The Red Carpet

We arrived in Los Angeles just in time for the Emmys. Our version of the Southern California red carpet of attractions included the sunny desert of Palm Springs, the massive trees at Sequoia National Park, and beachside camping in Playa del Rey.

Palm Springs

Our trip to Palm Springs was prompted by a visit from Shelly's mom. She flew out to join us for a portion of our tour and wanted to visit her brother in the Palm Springs area. We found a palm tree lined RV park three minutes from Shelly's uncle's house and took advantage of the off-season rates. 

The mercury peaked around 114 degrees during our stay, so outside time mainly consisted of swimming.

Our family of four got to meet Shelly's uncle Frank for the first time.

Uncle Frank, Aunt Laurie, and Shelly's mom with the boys.

Additionally, Shelly met her first cousins Bear and Barbie for the first time. Barbie thrilled the boys by bringing her two little dogs over to visit and planning a desert egg hunt in Uncle Frank's back yard.

Also in Palm Springs, we were introduced to Shelly's first cousin Don--the son of Shelly's mom's sister. A lovely brunch was a great setting for getting to know Don and his wife Yvonne. 

Sequoia

Though we had previously visited the Redwoods in Northern California, it was a treat to take Shelly's mom to the most massive living things on Earth at Sequoia National Park.

It was a little challenging to explain the concept of the the most massive and largest by volume when the boys had already visited the tallest trees on the planet. Nevertheless, it was fun to visit the tree that is considered number one in mass and volume: General Sherman. 

Los Angeles

But it was in Los Angeles at Playa del Rey that we enjoyed an experience we had pictured as typical of Southern California. We were lucky to camp right at the edge of the sand at Dockweiler State Beach.

Our campsite's picnic table three feet from the sandy beach.

This allowed us to stay barefoot for a few days while we took advantage of what the beach could offer.

Reminiscent of Ecuador.

Learning to fly the two line stunt kite.

Playing with other kids from the campground.

Campfires on the beach.

Some of these experiences are likely once-in-a-lifetime for us. We've been fortunate to travel. To see beautiful scenery. To spend moments enjoying. Perhaps more than a red carpet of experiences, this sabbatical has been a magic carpet ride.

Magical indeed.