A School Missions Trip Reminding Us of Easter
- posted by: Cheryl
- posted in: Uncategorized, My Life
- on: April 12, 2009
It was a beautiful day in Southern California. Absolutely lovely and we chose a perfect day to take a day trip.
Every year hundreds . . . possibly thousands of fourth graders travel to one of the 21 missions throughout the state to learn of California history. Each year fourth graders are required to do a report on a mission(s). Well, we headed out today about 40 minutes from home to see the “King of the Missions” . . . the largest of the 21 California Missions . . . San Luis Rey. We live pretty close to San Juan Capistrano mission but Abigail, myself, her teacher and classmates will take a trip there in June. It was so interesting and I loved the artwork and artifacts. I think we all enjoyed it so much.
Many of the sights were so appropriate as Easter is approaching tomorrow. We couldn’t take photos of the inside of the church or the museum but wow. The inside of the church was incredible . . . the artwork, the architecture. It was so awesome. I changed some of the photos to a sepia flavor to give them an even older look.
It’s always lovely learning a little bit about where we’ve come from and this was no exception. We expecially enjoyed walking a ways from the main structure to the nearby river area . . . the Lavanderia. This is where the Indians and monks would do their laundry as well as fire their pottery in a big kiln. There’s little brick canals that were built to direct the water to specific areas. There were also lush gardens in this area with flowers and fruit trees. I just imagined how beautiful and what a busy place it used to be.
So whether you celebrate Easter or another holiday or every day . . . I’m wishing you much joy. Thanks for sharing the day trip with us. It was lovely.
Tona says:
April 12th, 2009 at 12:39 amThanks for sharing the wonderful photos. I’m originally from northern CA so I remember studying the missions in fourth grade too…yes, they did that even way back then lol. Thanks for the trip down memory lane.
Happy Easter!
marcie says:
April 12th, 2009 at 12:42 amthats very cool glad you had a good trip!!
Michelle 3624 says:
April 12th, 2009 at 12:48 amI love visiting the Mission and we have not been to this one yet. . . but we will. Thanks so much for sharing this with us and Happy Easter to you and your family.
Lesa #5200 says:
April 12th, 2009 at 1:01 amLove your photos and your story! My favorite photo is the first in the second series–red flowers in the foreground–but they are all beautiful. I know you had a fun day with your daughter. I can just picture you walking round and round the 4th photo in the first series, trying to capture the perfect light!
Happy Easter to you and your family! To share from one of my favorite hymns: “Welcome happy morning” age to age shall say: hell today is vanquished, heaven is won today!
Pam Hoffman says:
April 12th, 2009 at 1:30 amHappy Easter Cheryl!
Pam Hoffman
http://seminarlist.blogspot.com
Patty Richardson says:
April 12th, 2009 at 1:38 amIt looks like a beautiful place to visit. Happy Easter to you and your Family as well.
I just got my Fiskateer scissors and I love them.
Jenny B #2303 says:
April 12th, 2009 at 1:46 amGORGEOUS pictures, Cheryl!!
And, Happy Easter
Colleen #2970 says:
April 12th, 2009 at 6:07 amSounds like a fun day. I love to visit historical spots like that. They have so much to say to us.
Patty 2832 says:
April 12th, 2009 at 7:35 amA lovely day !
Happy Easter to you and your family !
Laura B says:
April 12th, 2009 at 7:51 amThanks for sharing Cheryl
Happy Easter to you too.
Tina S. 3612 says:
April 12th, 2009 at 8:53 amWhat a field trip with your daughter! I always enjoyed that quality time with my daughters. Thanks for sharing and have a wonderful Easter!
sandyh50 says:
April 12th, 2009 at 10:10 amHow fun! I teach 4th grade and we study Montana History. Most 4th graders do learn their state’s history. We will do our field trip in May. Happy EAster to you.
Shirley says:
April 12th, 2009 at 10:19 amCheryl, these photos are beautiful. Not sure if you knew it, but I was invited by Abby to go on the trip also… She was so sweet and she was really looking forward to going with mom and dad, bt I think when she was sharing with me about your going, she thought grandma might feel left out. If only I was younger, hah hah. We’ve been there many times over the years and the photos brought back beautiful memories. Thank you, Mom.
Maxine Hodges says:
April 12th, 2009 at 10:33 amWhat a really beautiful way to spend a day of fun, while throwing in history with your daughter. Hoping that you and your entire family have a blessed Easter
Merlene #1166 says:
April 12th, 2009 at 11:09 amWhat an inspirational place to visit on Easter weekend. I have had the opportunity to visit most of the CA Missions when I lived there years ago. We have Missions in AZ too, my favorite being Mission San Xavier del Bac which is about 5 miles from me. Your photos are beautiful Cheryl. What a fun day you must have had.
Patty 2262 says:
April 12th, 2009 at 12:55 pmThe missions in California are beautiful, I am so happy they are preserved. Thanks for sharing and Happy Easter!
maryanne hoekman says:
April 12th, 2009 at 2:15 pmthanks for sharing your trip cheryl! wishing you a happy Easter!
Cherrie #1790 says:
April 12th, 2009 at 4:00 pmWow - Such gorgeous pictures, such a beautiful place. Blessings to you and yours for a glorious Easter Cheryl!!
inkmemory tanya says:
April 12th, 2009 at 8:02 pmAwesome pictures you posted…thanks for sharing!
debby 2852 says:
April 12th, 2009 at 8:53 pmWhat a wonderful and special time to spend with your family like these.
Genevieve says:
April 13th, 2009 at 12:01 amYep, that time of year. Ah, my niece is working on her mission too!
Pinky #3405 says:
April 13th, 2009 at 8:40 amStunning shots! WOW!
Jennifer E says:
April 13th, 2009 at 9:23 amSounds like a wonderful day! And a wonderful experience! Thanks for sharing your photos.
Terry Frias says:
April 13th, 2009 at 12:07 pmAwesome pictures, so great to be able to enjoy all of that with your sweet daughter. You are a great Mom Cheryl. xo
Sondra #4936 says:
April 13th, 2009 at 1:02 pmI think it is great that you recognize not only the beauty before you but take your experience to the next level by imagining life there in former days.
Edith Vest says:
April 14th, 2009 at 12:28 amThanks for sharing your wonderful pictures. I hope your Easter was special. I just got a new Fiskar punch I am anxious to try it soon on some card making.
Edith Vest says:
April 14th, 2009 at 9:35 pmI got the round circle one with the scalloped edges.
RobinV #4844 says:
April 17th, 2009 at 10:32 pmOur family has set a goal to visit all of the Missions. I have a whole scrapbook on all the ones we have visited and I think we are up to 11 now. The last when we went to was San Gabriel a couple weeks ago and the smell from the orange trees was just amazing. I could have stayed all day.
Hope you had a great Easter.
Lisa 269 says:
April 18th, 2009 at 10:50 pmCheryl, what perfect timing. My parents are coming in June and they want to visit another Mission they visit one each time they come. Thanks for making my search much easier.
Kathleen says:
June 17th, 2009 at 1:48 pmThese are beautiful pictures of a beautiful place. Thanks so much for sharing this with us. What a fantastic trip. Simply breathtaking!!!