Part 4 - Joshua Tree for the Memorial Day holiday

The weather was very cool for the desert. Normally you expect 100+ degree heat at this time of year, but it was in the low 80's the entire time I was there, and at night it was cold. Uwe felt bad because he told me it was hot and not to bring any warm clothes, as he was in shorts and a t-shirt sitting outside in the evening when he called me and the weather was perfect. However, when I got there the weather had cooled significantly and even sitting by a fire at night, I could have used my ski jacket. Luckily I brought a fleece jacket just in case and jeans. Here are my two loves, both happy to see me after being apart for 3 days.The biggest shocker when I got there was seeing Astrid walking all throughout the house. Back in LA she had been starting to walk for sometime, but shorter distances. Here in Joshua Tree she would walk pretty long distances without having to hold onto anything, and she'd follow me into rooms, and even into the bathroom. (We ended up having to shut the door to the bathroom because she kept wanting to play with the water in the toilet.) I would walk down the hallway and go into a room and all I had to say was, "Astrid...come here" and she'd follow me.Even though we left the doors open, I made it clear that I didn't want Astrid to go outside without me, so she stayed right by the door. Here she is staring out the French doors. The sun sets on this side of the house and there's a nice view.Walking towards me. Doesn't she look precious?I'm just amazed at how much her balance has improved in a few days.Even though the house was not child-proofed, she had the run of the house, and was very good and didn't disturb or touch things she wasn't supposed to.Astrid loved staring at this intricate tapestry hanging on the wall.Playing with Papa's birthday card.

Uwe celebrated a birthday while we were out in Joshua Tree. Since his birthday is close to Memorial Day, every year we go away that weekend for a mini vacation. I told him he's spoiled because he always asks, "Where are we going for my birthday?" while most people just ask, "What are we doing for my birthday."Astrid kept zooming back and forth in front of the tapestry, but I finally got a photo of her standing in front of it facing me and smiling.

It was a nice change of pace for her and she seemed to enjoy it very much.