I'm never
totally alone!!
Thanks to my...
Kitchen Buddies!!
Thanks Guys!!
L-O-V-E you,
Nana
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Monarch Weekend
Remember DISCOVER UTAH!!
I took the 5 younger kids (along with Megan & Brock) on adventures each week in the summer, we called it "DISCOVER UTAH".
This is our Mexico equivalent...DISCOVER MEXICO!!
Dad had Zone Conferences in Morelia...kids had school with a 3-day weekend. So, after school Nick, Cole, & I hopped a MEXICAN BUS and headed for Morelia.
Yep, we really did! Consulate warnings, grenades, Narco trouble...
no worries...we're headed to Morelia anyway!!!
Stayed at the COOLEST hotel, built in 1770!
So after an amazing gourmet breakfast, we warmed up by the fire...and we're off to our Monarch Tour!!
The path leading to the Monarch Sanctuary entrance was filled with locals and their goods...these mujeres are embroidering while hoping for a sell...
This man gathers up the pine needles that fall on the ground each day and weaves these baskets.
Last food stop...DAD!! (he loved the corn)
As we entered the Sanctuary we found...
A fun way up... We each grabbed a horse and trotted our way...
to the top!!
When the sun goes behind a cloud the butterflies close their wings. The bottom side of their wings are brownish, the trees are covered with clumps.
There are 160 million butterflies here!
It only takes one minute of sun...and they open their wings.
Then the trees turn orange.
Trivia time...1,000 butterflies = 1 pound.
SOOO FUN!!
Headed back to "Morelia's Main Plaza" for a magical night!!
Dancing by local children...
Cathedral lighting ceremony, amazing fireworks, music, vendors, laughter...people everywhere...LOVED IT!!
Sunday morning headed to Patzcuaro, looking for their "Casa de Oracion".
Found it...Dad is standing in front of it with the missionaries.
Nick and Cole are standing in front of the "portable" baptismal font.
After church Nick, Cole, and dad helped set up the Casa Abierta. The city wouldn't let us use the Town Plaza. Instead they gave us a basketball court. We set up 2 tents and had 180 visitors with a whopping "80" referrals!!
Later in the evening we walked through the town square.
There were hundreds of people just enjoying the day. Complete with dancers...
Now it's time to start looking for our hotel. This is the street...but where?
Oh know...see this door! That's it!!
As they opened the door we were amazed, it opened up to a beautiful hallway leading to...
All of this! We put our things (you know valuables like the computer...in our secure room). Check out our door knob!!! And NO LOCK!!
Morning brings another warm fire, gourmet breakfast, and our 2 excited missionaries arrive (it's P-day), we all head to find the coppersmith.
Found it!! Making bowls...
Nick, Cole, Dad & Elders grabbed a tool and took turns spreading the copper when fiery-hot!
Some finished goods!!!
Next stop pyramids, then Patzcuaro Lake and island in the middle. When we arrived at the lake Nick made a mistake. He said, "That smells sooo good". In all of "one-minute" the tour guide came back with a big smile (obviously proud of his considerate-ness). Little fish with heads and eyes all fried up in a lot of grease. He wants us to ENJOY!!
Cole...that's totally staged. But Nick DID eat one...ummm...but couldn't keep it down...!
The boat ride to the island was scenic, watched the natives fishing...
Pretty touristy that's for sure. But hey, dad found more corn so it's worth it!!
The boys climbed the statue. Yes, that would be them, between the arm and head... (don't be too impressed, the statue is hollow with a stairway to the top).
Just Cole's way of saying...GRACIAS MEXICO!!!
Time to head back to Guadalajara...we loved discovering the traditions, culture, and wonderful people in Michoacan State!
Just a little "DISCOVER MEXICO" ADVENTURE!
Love, all the Guadalajara Jesperson's
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