Escape to the Sun - Part II

Surprisingly close to Tucson, especially for those with children who like to scream in cars, sits the mission of San Javier Del Bac. There is mystery in the history of this church. Why was the second tower never completed? Who were the artisans? And who was the architect? We may never know. What is strongly suspected is that the present church, started in 1783, was built by the Tohono O'odham people (with Franciscan direction) near the most sacred place in the desert, " where the water appears." It seemed a worthy place for a family expedition.

The recently restored facade has both skinny and fat details. A nice combination.

The interior is intimate; hearing every word of the sermon, and the whispers of your sister beside you, would have been easy.







Back outside, our eyes still adjusting to a complete hemisphere of clear sky, we stopped to capture the moment.










Our visit to the mission left us with a powerful thirst, quenchable only by large margaritas. Yours truly had a michilada, which, as described by Aurelia, is basically a "bunch of lime and beer." It's also good when chasing chili rellenos and beans. Sylvia made do with rice puffs. Sometimes being short is a drag.

Lunch came with a show as we watched an arrest taking place just outside our window. No pictures, I'm not loco.








Grandparents have many exceptional qualities. If you are short they can be the purveyors of fudge and staying up past your bed time. If you are tall, they become willing, dare I say enthusiastic, childcare providers.








Sylvia was well taken care of while her parents did what comes naturally, lounging in the sun by the pool.








Uncles have also been know to get in on the kid thing. Chris and Sylvia spent some time hanging out with Chris' dogs Chulo and Cayenne. Sylvia found the dogs intriguing but a bit overwhelming. She warmed to them quickly and wanted to give them kisses.

















Aunt Vic and the Noodle spent some time with the turkey baster, which must be the funnest and cheapest toy ever invented. (No off color remarks please-this is a family blog).








Unfortunately for Sylvia, she was returned to her parents poolside. Here she does her best to express what appears to be here rebellious side.






No visit to Tucson is complete without a visit to our friends Kristen, Judah and Preston James. Sylvia and PJ are old buddies from way back and were quick to share toys. Sylvia and I could not get enough of PJ's bouncy horse, though I refrained from licking its head.

PJ was man about town on his new trike. Nice!

The weather obliged us by staying sunny until the last day of our trip. As clouds gathered and rain fell, we took a last walk in our adopted neighborhood.


















Then it was back to the airport for a mostly uneventful trip back to Portland. The snow was falling when we arrived and Ian, our hero, picked us up at the airport.

Good trip. Good to be home.

When the sun shines in October

Sylvia started the week in typical fashion by hanging out with her buddy Slobberfrog (named for the amount of time he spends being rather damp).





Things only improved when Aurelia's NAU partner in crime Kristen, her husband Judah and their sweet son Preston James arrived from Tucson for a visit.






Preston James, or PJ, is only 19 months old but is already cruising around, talking up a storm, and a magnificent eater. The staccato rhythm of his feet throughout the house is a portent of things to come.

Preston and Sylvia share toys.

Unseasonably sunny and dry October weather inspired the group to head out. First we wandered Sullivan's Gulch (our hood) where Preston enjoyed a neighbor's tree swing.










Then we made our way to the Willamette river which was host to the Portland Fall Classic, a crew 5000K regatta. The weather, sunny and in the 60's was perfect though a stiff headwind left me glad that it wasn't my hands gripping those oars.










The walk progressed with a bit of hamming, shopping, and finally a tuckered out little chicken.