Roadtripping

This past week a couple of Alvin's buddies from Lancaster flew in for a visit. Yesterday, we enjoyed a long road trip into California where we saw quite a few sights. One of the biggest surprises was when we came across the Blue Angels practicing over the fields of rural Southern California. I had read that the Blue Angels would be in El Centro practicing and was so delighted we managed to happen across them on our road trip. We pulled over beside a quiet country road and watched them do all their wild and amazing maneuvers. 

Luca was delighted with his personal air show! 

The skill these pilots have is incredible

After the jets landed back at the El Centro airport, we continued on our road trip. We stopped by Salvation Mountain and then drove through Slab City. Slab City is something you have to see to believe. There is a lot of filth and a lot of art, much of it made from trash. 

After driving around Slab City, we drove onto Bombay Beach at the Salton Sea. We were hungry so made sandwiches off the back of the truck and tried to ignore the ever-present stench of the Salton Sea. 

After this, we drove on up to Joshua Tree National Park where Alvin had arranged to meet with another friend for hiking. Right as we pulled over to begin our hike, poor Luca got car sick from the winding drive in and proceeded to hurl all over me and himself. Unfortunately, I had packed an extra shirt but no pants for him so he got to enjoy hiking around Joshua Tree with my sweater tied around his waist. 

Liam wanted a picture with this Joshua Tree because he said "it's like me!"

The views from this place were spectacular, from the distant mountains to the huge boulders and the Joshua trees themselves. 

Some unique rock structures 

Liam snagged a free ride 

Sitting beneath a Joshua Tree

An over cropping covered with ancient petroglyphs 

I thoroughly enjoyed the hike other than the times we had to pass skittish Californians on the trail who looked upon us with disdain before grasping their masks to their faces and sidling by on the trail. Ok, not everyone was like that but a surprising number of people had no qualms about treating fellow hikers like disease ridden untouchables. I get there's a pandemic afoot but that gives no excuse to be so rudely skittish..in the open air.. in the midst of a National Park. Aside from that minor annoyance and being barfed on by my toddler, I really enjoyed this road trip. We grabbed some Mediterranean cuisine at a little restaurant outside the Park before making the three hour journey back to our little camper. 

29

 

Birthdays aren't quite as exciting as they once were, but I enjoyed celebrating turning 29 yesterday with my little family.  Alvin and the boys made pancakes for breakfast. Later on we got Chipotle and took it down to the Colorado River for a picnic on the bank. The boys loved throwing sticks in the water, collecting little clam shells, and watching the ducks. 

Luca is fascinated by ducks and I could barely get him to leave as he watched the ducks swim and dive in the clear water. 

Exploring the Desert

This past weekend we explored some back roads and hiked some desert outside of Yuma

Plenty of rocks but be careful for thorns!

There are miles upon miles of desert wasteland with rocky unpaved roads winding through them

And of course, there is an endless supply of rocks to be thrown!

Luca discovered it is easier to scoot down a rocky hill than to walk

We wrote his name in rocks! He was very impressed

Of course, Daddy climbed to the top of the highest rock 

Life Update and West Wetlands Park

When Alvin decided to take the job working along the border we realized that whether the job would be completed or not might depend on who was elected. Sure enough, within hours of taking office, the new president signed an executive order putting thousands of workers out of work with the stroke of his pen. All work came screeching to a halt and thousands of people suddenly found themselves without an income, including us. We had been saving and I had been hoping this wouldn't happen, but not exactly surprised when it did. So now we wait while the head honchos do their legal wrangling with the government and it is determined whether or not the contract can be completed or the government will instead pay out the contractors. So while we wait to hear the outcome to determine whether we should head back home or they can complete the section they were working on we have been visiting parks, traveling around, and getting plenty of time with Daddy! 

 

To be honest, I really don't enjoy this feeling of being in limbo. But, I am trying to have a good attitude and enjoy the extra time we have do things together and trying to live in the moment rather than being caught up with wondering what we will do next. We continue to enjoy the amazing winter weather of Yuma and to soak up the bright sunshine. 

Dipping his feet in the Colorado River

So, for everyone wondering, I really don't know what the future holds! We may be headed back to Kentucky very soon which is exciting as we so look forward to seeing all of our friends and family. Or we may be out here for a couple more months which is nice for the weather and the financial benefits. I am just trusting God and as soon as I know what will happen next, I will be sure to let you all know! Until then, I am just doing my best to "be anxious for nothing."