Lauren & Ben are going to Disneyland

Indian Canyons

 This morning Kevin & I went and hiked Indian Canyons, it was so beautiful. I had no idea there was a spring in Palm Springs but as we were walking along the palm lined spring I realized how Palm Springs got its name...duh!

 There were miles and miles of trails, can't believe it took us 3 trips to Palm Springs to finally go on a hike. Now we can't wait for next time!

 The view of the indigineous palms from the top

 So interesting how they look when they don't get trimmed.

 This reminded us of the Dr. Seuss book The Lorax.

 We started off on one trail that was super rocky- it was also very steep. About a mile into it I insisted we turn back because it was more like rock climing instead of hiking and since heights aren't exactly my thing I was getting a little panicky! I know...I'm a wimp.

 There was a little waterfall inbetween these rocks, pretty cool to see a water fall in the middle of the desert!

This was the road into the trial head. Pretty cool.

Palm Springs

 The kids were excited for another adventure at the Living Desert!

 Get ready to feed the giraffes

 There were 4 giraffes out and one was a 5 month old baby, Lauren was in love with the baby!

 With Oma & Opa

 Lauren was brave and fed the giraffe all by herself. She said the tongue was really slimy.

 Ben was a little nervous but he did it!

 Petting the goats. This one was missing it's horns. The zoo worker told us that the goats that come from dairy farms have their horns removed so they don't hurt each other in transport, seems like there could be a better way to handle that... It looks pretty painful, poor goat.

 cuties

 Ben's theme for this trip was "brave". He did so many things that he was scared of last year. He not only rode the carousel all by himself but he went on an animal that goes up and down too. Big step for Benny who usually chooses to just sit on the bench seat!

 This boy also swam like a fish all week. So different than last year as well- yay Benny!

 This is how we spent most of our time each day- so fun! We had 82-87 degree temps all weeek, so lucky!

 The kids camped out on these little blow up beds each night, so cozy. They were SO tired every night from swimming all day.

 We went to Sammy's for some amazing gluten free woodfired pizza and the waiter gave us this free dessert- lucky us!

 Lauren was taking photos and asked Opa to pose for her - he's such a good sport!

 a cute little self portrait

 The kids loved their lazy mornings of tv and breakfast on the couch.

 Emma & family came to visit for 2 nights- it was so great to see them and these 3 were so cute together.

 Doug & Marie stayed at the Palm Canyon Resort and they had an awesome kids swim area. The kids were in heaven with this slide.

 There was also a big slide for the adults that was a little crazy. It felt like someone was throwing you in the water- kind of fun, kind of felt like you were getting beat up. Doug, Kevin, & I went down it twice but that was enough for us!

 Ben was super nervous about the slide but by the end of the day he was a slide going fool. It was so fun to see him become brave and of course he was so proud of himself.

 Going down with daddy wearing Lauren's swim goggles.

 Doug & Emma had lots of fun too. Part of the pool was only 1 1/2 feet deep which was so fun for the kids.

 After a full day of swimming we went to Ruby's in downtown Palm Springs (they have gf buns and fries now...too bad they all went out of business in WA). Poor Ben was so exhausted he slept through most of dinner!

After dinner Ben woke up and the kids had fun running around downtown. They are so darn cute together- I just love it. Can't wait for Emma's baby sister Elle to be born to join the kids in the fun!

We still have a few more days of fun in the sun- yahoo! 

Gymnastics

 Lauren & Hadley decided to switch from ballet to gymnastics. They are having tons of fun. 

 Olympics 2024 here they come! 

 love these two!

 I love that Hadley wears her "I love Pam" shirt to most of the practices. It's her 'sporty' shirt:) 

Miss Crazy would go flying off the beams in they'd let her, this girl has no fear!

Class Party

 We had a fun little Valentine Party in Lauren's class yesterday. 

 The kids all had a great time!

 They decorated mugs then got to have hot chocolate in them. 

It's so fun being able to spend so much time in her class, her teacher is now having me come in once a week and I'm in heaven! It's giving me the teaching fix that I need and I LOVE it! 

Blue Martini

 Last week I got invited to a fun night at Blue Martini with my neighbors Tina & Milissa. Tina's sister is the Events Manager at the new Blue Martini at the Bravern in Bellevue and it is super fancy. We were spoiled with a night of free martinis! 

Yum! 

This is a super fun place, I highly recommend checking it out. Every Wednesday is Ladies Night and they have fun live music! 

Phone Pics

 We've had some really beautiful sunny weather this month- it's been so nice to have some fun out in the sun!

 Hadley & Ben waiting to get Lauren off the bus, they think she is SO cool on the bus.

 Carsie & Benny on the quad

 Ben and his dogs, "Justin Bieber" & "Salena Gomez". 

Lauren & Ben got new scooters for Valentine's Day, they were so excited to have some sunshine today so they could ride them!