It is a California educational tradition that fourth grade students learn about these 21 historical churches.
So, on Sunday we packed up the family with my parents following us and set off for the San Juan Capistrano Mission, the seventh oldest of the 21.
Last week we studied some of the 21 missions. Then on the way down I sat in the backseat and went over a bunch of info I printed up off the Internet. That way my kids (and I) had a good idea of what we would be looking at.
The audio tour was awesome, that way I didn't have to teach. I just told the kids to hold those up to their ears and listen.
We made our way through each of the wings, winding in and out of the gardens and koi ponds and various rooms that are set up for viewing, until we got to the beautiful chapel, with its golden front wall. (the roof had to be raised to accommodate it)
beautiful koi pond.... (we did good this time no one fell in either)
Finally we wound back around to the front, saving the most memorable impression for last. We walked inside the original stone walls of the first mission, which still stand–just barely. Once considered the grandest of California’s 21 missions, the towering walls of the original chapel crumbled during an 1812 earthquake, killing 40 parishioners inside.
The mission’s story could have been over, but in one of his last great acts, just three weeks before he was killed, President Abraham Lincoln stepped in and returned ownership of the beautiful piece of land and the glorious ruins back to the Catholic church.
Out of all the kids this priest put his hand on Landen..(hmmm) jk!
In the end it was a great reminder that these missions of California aren’t just about the controversy of the Spanish missionaries and the Native Americans they came to convert. They aren’t even just about the history of California. They are part of the story of the United States, and if you haven’t seen one yet, come to California and get it over with already–we’ve got 21, you know!
Plus it is such a beautiful place to take pictures...
My patient husband smiling saying under his breath(put down the camera already!)
If I would of done my hair and got ready I might of took some romantic type pictures..haha. You know some "old parents" trying to do a remake of the engagement pictures they never got. It was so pretty. (maybe in a few months for our 10yr we can go back and take some) Well see....
I'm no pro but here's my attempt to take some cute pictures....
I could take pic of my kids all day but the camera just loves this one...look at her pose!
As for my fourth grader, I believe he was much more impressed with the lizard he caught.
Then we went to Dana Point to a place where my husband use to take me on dates all the time (oh the days we could get through dinner without a crying baby or screaming kid)...
My husband dreaming....
We walked around and enjoyed the beautiful weather...
Aren't these two so cute..hugging!!! ahhhh......
I should of known......
It was such a nice day and we all enjoyed a fun day learning with Nana and Papa.
I think we wore them out...what do you think????
On the way home....
6 comments:
I cannot wait to go in June- It will be SO MUCH FUN! :)
Had a blast spending time with all of all of you. It was beautiful. What a pretty day. Look forward to many more field trips with my grandkids.
Those are great pics! looks like a great field trip.
lol The pics are too cute. Posing and choking then passing out what a great day ha-ha
I have been bugging Saul for the past few months to take me to the
SJC mission, I loved the field trips in school. I knew there were lots of great photo ops.
See you just make me want to homeschool when I have kids, All this fun stuff and it's school = AWESOME! (plus if Mom gets out of the house that is even better)
looks like you all had fun!!! I love the pictures of the two little ones hugging!!!
Hey there !
Just stopping by, echoing, all your comments.
I visited the one in carmel, cali.
Nothing compares to it.
BTW, Darling children.
Luv,
Alyssa's aunt helen
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