After a good long rest to get over jetlag, we were on our first getaway with a weekend trip to California.

Our first stop was at the Joshua Tree National Park.

We took our time strolling through the desert so Jutta gets a nice close look at the details of what lives here.

From dragonflies to tarantulas, we spotted more than a few signs of wildlife calling this home.

I’ve said it before, but it bears saying again: it might have taken me a long time to get my mother-in-law to show us a natural smile, but she finally got it figured out.

Along the way, Caroline has been doing a workbook so she could earn her Junior Ranger badge. While Jutta is actively participating in helping Caroline, the prize will be Caroline’s alone.

Back at the visitor center, Caroline turned in her research and studied answers and was once again sworn in as a Junior Ranger.