Another Spring Break in the books!
Our kids’ spring breaks aligned exactly, so we took them out a day early and flew out to Southern California on Friday.
Ryan sat with the girls, while I sat with the boys…
…they usually like to split up this way when we fly, according to movie preferences.
We made the cross-country trek to sunny Palm Desert to visit my aunt and uncle (my dad’s younger sister). I spent MOST of my childhood at their house, so my cousin, Jason, and I grew up much more like siblings than cousins.
The weather was perfect, without humidity, so we had the chance to thaw out from our colder east coast spring weather. We had the perfect accommodations arranged, my aunt’s next door neighbor is only there part-time and offered for us to stay. We had access to their golf cart and were able to be back and forth between the two houses for meals and hanging out. My aunt was even able to trade her vehicle for a friend’s van for the week!
First things first, we stopped at none other than In-N-Out Burger for lunch on our way home from the airport. The rest of our first day consisted of settling in, relaxing, and enjoying the beautiful weather.
Up and at ’em the next morning. Ryan and I took an early morning walk around the community and enjoyed the views of the manicured golf course and the mountains. We had this delicious breakfast ready for us, prepared by my aunt!
Then, us girls hit The Street Fair at College of the Desert! The girls picked out a pair of sunglasses, and I walked away with a wide-brim sunhat, which I used on the daily while there. (Spoiler alert: this was my April #onebuyamonth purchase!). The girls had treats they each picked out, while I went home with the best beef and chicken empanadas!
We spent the afternoon hanging at the house, playing endless games of corn hole and just soaking up the sun!
The following morning we went to church, where we enjoyed the Palm Sunday kids performance that my aunt organizes every year. Every time we visit, we make it to their church. I’ve even been able to participate in a women’s breakfast, one of their small group meetings, and I believe a choir practice way back in the day. It feels like home of sorts!
Sunday lunch was at Desert Willow Golf Resort. Unfortunately, the iconic view from the restaurant’s main dining area was closed for a private event, but the food and company was great. After we went home for some down time, naps, and reading.
That evening we went to Glow in the Park at The Living Zoo and Gardens, which my aunt purchased tickets for us in advance. This was so well done, it felt magical and was fun for all ages. I highly recommend if you’re ever in the Palm Springs, California area!
It was a zoo by day, so many animals that were out and about.
A rhino…
…and cheetahs.
Glow in the Dark light features by night. There were so many creatively lit and interactive displays throughout the park.
Changing lights on a swing set.
The kids raced each other on stationary bikes to be the first one to light their way up to the heart at top.
They did have food on property, but we decided to grab a late pizza dinner at an authentic Italian restaurant on our way home.
Another day, another amazing breakfast spread by my aunt! On Monday, we leisurely ate breakfast…
…and watched some tv. Please note that I am in a family photo with my aunt, uncle and cousin. Since I grew up with a single dad, my aunt and uncle really raised me more like a daughter than a niece. So my kids know them as nothing other than grandparents, Mima and P-pa.
The boys busted out Checkers…
…and were constantly playing their own little putting game in the driveway.
Before lunch, Ryan and I took the kids on a hike at a nearby trail. One of the down sides about where we live is the lack of hills and mountains, I love our west coast hikes! If you caught my stories on Insta, you’ll know that Ryan had more than enough comments in regards to the name of our trail. I’m sure you can imagine.
It was a beautiful day, but the winds were so fierce, especially the higher up we went.
Never a dull moment.
This was about where Alexia and I decided we would turn around and head back down. Our hike had turned into mountain climbing and I was sure I would soon be blown off the side of the mountain, never to be seen again.
Once the boys were satisfied with their adventure, we went home for some lunch, a shower and some downtime. Later that evening we put on our semi-fancy clothes for a celebratory dinner. My aunt planned a special night out for all of us in celebration of our 19 year anniversary and their 50th anniversary!
When we pulled up to the restaurant, we were greeted with our very own special parking spot and personalized sign right out front.
How cute is that?!
We had a table in a private cabana outside.
Each of us couples had a gift of shortbread cookies, one of my favorites!
My aunt and I ordered the same entree, lobster ravioli with a lobster tail on top. I could officially die and go to heaven after this one. We ordered a handful of desserts for the table to share. It was such a perfect night!
Our flight home was on Tuesday afternoon, so we spent the morning packing up, cleaning a bit, and taking some family photos.
My heart is so so full!
We had a little bit of time before we boarded, so we enjoyed the last of the sunshine before heading to our gate. The Palm Springs airport (PSP) is officially our favorite!
It is outdoors and feels like a resort, the perfect send off.
That is Part 1 of our Spring Break 2023 Recap!
