Opuntia? ... Yes that is a Prickly Pear

Prior to this trip to Arizona I did know that Paddle Cactus is sold at grocery stores and can be eaten, and I have eaten it in the past. Although one thing I didn't know is that the fruit that sprouts is sweet and the actual paddle (Nopales) is the savory part. From this "pear" you can make many different sweet treats. One that we found was ice cream! The taste was amazing! If would highly suggest if you ever come across prickly pear ice cream, jam, jelly, syrup, anything... try it.

If you find yourself in Sedona and you want some good homemade on site ice cream, I would suggest the Black Cow Cafe. Probably the freshest and best ice cream I have had in a while.

Isabella started talking to one of the creators of this ice cream. (If I had to guess I would say the owner) He gave her some directly from the spout of the machine. As he put it, "You would have to be in the machine to get any fresher." On a sad note, Isabella did not share.

Taken outside of the The Chapel of the Holy Cross.

“Though Catholic in faith, as a work of art the Chapel has a universal appeal. Its doors will ever be open to one and all, regardless of creed, that God may come to life in the souls of all men and be a living reality.” - Marguerite Brunswig Staude

*This is not my picture. I found it on the internet!

I s A b E l l A

This is the first time that Isabella wrote her name. All it took was telling her what letter to write and where to put it.
Here it is!! She then gave it to her Great Grandmother.

Arizona

This picture next to a large rock was taken outside of the Chapel of the Holy Cross. This was a beautiful view and one of the most exciting churches I have been to. According to Wiki, "The Chapel of the Holy Cross is an iconic Catholic chapel built into the mesas of Sedona, Arizona, designed by architect and sculptor Marguerite Brunswig Staude, a student of Frank Lloyd Wright."

Recently Isabella and I were watching Dumbo. When we got to the part where Dumbo was missing her mom and Dumbo was being rocked. (As pictured) I explained to Isabella what was going on.

Isabella: "She misses her mommy... She needs her mommy... Her mommy wants to give her a hug... Why can't she see her mommy... I miss my mommy... I want to see mama..."

...and cue the waterworks. We had to stop the movie and go see Nicki right away. Isabella curled up in Nicki's arms and would not let go for a while. Eventually she stopped crying.