Whenever we plan a getaway, I usually get skeptical at the last minute, thinking it’s not really going to be much of a vacation with all the packing, driving, unpacking, keeping the girls occupied and just being out of our routine in general. I’m usually right about it not being much of a relaxing vacation with all three kids in tow, but, as Jake always argues, it’s about the memories. In the end, I’m always glad when we get away, packing, unpacking, tiredness and all.

For my birthday week, we packed everyone in the minivan and headed out a couple hours away to Palm Springs/Palm Desert. After settling into our vacation condo for a day, we took a day trip the next morning out to see Great Uncle David and Great Aunt Linda and go adventuring in Joshua Tree National Park. Although we’ve stayed at their house before, the girls have never been to Joshua Tree and after hearing about how many rocks there were to climb, they couldn’t wait to check it out. Rocks are right up their alley.

Despite not knowing what a Jeep was prior to their stay, Samantha and Amelia couldn’t stop talking about going Jeep-ing!

There may or may not have been dozens of buttons and gears Uncle David had to put back in place once he got in his Jeep.

Off roading.

I stayed back at the house with Aunt Linda and Meredith, but received a full report of their adventure when everyone returned. First on the agenda was a short hike up the Barker Dam Trail, with lots of detours for rock climbing along the way. Perfect for three year olds and three year olds at heart.

The girls’ mountain man tour guide, Great Uncle David.

Rock lounging.

Following the leader.

Between a rock and a hard place.

I’m Sammy!

Amelia prepares for her descent.

We’re going on a bear hunt…

What’s that?

A bear!

Perfectly cool weather for desert hiking.

The girls had a blast with Great Uncle David, although after a full morning of hiking, they had major meltdowns on the hike back to the car and only Daddy would do to carry them the whole way.

Uncle David and Jake had their work cut out for them chasing after the girls and spotting them on the rocks. They climbed and climbed like little mountain goats so high on the rocks that I’m glad I wasn’t there so that they didn’t have to endure my probable nagging and near heart attacks.

Sun bathing with the lizards.

Amelia and Great Uncle David (and her snack).

Ditto with Samantha. 

Zonked on the way back to the house.

Meredith, Aunt Linda and I had a lovely and quiet morning.

Getting a recap of their adventure when the boys returned.

I have great memories of watching the old-school Rocky & Bullwinkle cartoons with Uncle David and Aunt Linda; so glad the twins could continue the tradition!

So many fascinating objects in the yard, including various tikis, which, according to the girls, were “angry because someone hit them.”

Saying hello to Rusty the Ram.

Even after all that hiking, Jeep-ing and lifting, Great Uncle David somehow still had the energy to entertain the girls and barbecue hamburgers. Hello reptile eyes!

We were treated to a delicious barbecue feast for dinner, with Meredith eyeing our food enviously the entire time.

Please give me a hamburger!

It was an exciting and exhausting day for the girls who kept asking when we would be able to return, especially since we didn’t have time to make it out to the “stagecoach” park near the house. Meredith had a great time being cuddled, but hopes to be able to climb rocks with her sisters next time. We hope we didn’t tire out Uncle David and Aunt Linda too much so that we can come back soon for more adventures!

Lots of love,