Spring Break 2017 (Palm Springs & San Francisco!)

Spring break is a time to get away from it all, relax and really have some fun family time. 

What we have learned over time about Morty is that the best way to keep him happy and not turn into "Mr Grumps" is to provide some sort of swimming experience. Whether its in a bathtub or a pool it seems to soothe his inner "Mr Grumps" back into a a state of calm. Yes please!

So this year, Mom and Dad made Spring Break plans with this tool in mind which is how we ended up with our first stop being in....

PALM SPRINGS!!

It took about 4 minutes to get into his bathing suit and find  his way into the pool once we arrived. It probably would have taken less time if Dad hadn't warned Morty that he still had his "traveling clothes" on and it might make for a heavier than normal swim. 

My favorite part of the trip? Magbooty & Mr. Todd came up for a visit!! I know this was Mom's favorite part too - she loves her some Maggie time. I mean, look at this photo - how could you not love hanging with this lady?/!!

Dad didn't suffer too much on this trip either - Sun, New running views and a place to get "some sun on his ugly face" plus good food and good company. You can tell he's a fan of anything outdoors (except sleeping at night!)

One of the days when MagToddy was hanging with us we made a trip to Joshua Tree and it was pretty cool. It was a out first real dessert experience and we were really excited to see if things were as hot and desolate as everyone claims them to be. (Photo Credit to Magbooty) It was kind of magical. All these rocks to climb and it was so peaceful.

It wasn't really hot at all, maybe that was because the sun was going down and it was March. What we did find was the "Super Bloom" we read about about at school. With all the rain happening in California during the year the cactus flowers were in full effect! So cool!!

WE MADE dad do it. He hates these posed group photos but Mom cant get enough! Can you see the Joy?!

It was a sad day when MagToddy had to go home but we decided to buck up and head out for another adventure - UP UP UP was the plan. 

The Palm Springs Aerial Tram

The twelve-and-a-half minute ride begins at the Valley Station at 2,643 ft and passes up North America's sheerest mountain face through five life zones/ biomes on its way to the Mountain Station  at 8,516 ft above sea level.Travelers start in the Sonoran Desert and arrive at an alpine forest.

The floor of the 18-foot-diameter aerial tram-cars rotates constantly, making two complete revolutions throughout the duration of the journey so that the passengers can see in all directions without moving. With a maximum capacity of 80 passengers it is the largest of the three rotating aerial trams in the world.

I was a TEEEEENSY bit scared with all the swaying & turning but it turned out to be just fine. The air became really cool with all the windows open and as long as I stayed away from strangers under arms (barf!) my senses weren't completely overloaded.

How crazy is this??!! Can you believe the temperature difference in just a 12 minute tram ride?? So crazy. I didn't really believe Dad when he said we needed jackets & pants but boy was he right. SNOW!!!!! WE stayed and hiked a little bit until Morty decided he needed to go potty when we were half way into the hike and it wasn't a duck behind the tree kind of potty. ugh! We had a decent lunch on the mountain top (think chicken fingers and pasta) and then it was time to head back to our oasis. 

One more day of blue skies, pool side meals and then it was time to head up to San Fran!!

None of us were ready to just yet - Paper I.O. outside in the evening air is so rare - we wanted it to last forever! Even Dad took a break form work to give it a go.

SF BOUND!!

and just like that - its time to get on the SF tram to the care rental center at SFO. No more swimming but at least we get to see our new house, friends and lots of good eats!

First stop is a yummy croissant from Le Marais bakery in Ghiradelli Square. I always tell Mom that she doesn't quite have the french accent down when she asks for croissants, maybe one day Madame can clue her in? Maybe?

Sometimes we even do the touristy stuff! This beauty used to be a St. Louis Cable Car so we had to give a little shout out to the peeps in The Lou. Just think... maybe my ancestors used to ride on this very cable car?!

Now here's a view that Mom ALWAYS takes a snap of. It involves three of her favorite things 1) Chestnut Street 2)long shadows 3) our backsides

One of our favorite things about visiting SF together is that we get snuggle time. Dad has to work from the hotel so we snuggle up to him (like it or not) and he can't run away. When he gets back from runs is the best, he's too tired to protest so we just snuggle in tighter --- i think he kind of likes it. 

Another first was when Mom and Dad went on a run TOGETHER - Dad decided to slow it down for Mom's sake. Thank goodness it was a short run through Fisherman's Wharf, I think Dad can only go sloth slow for so long.

Last day before we headed back Mom thought it would be fun to walk up to Lombard and see the twisty street while watching yet another running race. The views were cool (Can you see Alcatraz in the background?), the race costumes were funny but Morty was back to being Mr. Grump without his daily dose of water play ... not so fun. I suggested he go take leap into the bay in this photo but maybe he took it as more of an insult than a suggestion? whatever!!

BOOM! Just like that Spring Break was coming to a close and we were heading back to the icy cold Midwest. On the plane flight home I practiced my best Turtle in Missouri winter look to make sure I could brave the frigid temps. BBbbbrrrrr. It's strange to think that next year, "Winter" will mean a low of 43 degrees year round!!!