Palm Springs

We decided to take a late summer vacation together for a week over fall break.  We had never been to Palm Springs but I think it is a new family favorite.  The pools were gorgeous with a water slide, baby pool and splash pad.  We swam every day.

Lots of snacks.

It was over 100 degrees everyday, perfect for sitting by the pool.    Some days we sat under the misters in a cabana and Taylor ordered nachos from the poolside bar.  This is something I never think of with my practical, frugal mind but the kids loved and and devoured them. 

Played a little (big) chess.

My parents came along for most of the week and we went up the mountain in the tram.  Which some of the kids were more nervous about than others.

Yes, that is Gabe below climbing the barrier to the cliff.  Just saw it now as I am going through the photos.

The view was amazing and it was at least 20 degrees cooler up there.  We tried getting a good family shot about 20 times and this is the best we could do with how cooperative everyone was feeling:)

Just west of Palm Springs are hundreds of these windmills.  Pictures can't do it justice as the sight of all of them was really amazing.

We decided to take Thursday to go down to San Diego.  Something about that city and the ocean that always calls to us.  It was over a 2 hour drive but we decided it would be worth it.  The San Diego zoo was free for children and it turned out to be a perfect day.  The panda came out just right as it was our turn at the rope.  They are such amazing animals and we stayed and watched it for about 20 minutes.  I didn't know that all pandas in the world are owned by China- they are just on loan to our zoos.  Interesting.

Then when we got to the polar bears, there didn't seem to be any in sight.  After my comment of how perfect it would be for one to jump in the water, the mom AND baby got in to play with the ball right in front of our faces.  It was beautiful. 

We had a late lunch in Old town and headed to Mission Beach.  It was cold by then so we lasted less than an hour but had the beach to ourselves.

 After my parents went home, we were lucky enough to have Salli and Richard join us for a couple days.

We had such a great time, we may go again next year!