Spaced Invaders

This week I finally had my own groups of munchkins to lead! I had two groups of fifth graders to guide through building landers for our Mars probes (which look a lot like water balloons), baking cookies in a solar oven and climbing the rock wall. I have a tie for craziest-kid moment of the week: Moment #1 involved trying to launch rockets with north Hollywood kids while it was trying to snow and there were deer on the launch field. Moment #2 was in the pool watching fourteen kiddos try (and fail) to put masks and snorkels on. We had upside-down masks, masks that didn't get pulled down to cover the nostrils, upside-down snorkels...you name a way to goof up and we probably covered it. Lessons learned? Three flakes of slush is a blizzard if you're from L.A., deer are even more exciting than squirrels, and never underestimate the power of a swimming pool to make even a reasonable child go completely nuts. (And thanks Mom, for laughing at me when I called to lament the poolside chaos.)

It's easy to forgive their craziness in light of their jaw-dropping awe during our night programs. They were SOOO excited to look through the telescopes to find nebulae and galaxies, and to find new constellations and stars. One group even saw a meteor. It's hard being away from friends and family, but those moments with kids squealing "Did you see that?! It was so COOL!!" definitely make my days.

I had Thursday off in between my groups, so I managed to get out on two little adventures. In the morning, I went off the mountain into "civilization," also known as Hemet. While picking up some essentials, I decided to try the much-fabled In-n-Out. I know this is probably blasphemy in burger circles, but I don't get the fuss. It was good, but not great. I liked the spread, and the fries were good...but it doesn't really compare to summer BBQ burgers with Tillamook cheddar, pepper bacon, heirloom tomatoes and garlic-dijon aioli. Great...now I'm hungry, and you all now know what a food snob I can be.

Once I got back from the "big city," I went for a short hike up the May Valley trail. It was a beautiful day for the hike, and I found a great spot to kick back, relax, sing Beatles songs and snap some pictures.

Tahquitz Peak (l) and Lily Rock (r) from the trail looking north

Garner Vally looking southeast

My only company the whole afternoon was a couple of redtail hawks and a few crows who were riding the thermals over the hill behind my vantage point.

This chick just jumped out from behind a rock and ruined my shot. Some people....

I'm off to dinner with Michelle, Thor and Gus this evening. According to Michelle, it will be a "Thor-Fusion" dish. All I know is I had to pick up mangoes, tomatillos, and Braeburn apples for it while I was in town.

Have a wonderful week!