Joshua Tree

We took a Saturday in May to go see Joshua Tree National Park.  Ryan convinced me to go, but I wasn't expecting much.  I think growing up in Utah made me pretty picky when it comes to deserts.  Surprisingly, though, I loved it!  It did remind me of Southern Utah, but it had the benefit of being reachable (2 hours from us.)  My favorite part was the "Junior Ranger" program the kids did while we were there.  It's set up kind of like a cub scout badge, but there are different age levels.  Basically, they had to check off the places they went, the plants and animals they saw, and spent time sitting quietly and writing (or drawing) everything they noticed.  That part was just adorable to watch.  Ryan was very patient on our so-called hikes as we took ten steps, then stopped to look at something.  The kids showed their books at the ranger station at the end, and were "sworn in" and given little plastic ranger badges.
  

Elise didn't make it very far up this rock.

Our sloooow hike

No, this wasn't posed

    
We spent the rest of the evening just wandering around, looking for ways for the kids to get hurt.  Connor was doing a project on earthquakes, so we took a photo of him next to the San Andreas Fault (the small ridge of hills - about level with his ear.)  He insisted on the expression, which is supposed to be him looking scared.
  

San Andreas Fault

    
After Ryan climbed these rocks, the kids started to try to follow him.  He had to go down and facilitate.
   

  
The only bad thing about the day was that we didn't plan enough time.  We'll definitely have to visit Joshua Tree again (but not until it cools down!)