The Magic of Joshua Tree near Jumbo Rocks Campground where we stayed
Helping Set up the Tents: As the first family to arrive, we secured 3 campsites together and another one across the street in the Campground of Jumbo Rocks.
Even though we didn't have water or plumbing for the toilets; We had cupcakes and everyone joined round to sing Happy Birthday.
Looming about 40 feet above our fire ring, these three settle in to watch for stars as they reveal themselves gloriously in the Desert sky.
It's the Little things: Bringing all the goodies to make mini banana boats - - Dads and Moms like this made our campout extra special. Thanks A!
The first Campfire of the weekend; Something deep inside us all resonates when a fire is lit. A certain type of sharing unfolds and as if it were a ritual, we all circle around and join as one!
Good Morning and Where's my Coffee? After a night of tent camping where the desert air dipped below 50, the morning time is full of bubble energy to keep warm.
A Pit Bathroom - not too horrible: So it doesn't flush, but the room is spacious and cleaned often
Morning Coffee: Only his second camping foray and already a pro
First Family Hike of the Day. Posing for a shot in one of the hidden caves peppered in the rock formations.
Heading to Sculpture Valley for some amazing sights
With the spring flowers unfolding, this was one of the only red wildflowers we saw the entire trip.
A Spiral Labyrinth to walk: By order of our children, you had to walk in and then out of the spiral before you attempted to make your own immortal work of art with the scattered rocks.
There was always something to show or explain at Joshua Tree
Building a tower of rocks. Why? Just to see how high he can grow it.
Some of our crew close up and others far far away.
An early hiker takes time to do a dance
One angle where the boulders don't go too high
The Turtle Tanagram: Is it a puzzle, is it an animal, is it art or is it fun? All of the above. The possibilities expanded before our eyes as everyone found a way to make their spirits' sing.
Where's Waldo? Yes, those are all MudPies and Butterflies down below!
Friends Reunited: Three of the families opted to sleep in buildings with walls outside of the park. This fostered the ecstatic responses upon return.
Tending her flock: The little ones don't seem to need tending, at least the parents let them freely roam. But S is adamant about ensuring everyone's safety. Everyone needs a big sister!
What did you see at Joshua Tree?
A wild scallion blossom dried and preserved
More wildflowers peaking in Spring
Only the lichen on the rocks stays true to form year long
A lattice-work of branches and newly budded trees
These little lavender ladies speckeled the desert
Ants : Importance of village lifestyles
Jack Frost, desert floor flowers caught my eye
A throng of thistles masquerading
Atop a JoshuaTree a soft call turned our heads
Orange blossoms outside of the visitor center
Not the best place to sit
They Waved to each other, and impatient as always, she yelled, "Daddy JUMP!"
Observing to see what S will do next.
Two smiles for a Daddy miles away with a bed, fridge and a shower
Back at base camp friends taking a rest
Injuries are a part of exploring nature
Proving Physics is Portable
We got a lesson on surface tension, gravity and the perseverance of interested kids.
Aran finally got to take a nap after taking the kids on three hikes and the family hike to Sculpture Valley
Armed with Magnets and Magnifying glasses. This Mommy C rocks! Showing us all how much iron is just floating about the sand and dirt at Joshua Tree with her magnet wands. Affording the kids (and adults) hours of hide and seek fun.
Safety Goggles and Small hammers in hand. The kids explore this differences between quartz, granite and other stones found around the campsite as well as get a bit of frustration out in a healthy manner.
Blossom was an ideal campground dog who barely barked at all
Things slow down enough that Aran and i slipped away for a Couple's hike into the desert
Our Picture Postcard Shot with timer on the Camera
Pointing to our destination the cave he took a gaggle of kids exploring that morning
Life imitating Joshua Tree Life
The Monoliths all look like something else. Formed as molten magma cooled under the Earth's surface, these large masses of granite have further eroded once atop the surface by wind, rain, and other water sources.
Sharing the love
For those of us who brought bikes, we explored more territories of Jumbo Rocks, including more toilets.
I've not met a fairy from the desert yet. How exciting!
Bravely standing atop a dinosaur's head
Time for Potluck: As the table filled up with delicious vegan and non-vegan food the natives. came closer and closer together to break bread and share laughter
Indian food on Naan bread by R & D. Other items included: cilantro-lime rice, chickpea delight, chips and salsa and humus, raw veggies, hot dogs, organic chicken sausages, sauteed mushrooms, steamed brocolinni, and more.
Delicious stirfry on the way
Preparing for our Second Potluck Dinner on Saturday. Making a delightful Greek Salad Native style!
A campfire makes the old standby of Hotdogs irresistable
Their dinner is almost gone before the first potluck dish has been served. Nothing like a day of hiking, rock hopping to get appetites rearing to go.
It's as if climbing this rock was an appetizer for the kids. Many of which could barely come down long enough to eat a balanced meal
And then Aran and the girls brought out Cupcakes in honor of my Bday. What a photo op it made. Thank you to everyone for making my birthday from earlier in the week a real special occasion.
Native American Stories, Greek Mythology, Campfire songs and guitar solos were all a part of our magical campfire
The last morning at Joshua Tree
Making a final breakfast, well really cooking to order;artichoke & mozzerella omelette, fresh fruit, cereal, egg sandwiches & organic oatmeal
Better than a bag of Pirate's Booty!
A collection of collectors. The last kids at the campground collected the iron fillings from rich soil and dirt all about the campsite.
Saying a farewell to Campsites #27, #28, #32 and #35
Age is not an impediment to having fun and enjoying each others company. One of the greatest gifts of homeschooling that I have come to love is that children will ignore the age gaps to play with other children. It is not the grade or age that is the commonality, but the desire to play the same game. It all comes down to passions!
The wind turbines as art and green energy in the desert
One last thrill before we get home to bubble baths and big beds. Big Boy in Burbank!