Alexa checks out Bobo's and Saguaro Park!

We heard it on good authority that the No. 1 place for breakfast in Tucson is a little dive diner called Bobo's, so off we went! And, oh yes, the rumors are true. This place is delicious! The pancakes are the best, they are huge and yummy beyond belief!

After a very big brunch, we loaded into the car and drove out to the Saguaro National Monument, which is basically a huge wide open desert expanse spotted with thousands of saguaro cactus. Alexa napped while we drove. Finally, she woke up and we braved the cold to check them out!

Back home, Alexa was very happy to see her friends Lorenzo and Moon Doggie. She pet them, let them lick her face and tried to put her hat on them. Ha! How far she's come since her first days with them. I bet she'll miss then when we leave tomorrow!

Tortillas and Puppies!

We took Alexa to Mosaic Cafe today for some homemade tortillas! Actually, Mommy was craving the tortillas... We went there two years ago and LOVED the warm homemade tortillas! Yummy! These were actually Alexa's FIRST tortillas! She had fun trying to eat them! It was chilly out, so after lunch we headed to the Mall to see... puppies! Alexa loved all the dogs!

Speaking of dogs... Alexa's relations with Aunt Kelly and Uncle Ben's two little dogs has been a work in progress. At first, she was curious about Lorenzo and Moon Doggie, but as soon as they came toward her, she ran the other way or hid behind us! But after a few days, her curiosity won out. Check out the photo below right of her petting Moon Doggie! Yay! Breakthrough!

Alexa loved the Tucson Zoo!

Today was so much fun! Sunny. Beautiful. Wonderful day at the Tucson Zoo! We got an early start, hit a drive-through Starbucks (love it) and arrived at the Zoo in time to make the 10 a.m. giraffe feeding! Alexa was a little unsure of these giant creatures with long tongues, but she eventually gave them a carrot stick! (Carrot sticks, by the way, cost $1 each. Holy expensive! At least it's for a good cause, all proceeds go to benefit zoo conservation projects.)

Next up, Alexa enjoyed checking out these bald-butt monkeys. There were a ton of kids in this play room, coloring and listening to a story. Alexa wasn't interested in anything else but the monkeys! (Update: These strange-looking creatures are called lion-tailed macaques and they are endangered.)

Next up - another monkey! Or is it a gorilla? (Update: It's a mandrill, which is actually a large monkey.)

She also enjoyed checking out this ugly-looking creature. We're not really sure what it is... (Update: It's a capybara, the world's largest rodent. Basically, a very large guinea pig.)

And here she is peering into the water looking for otters! There's one, wait, there's TWO!

Next up - A llama! And anteater!

She also saw a black panther! Zebra! Ostrich! Bear! Tiger! Warty Pig! Oh, my!

Oh, and of course, Alexa saw elephants!

After all the fun at the zoo, we took Alexa on a train ride in the park next door. What a great day! Alexa loved hanging out with Aunt Kelly and Uncle Ben. Thanks for taking us to the zoo!

Alexa hits the Wild Wild West!

After a fun day at the zoo, Alexa took a nap before our next adventure. We took her to Trail Dust Town for dinner at Pinnacle Peak Steakhouse! What fun!

One of the attractions in Trail Dust Town was a carousel! Alexa enjoyed her first ride on a carousel, but she was a little unsure what to think of it. There's a carousel at a park back home, so once the weather gets better we'll have to check it out!

Finally, we headed to the restaurant for dinner! Alexa discovered a new favorite food - chicken fingers! Check out her adorable Wild West outfit and pig tails. Our little cowgirl!

The Christmas lights of Tucson!

There is a neighborhood in Tucson that is known for nearly every house putting up over-the-top Christmas lights. You can either drive through the neighborhood or walk. With the wonderful weather, we decided to walk! There were so many amazing houses. Our favorites were the gingerbread house and a light how that one house put on. Amazing! (Oh, check out whose names are on the Naughty List!)

And, of course, no day would be complete with out some more fun with Tommy Toot! Alexa loves her toy. Here she is decked out in her Christmas lights outfit. Cute and warm!

Off to the Tucson Farmer's Market!

But first, Alexa got another present from Aunt Kelly and Uncle Ben! This, I must say, was a real innovative idea... It's a baby blow toy, a whistle called "Tommy Toot" that toots when you suck or blow into it. How neat! At first, Alexa didn't know what it was. But once she figured it out, she ran around tooting and smiling at herself. So cute!

And now, here's a video of Alexa and Tommy Toot!



So, Tommy Toot in hand, we packed up Alexa and off we went to the Tucson Farmer's Market! We took a nice long walk as she napped. Then we had muffins and coffee while she continued to nap! Finally, when Alexa woke up, we got some goodies for her to snack on for lunch. Yum!

After lunch, Alexa ran around the farmer's market chasing her shadow! She studied it for a while, then figured out that she could play with it. And then the fun began! It's so fun to watch her...

Then, on our way to the car, Alexa decided that she didn't want to ride IN her stroller, she wanted to PUSH her stroller. Check it out... She's helping Daddy and Aunt Kelly push. What a great little helper!

Christmas in Tucson again!

This is Alexa's 2nd Christmas in Tucson. Sort of. Last time we were here, Alexa was just a ball of cells! And we didn't even know that she was preparing to join our family. Look how big she is now! It was a tad easier traveling with her last time, especially since she's now so squirmy! Luckily, she slept for the last hour of our 4-hour flight. She wore her Christmas PJs from Grandma and was soooo cute!

After a nap, Alexa helped Aunt Kelly open presents she got for Lorenzo and Moondoggie!

And after another nap, Aunt Kelly helped Alexa open a present the dogs (and Aunt Kelly and Uncle Ben) got for her! Yay, some cool wooden stacking blocks!