Check in from the desert

I'm on trip to LA with B and D to see Jules. We came here for some sunshine and a little break -- it's been terrific. It was sort of last-minute and not super-planned, but it's been heavenly so far.

We took a flight just before D's bedtime, which might mean she slept during the flight. But she did not sleep. She ate all manner of snacks, played on an iPad (which, to D only exists as a plaything on planes -- do not tell her it's a thing that works on solid ground), watched Virgin America TV, played and wiggled. We landed and D was happy as a clam to run through the airport. We rented a car and got to Aunt Jules' with a completely exhausted toddler who collapsed after a speedy bath.

The next day we hit the streets of Downtown LA. We headed to Grand Central Market which is a giant, amazing food court where we got some fresh-baked cookies, iced tea, papusa (grilled cheese type thing) and more cookies. We walked to get groceries for our trip (more to come on that) -- sitting in a shopping cart, samples, beer-selecting fun. Then to a park (while mama got a pedicure!) with Aunt Jules. Being outside is so wonderful for all of us -- fresh air and wandering around is good stuff.

Today we headed east to Joshua Tree National Park. We've rented a little house in the desert which we heat by wood-burning stove. We took a hike at the park -- D climbed rocks (especially awesome after she watched real rock climbers), marched down paths and wrote in the sand with many sticks.  It's just peachy so far -- I'll share more soon.

Here's a photo from Grand Central Market. Waiting for lunch isn't so bad when you can run around looking at all the stuff for sale, says. D.