Hello Summer, Goodbye Tucson

As our stint in Tucson is coming to an end, we are trying to make the best of this place we've called home these past 10 months, by taking in a few last sites and activities. Two weeks ago we went to Kitt's Peak National Observatory to take part in their night sky program. It was fantastic! The peak is scattered with optical and radio telescopes that are operated by various universities and organizations around the country (world?). Kitt's peak is only about 60 miles south of Tucson but it's at an elevation of about 8000 ft so the temperature change was quite drastic and we actually had to pull out hats and mittens! Anyways, were treated to an amazing view of the sunset, a lesson on how to use a planisphere, a guide to the constellations (Leo, Orion, the Beehive Cluster, and more), and views through the telescope (the whirlpool galaxy, Saturn!!!, and more). The highlight was definitely the view of Saturn, complete with it's rings and four moons!

We also decided to visit the Tucson Botanical Garden and revisit Saguaro National Park East to check out all the desert blooms. The otherwise, fairly brown landscape, is quite colorful these days with bright orange, pink, and purple colored flowers. It's quite amazing. The Saguaro are also full of little buds - I think they looks like teletubbies or creatures with dreadlocks! - that are starting to blooms into white flowers. Very cool! And yet, so hot! It's been in the 90's most of the month already so we're looking forward to a Minnesota/Wisconsin summer.

Last weekend, we enjoyed a really awesome dinner at La Hacienda del Sol. It's a pretty fancy place in the foothills of Tucson. My sisters, Alicia and Steph, got us a gift certificate as a wedding gift so we were able to splurge and really enjoy the great wine list and menu! We also got to spend time with some friends, which was great!

Today we're hoping to hear from the movers so we know when we actually leave town. It's crazy how fast this year has gone by!

Click here to check out the full set of pictures.