had a nice, relaxing, and fun weekend together. happy 26th!
Gina (Yogattude)
June 13, 2011 at 1:30 pmWow, beautiful photos…you two look blissfully happy:)
Ella
June 13, 2011 at 6:05 pmagreed! can’t wait to see what he plans for the weekend he pops the question 😉
Kate @ NaturaStride
June 13, 2011 at 1:47 pmYou look fabulous and the food looks delish! Happy birthday 🙂
elise
June 13, 2011 at 2:46 pmhappy belated bday. i hope you wore sparkly shoes!
Stephanie Murphy
June 13, 2011 at 3:10 pmWOW. Simply incredible. Your photos take my breath away. I’m glad to see how happy you were on your birthday! Have a good one!
Megan
June 13, 2011 at 3:27 pmYay!!! Pictures of Tahoe. Thanks for taking me on a trip home. 🙂
Louise
June 13, 2011 at 4:01 pmWow you look insanely beautiful! Loved looking at all your photos, was almost as good as being there myself (ALMOST!). Happy, happy birthday and you don’t look a day over 25 😉 Love your outfit too – that colour is amazing on you!
Lacey @ Lake Life
June 13, 2011 at 4:14 pmYour photos are absolute perfection!
Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin
June 13, 2011 at 4:35 pmWhat a perfect birthday weekend! Everything looks like it was amazing. Especially kayaking – what gorgeous pictures! I’m glad you had such a great time! 🙂
Carey @ Positively Blonde
June 13, 2011 at 5:28 pmLooks like you all had an amazing weekend! Absolutely beautiful pics!!!
Sarah
June 13, 2011 at 5:35 pmI’m chiming in with everyone else. These pics are stunning. I’ve always wanted to check out Lake Tahoe, and loved seeing the kayak pictures. The sky out there is just amazing. {And, your hair looks gorgeous!}
Emily
June 13, 2011 at 6:46 pmWoah! Your hair is GORGEOUS!! I didn’t realize it was so long! What a fun weekend, I’m so jealous!
kaila @ healthy helper!
June 13, 2011 at 7:38 pmGorgeous pics Jenna! Looks like an amazing!
kaila @ healthy helper!
June 13, 2011 at 7:39 pmamazing time*
Jessica @ The Process of Healing
June 13, 2011 at 7:54 pmThat sounds like so much fun! So beautiful and I am in LOVE with your hair girl!
Justeen @ Blissful Baking
June 13, 2011 at 8:03 pmLooks like you had a beautiful weekend! Great pictures!
Brooke @ Bittersweetb
June 13, 2011 at 8:07 pmThat looks like an amazing birthday! I love those shoes!!
Maria
June 13, 2011 at 9:33 pmThose shoes and jeans are super fab!
Steph
June 13, 2011 at 10:32 pmyour hairrrrr!!! Oh my god, the color is amazing!!! Do you know what kind of product your hairdresser uses to dye it?? (I’m going back to blond after a bad trip down brunette lane…..)
Lorin
June 13, 2011 at 10:40 pmI guess you haven’t posted many photos of yourself in awhile, because it seems like your hair has grown out so much. Your hair looks great and so do you! It seems that you had a great birthday… Oh and I tried your peanut butter bread, I think I overmixed it though, because I couldn’t taste too much peanut butter and it was kinda tough. I’m going to try your breakfast double banana chocolate chip bars this weekend though 🙂 Anyways, glad you had a good birthday!
kristen
June 14, 2011 at 8:36 amloooove your pics! what a beautiful birthday girl you are! would it be weird for you to show us how you did your hair for the birthday dinner? so, so cute!!
Judith
June 14, 2011 at 8:59 amBelated birthday wishes..and what an awesome place to spend it. When I was 26, I fell in love, moved to Lake Tahoe and got married, then spent the next 13 years in paradise. It does touch your soul, and your photos really do it justice. The weather looked perfect, while here in the Bay it was overcast, windy and cold 🙁
Thanks for a great post!
Chelsa
June 14, 2011 at 9:06 amThese are some great pictures as always. Lake Tahoe looks incredibly beautiful.
Hilliary
June 14, 2011 at 11:36 amGreat Pictures, I just love your blog! And I am in love with the glittery shoes!
Katherine Rogers
June 14, 2011 at 8:22 pmWolfdales is the BEST! So glad you went for your special dinner! I am intrigued….it looks like you went sort of vegan-ish there. I will have to check out that side of the menu next time. The seafood and steak are amazing too if you ever go back. I LOVE the seafood stew….you must try 🙂 Happy happy birthday!
Kristin Murdock
June 14, 2011 at 8:23 pmJenna! Happy Birthday! I’ve been out of town for 2 weeks and I feel like I’ve missed so much. Hope it was the greatest day ever and that 26 is your favorite year so far. 🙂
Kim
June 14, 2011 at 8:43 pmWow, your hair is so long! It looks great. I love how you styled it on the kayak. 🙂 I was thinking it grew super fast until I saw your comment about the clip ins. Good call! It looks great!
green tea smoothies — Eat, Live, Run
June 15, 2011 at 4:36 am[…] I also cut my air conditioning on for the first time of the year and have the beginnings of tan lines from last weekend’s kayaking adventure. […]
kristin
June 15, 2011 at 5:53 pmBeautiful hair! What a perfect birthday!!
Pam
June 15, 2011 at 6:58 pmWow what an amazing trip for your birthday! Love the hair extensions, they look great on you!
addicted… — Eat, Live, Run
July 2, 2011 at 11:39 am[…] Or actually, all vacations in general. I also may or may not have booked our 4th of July trip the same night I came home from my birthday trip. […]