a trip to the desert

One of our family's favorite places to get out of the city and into quiet is Joshua Tree National Park. We took the girls there Monday for an actual overnight trip

which was quite the feat around here. We've been many times before (although its been a while since we went as a family) and it was the first time we've ever camped as a family. Usually we pack as though we are camping, get a spot, pay the fee, have a fire, eat smores, watch for shooting stars and then load the girls in the car and drive the 2 1/2 hours back home- it's not that we don't like camping, (ok, i'm still a little on the fence) we both grew up camping and always envisioned doing so with our girls. But with many of Daryl health problems being sleep related, getting a good night rest for him could not include the word; tent.

So this trip was very special for our family. We thoroughly enjoyed the quiet and peace of the desert and the time together as a family.

"playing" the violin... they kept this up for a crazy long time. my arms got tired after one song, but they kept going strong!

The bees at the campground were the only down side. (they didn't sting although it was hard to stay calm when one landed on you) From sunrise to sunset you could hear the constant hum as they busied themselves searching for water. We kept inside our tent, car, or went out for walks until sunset and they went to bed.