It’s the third Hay Arizona adventure (HAA), and we decided to go down to see the Saguaros, Kitt Peak Observatory, and the biggest pumpkin patch in AZ in Marana. (plus stay in a historical hotel, The Arizona Inn).
I also see these trips as a way to bond. The Hay Family is having some growing pains as is normal with any new group. In fact, I love that it is a bit difficult because it is forcing us to be proactive and deal with any underlying hidden issues that might be overlooked if we just lived our busy lives. The three of us are learning about each other, and Tatum is learning to have a Daddy in her life (as he is one who loves her extraordinarily).
First, we had to say goodbye to Coopy for a second time.
He’d be going to his hotel again, Boulder Falls. They love him there.
Bye bye fuzzball. We LOVE YOU!
Ok off we go. We listened to the audio of Lion Witch and Wardrobe.
I taught this book in my middle school ELA classes for years, and I love the story. It’s an analogy of the love and grace of God, and the sacrifice he made for us through Jesus. It also gives us a distinct understanding of the power of temptation and the dark side. Lots of good conversation and then learning for all of us.
We first hit the Saguaro National Park. My honey found it with his tremendous mapping skills (smile).
The saguaros we magnificent, and knowing that this is the only place in the world you’ll see them, made it even better.
Daddy informed us to watch out for the jumping cacti, and instantly Tatum was glued to him for protection.
He won’t let any critter or cactus come near the little cutie. I, on the other hand, was not scared of anything (haha). It was a short little walk, but it definitely got our wiggles out. Tatum found the sweet part of the cactus which is how the little critters can eat.
Off to the Arizona Inn now. Doug stayed there many times in his past with Mora, so we were excited to see it now!
Historic, bright, and manicured, it was glorious! Our room was as well.
The pool, however, was not so hot. Literally. Not hot at all. It was not heated as they touted, so again, Daddy to the rescue again to warm up Tot.
Later on in the evening, Tatum and Daddy played. Now, the challenge is not riling up Tatum too much because she has a difficult time winding down. She gets so overly excited (and rough-housed-up) with Daddy, it can get messy. We are learning strategies to calm down. This might not be the best way.
We are ready to have a new day at Kitt Peak Observatory. We pray for a sound night sleep.