Boyce Thompson Arboretum

Yesterday we had a fun family morning at a nearby arboretum. It's a beautiful oasis forest / garden that has been cultivated for the past 101 years - one of the few places around here where there is lots of natural shade from tall, old trees. Our souls felt so refreshed. 

Upon starting at the first trail, we were told that there was a rattlesnake on the path up ahead. The boys excitedly ran ahead in anticipation, but were just a few seconds too late. It has just been moved by a worker and slithered off under a bush. I was ok with not seeing a rattlesnake :)

We then continued to walk and stood amid a hummingbird garden for a while. We saw many humming birds, beautiful butterflies, a red cardinal that hopped around in front of us. As we stood watching the cardinal, somebody looked up and noticed the tree above us was humming with hundreds of buzzing bees - buzzily working to collect pollen and nectar. It was one such a fun spot to be. 

We also saw an artist at work. He had an easel out and was so friendly and fun to talk to. Our kids enjoyed seeing a real artist at work. He later came up to us and gave us a small desert landscape piece. It feels like such a treasure. Thank you Gary Binder!

We also got to see some wild kudamundi. They are a member of the raccoon family, and are so cute! We were told many times to keep our distance, but enjoyed watching them walk around. I'd never heard of them until we saw some a few years ago at Tonto Natural Bridge. Apparently my spell check has never heard of them either!

Grateful for a beautiful day. This is one of my favorite places to be. We had a rough day with some health challenges this past week, and it was so healing to be surrounded by so many of God's beautiful creations. So thankful for the many workers and gardeners who have tended this place and helped this Arizona desert "blossom like a rose". 

Happy Spring!