On the drive home from the kids' soccer game on Saturday, my daughter was telling us that they are studying the Missions in social studies. She was talking about a mission that had three bells that still rang. My husband and I couldn't remember which one it could be. José? Juan? We had just passed Mission San José and were on our way to lunch, but made a quick decision to turn around and take a walk.
We first walked to the Visitor's Center first and caught the video to get a refresher history lesson. We picked up our free Junior Ranger Activity Guide, met a family from Minnesota that traveled all of the National Parks and someone couldn't leave the gift shop without a stuffed animal bull!
BTW: most signs are bilingual, making it a great opportunity for dual language kids!
The park is very kid friendly, the one who loves maps couldn't resist the model mission.
Because this was a quick trip, we just explored and took our Junior Ranger Activity guide home. Again, my heart was so full for this side of town. I know we are just minutes away and will be back to work on the guide on a later date. Thanksgiving Week perhaps!
On to exploring. I had to google what type of structure this is: two-story convento walls.
Below is a working wheat grist mill, built in 1794, only Mission San Jose has one.
And of course, the legendary rose window.
Next time you are in the area, just turn the car around, take a walk and talk about what was. I know there is much more to the story, but our children should know of their deep rooted history and how it is a great possibility that their own ancestors once walked, worked and lived on these same grounds we explore.
It's developing our strong family narrative. It's the feeling I get when reading: The Stories That Bind Us. Knowing our family's history helps us to feel like we are a part of a greater purpose and that we have a stronger sense of control over our lives. Important for all little ones to feel that!Learn more about the San Antonio Missions on the World Heritage and the National Parks site. They are open from 9-5, everyday except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day.
