Harlan's Palm Springs Adventure

Harlan's Palm Springs Adventure - Autumn 2015

Palm Springs in the Evening

 This has been a week of many firsts for you Mr. H. It was your first trip to California, your first trip to a
desert, your first trip to a State Park. Consequently, the night before we left for California you were diagnosed with your first ear infection, which made your Dad and I nervous for you to fly - especially as this was our first family vacation. We have traveled with you before. We have traveled together before as well. However, this was our first time traveling just the three of us, with no family or friends waiting for us on the other end.

You liked watching the ducks at our resort.

Eating a cookie & relaxing after a swim.

Per usual for your personality, flying with you was a dream. We woke up early to head to Des Moines for our flight - and you had slept all night. You were fascinated by Dad unloading the bags, you watched intently as we checked in, and you smiled your contagious grin as we went through security. I gave you a little bit of Motrin for you ears, per the pediatrician's recommendation, before the flight. You nursed contently, laughed at the other passengers and then conked out for a great nap. Repeat this same pattern for our 2nd flight from Phoenix to Palm Springs - you watched, nursed, observed some more, and dosed for a nap until we reached our hotel.

We have arrived at the Palm Springs Airport with Dad

Dressed for dinner on the patio

You love our hotel villa - you have free reign to crawl and explore, and your hedgehog car goes REALLY fast on the tile floor - which tickles you greatly. Once we arrived and settled in - we explored the resort and you napped in the stroller, and hung out with us as we ate dinner. Ironically, the song that Uncle John sang for our wedding - Come To Me - played as we were eating dinner, and we took that as a great sign to begin our first family vacation. That evening you and I got in the jacuzzi bathtub. You weren't entirely sure of the bubble jets at first, but after looking to me for reassurance you thought they were fun. Harlan, even with flying all day long - with interruptions to various naps - an ear infection and a new place - you went to bed and slept all night long. Your Dad and I were tired too. You went to bed at 6:00 California time (8:00 Iowa Time - your bedtime) and your Dad and I were asleep on the couch by 6:30. We were excited for time to rest.


On Thursday we visited the San Jacinto State Park and took the 8000 foot tram ride to the top. The view was absolutely breathtaking - it was almost 100 degrees in the desert, and at the top of the mountain it was a cool 72. You slept soundly in the Boba Wrap as your Dad and I enjoyed the view, walked the trail and ate some food. When you were awake, of course, you smiled for everyone that said "hello."

Mom & Harlan at the pool in Palm Springs

Swimming with you at the pool was a treat because you loved the warm water, and watching all of the people. Your Dad joked that everyone would know we were first time parents because I had long sleeves on you and a hat in the water. It's true - I was nervous about the intense desert sun on your soft and fair skin. When we went swimming Friday afternoon, you fell asleep in my arms, in the water. We got out of the water, laid you down in the shade for a snooze and ate lunch while you napped. Whether in Ames or Palm Springs, you love the water. 











When I was pregnant with you, I couldn't picture you as a teacher, or a doctor, or a nurse, or even an IT
professional like your Dad. I could picture you as an explorer, or a scientist, or someone working for the efforts of others.   You are the most content when you are moving - in the car, in the water, on the plane. You are happy to meet other people and study your surroundings - I imagine that these traits will follow you through life. I could be wrong - after all this is my first time as a Mom - so no pressure. However, I do know that traveling with you is a treat and still the most fun we have ever had. I would imagine that as you grow - it will continue to be so.

Looking cool in California

Where: Palm Springs, California
When: October 2015
Who:
 A Gift for our wedding - A Westin Villa in Rancho Mirage, CA
What: A vacation with Dan, Brooke and Harlan
Activities: Swimming, Crawling, Walking along the mountains, watching the ducks, the Tram, Jacuzzi Bubble Baths and eating outside.
Highlights: A visit to a National Park, swimming by the pool, chicken fingers, a desert heat wave, Uber and our first family vacation.