Our Western Spring Break Adventure

As part of her fourth grade home school curriculum, Ella has been studying the five main US regions.  After Christmas, I realized that she had already visited three regions in the first half of the school year (Michigan - Midwest, Louisiana - Southeast, Maryland - Northeast), so I thought it would be fun if she could experience the remaining two regions as well.  And in that moment, a spring break travel plan was born.  Come along.

Day 1: Leave home and arrive in Phoenix (Southwest region is covered).  Breakfast at Matt's Big Breakfast.  Visit the Pueblo Grande Museum and Archaeological Park.  Swim to our hearts' content at the hotel.

Day 2: Soak up the sun with a long morning walk in the park and at the playground.  Drive to California (West region is covered) making one hot stop at a desert playground.  Arrive in the California hills for quiet and relaxation.

Day 3: Joshua Tree National Park which was a natural feast for our eyes, hearts and spirits.  It's bizarrely beautiful with ever-changing flora, fauna and landscape, elevation and temperature.

Day 4: Relaxing morning in California.  Enjoy the desert in bloom (no picture can capture the beauty of the colors and the intoxicating smell). Drive back to Phoenix.

Day 5: Visit the Pioneer Living History Museum.  Swim at the rental house.  Barbecue.

Day 6: Fly home.