Before any more time passes - and a new trip takes center stage - I want to share these snapshots from a getaway to Palm Springs with Joe's parents last month. We stayed at the new Sparrows hotel and loved every bit of it: the contemporary rustic design, the property's quiet nature, and their comfortable make-yourself-at-home approach to service. It was just right for showing the Snowbirds (aka my in-laws) how restorative and enjoyable a stay in the desert can be.

I wish that we could go back before moving (more on that later) but our summer is already packed with work and other travels. So what's next? A road trip from LA to Seattle! It'll be a quick one since we're helping a friend move up there but we'll definitely make time for sightseeing and fun. I'm really excited for the drive. I've never driven north of San Fransisco and have never seen the Redwoods ... can't wait to wrap my tiny arms around a giant tree trunk. Yes, cliché photo-op but hey, at least I'm getting back to taking pictures! New adventures await and my spirit, and camera, are ready.