The Beckhams Go West {Day 20}

 In July of 2015 we set out on a grand vacation through the southwest. We traveled for 21 days and over 6,000 miles, visiting 5 states and 9 National Parks. We explored new places and met up with old friends. Overall, it was an amazing journey and everyone learned so much. I highly recommend the Foder's guide to National Parks of the West, we used it when planning our trip and it was a great resource. You can see all my posts about the trip by clicking here.

Day 20 - Biosphere 2, Old Tucson & Shopping

On day 20 we split up for a little bit. The boys headed to Biosphere 2 for the morning. This was the one thing Cole really wanted to do, but I didn't think Kiley would really enjoy it so they went by themselves. Cole was all over this place and from the report when they got back, it sounds like he learned a lot. The girls headed out for a little shopping and then later in the afternoon we all met back up and headed to dinner at Old Tucson. They have a wild west show, and little touristy shops that the kids loved. This was the perfect way to spend our last night in Tucson.

The Beckhams Go West {Day 19]

 In July of 2015 we set out on a grand vacation through the southwest. We traveled for 21 days and over 6,000 miles, visiting 5 states and 9 National Parks. We explored new places and met up with old friends. Overall, it was an amazing journey and everyone learned so much. I highly recommend the Foder's guide to National Parks of the West, we used it when planning our trip and it was a great resource. You can see all my posts about the trip by clicking here.

Day 19 - Ben's Bells Tucson & Horseback Riding

We started off day 19 with a trip to the Ben's Bells studio. The mission of Ben's Bells is to spread kindness and I have always wanted to volunteer to paint, so we took everyone and spent an hour at the studio. This was the one thing I really wanted to do when we were in Tucson and it didn't disappoint. Everyone had a great time, and we picked up a few souvenirs.

Later that evening we went on a guided horseback riding trail. The kids had so much fun. This was the one thing Kiley really wanted to do while we were out west and both kids did amazing on the horses. Cole was even able to ride without a lead. The tour we chose went through Saguaro National Park in the evening and even with a sprinkle of rain, it was fantastic. 

The Beckhams Go West {Day 18}

In July of 2015 we set out on a grand vacation through the southwest. We traveled for 21 days and over 6,000 miles, visiting 5 states and 9 National Parks. We explored new places and met up with old friends. Overall, it was an amazing journey and everyone learned so much. I highly recommend the Foder's guide to National Parks of the West, we used it when planning our trip and it was a great resource. You can see all my posts about the trip by clicking here.

Day 18 - Tucson & Saguaro National Park

On day 18 we got up early and headed out to the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum. Although it's called a museum, it's more like a zoo and it was fabulous. They had tons of exhibits and animals, there was even an entire aviary filled with hummingbirds! Since it was mostly outside, by the end of the day we were hot. Good thing the pool was waiting for us when we got back from Andy & Matt's house.

The Beckhams Go West {Day 16}

In July of 2015 we set out on a grand vacation through the southwest. We traveled for 21 days and over 6,000 miles, visiting 5 states and 9 National Parks. We explored new places and met up with old friends. Overall, it was an amazing journey and everyone learned so much. I highly recommend the Foder's guide to National Parks of the West, we used it when planning our trip and it was a great resource. You can see all my posts about the trip by clicking here.

Day 16 - Tucson & Pima Air and Space Museum

Our second full day in Tucson we took a visit to the Pima Air and Space Museum. There was so much to see and do at the museum it was hard to fit it all into one visit. Our afternoon in Tucson was spent swimming, the kids loved playing in the water with the dogs.

The Beckhams Go West {Day 15}

In July of 2015 we set out on a grand vacation through the southwest. We traveled for 21 days and over 6,000 miles, visiting 5 states and 9 National Parks. We explored new places and met up with old friends. Overall, it was an amazing journey and everyone learned so much. I highly recommend the Foder's guide to National Parks of the West, we used it when planning our trip and it was a great resource. You can see all my posts about the trip by clicking here.

Day 15 - Tucson & Reid Park Zoo

We started off the day with a visit to the Reid Park Zoo. Reid Park had a baby elephant born last year and the kids had voted in the naming of baby Nandi so we thought it was only fitting to pay a visit while we were in town.

Of course Aunt Andy was willing to take the kids for a camel ride while we were there. Reid Park is a really nice little zoo. It was smaller than the Jacksonville Zoo, but a great way to spend part of the day.

Back at the Fisher Residence, the kids were introduced to Andy's family of chickens. They give eggs every day and Cole & Kiley loved collecting them. They also loved chasing them around the coop and feeding them from the garden.

The Beckhams Go West {Day 14}

In July of 2015 we set out on a grand vacation through the southwest. We traveled for 21 days and over 6,000 miles, visiting 5 states and 9 National Parks. We explored new places and met up with old friends. Overall, it was an amazing journey and everyone learned so much. I highly recommend the Foder's guide to National Parks of the West, we used it when planning our trip and it was a great resource. You can see all my posts about the trip by clicking here.

Day 14 - Montezuma Castle National Park & Tucson

We checked out of our hotel at the Grand Canyon early because we knew it was going to be a long day of travel on the way to Tucson. My friend, who is a park ranger, suggested that we plan to stop at Montezuma Castle National Park so the kids could stretch their legs (and earn another Junior Ranger badge). It was the perfect place for us to get out and walk around. There's short, paved trail that was the perfect length for us to walk. The kids completed the easy Junior Ranger book and we were on our way.

We made it to Tucson around dinner time and everyone was ready for a dip in the pool!