Mission Field Trip

I was lucky enough to accompany Griffin and his class on a field trip this year.  California has such a wonderful history and a big part is their Missions.  We visited: 

Mission San Juan Bautista

Founded by Father Fermin Francisco de Lasuen in June 24, 1797. Named for Saint John the Baptist, son Zachariah and Baptizer of Jesus Christ ( Patron saint of monks). This Mission is the largest in the 21 Alta Californian chain. Damaged by 1906 earthquake; restored in 1949-1950. The walls of this mission are four feet thick and took the indians 15 years to build.

The Docent tour was wonderful, they kept the kids entertained and taught us all about the rich history of California.  

Did you know California has been owned by 3 Countries?  Can you guess...

The mission is still in operation today.  The dimly lit chapel smelled wonderfully of burning candles.  

Along with the mission, we saw old wagons, learned about branding, and went through an old hotel.  

The Mission San Juan Bautista is located very close to the San Andreas Fault line.  And it was a beautiful drive to get to it.  What a fun day it was!   

A River Runs Through It

A few months ago my friend Rhonda invited our family to go rafting...if anyone really knows me I am not a adventurous person and the idea of "rafting" scares me.  And I REALLY don't like water that has fish in it.  I love to sit by the ocean and watch my kids play in the sand, and occasionally I will boogie board in the waves, but I'm not really a lake or river person.  So I told her, "thank you, but we can't"  

But she persisted, assuring me it would be a fun, LAZY, day.  So I changed my mind and we went.  It was a fun day.  The river was so peaceful and I snacked on cookies and watermelon while we floated along.  The kids had the best time ever.  They loved it and wanted to know when we could go again.  

It was very fun to have Randy Rooker as our guide, and supplier of rafts.  He is so laid back and happy all the time.  The Campbell family also joined us,as well as Todd Rooker.  And Rhonda, Scott, and their cute kiddos.  

Thanks Rhonda for talking me into it.  I do like Rafting, I do! I would do it here or there, I would do it anywhere...okay not anywhere.  As long as it's a "Lazy River."