Joshua Tree Part 1

We decided a couple days before my birthday that it would be fun to get away for the long weekend. We settled on Joshua Tree National Park, as it's been on our list of places to visit and wasn't too far away for a trip with such short notice. We booked an Airbnb and left right when Benny got home from work.


The place was really quaint, cozy, and just what we wanted. I personally wanted a chance for us to unplug from everything. I am the worst at this because I essentially work from my phone/computer.

The place was in the middle of the desert, it had no wifi, no TV, and it was perfect.

I got to read in front of the fire while Eric made us dinner.

And we played plenty of games.

The next day we went to the park. It was free to get in because of the government shutdown.



We went on two short hikes. The first one took us around Barker Dam, which was beautiful.






The second hike (Hidden Valley) took us around massive boulders through what was believed to be a legendary cattle rustlers' hideout.

There were boulders to explore everywhere.




As well as rock climbers everywhere.


After the second hike we were pretty tired and the sun was starting to set. It was time to head home for the night!

PMP

Over the last year, this is what most of our afternoons and weekends looked like.

He would study anywhere he could, including the gym. This of course, was before the gym had to be dropped off entirely from the priority list - so that he could get in even more studying.

He would work, come home, and work some more.

Our kitchen table was his home most of the time. Saturday mornings consisted of 4 hour practice tests, every weekend.

Our wall decor even changed.

So many books, online platforms, flashcards, notebooks, donated study materials.


So many ups and downs, so many times he could have thrown in the towel, after an entire year of working towards it - he is a PMP! And I am SO proud of him.

Christmas in Virginia

Once we arrived in Virginia, Benny and I spent most of the day hiding away wrapping all the presents we had shipped there (one downside of living so far). Thankfully, it was a work-from-home day for Eric and Katie's crew hadn't arrived yet so it was a good time to get it done.

We had our traditional, favorite Christmas Eve homemade pizza for dinner.


We enjoyed seeing the new house decorated for Christmas - this house was made for the holidays!

Our 'Christmas morning' we woke up to beautiful views, as usual here.

Then enjoyed our slow morning opening stockings, enjoying coffee and cinnamon rolls, and exchanging gifts.



Eleanor and Jane helped pass out gifts and unwrap presents.


One of my favorite parts of our family Christmas is taking it slow and making it last, spending the entire morning with everyone's undivided attention.

That afternoon Dave started a bonfire and everyone went out to enjoy it.

The guys even got in and helped.


After being out in the cold, the girls needed hot chocolate.

We had a delicious, amazing dinner that night. My mom always outdoes herself (and Dave too!).

We played on their new pool table, which was a lot of fun!




We took a hike one sunny day.






My mom and sister even went out thrifting with me one day! The guys also got to have their own day visiting some breweries. And one night we went out to eat with dad and Racheal and a good Mexican restaraunt.

We played lots of games during our week there.

Mostly new ones compliments of my brother!

Benny bundled up and grilled for us on football Sunday.


And Ben made a new friend in Duncan.



We got all four kids in the tub for bath time. Which is a whole ordeal in itself!



Jane took advantage of lots of snuggles from Grandma.


It was an amazing week - everything we wanted and more! After 6 months away, it was some much needed family time. I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas!

(Thank you Katie and Mom for some of these photos!)