Joel Madden surprise Nicole Richie for a vacation

Joel Madden whisked girlfriend Nicole Richie and their three-and-a-half-month-old daughter Harlow to the California desert this weekend for a surprise family vacation. The Richie-Madden clan headed to the Palm Springs area for the Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival, a three-day event headlined by performers including Prince, Jack Johnson and Roger Waters. Joel Madden says that Nicole hasn't been able to do a whole lot over the year, so we're having a little family trip,"I rented a house and surprised Nicole with a weekend trip because she likes Coachella. She was like, 'I really want to go!' So I surprised her. We brought the baby." And their activity? "Hanging by the pool." While Madden, 29, spun music for party guests including Dave Annable and Taryn Manning, a smiling, relaxed Richie, 26, chatted with friends about her daughter, who was being looked after at their nearby rental home. Joel Madden has a good heart. Nice idea for a new mom who needs a break.