I couldn't help naming this blog article after one of the marquee interactive attractions at the Arizona Sonora Desert Museum (ASDM). We have two boys that epitomize that very definition of the word. Our experience at the ASDM was one of wonder, excitement and exploration.

The ASDM is located on Tucson's western perimeter where it still feels like the Old West. Even before we arrived at the ASDM, we drove through Saguaro filled foothills and passed through a local favorite site seeing spot, Gates Pass, located in Saguaro National Park West. The ASDM's main entrance really sets the tone on what you can expect with signed plants displays and statues of desert animals acting as greeters. I highly recommend going to the ASDM website www.desertmuseum.org to plan out your visit. There are many very cool interactive sessions to learn about as well as information about hours, rates, and directions. One key item to know is that most of the ASDM is outdoors and has about two (2) miles of walking paths covering 21 acres. If you are there during the day, we recommend sunscreen and comfortable close toed walking shoes to ensure that you see as much as you want to enjoy.

Now getting back to Live and On the Loose, as we entered the grounds, we were looking to experience a snapshot of the Sonoran Desert. Some of the live animal demonstrations, offered by knowledgeable volunteer docents, were of interest and well as some of the live animal habitats. My family, not having grown up in a desert environment, noticed that most plants had a different, unique look. We had cautioned our boys that it might look pretty but most desert plants developed defense mechanisms to protect them from foragers.

Along the path, we encountered a Common Barn Owl being displayed "on the glove" by a docent. We were amazed at the close up beauty of the owl and how easy it rested on the docent's glove. The boys pulled out one of their desert museum guide charts that we picked up at the ASDM to see the animals that the owl preys upon in the desert.

We walked through most of the habitats and saw all the types of birds, mammals, insects and reptiles that are in our Tucson environment. The natural setting of the ASDM allowed us to see how the desert lives every day. Thoroughly tired from walking, the boys were rewarded by large scooped ice cream cones from the Ice Cream Shop as we were ready to exit. It was a great way to cool off as we remembered all the fun and new things we had just experienced. We look forward to our next visit to see more of the ASDM.

This week's prize is a one night stay at Omni, including Breakfast for two, and Desert Museum tickets for two. Winner contacted on July 21.