Joshua Tree!

Yes, this is where we were about 3 1/2 years ago...where we got engaged! This past weekend, we got the chance to go with some friends of ours.

Kate and Kyle. Kate works with Tobin, and Kyle is Kate's husband. So the two couples ventured off for some adventure! And adventure we had! Some rock climbing, trying to make two new avid climbers, hiking, and playing hand-and-foot! Yes, another couple that loves to play (Kate's family has been playing hand-and-foot and canasta for a long time)! The warm days fluctuated into cold nights, but our sleeping bags kept us warm. I learned that I need to listen to Tobin and bring those extra long underwear and extra shell. I wanted to be tough, but realized I get cold so easily (you'd think I'd know this about myself, apparently Tobin knows it better!) =) Thankfully, Tobin had brought an extra wool sweater so I used that! Husbands are great!

Looking down on our campground

Kyle doing a great ascent

My contemplative husband and God's beautiful Creation!

A challenging climb for me...both physically and mentally

Hopping around on rocks was much of the weekend. Here's an action shot!

Boys must always get to the highest rock!

Cooking our yummy second dinner...Rice and Black Bean Burritos!

Our last hike to 49 Palm Oasis

Can you find Waldo? I mean me? And see the palm trees in the middle of the dessert?! Crazy huh?!!
Strange change to the tropics....

I love this man! Fun to be back where he proposed! I told him if he asked me again...

I'd definitely say, "YES!"

San Gabriel Hiking

For our first weekend we decided to go out for a nice hike and our friend Boom was able to join us! We set out to do this hike called East Fork...well after about 3 miles of hiking we came upon a "No Trespassing" sign that indicated that "this is not the trail to the Bridge to Nowhere" (where we thought we were going). Anyways, it turned out to be a beautiful hike anyways, with less people because it wasn't the popular trail with this infamous bridge on it. It followed along this stream which we crossed several times. Thankfully, we had brought sandals so we were able to just walk through the water. Boom's feet didn't like it too much as she was wearing basically brand new Chacos...she had a few blisters after the day was over, but she had no complaints! We saw some birds, crazy rock formations, and just enjoyed the sunny day. Again I couldn't believe that I was wearing shorts and sandals in January! Everyone was wearing sunglasses so no one was blinded by my white NW legs!

Dr's repairing the wounds on the trail.

See that bruise on my arm! Don't worry, it's not domestic violence it's just remains from me staining The Box (the entertainment shelf that Tobin and Darrol made over the break).

Our legs were getting numb!

More adventures in So Cal to come!

Upper Table Rock

Well, another enjoyable afternoon spent hiking. This time we did Upper Table Rock (last week was Lower Table Rock). Beautiful day once again!

Again...who can resist?

Just trying to change the pose up...and add a few yoga moves.

My technique is actually a little off.

We saw this and hiked an extra mile to it...it's a tower to guide airline traffic

(an "FAA" tower as Tobin states-I think it's a secret government project to search for UFOs)

Praise the Lord for His Creation!

A Misty Enjoyable Afternoon

Once we move back to California we will actually miss the varying weather that we have up here. So this afternoon, Tobin suggested that we take full advantage and go on a hike. This time we went to Lower Table Rock, and enjoyed a nice hike in the Misty, Cloudy Day. The air was so fresh, nice, and peaceful!

Early Thanksgiving Anyone?

Don't worry, I tried, but failed to capture one!

Never missing an opportunity to climb some rocks.

This was an airplane runway at one time!

We'll miss Oregon, but until we leave, we're going to enjoy as much as we can!