Vacation- Stop 12- Casa Grande National Monument, Arizona

Several years ago when we spent Thanksgiving in Arizona we took Sophie and Connor to Casa Grande Ruins.

Sophie remembered, Connor did not, and we had 2 more who hadn't been. So while the weather was cooperating we thought.... why not? Since this wasn't our first trip, and the previous blog post from November 27, 2013 had lots of information about Casa Grande Ruins... I'll mostly just have pictures.

Needless to say because the kids were mostly able to run around and explore (the exception being that they weren't able to climb on the walls), the kids enjoyed being able to run around here carefree.
Well not completely carefree, we didn't want to damage the historical site, but they were able to peer over walls, find doors, and share their discoveries with their siblings.

For go back in time and see the kids' first trip there, click HERE

For more information on Casa Grande Ruins, click HERE. 

Vacation- Stop 11- Saguaro National Park, Arizona

The only place in the world to find the saguaro cacti is in the Sonora desert located in southern Arizona. And luckily, we were in southern Arizona and got cooler weather. Previous days the temperature was in the 110s and it was advised that those living in Tuscon area finish hiking by 9am due to the extreme heat. So there were a few days during our stay in Tuscon that had a high of the high 90s. We decided this was a sign to go out and explore the outdoors. 

Wanting the kids to learn more about their surroundings, we stopped at the Western Saguaro National Park (the park is actually divided into 2). Originally it used to be one whole area, but was later divided after World War 2 in order to allow vets to get homestead grants for the land. 

At the visitor's center we learned that the saguaro cacti get's it's first arm when it is around 50-100 years of age and that they can live to 250+ years. 

Also learned once the saguaro cactus dies, Native Americans would use the ribs for building. The food was also treasured by people and animals alike. Despite their faces, the ribs of the cactus do not have thorns and do not hurt.

If you take the Bajada Scenic Loop and stop at Signal Hill you can take a short hike to a large rock mound where you can find rattlesnakes. 

Hopefully, you just find Petroglyphs (Native American drawings/languages- think what hieroglyphics were to the Egyptians). However, I will warn you that we were definitely prepared on this trip for that possibility and I had purchased, packed, and carried with me the Sawyer Bite & Sting Extractor Kit in case of a snake bite. I didn't want to take any chances!

Luckily, all went without incident. Spoiler Alert- I didn't have to use the Sawyer Bite & Sting Extractor Kit for the entire trip! Such a relief!

For more information on the Saguaro National Park, click HERE. 

Vacation- Stop 10- Tuscon, Arizona

The highlight of the vacation- visiting Aunt Carmen. All the kids gave us thumbs up on this one!

Vacation- Stop 9- Grand Canyon, Arizona

On our next stop we were able to get a campsite at the national park. It was a really nice area (Maher's Point) and nearby the visitor center and other tourist sights including a lodge, train depot, and general store.

We arrived at Grand Canyon just as the sun set. It was beautiful. And we managed to set up our tent during dusk just in time to take the kids for a late night hike to see all the stars.

In the morning, we walked along the Rim Trail near the Visitor Center. However, according to the kids it was boring because all the views look the same and they can't climb on any rocks.

At least they smiled for the camera and hid their inner disappointment.

I honestly was surprised that they didn't enjoy it. I thought this would be a big hit, but I guess I didn't see it through their perspectives. I guess the beauty of the canyon might be better appreciated when a person is older.

On our way out of the camp we stopped at the Desert View Watchtower. They were thrilled that there they could walk inside and climb up the tower to scenic views. Once up there they really didn't spend much time looking out at the Grand Canyon, but were more interested in the designs inside.

Fun Fact- in the tower the staircase railing was wrapped in dried animal ligaments and tendons. I got a good secret laugh about that as I watched my kids and others cling to the railing. If only they knew...

Also there was a nice ledge on the watchtower where all the kids wanted their picture taken. Specifically at this little alcove. I tried to get the picture to include the canyon in the background, but the kids told me not to worry, but just get the alcove in the picture. So much for the scenery.

So, thumbs up for the tower; thumbs down for the Grand Canyon.

For more information on the Grand Canyon, click HERE.