Our First Family Vacation

We had such a great time! Let me tell you, we aren't "heat/sun" people so going to a place that's 111 degrees during the day and 80 degrees at night probably wasn't the smartest move but our plan was to play in the pool and that's exactly what we did. We got a great rate at the Westin Mission Hills in Rancho Mirage, just outside of Palm Springs. (could it have been because that's the only way to get people there? lol) We brought lots of sunscreen and water... and used both constantly. Never having travelled with a baby before, I didn't realize how much "stuff" we'd be bringing. Yeh, let's just say Matt's truck was filled!

Upon arrival we were upgraded to a King room which was awesome! It had a full kitchen with beautiful granite counter tops, a large dining table and ginourmous jacuzzi tub. Maddie had lots of room to play and of course was fascinated with everything dangerous including the fireplace and coffee table. She's such a fast crawler these days AND is now pulling herself up. Oh boy!

We spent each day either in the pool, with parents taking turns going down the waterslide, or hanging out in our air conditioned room which was welcomed after the walk from the pool or around the property. I think we all let out a sigh of relief (including Maddie) upon entering our home away from home. 3 nights was just perfect for our little getaway.

On the way home we stopped at the Palm Springs Aeriel Tramway. The ride up was beautiful and the weather was about 40 degrees cooler at the top so that was wonderful. We didn't stay too long knowing we might hit a bit of traffic on our way back. We planned both drives around Maddie's nap schedule (what schedule!) so she did sleep just over an hour each way which made the 2.45 hours go much faster. She's not a big fan of being strapped into anything for that long.

Overall the trip was a huge success. It was a great break for Matt to get away from work and the change in daily routine was very much welcomed by me. I also think it has helped to prepare us for our October trip to WI. She'll be almost 1 and hopefully the airport and plane ride will be pleasant.. if anything, it will be adventurous!

Yay Summer!

There wasn't much out there! This was taken just before we reached the resort.


Matt made his world famous fajitas! Soooo goood and we saved tons of money by eating in every meal except for one.


We brought our own chair to feed Maddie in. It's the perfect size for her and strapped to the chair to keep her safe.


Up early and ready for the pool!


There's a large pond area and connecting waters with lots of ducks so we stopped to feed them a few times.



Baby jail! "Let me outta here!"


Our only family photo from the trip


Maddie's two top teeth have broken through and this is her face most of the time lately. I'm guessing the air feels funny on them, either that or she's become very cynical in her early life... sneering at all! :)



Proof of the heat! It was so hot I could barely touch the car door handle.


Maddie on the Aerial Tramway, the ride up.


Daddy and Maddie.. both very happy to be out of the hot weather.


Mommy and Maddie.. the weather was so beautiful on the top of the mountain.