Oh, Tucson

Ben went to Start-up weekend in Tucson back in August, and the kids and I went with him. He was off in his conference all weekend, so that left me to keep the kids entertained and figure my way around (if you know me, I hate driving in unfamiliar territory). When we arrived at the hotel, it was creepy scary and all tucked back in a deserted area with some interesting looking characters hanging around and staring me down. Apparently we were in a bad part of town (although I never did find the nice part of Tucson). We stayed there for the night, and then switched to a Sheraton the next day. It felt much safer.

Saturday we got some breakfast at the only nicer looking shopping strip I found the whole time we were there. Friday night we had driven around and happened to find it for dinner. After breakfast, we headed to the zoo.

The zoo was smaller, but I loved how it was laid out, easier to push strollers through, and pretty shady. The bonus was that it was Tucson's birthday so we only had to pay for me and I think I was even half price. Baylee loved holding the map and feeling like she was the leader.

I loved seeing my kids sitting next to each other on the grass while they had brought animals out to show. It's rare that both of my kids are sitting still at one time. Ok, rare that Payton is ever sitting and watching anything besides Cars, Disney Jr, or Nick Jr.

Baylee got tired, so at one point Payton decided to let her sit in the stroller on him push. At one point Payton was sitting on her lap and I was pushing both kids. Then there was a meltdown when I made Baylee get out and walk. I am so mean.

After, we went and tried to check into our new hotel. It wasn't ready quite yet, so we hung out in the courtyard, which led to Payton running around and away. When I finally got them buckled back into the hot car and was trying to decide where we could go, I got a call saying our room was ready. Hooray! It was nap time! Of course, Payton wasn't wanting to take a nap, so we loaded up again to head to a place someone recommended to Ben. It was called the Mini Time Machine Museum, and thanks to Tucson's birthday, it was half price again. She didn't make me pay for Payton since he had fallen asleep in the car (plus he was just barely over under two is free).

The coolest part of the museum was this tree that had faces carved into it. Baylee loved that it looked like Grandmother Willow from the Pocahontas movie. They had tons of tiny little miniature displays.
It was kinda cool that they had this one under the floor. Other than that, it wasn't anything great to be taking kids too.

We took advantage of the pool and hot tub on Saturday and until we had to check out on Sunday. We ate at the hotel on Sunday, then swam. Then it was off to find more things to keep us entertained until Ben was done.

We went to The Children's Museum. Payton had once again fallen asleep in the car and missed most of it. He woke up in time to play for a little bit before Ben let us know that we could pick him up. I was relieved since I was out of ideas for keeping entertained.

Tucson, I'm sorry to say, I never care to visit you again. You are not my favorite place. Unless I ever figure out where the "nice" area is. Then I might consider it. But even then, I'm not sure. Thanks for being good to me though, and keeping me from getting seriously lost or robbed.