The Living Desert

We spent part of one day at The Living Desert. This small zoo has lots of fun animals to see and teaches a lot about how desert animals adapt to their harsh environment. The only down side was Spring Break crowds and the heat. We are not used to warmth, being from the Northwest and all.
When we first arrived we watched a fun animal show and then we visited many of the exhibits. By the time we had our lunch, we were tired and melting, so we headed back to the pool. Pepper's favorite part by far was riding in the double stroller that Peter and Joy brought. It is clearly evident that we do not use a stroller much, since she thinks it is such a treat! Poor deprived child.

Bella and Bria

It is really neat to watch our nieces grow up. Their personalities are so fun! Isabella is a director, coming up with plans and telling people what part they will play in these plans. Gabrielle is usually very happy to come along for whatever fun adventure Isabella has thought up. They get a long really well and are so sweet to each other.  It was so cute when the girls came out in their mom's clothes to give us a little "fashion show". I also love the pictures of the girls with flowers in their hair. Such pretty girls!

Grillin'

Pepper is Daddy's favorite assistant

Jo getting a bit fancy with the crust

Whipped cream facial art, yummy!

Peter trying to bribe his way to favorite Uncle

The rest of the yard, that did not contain the pool, was also really nice. There was a grill with a large counter to prep and serve food. Also there was a fire pit to warm up around, and even a little bit of green grass (no small thing in the middle of the desert). We had a fun time making pizzas on the grill and then doing a bunch of grilled veges. Jo and Carl were quite the grill masters!

It was so fun to have Ben and Erin come over from Joshua Tree to hang out with us. A trip to Southern California would not be complete without seeing those two. Love you guys!

The Pool

What is better than breakfast in the hot tub?

Hanging with Auntie Mindy

With the Grandmas

My pretty sis in law

Carl and Mindy

Bria

Bella

Pepper loved throwing things at the people in the pool

The coolest feature of the house was definitely the pool/hot tub. We were not sure how hot the weather would be so we asked that the hot tub be heated in advance. It was designed to spill over into the pool, and, with the amazing weather we had, the pool would actually get too warm during the hottest part of the day. The warm water was really nice for the kiddos as they could stay in the pool for long periods of time and not get chilled.
I had a big challenge to keep Pepper's fair skin from getting burned, since it was so fresh and white from a Walla Walla winter. As you can see, hats and UV covers did the trick, as well as lots of sunscreen. She managed to get only a little pink one of the days. What fun we had in the pool every day. Isabella and Gabrielle were usually out there a couple times a day, swimming like fish!

COUSINS!

The next stage of our vacation was in Palm Desert. We met Peter, Joy, Isabella, Gabrielle, Pat, and John at a house we rented. When we first arrived the girls were so excited to give Pepper her early birthday present and we had to get a picture of all of them in their matching dresses. Such sweet cousins! Pepper was so excited to see them!

A Visit with the Mainvilles

The first weekend in Cali we stayed a night in Loma Linda with Jo's good friend Darcy. He is in Med School so is incredibly busy but he and his beautiful new wife were very sweet to spend an evening and morning with us. We ate at the most amazing Indian Restaurant, had a great time visiting and then they topped off our stay with a home cooked breakfast! Thank you Darcy and Preya!
Somehow this silly pic of Pepper in shower cap was the only one I took during this visit. Next time I will be sure to get a pic of happy couple.

A Bit of Spring Sunshine

This year we planned a much needed vacation in the sun for Spring Break. We started out our trip in Redlands, CA at Carl and Mindy's place. They had to work the first day we were there but they gave us free run of their place. They are in really nice apartment complex that has a playground, tennis courts and a couple of pools. Pepper had fun at the pool but she enjoy terrorizing their cats more. Tundra and Pierce have the coolest climbing towers!