Part I: Climbing & Camping @ Joshua Tree

We made it out to Joshua Tree over Easter weekend for some fun with friends, rocks, and camp-style egg hunts. Even a short trip like this takes a bit of planning now with a toddler and a baby, but it was well worth it to get out there. Kudos to Ryan for planning, organizing, and packing everything to accommodate each of us.


Car was loaded up to max capacity. Kids in tow with toys.. we're good to go.


My lil' explorer was out and about every chance she got. She definitely likes rocks. Not so much being harnessed up and climbing, but picking them up, checking them out, holding them along with her blankie and water, putting them in our shoes, etc.


She's demonstrating to me how to do the crossfit squat the natural toddler way.


Luckily for us, especially for the kiddies, Jefe and Tam brought along a shade. How many engineers does it take to set up a shade? Apparently as many engineers as we have on hand!



Liam enjoyed the shade, but he really wanted some of 'em banana chips.. and some attention.


We are lucky to have such wonderful friends to help out with the kids so that Ryan and I could have a chance to relax a little, hang out, and climb... just a little.


Not the best photo, but here's a look at our campsite. Our gigantic 6-man tent is in the background on the left. Turns out it wasn't so gigantic when compared to everyone else's. Deb & Allan's tent though, took the prize for gigantic tents. Theirs had two side "rooms" with dividers and side doors built in!


Liam kept warm and cozy being attached to me. He did great for his first camping trip. He woke only once because he was hungry. After he was fed, he went right back to sleep.


Emilia on the other hand, had too much excitement going on and refused to sleep. She eventually fell asleep in Ryan's arms around the campfire, but proceeded to wake up about ten times throughout the night.


Well, we managed to make it through the night.. so onto the next day!