Rocky Playground

Around 1am Todd decided that the blankets he was wrapped in were no match for the cold in our tent.  I tried my best to get him more comfortable, but his cries woke everyone in our campground.

I ended up bringing him into my sleeping bag, and we kept each other warm the rest of the night.

We all went for a little hike this morning . . .

. . . and climbed tons of rocks.  Joshua Tree is a natural playground for kids. 

They never get tired of climbing around on the rock formations.

Where's Papa?

Peekaboo!

By the time we got back to camp, everyone was ready for a rest.

Family Fun in the Desert

We took a trip to Joshua Tree this week with my parents, Aunt Heather, and Uncle Sean.

We dug in the sand . . .

. . . climbed on rocks . . .

. . . and, uh, went for piggyback rides.

Fun for the whole family. :)

Supplies!!

Heather and Sean hosted a surprise party for Red Grandma tonight.

Here she is, being surprised.

Joy decided that if one loud, enthusiastic greeting was good, a second would be even better!

Baby Todd bonded with Papa . . .

. . . and Gigi and G-pa . . .

. . . while the big kids bonded with the cat.  I'm not sure how the cat felt about it.

Happy birthday, Grandma!

Gumdrop Construction

For our home evening activity tonight . . .

. . . I proposed that we build gumdrop towers with toothpicks.

Anna and I worked together, and though our structure started out pretty symmetrical and unassuming . . .

. . . it wound up looking like a collaboration between M. C. Escher and Dr. Seuss.

Daddy's geometrical design, on the other hand, was very orderly indeed.  He's an engineer, after all.

Popcorn and a Few Laps

The kids and I had our after-school snack in the courtyard today.

We enjoyed some popcorn . . .

. . . and contemplated the heavens . . .

. . . then Joy practiced skating on her (relatively) new roller blades.

She's still getting the hang of them.

Meanwhile, Daniel and Anna went for a jog . . .

. . . while Todd schmoozed with the ladies.

Relaxing at Home

The kids and I enjoyed a relaxing evening at home today.

Joy and Todd bonded over a book . . .

. . . Daniel counted his money (he enjoys counting it more than spending it) . . .

. . . and Anna built an alphabet train . . .

. . . then helped Todd with his pacifier.  Thanks, Big Sister. :)

Life's a Picnic

The three youngest kids and I had a picnic at the park after preschool today.

We enjoyed some dee-licious yogurt (while Todd looked on with a touch of envy) . . .

. . . then had fun on the swings . . .

. . . and slides.

Weeeeeeeeee!!!!!!