Ezra's First Christmas

Our first Christmas on the road was a "good news, bad news" scenario. 

The really good news was that Ezra talked his parents into driving to Borrego Springs for a couple nights. The bad news was that none of the other boys could make the trip. We had hoped to rent a house so we could all be together, but none of Bill's boys could come, and travel from Seattle was a huge pain for Jeff.

Daily high winds made decorating our outdoor space impossible so we didn't have a tree, but we put up a few special ornaments to remind us of the season. After decades of decorating every room in large houses (which I loved doing), it was very nice to just have our simple reminders.

Sitting outside reading in the sunshine, and walking Tessa in the desert is a lovely way to spend Christmas day, and we are very happy when we get the text that the kids have arrived at the motel before dark!

Bright and sunny Christmas day at the state park

Taller than the mountain..... :-)

Hanging out in the backyard

They join us for a very non-traditional dinner of pork and green chili burritos with the more traditional pumpkin and apple pie for dessert. The best part is seeing them all again, and playing with Ezra. He has already grown too much!!  I don't get many pics as we're just having such a good time visiting.

Yes, I know the camera's over there.. that's why I'm looking over here

Sophie the Giraffe and Ezra in the lion seat - Happy 1st Christmas little man

Friday morning we enjoy a yummy breakfast at the Red Ocotillo (our favorite eatery this visit), and then head out in search of creatures in the desert.

With continuing winds, a day spent exploring in the Jeep seems ideal for all of us. Galleta Meadows keeps us entertained all morning. Art that you can literally drive or walk right up to, spread over miles of open desert, makes up the Galleta Meadows project. Commissioned by Dennis Avery who passed away in 2012, the 130 metal sculptures were created by Richard Breceda and placed throughout the Borrego Springs area. Breceda continues to sell his creations from a small lot near the Temecula Valley.

A magical dragon appears beside us

Charming the beast

See? He's friendly!

We are amazed by the detail in the metal - especially the "hair" on the sloths

The wind really kicked up the dust on the dry lake

Fortunately it was much clearer up the hill with the dinosaurs

Where we could take photos

and make new friends

Ezra doesn't have much to say about this holiday adventure, but he's clearly having a great time.

After lunch we peruse a couple fun shops in the tiny "mall" in town. I keep saying "I'm so glad I don't have a house" as I look at all the beautiful handmade items and colorful textiles. I sure save a lot of money :-)

Sorry Grimace, we don't have room for you

We drop the little family off at their motel for a few hours before meeting up for dinner later. If you're in need of a clean, cozy, friendly, warm and cute little place for yourself or family while in the area, the Borrego Springs Motel is a very reasonable option. The owners live onsite and take a lot of pride in their little (9 rooms and a small swimming pool) solar-powered motel.

Part of the large Palm Canyon Resort, the Big Horn Bar and Grill is a very nice restaurant with a small but decent menu, friendly staff, nice selection of brews, and enough room to enjoy a leisurely dinner with family. We take our time, knowing we'll be going our separate ways in the morning.

Granpa takes his turn showing Ezra "all the pretty lights"

The time went by way too fast

The evening wraps up with big hugs all around. It was a wonderful holiday visit, and we can't wait to see them again as soon as possible.

Saturday night we have our first full night's sleep since arriving in Borrego Springs as the winds have finally died down. Just in time for us to pack up Sunday morning :-(.  But I am grateful to have a calm, and short, driving day.

Happy New Year everyone.