A Strange California Desert

After leaving Disneyland behind, we ventured back east and out of California. But before we left the state, we stopped at another National Park along the way. Joshua Tree NP is almost like a world out of a Dr. Seuss book. It's littered with massive boulders that seem out of place in the otherwise barren desert, along with the famous trees that give the park its name. They're scattered about everywhere in strange twisting shapes with prickly looking leaves. In one part of the park there were hundreds of them in a sort of surreal looking forest. With the coronovirus just beginning to take over and shut down other things to do, the park was packed with hikers and rock climbers when we were there in the early morning. Compared to the other parks we've been to, I'd give this one a very high rating, definitely one I'd like to go back and spend more time at.

 

 

The Happiest Place on Earth...

Growing up, Becky had quite a few opportunities to go to Disneyland because her grandparents lived just down the road in San Diego, so it's always been something she wanted to experience with our kids. So this spring we finally made it. We took the long drive to California and met up with her parents and her sister's family for a magical experience in the magical kingdom! Other than getting heavily rained on the second day, it was a pretty epic trip. It's definitely a busy place, but Disney goes all out on the experience. The new Star Wars Galaxy's Edge section of the park was incredible, and all of the classic rides still hold their own as well. We just barely made it with the oncoming Coronavirus pandemic, as we finished on Friday and the park closed Saturday indefinitely. We took a ton of photos, did a ton of walking, and had a ton of fun, so here are some of the highlights:

Gotta meet the Mouse himself, even if it takes an hour to get through the line... Nolan was thrilled.

Nolan also enjoyed the IncrediCoaster...

Mini Kelly always had a smile for my photos...

Not quite ready for driver's ed...

A little rain never hurt anyone.

Everybody do the Brooke smile!

Catching rain drops.

We really enjoyed the Frozen Live performance!

I give the Guardians of the Galaxy ride a thumbs up!

Three days of magic had to come to an end unfortunately, but hopefully we'll make it back some day!