Thanksgiving in Palm Springs: Celebrating Asterius' Birthday and Exploring Desert Delights

The Levine family's Thanksgiving excursion to Palm Springs was a vibrant mix of celebration, exploration, and relaxation. It began with a heartwarming celebration for Asterius’ 4th birthday, set against the backdrop of our charming Airbnb located within the scenic confines of the Indian Palms Country Club homeowner's association. The home was bustling with joy, adorned with festive decorations, and filled with laughter, as Asterius blew out his birthday candles surrounded by family.

Our Airbnb stay was punctuated by delightful dips in the pool. The excitement revved up with a visit to the "Latino Classics" car show on the Association's property. This was the ideal excursion for our car enthusiast Asterius, who was thrilled by the modified classic cars on display.

The adventure reached new heights with a thrilling ride on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. The ascent offered us panoramic views of the rugged terrain below, which transitioned from stark desert to alpine forests.

Amidst packing for our relocation between the Airbnb and the Westin Mission Hills Resort Villas, Asterius insisted on bringing all his birthday balloons in the car which was already overflowing with luggage, a stroller and all our groceries. The thought never entered our minds of disappointing our birthday boy by leaving his ballons behind. This led to the comical scene of Dadda racing alongside the car with the ballons in tow in a heroic effort to save Asterius' birthday balloons. This scene illustrates the playful and spontaneous spirit of our family adventures.

Our stay at the Westin Resort Villas was a continuation of our fun-filled journey. The resort's expansive pool was a daily delight, with Asterius and Dadda often found splashing about, while Caelum played in the wading pool. The outdoor games area was a hit, providing endless entertainment with a variety of activities from cornhole to table tennis.

Further enriching the holiday, we spent an afternoon at the Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage. The resort's location atop a bluff offered them a majestic view of the Coachella Valley. The expansive terraces and elegant ambiance provided a perfect backdrop for our boys to let out some energy while soaking in the serene beauty of the desert.

Andreas Canyon provided a serene escape from the desert's aridity, with its lush fan palms and cool streambeds offering a stark contrast to the surrounding sandy expanses. We wandered along trails canopied by towering rock formations, each step further immersing us in the tranquil whispers of nature.

In a rare and special evening, Dadda and Momma enjoyed their first date night in two years, adding a touch of romance to the holiday season. They dined al fresco at the renowned Lavender Bistro illuminated by thousands of sparkling lights, amidst fresh flowers and the melodic sounds of live music—a perfect setting for a night of reconnecting and relaxation.

This Thanksgiving trip to Palm Springs was more than just a holiday getaway; it was a celebration of family, the beauty of nature, and the joy of exploration.

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Celebration in Indian Palms: Asterius' 4th Birthday, Sunny Days and Classic Car Displays

11/23/2024 - Enjoying the patio at our Airbnb in Indian Palms Country Club

11/23/2024 - "Latino Classics" car show  at Indian Palms Country Club

11/25/2024 - Swimming at Indian Palms Country Club

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Serene Vistas and Playful Moments: An afternoon at the Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage

11/24/2024 - Capturing the beauty of the desert views with a side of sibling smiles and toddler tears—unforgettable family moments

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11/24/2024 - A sweet mother-son moment captured at the Ritz, with smiles as radiant as the sunny Palm Springs day

11/24/2024 - Asterius and Alline soaking in the breathtaking Coachella Valley views from the Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage

11/24/2024 - Asterius and Caelum race across the manicured lawn at the Ritz, burning off energy with joyful laughter and boundless enthusiasm

11/24/2024 - Video: Caelum creates his own game investigating drain covers while Asterius charges full speed at Dadda, ending in a playful tackle that sends the camera tumbling—pure Ritz playtime chaos!

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An Evening to Remember: Date Night at Lavender Bistro

11/25/2024 - Under the soft glow of Lavender Bistro's sparkling lights, Amy and Michael enjoyed a romantic evening away, reconnecting over a serene dinner—a cherished date night captured in smiles.

11/25/2024 - A radiant Amy at Lavender Bistro

11/25/2024 - Michael contemplating how much to tip for the meal 🙄(Lavender Bistro)

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Balloon Chase Extravaganza

11/27/2024 - Dadda racing alongside the car, clutching Asterius' birthday balloons which wouldn't fit in the overpacked car

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Relaxation at Westin Mission Hills

11/27/2024 - Enjoying the Westin Resort's pool

11/27/2024 - At the Westin Resort Villas, Asterius perfects his pool game, carefully lining up a shot. Meanwhile Caelum carrying cornhole bags marches up to the hole to drop them in, redefining the game in his own adorable way.

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Among the Date Palms: A Hike Through Desert Beauty and a Dragonfly Encounter

11/27/2024 - Through the camera lens, an otherworldly dragonfly reveals itself amidst the serene beauty of Andreas Canyon—a profound and humbling reminder that some connections exist beyond the limits of our perception

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