On my birthday Rick had the idea to go to Tucson so we did. Our kids love a trip, so they didn't need any convincing. On the way
down there we went to the San Xavier Mission, which is the oldest in-tact European-built structure in Arizona. It was built in the 1700s. I
know I have posted photos of it before, but here are a few more:
This side of it has been recently restored.
You can tell when you compare it to the other side, which is still being worked on.
We were there on December 30th, so the inside was still decorated for Christmas.
The very Southwestern looking Nativity Scene
Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus
The Three Wise Men
The kids' favorite part, climbing the rocks outside
Another thing we did was go to Saguaro National Park, which was beautiful.
Did you know the inside of a saguaro is made of wood like the trunk of a tree? It is designed kind of like an accordion so that it can expand and contract to hold tons, literally tons of water.
They had some very scenic hiking trails which allowed us to an up-close view of the desert.
Saguaros can weigh up to 16,000 pounds when they are full of water. I
think this one was one of the biggest ones we have ever seen. At first
Maya didn't want to be in the picture...
Then she did...
If you want to read more about saguaro cacti with your children, here are two very good books you probably have at your library:
2 comments:
I was at both of those places many, many years ago (before 1973) - both are beautiful places - thanks for bringing back some long forgotten memories.
What a fun day. I love that misson and walking around the rock hill. Next time we head down that way we'll have to see the National Park. Thanks for sharing the lovely pictures.
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