Photos from Joshua Tree

A Joshua Tree after the rains. The whole desert was so vibrant with color that morning.

Leave it to Doodle to find a desert puddle to splash in.

Doodle was thrilled with this sunset, and kept talking about the pink sky.

My loves, hanging out on the rocks.

Home again, home again, jiggity jig

We're back. The trip went well. We're tired, the house is a mess and none of us are ready to get back to the grind...but we're here at least.

We made home (finally) at ~8:30 last night. We had initially planned on returning Saturday but the temptation of a Chinese dinner cooked by J's dad was too much, so we stayed in SoCal until Saturday morning. We then drove approx. half way to Cedar Pockets campground in the Virgin River area to camp, finishing our drive on Sunday with another six hours on the road plus stops for food (and REI).

Things I learned on this trip:

• I really dislike smoke-filled casinos in Nevada.
• I still have no urge to try my hand at gambling.
• Doodle loves hot tubs, and really has fun with the family members playing therein.
• It's bad to wake the napping toddler to try and take wedding family photos.
• Doodle is still wary of family members who do not consider her personal space.
  
• Joshua trees are really dang cool.
• The desert smells amazing during and after a rain.
• Doodle loves climbing on rocks.
• Doodle gets really excited about things like birds, lichens and puddles. Yay!
  
• It takes Doodle a much shorter time to warm up to people than it used to. I like this.
• Doodle loves Grandma S's cookies, and will pitch royal fits in attempts to get them.
• It's really fun to go to the big Asian Supermarket. It was a cultural experience.
• Jack fruit are really big and pretty expensive, and I have no idea what they taste like (seen at the above market).
  
• Doodle loves babies, and really enjoyed hugging and interacting with her little cousin.
• Doodle can cut a tooth (a canine at that!) without being overwhelmingly fussy for days on end!
  
• If you promise a toddler a burger and she rejects any offer of said burger in the restaurant, be prepared for a royal hissy fit when you get back to the car and there is no burger in sight.
  
• An iPod with videos is a must-have for long drives with a toddler.
• I enjoy traveling with my family, but home is nice too.

Photos will follow when I manage to find the camera and the time.

Joshua Tree

Anyone been to Joshua Tree National Park? If so, do you have any must-see suggestions for us?

Update on the dress saga

The dress issue has been resolved. Turns out I had a dress all along!

I was whining about finding a dress, hating shopping, etc. when J asked me to show him the dresses that I have. I started pulling things out of the closet, and found a pretty red dress that I bought at a consignment shop a couple of years ago (anticipating the red dress party, which I've never attended) and have never worn. I had dismissed this dress as an option as it is BRIGHT RED, a color I rarely wear. J asked me to try it on. I obliged. It's cute. It is actually cuter on me now than when I bought it. AND the top is breastfeeding-friendly. Did I mention it's cute?

That settled it. I'm wearing the red dress. But shoes? Accessories?

Found a pair of shiny black ballet flats at the store for more than 50% off, meeting my cheapskatey needs. I made a necklace and pair of earrings from beads I already had in my bead stash, probably totaling $6 with all the materials. Woohoo!

J is currently out shopping for a red tie that will look good with my dress without making him look like an MP (Member of Parliament - a Brit or Canadian politician). Besides, he could probably use a new tie anyhow.

Wardrobe issues solved. Now we just need to bake, clean and pack for the wedding followed by camping and climbing followed by Thanksgiving festivities. Hooray!

March for Equality

Follow up: The march was great! It was peaceful and had good attendance. Lots of honks and thumbs-ups from people driving by helped to make it feel like a good, positive gathering. The only counter-protesters were a pair of guys on skateboards holding up signs on paper plates and chanting "dicks are for chicks!" The HJ covered the march here.




This Saturday, Nov. 15th there will be a March for Equality here in Logan. This is part of the Join The Impact movement to promote love and equality in cities around the U.S. The event starts at 11:30am Mountain Time in front of Logan City Hall (255 N. Main). Bring peaceful, non-hurtful signs. Feel free to bring loved ones, friends, kids, etc. to raise awareness of support and love for all people and all families here in Cache Valley. For more info check the Join the Impact link above, or the event on Facebook here. We hope to see you there!

Sling giveaway!

My friend Kim (PrairieMama) makes awesome ring slings for babywearing. Over at TipJunkie they are giving away one of her oh-so-awesome slings FOR FREE!!! Get over there today to sign up for the chance to win (or don't, since I'd really like to win it). Or click the link below to check out Prairie Mama and lots of other Mom-preneurs' wares.

If you knit...

...would you like to receive a knitting needle case like this for Christmas? Would it be useful? Just trying to narrow down gift ideas and looking for feedback from knitters. Thanks!