Bump N' Grind

When we picked up an information sheet on some nature walks and hikes we only really considered the easy ones but then we saw these people walking up this little hill behind the Target. We noticed that the description in our info said it was a tough workout called Bump N' Grind. But it looked like fun and not so hard so when Dylan woke up AGAIN at 5:45AM (AM!) we decided to try it out. We thought we wouldn't look like losers if we were sucking wind at 7:30 in the morning because no one would be there that early. Fat chance, the road was lined with cars and people with workout gear and water bottle belts were heading up the hill. We set up the baby back-pack and took off. We got near the top of the hill Jay wondered out loud why the info sheet said it was a tough workout and I laughed. Ha. Ha. Then we came around the bend at the top of hill to see all those workout people climbing A MOUNTAIN! Since Jay was carrying an extra 30 pounds of baby, it was his call to keep going and so we did... because Jay would never turn down a challenge. Well we had a blast climbing that mountain, it was the first time I have ever kept up with Jay on any hike (thanks to the 30 pound baby!) and it really wasn't that bad. I guess I'm in good enough shape to tackle a mountain. My butt is sore today, Jay's isn't.

Near the top of the first hill.

Almost there!

We made it!

The way back down on the other side!

11th Hole Surprise!

Tumbleweed!

Top 3 phrases used in the Palm Desert portion of our vacation:


Tumbleweed! Oh my gosh, that's my first tumbleweed! Let's stop!


Why are there always car chasing, rabid dogs on my vacation?


Maybe we should turn around because that sign HAS BULLET HOLES!




Those last 2 are particularily funny to us because when we went to Costa Rica about 3 years ago we decided that since the map showed a road, a dirt road, cutting through some mountains that we would attempt it since it was the quickest route. We eventually turned after driving through rainforest on something that should only be called a bike path. I tearfully explained to Jay my fear of blowing every tire on the rental car and no one on the planet knew where we were at that moment and knowing it was a stupid way to die. Jay still laughs his ass off when he tells this story. So today when I saw a dirt road I suggested as a joke that we take it and Jay, of course, took me completely seriously. As we got further and further away from the road I was more and more horrified with fear and yet thrilled with a sense of adventure. This is the reason I have so much fun with with Jay, I would have never actually taken that road and when I saw those dogs running out to chase our car I would totally have turned back. But we didn't, we kept going and laughed at each and got out of the car and enjoyed the complete silence of being in the middle of nowhere.


A modest Palm Springs residence.

Bullet. Holes.




So we are in Palm Springs and let me say that I'm embarrassed at how many times in my life I've wondered aloud if it's Palm Beach or Palm Springs... because Palm Springs is inland. Not a beach in sight. It's all mountains and desert as far as you can see. Today we took in a nature walk and even though we've been drinking water by the gallon, we felt like we had eaten sand by the end of the walk. I've never been anywhere this dry before. The weather has been great, it's cool in the mornings and at night and a perfect temperature in the day... well, maybe 2 more degrees would be perfect.

An oasis

Los Angeles Zoo

My ass would like to ask for a time out

The hiiiillllllssss ... are very steep and abundant in this part of California. Day 2 and we've walked the hills both days. My ass is wondering where we are and why we left the flatness of Southern Ontario. This is nothing like when I jack up the incline on the treadmill and power through 45 seconds of "hills". This is the real thing and my ass will thank me for it one day.

We are having a great time with Scout and Chris and Kerri. Scout is Dylan's cute little shadow, a little shadow that turns her little body around to carefully back down the 2 steps from the kitchen to the living room only to have him turn around and trot right back to the kitchen. Dylan on the other hand knows he's the big cousin and barely gives her a nod except to take away her little push toys that help her walk or grab her by the shoulder and take her down to the ground. He totally understands when we tell him to be gentle with the dog so today I've started gently petting Scout and saying gentle in hopes that he makes the connection. Please don't tell her in 10 years that we pet her like a dog to try to teach her cousin to be a nice boy.

They have had some awesome moments in the couple of days they've been together. Today Dylan bent down and licked Scout's face and then wrapped his arms around her neck... I'm pretty sure this was affection... right? Then there is the eating, Scout loves to eat with Dylan and we try to sit them together at meal time as much as possible but when we can't then Scout always tries to help Dylan with his food. It's the cutest thing, a Cheerio is always yummier from a big cousin's tray.

Beach bound.